Dan Duryea: Heel with a Heart is a full-scale, comprehensive biography that examines the tension between Duryea's villainous screen image and his Samaritan personal life. At home, he proved to be one of Hollywood's most honorable and decent men. Duryea remained married to the former Helen Bryan from 1931 until her death in 1967. A dedicated family man, he and Helen took an active role in raising their children and in the community.
In his career, Duryea knew villainous roles were what the public wanted--there would be a public backlash if fans read an article depicting what a decent guy he was. Frustrated that he couldn't completely shake his screen image and public persona, he wrestled with this restriction throughout his career. Producers and the public did not care to follow any new directions he hoped to pursue. This book, written with Duryea's surviving son Richard's cooperation, fully explores the life and legacy of a Hollywood icon ready for rediscovery.
PAT'S REVIEW
| I found this to be a very entertaining book about the life of film, stage, and television actor Dan Duryea. I first remember him in his roles as a tough guy in what they now call film noir. I remember in Ball of fire, Pride of the Yankees, a western titled Winchester 73, just to name a few. He was never the leading man. In the first two movies Gary Cooper was the star and in the Western Jimmy Stewart was the star. He was always in the back ground most of the time playing a villain, but whatever the role still to this day the movie is one I can still watch. He was married to the same woman from 1931 until her passing in 1967. Both he and his wife took an active role in raising their two boys going to PTA meetings and he would even coached little league when either one of his boys played. When he could the entire family would go to film on location, and he would do everything possible to make sure he was home at night for dinner. Definitely not like the characters that he was portraying on the big screen. I found this to be a very interesting book for me with information about the films he was in and then later the T.V. shows. Overall a good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us atwww.1rad-readerreviews.com |
No comments:
Post a Comment
We ask that when you are leaving a comment that you are remebering that children may be reading this blog, without the knowledge of a consenting adult. We all put our disclaimers on to get into the sites but kids are smart. Please be aware when posting to use safe language and pics. Thanks :)