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Everyone knows that Clark Gable was one of the top Hollywood stars but how
did it happen and why - this book attempts to explain the rise of the ant-hero
during the period known as "Pre-Code". I love the quote about Gable "remembered
today as an actor with an amiable disposition but in 1931 he didn't have his moustache
and he didn't do much smiling".
Very interesting to read about players that are often overlooked - a terrific tribute
devoted to Richard Barthelmess whose early talkies were almos ...more
did it happen and why - this book attempts to explain the rise of the ant-hero
during the period known as "Pre-Code". I love the quote about Gable "remembered
today as an actor with an amiable disposition but in 1931 he didn't have his moustache
and he didn't do much smiling".
Very interesting to read about players that are often overlooked - a terrific tribute
devoted to Richard Barthelmess whose early talkies were almos ...more
I am a great fan of early film, especially the pre-Code era and this book added to my knowledge of the careers of those actors who were at the top of the heap during those days. The author offers a plethora of insider information regarding players. many of whom are practically forgotten today and provides the reason why some, such as Clark Gable, went on to a long and historic career, and why others, like Ramon Navarro, lost their popularity with the movie audience. The tone of pre-Code film sui
...more
A fascinating account of pre-code Hollywood, looking at the male stars and how different they were from those who followed them, getting so much more scope to show their emotions and go against stereotypes.
Absolutely amazing companion piece/sequel to the author's 'Complicated Women', this is just as compelling, well-written and even often moving (I, for one, have never read a book about the history of cinema that's actually moving!!!).
On the surface, at least as far as I'm concerned, some of the films that are discussed here are already more familiar than the ones in 'Complicated Women'. Unlike the 'women's pictures', the titles with guys in the driving seats (Scarface, The Public Enemy, I'm a Fug ...more
On the surface, at least as far as I'm concerned, some of the films that are discussed here are already more familiar than the ones in 'Complicated Women'. Unlike the 'women's pictures', the titles with guys in the driving seats (Scarface, The Public Enemy, I'm a Fug ...more
Aug 13, 2016
Erin
marked it as to-read
