Robert Mitchum's dislike of Bronson

[maphillips3]

Hi guys, I have a question for you. I have read this on another message board, and wondering if you can help, because people keep saying that Robert had a long standing dislike toward Bronson, but I hear of know evidence, other than his quote that said "Bronson held a pistol well". I have tried too read between the lines about this statement, but how does that pronounce hate?

[crego]

Hate I don't know, contempt for sure. I think Mitchum meant that holding a gun was the only thing Bronson could do as an actor... The strange thing is that Bronson apparently admired Mitchum, and said in an interview "I like his brains". Not meant for each other, I guess.



Bob & Charlie throwing bombs on Colorados from a plane.

[chaney]

I've seen some books claim Bronson and Mitchum got along on the set while others claim they didn't. Hard to say. Mitchum's brother John, a character actor, wrote a book called "Them Ornery Mitchum Boys" and said Robert told him that he and Charlie got along well on the set of "Villa Rides". I'd go with that.

John Mitchum, however, does relate that he himself almost came to real blows with Charlie on the set of "Breakheart Pass" during the card playing scene. He was supposed to slap Bronson but was surprised when Charlie gave no reaction to his passing blow. Director Tom Gries told Mitchum to make it look real, but Mitchum offered that making contact could create an unncessary injury. He was a former heavyweight boxing champ in the military and offered his handspeed was still very fast despite the ample girth around his middle and he might injure the star. The 250 pound Mitchum was suddenly surprised by Charlie who was at his side in a streetfighting stance and challenging, "So, you're pretty fast, are you? Let's see!" Mitchum assumed his boxing stance and offered this style was his fighting stance. Charlie backed off and they filmed the scene again. This time Charlie flowed with the slap, took a perfect fall, and the scene was a print.

[maphillips3]

Thanks Crego and Chaney, because these rumors about Mitchums dislike of Charlie have puzzled me, and its good here the real story behind it, so thanks!

[mike]

Charles bronson scared no way fellow!!!

[maphillips33]

I remember that seen! I think charlie was just messing with him, if charlie let slap him for real he probaly would be in the hospital for months.

[Kclaarw]

Hi think Mitch was the real deal.