Time for Levity

A Welcome New Look at the films of Laurel and Hardy

    I well remember one Christmas when I received The Films of Laurel and Hardy by William K. Everson. I guess I was about 14 at the time. By then I was a seasoned fan of the duo who beguiled me during childhood when their comedies were constantly shown on British television. Everson's book was originally published years before in the 1960s, and was widely considered a pioneering work. It is with enthusiasm then that I now welcome the arrival of The Laurel and Hardy Films (Bear Manor Media) by the distinguished film historian James L. Neibaur.

    Although he is an incredibly prolific author of more than 35 books, Neibaur regards this as his most important so far. He has written extensively about screen comedy, and is no stranger to Laurel & Hardy, having co-authored Stan Without Ollie with Ted Okuda. He brings acuity and a lifetime of experience to bear to illuminate the ouevre of the greatest double act of all time. 

    Theirs was the comedy of failure, frustration and hope against the odds; it spoke for the human condition. Timeless and universal, their humour has inspired not only countless comedians, but also a Nobel literature laureate. More than anything else they are simply beloved. 

     Here, in a film-by-film guide, the author charts their development from the genesis of their partnership in Duck Soup (1927), their transition from silents to sound films, then from shorts to features. He gives an unusual insight into the way their films were in some cases almost remade for foreign markets. Moreover, he offers a thoughtful reappraisal of their difficult years at Fox in the 1940s, a period that has previously been dismissed by many scholars. The images throughout are a sheer delight. Who can fail to be cheered by the sight of 'the Boys' in their many scrapes. The human essence of their comedy has never faded with the passing years, and they are just as funny today. Hopefully, the book will inspire a whole new generation to discover their magic for themselves. The Laurel and Hardy Films is a timely addition to the extensive canon and is highly recommended for libraries, universities, film fans, and everyone in need of a tonic.

See details here

John Hodiak - Centre Stage at Last

   There are some fine actors who die relatively young and as a consequence end up being unjustly neglected by film historians. This was the fate of John Hodiak, but I am happy to say he has now been given his due in David C. Tucker's excellent new book John Hodiak: The Life and Career on Film, Stage and Radio (McFarland & Co., Inc.) 

   At his best delineating intense characters, the handsome Hodiak first commanded attention as the surly sailor in Hitchcock's Lifeboat (1944) and thereafter crafted an interesting career in which he ran the gamut from light comedy to gritty war films. He made a distinct impression in Film Noir, notably as the troubled returning hero in Joseph Mankiewicz's Somewhere in the Night (1946). 

   Tucker has written many acclaimed books on showbusiness history and again does a remarkable job in rekindling interest in a largely forgotten star. Impeccable research, balance and humour are the hallmarks of his work. He gives a considered account of Hodiak's six-year marriage to Anne Baxter, which played out in the glare of the spotlight when both were probably at their most famous. Hodiak comes across as a principled, rather reserved, almost shy gentleman, somewhat at odds with stardom and the studio system. I found it surprising just how important radio was in his story. The author does him credit with an in-depth appraisal of his radio career, alongside that on screen, and both are given equal weight. This is most welcome, because radio is often relegated to the sidelines, or in some cases barely touched upon. The many photos that grace the text are especially well-chosen. 

   Disillusioned by the declining roles he was being offered in Hollywood, Hodiak made a successful transition to the stage in the early-1950s in a celebrated production of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial. Sadly, he died suddenly at the age of only 41 while making the science fiction movie On the Threshold of Space (1956). There is no telling where his career might have gone from there and just what he might have achieved. It is heartening to see him remembered at last and I recommend this entertaining biography for everyone interested in film history and popular culture. See details here and details of the publisher's website here: McFarlandBooks.com

Never Say Die: Arthur 'Baby' Gore The Oldest Wimbledon Champion

My new book the first ever about a great character of lawn tennis before the Great War

   The national yearning for a Wimbledon champion from the British Isles became an annual obsession during the long periods when it seemed as though it would never happen again. And yet there was a time when such an occurrence was taken for granted. In the days when the Doherty brothers won all before them interest in lawn tennis was at its height. It is that era which I find fascinating.

   A. W. Gore played throughout that time, but his career stretched back much further and went on much longer. He did not become a player of the front rank until he was past thirty, but achieved perhaps his greatest feats after 40. Feats that no one has so far matched in 150 years of the game. 

