Johnny Mack Brown is a Hollywood legend.
Fans either remember him for his memorable 1926 Rose Bowl performance, or his Hollywood movies that remain favorites to this day. One notch below superstar status, he made the best of the career changes that came his way. He raised a wonderful a family, and remained true to his personal beliefs throughout his life.
One theme is abundantly clear: he was a kind and gentle man. To fans, co-stars, family and friends, he was who he was - the true Southern gentleman. Comments from his co-stars, and the fans who met and admired him, echo that. Gentleman. Actor. Friend. Hollywood knew, in Johnny, it had a class act with whom to work.
Honored with a Golden Boot in 2004, and elected to the National Collegiate Football Hall of Fame in 1957, his honors and awards are numerous. Johnny appeared in 168 films, 131 of which were westerns, and made some appearances on TV.
When Johnny passed away in 1974, the 'B' Western film circuit was in its birth throes (Tim, sorry, I don't understand this), and even though many of the 'Big' stars ran the gamut of appearances, he was missed. If he had lived to appear at the film festivals, he would have been amazed and humbled by his reception and praised for the joy he had provided for so many by his many western movies.
Bobby, in his 10th book, gives us a fine overview of the life and times of Johnny Mack Brown. He covers Johnny from his early life until his 2004 Golden Boot award. Written with assistance from the Brown family, the book includes many rare family photos, and anecdotes provided by the family - all adding a personal touch to the book.
What I really like about this presentation is that he includes information from many leading film historians. Steven Lodge contributes 'Fans Meet Johnny.' Lodge provides us a great piece on meeting several stars at the Iverson Ranch. Nick Williams adds an informative section on Raymond Hatton, while Richard B Smith III offers a different perspective on Johnny's westerns. Comments from fellow actors and fans round out the personal section of the book, and a complete filmography from Les Adams, and the comic book listing by Chuck Anderson helps to top off tank.
Recently, I received one of his many movie serials from Monogram/VCI, "Rustlers of Red Dog". Co-starring Joyce Compton, Raymond Hatton, Walter Miller and Harry Woods, it is one of his best. Bobby lists 'Essential Viewing' and includes, but not limited to, 'Branded a Coward', 'Between Men', 'Crooked Trail', 'The Gambling Terror', 'Chip of the Flying U', 'Badman From Red Butte', and 'Arizona Cyclone'.
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