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Light on Her Face

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Here's another excellent memoir for the library of any movie fan or historian. Cameraman Joseph Walker was one of Hollywood's fine artists and true gentlemen. In this well-written volume, done in collaboration with his wife, Mr.Walker presents a lively account of his youth during the early l900s in Los Angeles, where his interest in the new field of wireless communication led to his organizing and operating the first wireless radio department in a major LA department store. It was this undertaking that led to his association with Dr. Lee DeForest and the Wright brothers, and to radio adventures in Mexico. But it was his fascination with motion-picture photography that led him to become a newsreel and free-lance cameraman and finally the premiere studio cameraman who filmed 18 of Frank Capra's 24 features, plus some 125 other films at Columbia and other studios. He was known for making women look their best on film. Experiences during his long career are vividly detailed, and the personalities and idiosyncracies of those involved are affectionately recalled. And along the way, other inventions, including a zoom lens and other optical devices springing from Joe Walker's ingenious mind are described. About 80 photos from Mr. Walker's scrapbook are included. Hollywood had only one golden age, and only one Joe Walker, and though both are gone now, this book lets us share their times once more.