Description
From the Dust Jacket
First in vaudeville, then in silent films, the comic art of W. C. Fields was his unique ability to combine a wildly antic imagination with masterful pantomime. With the coming of talkies, Fields added his own special brand of caustic dialogue, to reign for many years as a film star of the first rank. In the late forties Fields became the idol of a handful of devoted addicts, but in recent months the frequent and widespread revivals of his films have elevated him into a national vogue. Unlike Chaplin’s sympathetic tramp, upon whom the foibles of society seemed to descend without encouragement, the Fields formula was to challenge society with scornful logic. From behind the familiar cigar, stovepipe hat, white gloves and aura of “liquified spirits,” he took aim at middle class mores — using children, wives, dogs and a host of inanimate objects as targets. That his schemes almost always backfired, double-fold, leaving him still the underdog is the link between Fields and his audience. William Everson recaptures in detail all of Fields’ movies from the earliest “Pool Sharks” to “Tillie’s Punctured Romance,” “David Copperfield,” “The Bank Dick,” “Never Give a Sucker an Even Break,” and the last, “Sensations of 1945.” And with Fields in over 130 hilarious stills is a supporting cast of dozens, including Baby LeRoy, Marilyn Miller, Mae West, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Louise Brooks, Jack Oakie, Hugh Herbert, Maria Montez, Billy Gilbert, Alison Skipworth, Peggy Hopkins Joyce, Freddie Bartholomew, Buster Crabbe, Gracie Allen, ZaSu Pitts, Una Merkel and Franklin Pangborn.
Publishing Information
The Art of W.C. Fields by William K. Everson. From Bonanza Books with 1967 copyright. This hardcover book measures about 10-1/4″ x 7-1/4″ and has 232 pages with lots of fun b/w photos.
Condition
Enlarge the photo above. Former small-town library book with the usual markings and the dust jacket protected inside plastic sleeve. The boards and pages are in very good condition for age and public use. No personal names or markings noted. Stored and shipped from clean, smoke-free home.
Shipping
Generally sent the same day payment arrives. Unless you request otherwise, I will wrap the book in plastic wrap to help protect it from the elements, create a custom-made cardboard box to ship it in, and send via Media Mail with Delivery Confirmation tracking. See the shipping page for the cost to send a two-pound Media Mail package. Insurance is an additional cost as described. I am delighted to combine postage and insurance costs if you purchase more than one item. The second item may travel for free or just a few cents more — so it’s worth taking a look at my other items before you complete your order.
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