Description
Mickey Rooney is a cinematic icon whose career lasted from the silent era into the twenty-first century. From the shorts he made as Mickey McGuire to supporting roles in such films as Night at the Museum, Rooney had more than 300 film appearances to his credit. Mickey Rooney was not just a movie star, he was the most popular film performer for several years in a row in the 1930s. In addition to his four Academy Award nominations, Rooney received two special Oscars, including an honorary award for his variety of memorable performances spanning several decades. In The Essential Mickey Rooney, James L. Neibaur examines more than sixty feature films in which the actor appeared, from starring roles in Boys Town, Babes in Arms, and The Human Comedy to acclaimed supporting performances in The Bold and the Brave and The Black Stallion. In addition to familiar works like the Andy Hardy comedies or musicals opposite Judy Garland, lesser known films like Quicksand and Drive a Crooked Road are discussed as examples of the masterful performances he offered again and again. An actor of rare talent and unrestrained exuberance, Rooney appeared so often on film that it probably is impossible to view every performance of his career-one that lasted longer than any other actor in Hollywood. While minor roles are not discussed here, all of his vintage works are, making The Essential Mickey Rooney an indispensable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the best work of this film icon.
About the Author
James L. Neibaur is a film historian and educator who has written hundreds of articles, including more than forty essays in the Encyclopedia Britannica. He is the author of several books on film, including The Elvis Movies (2014) and The Clint Eastwood Westerns (2015), both published by Rowman & Littlefield.
Reviews
[T]hroughout the book Neibaur's respect and admiration for Rooney's talent, even if he appeared in a bad film, is evident in his writing. Neibaur often draws on material gathered from personal interviews with Rooney as well, lending further depth to his discussions of his films. Each chapter is incredibly thorough in terms of plot summary, background info, critique and analysis, whether he is discussing another cookie cutter Andy Hardy movie or a large-scale comedy like 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.' Production stills, movie posters, and other photos are sprinkled throughout the book, adding more context to each chapter . . . The Essential Mickey Rooney lives up to its title, proving to be the definitive book on the actor who had one of the longest, most prolific careers in Hollywood. Even film fans already familiar with Rooney's body of work will likely discover new information within its pages. Rooney's personal life and relationships were notoriously tumultuous and may not have had the happiest of endings, but his boundless talent and enthusiasm on the screen lives on, and Neibaur perfectly captures it here. * Examiner.com *
Book Information
ISBN 9781442260955
Author James L. Neibaur
Format Hardback
Page Count 312
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 621g
Dimensions(mm) 238mm * 162mm * 28mm
About the Author
James L. Neibaur is a film historian and educator who has written hundreds of articles, including more than forty essays in the Encyclopedia Britannica. He is the author of several books on film, including The Elvis Movies (2014) and The Clint Eastwood Westerns (2015), both published by Rowman & Littlefield.
Reviews
[T]hroughout the book Neibaur's respect and admiration for Rooney's talent, even if he appeared in a bad film, is evident in his writing. Neibaur often draws on material gathered from personal interviews with Rooney as well, lending further depth to his discussions of his films. Each chapter is incredibly thorough in terms of plot summary, background info, critique and analysis, whether he is discussing another cookie cutter Andy Hardy movie or a large-scale comedy like 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.' Production stills, movie posters, and other photos are sprinkled throughout the book, adding more context to each chapter . . . The Essential Mickey Rooney lives up to its title, proving to be the definitive book on the actor who had one of the longest, most prolific careers in Hollywood. Even film fans already familiar with Rooney's body of work will likely discover new information within its pages. Rooney's personal life and relationships were notoriously tumultuous and may not have had the happiest of endings, but his boundless talent and enthusiasm on the screen lives on, and Neibaur perfectly captures it here. * Examiner.com *
Book Information
ISBN 9781442260955
Author James L. Neibaur
Format Hardback
Page Count 312
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 621g
Dimensions(mm) 238mm * 162mm * 28mm
