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Born into a wealthy middle
class Chicago family and educated at a renowned college,
circumstances led Ford Sterling to leave his comfortable life. The
fates were with him all the while. By
way of the circus, vaudeville, burlesque, Shakespeare, Broadway, and
baseball, Sterling made his way to the top
in the early days of silent film comedy. Best known for his role as the Keystone Kops villain, Sterling became a comedy legend as great as Charlie Chaplin
in the opening decades of the twentieth century. But
it didn't end with these one and two reel short films: during the mid-1920's,
Sterling acquired a reputation as one of the most sought-after character
actors of the day, and when the sound era came, with his fine voice, a
product of the Academy Of Dramatic Art in New York, he made the transition
effortlessly. So successful was Sterling that he was able to
retire a millionaire. That is, until
fate stepped in, yet again.
He was far from a one-trick pony.
During his life, Sterling was also recognized as a
cartoonist and a world class photographer.
In addition to his baseball interest, he gardened, played golf and
tennis skillfully, painted and sculpted, and enjoyed traveling the
world. He was popular amongst friends
and colleagues alike, so much so that he was once referred to by a Native
American Chief as “A man amongst men”.
He was also a well-rounded and learned man, who got the most out of
life, and gave much back.
Over the years, Ford Sterling's reputation has suffered, chiefly due to the
perpetuation of misnomers, rumors, and outright inaccuracies. It is time to set the record straight, and
restore this silent film comedy legend to his rightful place among the
greats. It is hoped that this
chronicle of his life and times - filled with adventures, great highs, deep
lows, and great joy shared along the way - will assist in this endeavor.
The main focus of the work is Sterling’s career, from 1911 to 1937, which is unfortunately
largely forgotten today. This volume
contains a detailed filmography provides all known production, cast and crew
information as well as a synopsis for each film when available. The work is
also indexed.
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Published by
McFarland
About the Author
Wendy Warwick White lives in Peoria, Arizona. Her articles and photographs have been published
in numerous magazines and newspapers. Currently she is production assistant for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D), in their Sun City, Arizona studio.
NOW AVAILABLE
Email: drummersmoll@cox.net
In addition to
McFarland and Company, Inc.
Ford Sterling; The
Life and Films
can be found at the following places –
Borders
Amazon
Mabel
Normand Store
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