Father Geek here to introduce a remembrance of actor RICK JASON that was sent in by Uncapie this morning. I never got a chance to meet him (Jason) in person although in recent years he made many public appearances at film festivals around the country. We were just never at the same ones at the same time. Father Geek did however come of age watching every episode of the great COMBAT TV series and I have several favorites.
THE BRIDGE OF CHALEONS (I think thats right) was one I saw my senior year in high school. It guest starred a fantastic LEE MARVIN as the hard edged acid tongued demolition expert Turk and while he would go on to greater war roles in DIRTY DOZEN and HELL IN THE PACIFIC this episode was about as tough and gritty as TV got back in 1963. He, Vic Morrow, and Rick Jason almost convinced me to for go college and join up right out of high school.
Another great story in the series was MASQUERADE with JAMES COBURN joining Morrow and Jason in an episode of twists and tension. But my all time favorite episode of COMBAT (being the maniac collector I am) was one called HERITAGE that co-starred CHARLES BRONSON as an artist caught up in war who is ordered to destroy a priceless art collection housed in a one time museum that has been transformed into a fortress at a key crossroads of the war. RICK JASON was especially good in this tale of the costs of duty and honor weighed against an even higher moral obligation. Also presented to me in 63 this installment in the series convinced ol' Father Geek that getting an education was ever bit as important and more so than toying with fantasies of guns and glory. With Vic Morrow and the rotating great guest star list RICK JASON gave us the absolute best War TV series ever. Action filled, gripping, intelligent tales of COMBAT.
Now here's what Uncapie has to say...
Another great story in the series was MASQUERADE with JAMES COBURN joining Morrow and Jason in an episode of twists and tension. But my all time favorite episode of COMBAT (being the maniac collector I am) was one called HERITAGE that co-starred CHARLES BRONSON as an artist caught up in war who is ordered to destroy a priceless art collection housed in a one time museum that has been transformed into a fortress at a key crossroads of the war. RICK JASON was especially good in this tale of the costs of duty and honor weighed against an even higher moral obligation. Also presented to me in 63 this installment in the series convinced ol' Father Geek that getting an education was ever bit as important and more so than toying with fantasies of guns and glory. With Vic Morrow and the rotating great guest star list RICK JASON gave us the absolute best War TV series ever. Action filled, gripping, intelligent tales of COMBAT.
Now here's what Uncapie has to say...
Actor Rick Jason who portrayed "Lieutenant Hanley" on the TV series "Combat!" was found dead Monday. Mr. Jason, who was 74, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was found by his wife in their home in Moorpark, California.
Mr. Jason, who served in the Army Air Corp in World War II had a film career that spanned 35 years.
"Combat!" ran from 1960-1967 and starred many actors who went on to become big stars such as James Coburn, Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin. The cast of "Combat!" were the best of friends on as well as off screen. In 1996, there was a "Combat!" reunion convention cruise that had all the actors together since the death of Vic Morrow in 1996.
Mr. Jason's portrayal of "Lieutenant Haney" showed quality acting. A strong leader of a squad of soldiers that had to make hard decisions, sometimes sending men to their deaths. Leadership and responsibility were two of the virtues that Jason brought across to audiences every week. His character didn't know all the answers, but he tried to make the best decisions. Mr. Jason showed the true burden of an officer-in-command. He made his character human and believable. He was a fine actor who will be missed.
Uncapie
