Charles McGraw
Biography of a Film Noir Tough Guy
Published on 28. August 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
228 pages
978-0-7864-7172-0 (ISBN)
Description
The iconic actor Charles McGraw appeared in over 140 roles on films and television, including the classic noir pictures The Killers (1946) and The Narrow Margin (1952). Whether portraying tough cops or sadistic killers, McGraw brought a unique authenticity to the screen.
Emphasizing his impact on the film noir style, this comprehensive biography examines McGraw's lengthy career against the backdrop of a changing Hollywood. Through numerous personal interviews with his surviving intimates, close acquaintances and co-workers, his tumultuous personal life is detailed from his earliest days to his bizarre, accidental death. Also included are an extensive critical filmography of McGraw's feature film career, a complete list of television appearances and previously unpublished film stills and personal photos.
Emphasizing his impact on the film noir style, this comprehensive biography examines McGraw's lengthy career against the backdrop of a changing Hollywood. Through numerous personal interviews with his surviving intimates, close acquaintances and co-workers, his tumultuous personal life is detailed from his earliest days to his bizarre, accidental death. Also included are an extensive critical filmography of McGraw's feature film career, a complete list of television appearances and previously unpublished film stills and personal photos.
Reviews / Votes
"finally in softcover. Few books are more deserving. Rode is one of our best film historians, and this biography is sharp, well-researched, and thoroughly entertaining. Rode has written an excellent book, incorporating perceptive comments and good interviews to uncover the man and his work...terrific, fascinating...immensely readable...absolutely riveting...highly recommend this book...well-written...first-rate...sensational...a good read"-Classic Images; "amazing detail"-Canyon News; "a spellbinding account of the great noir heavy...and a must-have addition to all film-noir libraries. Deft biography and overall wild tale."-James Ellroy; "Very little, if anything, seems to be left out...an incredible history lesson for movie enthusiasts. The only thing that confuses us is how Rode managed to fit such a wealth of information in just under 230 pages. We chalk it up to great writing!"-Gary Sweeney, The Midnight Palace; "A colorful and illuminating study of not only an actor's saga, but Hollywood's evolution."-Michael Fox, SF 360; "Not only a detailed, well-researched portrait of Charles McGraw; but, a veritable who's-who of Hollywood film noir history, including nuanced sketches of such seminal personalities as Mark Hellinger, Robert Siodmok, Bryan Foy, Johnny Rosselli, Reed Hadley, Sidney Boehm, Crane Wilbur, Walter Wanger, Daniel Mainwaring, Earl Felton, Dick Fleischer-the list goes on and on."-Michael Guillen, The Evening Class.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
75 photos, filmography, notes, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
442 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7864-7172-0 (9780786471720)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Film historian and journalist Alan K. Rode is a director of the Film Noir Foundation (www.filmnoirfoundation.com). He lives in Los Angeles.
Content
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword: The McGraw Role No One Knows (by Jim Steranko)
Prologue: Not Ready for His Close-Up
1. Child of the Heartland
2. Young Thespian
3. Hungry During the Golden Era
4. What Did You Do in the War, Charlie?
5. Bright Boy Gets a Break
6. The Watershed Year
7. The Lion Goes Black
8. In Demand
9. The Capital of Noir
10. The Other Side of the Hill
11. "Not Enough (Blood) to Suit Me"
12. The Certifiable Howard Hughes
13. The Sleeper That Almost Wasn't
14. Missing the Brass Ring
15. RKO Studios as Andersonville
16. Freelance Actor
17. Small-Screen Evolution
18. "Where Do We Get Such Men..."
19. Family Tensions
20. Character Actor
21. Spartacus
22. "Good Evening"
23. Golden Age Dissolution
24. A Glorious Time
25. Single Actor, Needs Work
26. Cold-Blooded Comeback
27. Last Hurrah
28. Means of Descent
29. Last Call
30. A Noir-Stained Legacy
Critical Filmography
Television Credits
Chapter Notes
Sources
Index
Acknowledgments
Foreword: The McGraw Role No One Knows (by Jim Steranko)
Prologue: Not Ready for His Close-Up
1. Child of the Heartland
2. Young Thespian
3. Hungry During the Golden Era
4. What Did You Do in the War, Charlie?
5. Bright Boy Gets a Break
6. The Watershed Year
7. The Lion Goes Black
8. In Demand
9. The Capital of Noir
10. The Other Side of the Hill
11. "Not Enough (Blood) to Suit Me"
12. The Certifiable Howard Hughes
13. The Sleeper That Almost Wasn't
14. Missing the Brass Ring
15. RKO Studios as Andersonville
16. Freelance Actor
17. Small-Screen Evolution
18. "Where Do We Get Such Men..."
19. Family Tensions
20. Character Actor
21. Spartacus
22. "Good Evening"
23. Golden Age Dissolution
24. A Glorious Time
25. Single Actor, Needs Work
26. Cold-Blooded Comeback
27. Last Hurrah
28. Means of Descent
29. Last Call
30. A Noir-Stained Legacy
Critical Filmography
Television Credits
Chapter Notes
Sources
Index