Marjorie Main: The Life And Films of Hollywood's "Ma Kettle" (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fascinating...one-of-a-kind gem...[the author] has struck gold again...big screen worthy of a biopic...remarkable volume" -- Canyon News

Product Description

She was a slum mother, witty housekeeper, nosy neighbor, meddling maid, town gossip, and most memorably, Ma Kettle. Marjorie Main is best remembered for her portrayal of the farm mother of 15 children and wife of shiftless Pa Kettle. The characters were introduced in the 1945 film The Egg and I, and were such a hit that eight films followed. At an age when most actresses’ careers are waning, Main’s star was just beginning to rise. In real life, Main was as down to earth as characters she played. Her attire on the set and around her house were the same: a simple cotton house dress or jeans. She preferred riding the bus because she enjoyed interacting with regular people—the inspiration for her characters. This book chronicles Main’s childhood on an Indiana farm and the inspirations that led her to the stage. After a distinguished theater career and minor film roles, at age 50 she was offered a long-term contract with premier studio MGM. Details of her acting career and personal life covered here include her marriage to a scholarly widower 26 years her senior, and her work with actor Percy Kilbride, who was the antithesis of his character, the slothful Pa Kettle. A detailed filmography includes cast and credit lists and trivia about each of Main’s 85 films.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (January 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786423226
• ISBN-13: 978-0786423224
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,546,700 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Terribly disappointing, September 20, 2006

By	S. Nicoletti (Hiawassee, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Like the rest of the reviewers here, I looked forward to the release of this biography of a favorite film star and its promise of meaningful insights into the life and career of Marjorie Main. But when I received and read this volume, I was terribly disappointed to find it an extremely superficial treatment of a clearly complex life story and not at all worth the price.

Half of the page count of this book is comprised of a detailed index/filmography containing virtually nothing of value pertaining to the actress but, instead, referencing Hollywood trivia of other actors and personalities.

The "biography" portion of this book, meanwhile, glosses over the personalities and events one would think were central to the life and lifestyle of Marjorie Main and seems to rely mostly on studio shots and publicity posters to push the page count as far as it could go.

For those who expect a work of scholarship and insight, this book will in no way justify its cost -- or your expectations. For a credible and satisfying treatment of the subject, we'll have to wait for another author to take up the challenge.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A bit thin but interesting bio on Ma Kettle, August 30, 2008

By	Robert E. Gold (Whitestone, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I very much enjoyed this biography of the much missed Marjorie Main. There was no one quite like her in the movies, then or now. Marjorie Main was mostly a supporting player throughout most of her career, yet she starred in a few movies most notably with Wallace Beery, a co-star she did not enjoy working with, and, of course, with her co star Percy Kilbride in the Ma and Pa Kettle Universal series.

Since Marjorie was mainly a supporting player, not as much has been written about her in terms of movie magazines and scholarly movie study works. Therefore, in my opinion, the author Michelle Vogel had her work cut out for her in terms of finding a great deal of biographical data. She does provide much history, but the final work, although interesting and informative, left me wanting to know more about her.

However, the ten chapter text is filled with wonderful photos, a list and discussion of all of Main's film and stage appearances, and a beautiful color cover shot of Marjorie.

This is a wonderful source of information on Marjorie Main, and I suspect the only one we will probably ever find. Younger movie audiences have never even heard of Ma Kettle, so I would assume this is it. So, Michelle Vogel, I thank you on behalf of fans of Marjorie Main and for fans of Ma and Pa Kettle.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Read!!, January 21, 2006

By	Joanna (USA) - See all my reviews

I bought this book for my mother who is now living in a nursing home. We used to watch the Ma and Pa Kettle movies together when I was younger and I thought this would be an interesting read to bring those memories back. On each of my visits with Mom I'll read a chapter of the book. We're now mid way through the filmography and we're enjoying the film facts and trivia as much as the biography itself. We never did hear a lot of gossip on Miss Main back in the day so this book enlightens you on all aspects of her personal life and career.

This is a must have if you're a fan of the classic film comedies of yesteryear and especially if you're a fan of Marjorie Main. The photographs are wonderful too.