[alexander_busek]

The death scene with Edward G. Robinson was actually real.* He had cancer at the time and died shortly after filming it.

Thank you for telling me that, Nateman. I've viewed the movie countless times, discussed it in film classes, read countless fanzine articles about the movie, read Heston's autobiography, watched numerous interviews, behind-the-scene documentaries, etc., so of course I already knew that - as would any other half-way literate cinéaste who grew up in the 70s. But I appreciate your reminding me.

Regards,

*Not "actually real." He was acting. He did not commit suicide, nor was his body then processed into chartreuse wheat thins.

[MikelTackNailer]

You seem to be one of those who are stuck with a little too much literalness. Nate was pointing out the irony of Edgar G.'s fatal condition during his last role, much like John Wayne knowing "The Shootist" was his last ride. The Duke didn't really die in a saloon shootout with grudge-bearing bad guys, either.

He died because Opie sucked the life out of the scene at the end.