Jack Palance
The push-up poet talks about love
by Dennis Anderson, Associated Press WriterJack Palance - of the one-handed push-up at Oscar ceremonies. Jack Palance - the Angel of Death hired gun from "Shane," the bloodied boxer of television's "Requiem for a Heavyweight."
Jack Palance - poet of love? Apparently.
Capping a half-century of performances as some of the screen's signature tough guys, hit men and heavies, Palance, 77, is showing the world his tender side. He's traveled the country recently giving readings from his book-length poem, "The of Love" (Summerhouse Press).
Still, speaking about matters of the heart is difficult for Palance. An actor's actor, he also a shy man when asked to give his opinion.
With restraint bordering on nervousness, he talks about Valentine's Day with the timbre and gravity of voice that could send a shiver through a darkened theater.
1. What is it that makes it such a challenge for men to achieve intimacy with women?
Palance: You're starting with the hard question. I think it's difficult for a man to want to be anything other than a real tough guy. I suppose it becomes a matter of a man and woman (needing) to find so many things that they can share. ... It's almost as though everything that we do is sexually oriented. If only we could bring those things to an end.
2. How would you woo or impress someone you love or Valentine's Day?
Palance: I'd just like to be able to walk hand-in-hand down the street together. It can be something that simple.
3. So what would Jack Palance present as a Valentine's Day offering to someone?
Palance: You're making me laugh. These are hard questions. But I don't think there's anything that beats flowers.
4. Your poetry expresses the difficulty there is in telling someone you care for that you really love them. What's the best way to express that?
Palance: It sounds simple, but I can't think of any better way than just to say 'I love you.'
5. How would Jack Palance like to be thought of, or considered, on Valentine's Day? Would he like to get flowers? A card?
Palance; (Laughing again, a little nervously) I wouldn't go for getting the flowers. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'd just like to be known as a guy who is sensitive to what the day means É that it's a day to be gentle.
![[Palance Picture]](P_Roots2.JPG)
From: Hazleton Standard-Speaker, Jan. 21, 1997
Jack Palance stands in front of his 1953 GMC pickup on his Techachapi, Calif., ranch on a foggy Monday afternoon in late January. Palance, known for his acting roles, has recently published a book of poetry that also contains some of his paintings. (Associated Press Photo)