John McCabe (1) (1920–2005)

I've read several biographies and filmographies of my favorite film comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy. This biography concentrates on the life and work of Oliver Hardy, although it is impossible to omit a significant amount of coverage of his other half, Stan Laurel. "Babe" Hardy was by all accounts a more gifted actor and film comedian than Stan, although Stan was by nature and avocation the more dedicated and creative of the two. Much of this material is told in other biographies I have read, but a more complete and nuanced conception of Babe Hardy emerges here. It is worth noting that both of "the boys" went through a nearly simultaneous series of draining and unfulfilling marriages, until late in life each ended up with partners in marriage that brought them peace and happiness in the last decades of their lives when their best professional work was behind them, and their happiest moments were spent with their wives and each other, basking in the adoration of a new generation that rediscovered them through television reruns. They never considered themselves as more than talented craftsmen, but they were still moved by the accolades of a public that finally recognized them for the comedic geniuses they were. Oliver Hardy's journey from a young fat boy who used his talent for comedy to dull the pain of pokes and jokes aimed at his bulk is particularly compelling here. I've read a few biographies of the boys, but after reading this book I felt I had a clearer picture of Oliver Hardy's contribution.… (mehr)

A biography from an interesting perspective. An actor himself, later a college professor, John McCabe was asked to work as the ghost writer for Cagney on Cagney, Jim Cagney autobiography. He formed a strong friendship with the actor and later convinced him that there was more to be said than that contained in his autobio.

Cagney agreed and was very accessible to McCabe in the writing of this biography. At first glance, it could be considered primaily a study on the Cagney films but there are excellent insights into the Cagney family.
They were involved by him in his career and the film business but estranged from his wife, Willie. His wife set up their two adopted children in their own house so that Cagney could focus on his work and rest when the labor was done without their distractions. When you read about his close and sustained relationshps with adults especially his family, his estrangement from his children is hard to understand and a strange flaw in an otherwise admirable man.

Tha latter chapters are very insightful about Cagney, the painter, writer, actor and dancer. He knew he would have to give up dancing and intentionally stopped acting but really regretted when declining health forced him to stop writing and painting.

Among his peers, he was always considered the best actor. His take on acting could be summed up in three words, "just do it"… (mehr)