J. P. McGowan : biography of a Hollywood pioneer / John J. McGowan.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McGowan, John J.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

McGowan, J. P.

Actors--United States--Biography.

Actors.

United States.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

ix, 220 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland, [2005]

Summary:

J.P. McGowan (1880-1952) was one of Hollywood's most prolific pioneers: actor, director, screenwriter, producer, and industrial advocate for the motion picture industry. Known as the "Railroad Man" for his specialization in action movies involving railroads, he made common the image of the terrified beauty tied to a track-his first wife was Helen Holmes, of his iconic silent series The Hazards of Helen.

This work, the first biography of the Australian-born adventurer, covers a screen career spanning 30 years and over 600 productions from the dawn of the silent era. It chronicles his entire life and places him within the context of the times in which he lived and worked. Previously unknown details are unearthed on his family background and early life, as well as his participation in the Boer War and his move to the United States. The work concludes with a comprehensive filmography of McGowan's work.

Contents:

1 Who Was John Paterson McGowan? 3

2 African Adventurer 14

3 Meet Me in St. Louis 18

4 Treading the Boards 23

5 Into the Movies 25

6 The "O'Kalems" and the "El Kalems" 33

7 The Railroad Man 57

8 "The Hazards" and Helen 62

9 Tied to the Rails 77

10 Cutting Loose 90

11 The Last Stage 101

12 Battling the Moguls 112

13 Conclusion: J. P. McGowan's Legacy 118.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical (pages 213-216) and index.

ISBN:

0786419946

OCLC:

57624858