Edgar Kennedy [Paperback]

Bill Cassara (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1593930186 | ISBN-13: 978-1593930189 | Publication Date: October 1, 2005

EDGAR KENNEDY appeared in over 400 Hollywood films spanning four decades. An original Keystone Kop for Mack Sennett, he went on to support such film luminaries as Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy, the Marx Bros. John Wayne, Lucille Ball and Doris Day. Billed as "The Average Man," Edgar starred in his own short comedy series at RKO for 17 years. Bill Cassara was born and raised in San Jose, California where his love for the movies began while attending weekly programs at the Garden Theatre, a neighborhood cinema. A graduate of San Jose State University, Cassara dedicated himself to a career in law enforcement. This 25-year veteran of the Monterey County Sheriffs Office currently holds the rank of Sergeant and is assigned to patrol on the Monterey peninsula. In 1984, Cassara founded "The Midnight Patrol" chapter for the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel and Hardy appreciation society. He has also been a board member for the Monterey County Arts Habitat and the Monterey County Film Commission. Cassara chaired film events featuring appearances by Doris Day and Clint Eastwood. Cassara also hosted the Edgar Kennedy Celebration in Monterey in 1997. BearManor Media

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: BearManor Media (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593930186
• ISBN-13: 978-1593930189
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,000,696 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid life story of a great comedian who was also a warm human being, October 19, 2005

By 

Edward WATZ - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Edgar Kennedy (Paperback)

This book is a wondrously researched, beautifully told life story of Edgar Kennedy, the beloved comedian who is remembered for having been a Mack Sennett Keystone Cop, later foil to Hal Roach stars (Laurel & Hardy, Charley Chase, Our Gang), and later still as the star of the fondly recalled "Average Man" two-reel comedy series at RKO. Author Bill Cassara has done Edgar proud, including as much detail and as many rare photographs as possible in this handsome-looking softcover edition. Mr. Cassara had access to the memories and collections of the Kennedy family, making this a definitive biography as well as a delightful examination at some of Edgar's most memorable film roles. The book is a labor of love that never loses its keen insight into the philosophy of a favorite comedian who also happened to be a very nice guy in private life. By all means get this book for yourself and remember the holidays are fast approaching, this book will make a very nice Christmas present for any film buff who ever enjoyed Edgar Kennedy battling against a world that seemed to always conspire against him.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Edgar Kennedy Brought to Light, May 3, 2006

By 

Robert Zeroun "X-GS SOD" (SJ, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Edgar Kennedy (Paperback)

Bill Cassara's book sheds new light on the fascinating life and times of Edgar L. Kennedy. Credited with over 500 films, Edgar had a colorful life in and around California during Hollywood's heyday. Edgar worked with all the movie greats who often looked to him for suggestions and guidance in the art of Comedy and film making. Mr. Cassara has done some painstaking research and has brought to life many parts of Edgar Kennedy's previously unknown career. This book is laviously illustrated (many photos heretofor unpublished)and revels both Edgar's professional and family side. It's an easy yet scholarly read that does much to fill in an area of Hollywood's past, few film bffs are aware of. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in actors (Particulally Edgar), who worked in Silents and Sound, and with most of Hollywood's greatest stars. Edgar Kennedy, Master of the Slow Burn should be on any film buff's reference bookshelf.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EDGAR KENNEDY; MASTER OF THE SLOW BURN, November 5, 2005

By 

Shorty Caruso - See all my reviews

This review is from: Edgar Kennedy (Paperback)

Magnificent! Edgar Kennedy was one of the greatest character players in motion picture history and Bill Cassara writes a warm and loving salute to this truly nice gentleman, of his family, his work and the affection people had for him - I highly recommend this book! - Shorty Caruso