John Wayne B-Westerns: 1932 to 1939: Book Review

Synopsis: John Wayne is a true cinema icon, but the B-westerns he made in the 1930s after The Big Trail and before Stagecoach are often overlooked. With the publication of "John Wayne B-Westerns 1932-1939", film historian James L. Neibaur focuses on them specifically, film-by-film, and presents how they show the development of Wayne as both an actor and an image. These are the films that maintained his popularity throughout the 1930s until he was cast by John Ford in Stagecoach and his career quickly advanced. These B-westerns are an important part of The Duke's movie history.

 

Critique: Simply stated, unreservedly recommended for personal, community, college, and university library American 20th Century Cinematic History collections, "John Wayne B-Westerns 1932-1939" is a 'must read' selection for the legions of John Wayne fans. Information packed and illustrated throughout with b/w historical photos, "John Wayne B-Westerns 1932-1939" is also readily available from BearManor Media in a paperback edition (9798887712383, $28.00).

 

Editorial Note: James L. Neibaur is a film historian and scholar who has authored over thirty books on various aspects of cinema's history, as well as hundreds of articles for Cineaste, Senses of Cinema, Filmfax, Film Quarterly, Films in Review, Classic Images, and the Encyclopaedia Britannica. (https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/neibaur-james-l-1958)
-- The Theatre Cinema/TV Shelf