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poliver's review
5.0
I read this book when it was first released back in 1995 and I just revisited it by listening to the new audiobook edition. It is read by the author David Skal. This wasn't an easy subject for the author as Tod Browning was secretive and enigmatic. He never discussed his life or career and did not give interviews. There was also little correspondence to consult. Skal's research came from interviews with Browning's co-workers and family members as well as newspaper and tradepaper accounts. The resulting book is illuminating and highly entertaining for classic film fans.
The book covers Brown's childhood and his stint working in a traveling carnival, an experience that would be used in many of his films. This was followed by work in a burlesque revue and his eventual signing with the Biograph company where he worked as an actor and appeared in some of D.W.Griffith's films. A serious automobile accident that left him recuperating for almost two years set his acting career back and he used the time to experiment with script writing. After he returned to work, he began directing in the late 1910s and eventually worked with Lon Chaney on numerous projects in the late 20s. His successes were notable, particularly with "The Unholy Three" (1925) (currently available on Amazon Prime Video) and "The Unknown" (1927).
Browning's career is sound films started promisingly and he achieved great acclaim with "Dracula" (1931), a critical and financial success. Unfortunately, his success was short-lived after the release of his next feature, "Freaks" (1932). The film, now considered a classic, shocked audiences at the time and was ridiculed upon its release and banned in some countries. He only made a handful of films during the remainder of the 30s although excellent ones ("Mark of the Vampire" (1935) and "Devil Doll" (1936) are highly recommended). He made one last film in 1939, "Miracles For Sale", and then retired to his Malibu home where he lived as a recluse for the next twenty years of his life.
The book is filled with interesting facets, like the fact that Browning's carnival work included an act in which he was buried alive (they would drop snacks down to him through a tube in the coffin!). Accounts of Browning's relationships with co-workers and friends are mixed and most are not flattering (he pushed his crew mercilessly). Browning's retirement years are surprisingly detailed and include interesting tidbits as to how he spent his time and his dealings with friends and neighbors.
The book covers Brown's childhood and his stint working in a traveling carnival, an experience that would be used in many of his films. This was followed by work in a burlesque revue and his eventual signing with the Biograph company where he worked as an actor and appeared in some of D.W.Griffith's films. A serious automobile accident that left him recuperating for almost two years set his acting career back and he used the time to experiment with script writing. After he returned to work, he began directing in the late 1910s and eventually worked with Lon Chaney on numerous projects in the late 20s. His successes were notable, particularly with "The Unholy Three" (1925) (currently available on Amazon Prime Video) and "The Unknown" (1927).
Browning's career is sound films started promisingly and he achieved great acclaim with "Dracula" (1931), a critical and financial success. Unfortunately, his success was short-lived after the release of his next feature, "Freaks" (1932). The film, now considered a classic, shocked audiences at the time and was ridiculed upon its release and banned in some countries. He only made a handful of films during the remainder of the 30s although excellent ones ("Mark of the Vampire" (1935) and "Devil Doll" (1936) are highly recommended). He made one last film in 1939, "Miracles For Sale", and then retired to his Malibu home where he lived as a recluse for the next twenty years of his life.
The book is filled with interesting facets, like the fact that Browning's carnival work included an act in which he was buried alive (they would drop snacks down to him through a tube in the coffin!). Accounts of Browning's relationships with co-workers and friends are mixed and most are not flattering (he pushed his crew mercilessly). Browning's retirement years are surprisingly detailed and include interesting tidbits as to how he spent his time and his dealings with friends and neighbors.
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