Description
At first glance, Lloyd Hamilton was a large, baby-faced comic who walked like a duck. To the trained eye, Hamilton demonstrated keen timing and an inventive mind, providing wry humor rich in emotion during his 20 year career. Perhaps most importantly, Hamilton was greatly admired by his fellow comics, receiving praise from the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
This book explores Hamilton's life and work, beginning with his conservative, middle-class childhood and continuing through the comic's entry into show business as a theatre extra, his most memorable role as half of silent comedy's "Ham and Bud" duo, and his first feature film, The Darker Self. The author examines Hamilton's private life and alcoholism and the decline of his health and career, which led to his death at the age of 43. The book includes exclusive photographs from the Hamilton family, a filmography with detailed plot descriptions, many behind-the-scenes facts, and an analysis of Hamilton's critical lost feature film A Self-Made Failure.
About the Author
Anthony Balducci studied journalism at Baruch College and holds a University of Florida criminology degree. He has written three previous books and numerous articles on film comedy as well as online contributions to Feet of Mud, World Cinema Paradise and other websites. He lives in New Port Richey, Florida.
Reviews
"Anthony Balducci has filled an enormous void with his biographical assessment of Hamilton's life and work, offering information that even the most learned comedy film historians had not known. It is not only the first book about this fascinating comedian, it is also the definitive study. Any comedy film buff's library is incomplete without it"-Rogue Cinema; "a worthwhile, first ever look at a notable though neglected figure...goes a long way in returning the spotlight to a gifted comedian"-www.examiner.com; "is a very good biography of a greatly gifted comedian. It makes you want to go out and watch Lloyd Hamilton movies."-pbpulse.com; "this long-overdue biography illuminates the life and career of a talented comic innovator who has remained obscure for far too long"-charleychase.50webs.com.
Book Information
ISBN 9780786441594
Author Anthony Balducci
Format Paperback
Page Count 260
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 467g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 13mm
