By
Stephen H. Ryan and Paul J. Ryan. (2018/257pp).
AVAILABLE
FROM ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD
Book Review
by Mr. Pawsđ¸
Is
there really anyone out there who didn't like James Garner? On
screen, the guy may not have had a ton of range, but with rare
exception, Garner was always congenial, laid-back and...well,
likable. Anyone claiming otherwise probably hates kittens, too.
And
in an era when most actors were generally known for movies or
television, Garner worked successfully back-and-forth in both...for
years. So if nothing else, at least some kind of career analysis is
warranted. The Essential James Garner may not necessarily be
essential reading, but the book does a decent job highlighting
the films, TV movies & series which feature Garner at his
Garniest (now officially a word).
The
book is divided into three sections. The first and shortest is a
relatively concise summary of the man's entire career. Section two -
by far, the most interesting - subjectively selects 28 films
featuring Garner, from early small parts to starring roles and
latter-career supporting performances. Each film is given its own
detailed chapter that includes a plot summary, background
information, critical & public reception and, finally, critical
assessment by the authors. Lastly, section three covers his
two career-defining TV shows, Maverick & The Rockford
Files, along with Nichols, a failed 1971 series that,
quite frankly, I didn't know existed.
Though
they demonstrate obvious affection and respect for their subject,
authors Stephen & Paul Ryan aren't in love with every movie they
choose to discuss. The usual suspects are here (The Great Escape,
The Americanization of Emily, etc), along with some of
questionable quality, yet were key career moments or good examples of
Garner's charm & talent. Conversely, there are some omissions
that will inevitably irk a few readers. Garner's entire body
of work, however, is included in an appendix.
At
257 pages (including appendices, bibliography and index), The
Essential James Garner is by-no-means comprehensive and doesn't
make pretenses of being so. Nor is the book remotely biographical,
focusing exclusively of the work these authors feel best-encapsulates
James Garner's long career. Though fairly subjective, it nevertheless
provides the reader with a decent overview, and even longtime fans are
apt to read a fact or two they didn't know before.
KITTY CONSENSUS:
NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.
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