Back in the Saddle: Essays on Western Film and Television Actors [Paperback]

Gary A. Yoggy (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 078640566X | ISBN-13: 978-0786405664 | Publication Date: September 1998

The western is one of the most popular genres in American film history, and some estimate more than 20,000 of them have been produced. Its popular portrayal of the American West, as a place where good and evil are clearly defined, created heroes that are still among the most respected and remembered in film history. Writers Lane Roth and Tom W. Hoffer, William E. Tydeman III, R. Philip Loy, Gary Kramer, Raymond E. White, Michael K. Schoenecke, Sandra Schackel, Jacqueline K. Greb, Jim Collins, Richard Robertson, and Gary Yoggy each contributed an essay, focusing on the performances of some of the most famous of Hollywood's leading cowboys and cowgirls. Analyses of the works of G.M. "Broncho Billy" Anderson, Tom Mix, Buck Jones, Tex Ritter, Roy Rogers, James Stewart, Barbara Stanwyck, Steve McQueen, and James Arness are included. James Drury of The Virginian relates his firsthand experiences of movie making by way of introducing this collection.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The recent deaths of cowboy stars Roy Rogers and Gene Autry have refocused attention on the once thriving Hollywood Western. Despite an unfortunate similarity in titles, these two books cover somewhat different ground. Back in the Saddle consists of biographical essays on film and TV Western stars, including early favorites "Bronco Billy" Anderson, Buck Jones, and Tom Mix, singing cowboys Roy Rogers and Tex Ritter, the Western work of film greats Jimmy Stewart and Steve McQueen, plus a look at the enduring popularity of the TV series Gunsmoke and its star, James Arness. There are also chapters on Western character actors and a review of the increasing importance of Native American actors. Back in the Saddle Again examines the rise, fall, and limited rebirth of the Western's popularity with world film audiences. Despite excessively academic titles, some of these essays will interest general readers. Subjects include John Ford's use of Monument Valley locations, brief histories of TV Westerns and singing cowboy films, the changing portrayal of General Custer in Hollywood films, and a critique of little-known German-made Westerns of the 1960s. Most books on Hollywood Westerns are now out of date or out of print. Though neither book is comprehensive, the first should fill some gaps in public library collections while the second should be considered as a supplementary source for academic libraries only.?Stephen Rees, Levittown Regional Lib., PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"easy to read" -- Classic Images

"several different writers...analyze the careers of A, B and TV western heroes" -- Western Clippings

"this enjoyable canter through horse-opera country provides everything you need to know about many of this genre's leading lights.... An entertaining collection of essays, written with affection and enthusiam" -- Film Review

"well written...adds to the useful literature available on the western. A commendable effort" -- Nostalgia Westerns

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078640566X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786405664
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,280,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)