   What attracted me to write about Gore was his character and fighting spirit. He was often counted out, but he refused to give in, and triumphed against the odds. I discuss those he played with and against and especially his great sporting rivalry with the gallant New Zealander Anthony Wilding. There is an appendix containing his results, and 32 rarely-seen photos. Above all I hope that I do justice to Gore and the wider struggle of the players of his time to establish tennis as one the greatest of sports in the public imagination. 

   The book is published by Pitch Publishing of Chichester on 10 June. See publisher's details here 

Warner Baxter

Rediscovering a Forgotten Star of Hollywood's Golden Age

    When I visited Rio a few years ago I happened to find myself in a bar and was surprised to see the walls adorned with large photos of old Hollywood movie stars mostly dating from the inter-war years. Among the famous names were some less familiar faces, and prominently displayed was Warner Baxter with his pencil moustache. I had not realised until then how big a name he had been, but as Dan Van Neste expertly displays in his definitive biography, The Accidental Star: The Life and Films of Warner Baxter, he was one of the biggest.

    Although Baxter came to prominence in the silent 1925 version of The Great Gatsby he made his name in talkies with The Cisco Kid, receiving an Academy Award for the follow-up In Old Arizona. Thereafter he had a string of successes and was outstanding in John Ford's The Prisoner of Shark Island as Dr Mudd. By 1938 Baxter was the highest paid actor in Hollywood. On the face of it, he had everything going for him - professional success, a stable marriage, beautiful houses, the esteem of his peers, and the dedication of his fans. Despite everything, he never found personal happiness and was beset by doubts and insecurities, not to mention a series of unfortunate accidents and brushes with death. The author's long experience as a film historian shines through. His research is impeccable and he writes with great insight and understanding, balancing admirably the professional and personal aspects of Baxter's life. The second half of the book is dedicated to an in-depth guide to his films, including valuable information about the many silents which are sadly lost. The text is adorned with numerous excellent photos throughout. 

    As the author acknowledges (and I know from experience) there are numerous difficulties associated with taking the road less travelled in biography and film scholarship, but long may he continue to do so. Dan Van Neste deserves the appreciation of all for bringing back to life for current and future generations an unfairly forgotten star of the Golden Age. The Accidental Star is, like his previous works, another lasting contribution to film history.

See full details here

Mr Bolbos

   Mr Bolbos is a satiric fable that I wrote long ago. What is it about? It is in some ways about a Kakistocracy, namely "government by the worst, least-qualified or most unscrupulous." Of course it is a comedy, but deeply ironic. Those without a sense of humour or a sense of irony need not apply. How best to describe the style? Kafka in Wonderland perhaps, or George Orwell rewrites The Beano. There are lots of odd and eccentric characters in this freewheeling fantasy and I hope it is as much fun to read as it was to write. Hardly anyone has seen it even now, only family and friends. I have a few copies available. If you are interested please message me below.

A Podcast Interview: Steve Rubin's Saturday Night at the Movies

I was happy to receive an invitation to take part in a podcast interview with Steve Rubin for his series Saturday Night at the Movies. This came about thanks mainly to Budd Burton Moss, to whom I am eternally grateful. Follow the link below. Can be heard on Apple, Spotify and Google too.

https://steverubinssaturdaynightatthemovies.podbean.com/e/episode-51-derek-schulthorpe/

Ruth Roman A Career Portrait

One of the most underrated actresses of the 1950s, Ruth Roman deserves credit for carving a career in Hollywood during the latter part of its Golden Age. Hailing from a poverty-stricken background in the East End of Boston, she tenaciously followed her dream despite constant setbacks and being told she would never make the big time. After a breakthrough with key roles in The Window and Champion she reached star status at Warner Bros. as the last contract player. Thereafter she made an impact in a wide range of parts, including as a modern-day Lady Macbeth in Joe Macbeth and an independent career woman in the Klondike in The Far Country opposite Jimmy Stewart. Later she found great success on television and made a memorable return to the screen in the cult psycho-horror The Baby. Along the way she was married four times and almost lost her life in a disaster at sea. Ruth Roman A Career Portrait is the first book ever written about her and is published by McFarland & Co. to celebrate the centenary of her birth. See details here