Of the westerns I have seen (lots), the Universal efforts stand up well over time. Johnny Mack Brown, Tex Ritter, Buck Jones, Hoot Gibson, and their other stars hold just as dear a place in my heart as do Roy, Gene, Rex, and Monte. The history of the western films of any studio is often the film track of our youth. We may have had our first date at a Tex Ritter film, or our first kiss. It may have been the first B Western we saw on the late late late late show, or the first celebrity we ever met. But just as important as the films of Republic, MGM, Warner, and others, the films of Universal gave us celluloid memories that we can only smile at now, and say, 'I remember when.'
One man who remembers when is Gene Blottner, and through his efforts we can now read about the Universal films we all loved. In 'Universal Sound Films, 1929-1946' (McFarland), he has undertaken the joyous, monumentous task of cataloguing each sound western produced by Universal in those years. From the early efforts of Ken Maynard to the final films of Kirby Grant, they are here. Each film write up includes:
1. Poster blurb, 'Greatest Gunfight in the West since the OK Corral'
2. Title,
3. Release date
4. Cast
5. Credits
6. Songs
7. The Notables
8. Filming location
9. Running Time
10. Story
11. Commentary
12. Reviews
13. Summation
14. Picture of lobby card, poster if available
The greatest thing about this book is the depth of information on each film. As a certified film historian, Gene Blottner has actually watched these films. His love for the films and genre is evident. If you are a film fan, or a die hard historian, this book is truly invaluable. I can only imagine what the dust jacket would be. The amount of serious film history research that is going on today is incredible, and with efforts like 'Universal Sound Westerns', the past will never be boring, and lost due to apathy.
'Universal Sound Westerns' is available online from McFarland at www.mcfarlandpub.com and through my bookstore at suite 101, or vial snail mail at:
McFarland & Company
Box 611
Jefferson, NC
28640
1-800-253-2187
Stay tuned for Part II of the western film fan conspiracy! The Stong Silent Types, by Buck Rainey!
NOTES and NEWS Don't forget to check out Open Range on DVD! It's a fantastic film, and worthy of purchase. If we don't support this one, we could really be in trouble.
Tumbleweed.
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