Edgar M. Wyatt

Excellent biography of silent cowboy star Fred Thomson. Since only 2 of his films survive today, he is not as well known as his rival Tom Mix and his untimely demise at age 38 meant that he made fewer films than Mix. The book describes Thomson's early life as well as his outstanding athletic abilities that rivaled Jim Thorpe as well as his decision to become a minister. His WWI service and meeting screenwriter Frances Marion are covered as well as his entry into films. The book has plenty of photographs, movie posters, as well as interviews with Thomson's son and those who worked with him. The only complaint I have is the author did not mention what caused the death of Thomson's first wife and his beloved younger brother as well as what happened to his famous horse Silver King. The book concludes with a summary of each of Thomson's 30 films including a cast list, plot summary, and information on the reviews.… (mais)