A biography of Milton Sills, stage and silent film actor with a philosophy background. Poised to make a hit in talkies when he died in 1930. Article also includes a synopsis of Sills’ most famous film, The Sea Hawk.
Alan Mowbray by Alan Mowbray, Jr.
A biographical look at the stage, film and television career of popular character actor Alan Mowbray written by the actor’s son, Alan Mowbray, Jr.
Alan Mowbray Book Review: Up from Central Park: Scenes From an Actor’s Life
Over 40 years after his death the memoirs of character actor Alan Mowbray have been published by his son, Alan, Jr. A look at Mowbray’s life and the memories he left us.
UPS Delivers: Video Unboxing of the New Spencer Tracy Biography by James Curtis
UPS dropped off my Amazon pre-order of the new Spencer Tracy biography by James Curtis earlier today, so I made a 3 minute video taking it out of the box and capturing first impressions.
Dwight Frye’s Last Laugh – Before and Beyond Dracula and Frankenstein
Dwight Frye is legendary for his roles in the Universal horror classics Dracula and Frankenstein. The 1997 biography Dwight Frye’s Last Laugh chronicles the actor’s fast rise to surprising heights and even quicker fall.
Myrna Loy – The Only Good Girl in Hollywood vs. Being and Becoming
Myrna Loy’s 1987 autobiography Being and Becoming is an all-time favorite here. 2011 brings the first Myrna Loy biography since that time, Myrna Loy: The Only Good Girl in Hollywood by Emily W. Leider. Here’s a look at both titles, side by side.
His Warts, Their Warts: The Ragman’s Son by Kirk Douglas
Thoughts after reading Kirk Douglas’ 1988 autobiography The Ragman’s Son. Written during TCM’s September 2011 tribute to Douglas as their Star of the Month.
Adolphe Menjou’s Wit and Wisdom – It Took Nine Tailors, a Review
A biography of Adolphe Menjou layered with several quotes from his 1948 autobiography It Took Nine Tailors. Covers his background, silent stops and starts, to talkie breakthrough, often in Menjou’s own voice.
Edward Arnold: Before Hollywood
A brief look at the life and career of Edward Arnold before he arrived in Hollywood and became the beloved character actor we remember him as today. Illustrated by period stills.
What I’ve Been Reading: Errol & Olivia Plus Some Older Titles
What I liked and disliked about Errol & Olivia Ego & Obsession in Golden Era Hollywood by Robert Matzen, plus a look at four older classic movie biographies that I’ve recently read.