Raider Of The Lost Celluloid
Edgar Kennedy, one of the funniest supporting comedians in film history, is probably best knows for his appearances in the Hal Roach shorts of Our Gang and Laurel & Hardy but actually appeared and starred in hundreds of films in a lengthy career. Author Cassara has pulled off the seemingly impossible! By doing exhaustive research that must have been akin to archeology, this raider of the lost celluloid has produced a well-rounded bio that completely humanizes Mr. Kennedy and presents a full chronology of a life in film... and beyond. You leave this well researched documentary of a cinema clown with a feeling that you know the man. Frankly, that's just astounding to me. There's not much material on Edgar Kennedy out there and Bill Cassara has written a history that fans of classic comedy will revel in.
Edgar Kennedy Brought to Light
Bill Cassara's book sheds new light on the fascinating life and times of Edgar L. Kennedy. Credited with over 500 films, Edgar had a colorful life in and around California during Hollywood's heyday. Edgar worked with all the movie greats who often looked to him for suggestions and guidance in the art of Comedy and film making. Mr. Cassara has done some painstaking research and has brought to life many parts of Edgar Kennedy's previously unknown career. This book is laviously illustrated (many photos heretofor unpublished)and revels both Edgar's professional and family side. It's an easy yet scholarly read that does much to fill in an area of Hollywood's past, few film bffs are aware of. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in actors (Particulally Edgar), who worked in Silents and Sound, and with most of Hollywood's greatest stars. Edgar Kennedy, Master of the Slow Burn should be on any film buff's reference bookshelf.
EDGAR KENNEDY; MASTER OF THE SLOW BURN
Magnificent! Edgar Kennedy was one of the greatest character players in motion picture history and Bill Cassara writes a warm and loving salute to this truly nice gentleman, of his family, his work and the affection people had for him - I highly recommend this book! - Shorty Caruso
Splendid life story of a great comedian who was also a warm human being
This book is a wondrously researched, beautifully told life story of Edgar Kennedy, the beloved comedian who is remembered for having been a Mack Sennett Keystone Cop, later foil to Hal Roach stars (Laurel & Hardy, Charley Chase, Our Gang), and later still as the star of the fondly recalled "Average Man" two-reel comedy series at RKO. Author Bill Cassara has done Edgar proud, including as much detail and as many rare photographs as possible in this handsome-looking softcover edition. Mr. Cassara had access to the memories and collections of the Kennedy family, making this a definitive biography as well as a delightful examination at some of Edgar's most memorable film roles. The book is a labor of love that never loses its keen insight into the philosophy of a favorite comedian who also happened to be a very nice guy in private life. By all means get this book for yourself and remember the holidays are fast approaching, this book will make a very nice Christmas present for any film buff who ever enjoyed Edgar Kennedy battling against a world that seemed to always conspire against him.
