From Library Journal
In this very entertaining and insightful work on one of the true film greats, Edwards manages to tell Buster Keaton's life story without the flab. In a few hundred pages, the reader will learn of the actor's childhood in a vaudevillian family, his start in films, his early successes and later failures, and, along the way, his encounters with other film legends, such as actor Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle and studio mogul Irving Thalberg. Writing with the cooperation of the Keaton estate, film historian Edwards provides particular insights into Keaton's highly influential silent films. Along with the analysis, the author entertains with tales of the dangers Keaton endured while performing his own stunts. Perhaps because this is an authorized biography, the only area that is a bit too trim is the treatment of Keaton's personal life. Still, as film festivals gear up for the centennial of Keaton's birth, this book will be a good addition to film and movie biography collections.?Judy Hauser, Oakland Schs. Lib. Svcs., Waterford, Mich.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
The great silent film comedian Buster Keaton was born a century ago this year. There may be more elaborate, analytical biographies in the pipeline; in case there aren't, this genial recital of facts and anecdotes that seems cobbled together from what's already been written by and about Keaton will somewhat serve. It is more an introduction for the curious noncinephile than anything serious film enthusiasts would appreciate. Indeed, it's rather like an instant bio of a current pop star. But, of course, Keaton's star was current some 70 years ago, and still it shines. Maybe its glimmer in this little package will encourage some who've never seen Keaton to seek out The General, Steamboat Bill, Jr., or some of his short films and, laughing in astonished delight, bask in its radiance. Ray Olson
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
