Anyone who loves the film industry would love this mixed biography (of the author’s father), history of the entertainment industry in the twentieth century, and glimpse into the Golden Age of Hollywood. It is unique and a pleasure to read. ( )

In this incredibly well-written book, Margaret Talbot not only writes a biography of her father, actor Lyle Talbot, but also captures the zeitgeist of the first half of the twentieth century and the evolution of entertainment. Lyle was a Nebraska-born boy of Irish stock, raised by his grandmother in a boarding house. In his teens, he discovered his father--and the theater. He knew the life of an itinerant carnie/actor/magician through the twenties, and made his way to Hollywood soon after the advent of talkies. He acted in a wide variety of films, from great classics with Shirley Temple to classics-for-other-reasons like Plan 9 From Outer Space. In the end, he found a niche in character roles in the new medium of television.

Talbot is never worshipful as she describes her father's career and lover boy reputation; in fact, she's refreshingly blunt and analytical. She draws from numerous interviews and sources as she addresses many things her father never discussed with his children, such as his brief marriages with other women and even the claim of abuse by one ex-wife. She isn't defensive of her father, but gracefully explains the context of the times. This is a book that abounds in fascinating stories and trivia.

If you have any interest in early Hollywood or 20th century history, this enlightening book is well worth your time. I will certainly be keeping it on my research shelf. ( )

I highly recommend this book for Lyle Talbot fans and for fans of the Golden age of Hollywood. Being a huge classic movie lover I could not wait to read this book. A perfect blend of biography, memoir and history of the time period. Very well written and well researched. This book deserves a place in a classic film buffs collection. ( )

Excellent treatment of entertainment and film through an entertainer who was there. ( )

Affectionate biography by Margaret Talbot of her father, actor Lyle Talbot. Nicely written, and contains more than just the facts of Talbot's life. In addition to the story of Lyle Talbot, this is also a story of America during the 20th century.