5.0 out of 5 stars
"Kid Kowboys: Juveniles in Western Films (2003) ... Bob Nareau ... Empire Publishing", September 3, 2007
This review is from: Kid Kowboys: Juveniles in Western Films (Paperback)
Empire Publishing presents "KID KOWBOYS: JUVENILES IN WESTERN FILMS" (8/22/2003) by Bob Nareau --- You will love this book and now when ever you watch an old film, will look for the actor who portrayed the young children --- Stars like Mary Lee, Bobby Blake, Dick Jones, Lee Aaker, Buzz Barton, Bill Cody Jr, Junior Coghlan, Frankie Darro, Johnny Duncan, Billy and Gary Gray, Tim Holt, Harry and Sammy McKim, Mickey Rooney, Betsy King Ross, Dean Stockwell, and Jane Withers are included in this impressive list --- Rare photos are included and a delightful Sammy McKim cover and back piece grace the book.
Bob Nareau, long-time B Western author and fan, has produced a great volume that celebrates the kids that helped make the westerns great --- With input from Boyd Magers, and the various convention organizers, he has managed to compile an impressive list of child stars who acted in westerns --- Each section includes information on their films, their careers (both during, and after their film years), and their lives where applicable --- Many of the children disappeared after their 'short' careers and went onto become doctors, lawyers, salesman, or just went on their lives and other careers.
It is interesting to note that many of these early stars never went onto notoriety, drunkenness, or a downward spiral life after their early film roles --- The Hollywood community strove to educate them, and prepare them for life after films --- Not many survived the teenage years as stars, but some went onto become adult actors. Bobby Blake, Dick Jones, Mickey Rooney, Noah Beery, Jr, Tim Holt, Gary Gray, Junior Coghlan, and Dean Stockwell all went on and earned respect in 'serious' roles.
Table of Contents (Chapter, Title and Page Numbers)
Acknowledgments - 4
Foreword - 7
Dedication - 10
Introduction - 13
The Players - 15 - 116
Bibliography - 117
About The Author - 118
A Last Word - 120
Some of the actors went onto interesting occupations. Sandy McKim became a Disney artist, and his art graces the cover of the book --- Dick Jones became a real estate agent --- One became a Methodist minister, and another set world race car records --- Their beginning in the public eye did not deter them, rather, it gave many a young look at what success really involved --- Can't imagine 'Old Yeller' without any kids? Or 'Our Gang' starring adults? What about 'The Wizard of Oz', starring a 30 year old Judy Garland instead of a teen? --- The world of westerns has always been fortunate to have a 'stable' of great kid actors and this publication gives us the insight.
Hats off to Rhonda Lemons and her staff at Empire Publishing, the author Bob Nareau putting down on paper without a doubt the best book commemorating the young actors and their rare talent that helped make the B-Western great --- sharing many facts inclusive within their own individual sections in the book --- we now have answers to the many questions about the B-Western era and the actors who chose to play various junvenile roles --- If you're into the memories of the B-Western, this is the one you've been anxiously waiting for --- order your copy now from Empire Publishing or Amazon where there are plenty of copies available --- if you enjoyed this title, why not check out Empire Publishing where they are experts in releasing books on B-Westerns and Serials --- all my heroes have been cowboys!
Total Page: 128 ~ Empire Publishing ISBN-10: 0944019412 ~ (8/22/2005)
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