Customer Reviews

Stan: Life of Stan Laurel

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

This gossipy book was apparently written just for the money. What little factual information there is in this volume can be found in much better books, such as John McCabe's book. Laurel's own widow rejected this book because of the many errors and fabrications found in it. As Stan Laurel was quite possibly the greatest comedic genius ever to work in cinema, he deserves better treatment.

This book provides great detail in the life of perhaps the world's most influential comedian/film maker. The author takes us on an amazing journey in an artists life, from local Music Hall in England, across the sea as an understudy to Charlie Chaplin in the U.S.A., to Hollywood where he evolved from mildly amusing solo to a immortal partner with another genius, Oliver Norvell Hardy, from Georgia.
Some readers will be made aware that Arthur Jefferson (aka Stan Laurel) was an actor/mime/writer/producer, involved in probably *all* aspects of filmmaking. This work will show, however, the many frustrations and disappointments, both personal and professional, some within his control, and which on occasion revealed a complicated but often confused individual.
The photographs are generous and many appear to be exclusive; a bit grainy, though.
It goes without saying that this opus is a perfect companion - teammate! -to the Joihn McCabe book on Mr. Hardy. Of course, the McCabe book, The Comedy World Of Stan Laurel, would be another natural neighbor on the shelf of published perennials.

I was "Very Disappointed" in the physical condition of this book. As far as I a concerned, it is not what I expected.