Michael F. Blake is an award-winning makeup artist with sixty years of experience in the film industry. Transitioning from a child actor at the age of two, he became one of the youngest professionals in the makeup department at twenty-one. His extensive credits span numerous iconic films, showcasing his significant contributions to cinematic artistry. Blake is also the foremost biographer of silent film star Lon Chaney, authoring definitive volumes on the actor's life and career, and is a respected historian of the Western genre through his insightful books and presentations.
The shoot-out at the O.K. Corral, lasting just 30 seconds, resulted in three deaths and two injuries, captivating American imagination for generations. Central to this narrative are Wyatt Earp, the resilient hero, and Doc Holliday, his unexpected ally, alongside the poignant saga of the Earp family. The legend's allure quickly caught Hollywood's attention, leading to numerous film adaptations since 1939, each varying in historical accuracy but rich in American storytelling and entertainment.
Focusing on the production of iconic Western films, this book delves into the making of "High Noon," "Shane," and "The Searchers." Author Michael F. Blake draws from extensive archives, including scripts, memos, and production reports, to reveal the challenges and successes faced by directors Fred Zinnemann, George Stevens, and John Ford. The narrative is enriched with rare behind-the-scenes photographs and memorabilia, offering a comprehensive look at the filmmaking process and the historical context of these cinematic masterpieces.
The Cowboy President: The American West and the Making of Theodore Roosevelt reveals how Roosevelt's time spent in the Western Dakota Territory helped him recover from an overwhelming personal loss, but more importantly, how it transformed him into the man etched onto Mount Rushmore, a man who is still rated as one of the top five Presidents in American history. Unlike other Roosevelt biographies, The Cowboy President details how the land, the people and the Western code of honor had an enormous impact on Theodore and how this experience influenced him in his later years.