Harry Langdon: King of Silent Comedy (Screen Classics) - Hardcover

Oldham, Gabriella; Langdon, Mabel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0813169658 ISBN 13: 9780813169651

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky, 2017

Synopsis

Among silent film comedians, three names stand out―Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd―but Harry Langdon indisputably deserves to sit among them as the fourth "king." In films such as The Strong Man (1926) and Long Pants (1927), Langdon parlayed his pantomime talents, expressive eyes, and childlike innocence into silent-era stardom. This in-depth biography, which features behind-the-scenes accounts and personal recollections compiled by Langdon's late wife, provides a full and thoughtful picture of this multifaceted entertainer and his meteoric rise and fall.

Authors Gabriella Oldham and Mabel Langdon explore how the actor developed and honed his comedic skills in amateur shows, medicine shows, and vaudeville. Together they survey his early work on the stage at the turn of the twentieth century as well as his iconic routines and characters. They also evaluate his failures from the early sound period, including his decision to part ways with director Frank Capra. Despite his dwindling popularity following the introduction of talkies, Langdon persevered and continued to perform in theater, radio, and film―literally until his dying day―leaving behind a unique and brilliant body of work.

Featuring never-before-published stories and photos from his immediate family, this biography is a fascinating and revealing look at an unsung silent film giant.

About this title

About the Author

Gabriella Oldham is the author of First Cut: Conversations with Film Editors and First Cut 2: More Conversations with Film Editors. Her love of silent comedy inspired Keaton's Silent Shorts: Beyond the Laughter and a forthcoming book on silent film comediennes. Most recently, she published John Cassavetes: Interviews. She is also an educator and a writing coach.

Mabel Langdon (1906–2001) was the wife of Harry Langdon. She promoted his legacy through international appearances at film retrospectives and in interviews.

Review

"This book gives a full, thoughtful, and compassionate picture of the strengths and weaknesses of this extraordinary comedian. Harry Langdon presents a vivid portrait of both the man and his work, from vaudevillian to movie star to creative gagman for Laurel and Hardy."―Joanna E. Rapf, coeditor of A Companion to Film Comedy

"With valuable details on Langdon's early life, discussions of his comedy routines, and miniessay endnotes, this is recommended as an overdue tribute to an overlooked master."―Library Journal

"Harry Langdon used to be considered a neglected figure in the history of silent comedy. That's no longer the case, as he has been the subject of several books as well as chapters in surveys of the period. Gabriela Oldham's useful narrative is built on the foundation of interviews she conducted with Langdon's widow Mabel decades ago. This helps her paint a well-rounded picture of the man behind the comic persona."―LeonardMaltin.com

"Outstanding. The Oldham biography of Landon is, at once, a historic tour de force and a labor of love."―Film International

About this edition

• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0813169658
• ISBN 13: 9780813169651
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 358