What do you think?
Rate this book
The Name Below The Title: 20 Classic Movie Character Actors From Hollywood's Golden Age
AN AMAZON BESTSELLER During the golden age of American cinema, the character actor’s contribution often goes unacknowledged or, though perhaps not forgotten, underappreciated; the unsung heroes. Hollywood studios had large stables of contract and stock players from all walks of life and in all shapes, sizes and ages. This great population of personalities formed the league of character actors. They played the sidekicks and best friends of the stars who headlined the movies in which they appeared. They also portrayed parents, grandparents, oddball relatives, wise-cracking neighbors, smart-aleck store clerks and loveable barkeeps. Lest we forget the sinister side of this society, villains also claimed a stake in this assembly of saints, sinners and every type in between. These colorful personalities were usually one-dimensional, someone to whom the star could confide secrets or vent frustrations. In many cases they carried the same persona over from one film to the next, perfecting their stereotype so that audiences knew what to expect from them in a positive and affectionate way, collecting their beloved favorites over the years. The Name Below the Title features 20 of the best and most fun examples of the Hollywood character actor during Hollywood's most famous era from the 1930s through the 1950s.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2014
98 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 14, 2017
Yes, we are discussing Hollywood's Golden Age, so you better (*in the USA, at least) be a fan of Turner Classic Movies, because this book is about "those people." And what Alistair means by "Below the Title," is that we are not talking about the big name stars."
These are people who played the best friend, mother, scoundrel, victim, villain, vamp and grandparent to the main character. Some of these names should be familiar: Claude Rains, Agnes Moorehead, Ward Bond, Basil Rathbone, Thelma Ritter. There are 20 short biographies/filmographies in all. It is fun to recognize an actor such as Margaret Hamilton (who played the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz) and learn about the other movies that made use of her talents. The book provides background, anecdotes and some critical perspective on their careers.
These people, without exception, had long careers and memorable roles (even if we can't remember their names). As Beaulah Bondi (the kind adoption agent in Penny Seranade) once said: "Give me a good supporting role, and that's all I ask. The life of a star with a few exceptions is brief. It's like a merry-go-round only suddenly the music stops playing. Supporting players, unless typed, go on forever." (She received her final Emmy at age 89. ) This is a short book that packs a lot of enjoyments, even if it does not reach the depths of profound insight.
These are people who played the best friend, mother, scoundrel, victim, villain, vamp and grandparent to the main character. Some of these names should be familiar: Claude Rains, Agnes Moorehead, Ward Bond, Basil Rathbone, Thelma Ritter. There are 20 short biographies/filmographies in all. It is fun to recognize an actor such as Margaret Hamilton (who played the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz) and learn about the other movies that made use of her talents. The book provides background, anecdotes and some critical perspective on their careers.
These people, without exception, had long careers and memorable roles (even if we can't remember their names). As Beaulah Bondi (the kind adoption agent in Penny Seranade) once said: "Give me a good supporting role, and that's all I ask. The life of a star with a few exceptions is brief. It's like a merry-go-round only suddenly the music stops playing. Supporting players, unless typed, go on forever." (She received her final Emmy at age 89. ) This is a short book that packs a lot of enjoyments, even if it does not reach the depths of profound insight.
February 8, 2024
20 mini-bios of great Hollywood supporting actors
This book follows an intriguing concept — highlighting the lives of 20 supporting actors in Hollywood of the 1930s to 50s. Most I had some familiarity with, and a few I didn’t know at all. What is fascinating is that most if them were well remembered for certain performances or lines, but putting a name to their face … not so much — the hallmark of a great character actor, I suppose. Their real-life stories were interesting to read about. I generally felt some more details about each could be helpful to include to make this book a little meatier. And more photos of them was something I wanted for sure. Still this was a good, quick read.
This book follows an intriguing concept — highlighting the lives of 20 supporting actors in Hollywood of the 1930s to 50s. Most I had some familiarity with, and a few I didn’t know at all. What is fascinating is that most if them were well remembered for certain performances or lines, but putting a name to their face … not so much — the hallmark of a great character actor, I suppose. Their real-life stories were interesting to read about. I generally felt some more details about each could be helpful to include to make this book a little meatier. And more photos of them was something I wanted for sure. Still this was a good, quick read.
January 12, 2019
I have always gravitated to the people in the movies who aren't necessarily the "stars." I'm always excited to see certain names in the opening credits, because I know at least the scene they're in will be worth watching.
For those who may not be as fluent in the names of supporting actors in films, this will be an excellent primer on whom to look out for when a classic comes onto TCM, or Talking Pictures (in the UK) or when one is flipping through the DVD's in the shops. For those of us who grew up looking for Thelma Ritter, or Louise Beavers or Claude Rains, this will be a reminder that we haven't seen quite everything yet, and it's time to re-set the wishlist function on the DVR. Mr. Alistair provides a brief but helpful overview of each actor's career, providing just enough information to whet the appetite of a burgeoning film buff.
I look forward to Volumes 2 and 3.
For those who may not be as fluent in the names of supporting actors in films, this will be an excellent primer on whom to look out for when a classic comes onto TCM, or Talking Pictures (in the UK) or when one is flipping through the DVD's in the shops. For those of us who grew up looking for Thelma Ritter, or Louise Beavers or Claude Rains, this will be a reminder that we haven't seen quite everything yet, and it's time to re-set the wishlist function on the DVR. Mr. Alistair provides a brief but helpful overview of each actor's career, providing just enough information to whet the appetite of a burgeoning film buff.
I look forward to Volumes 2 and 3.
September 23, 2021
#100 of 120 books pledged to read during 2021
September 2, 2015
I agree with Mr. Alistair and have often thought that character actors are the "unsung heroes" of the movie business. Rupert Alistair's book, The Name Below The Title: 20 Classic Movie Character Actors From Hollywood's Golden Age, contains many tantalizing tidbits about some of my favorite character actors of that era (Margaret Hamilton, Walter Brennan, and Barry Fitzgerald!) whose outstanding talents enriched many of the classic movies we all know and love. Great book: well-researched, chock full of interesting facts, and an essential read for classic movie fans! I'm really looking forward to volume two!
December 7, 2014
Great book for Hollywood-philes
Interesting stories about the common faces we see in our beloved classic films. Now we have names to go with those faces!
Interesting stories about the common faces we see in our beloved classic films. Now we have names to go with those faces!
July 4, 2018
Good book!!
I really enjoyed reading this book as I am an old movie buff and am familiar with many of the actors and actresses mentioned in it. This book is filled with information on the people who occupy its pages. I highly recommend it to other readers.
I really enjoyed reading this book as I am an old movie buff and am familiar with many of the actors and actresses mentioned in it. This book is filled with information on the people who occupy its pages. I highly recommend it to other readers.
September 1, 2020
Fun interesting book of little bios
You know them all if you know and love TCM. Info on the supporting actors of yesteryear that will put you in the binging mood for classics and essential b&w movies we watch and watched over and over again.
You know them all if you know and love TCM. Info on the supporting actors of yesteryear that will put you in the binging mood for classics and essential b&w movies we watch and watched over and over again.
August 12, 2020
Captivating
I liked this book very much because when I was growing up my older cousin bought those movie star magazines and we read all the things they wrote and loved it! your book is so much nicer telling what the people were like from birth on!
I liked this book very much because when I was growing up my older cousin bought those movie star magazines and we read all the things they wrote and loved it! your book is so much nicer telling what the people were like from birth on!
July 30, 2015
Excellent!
If one enjoys reading about great character actors, this is a wonderful read. Tiny bits about those who supported the main star adding the content to make a movie diverse.
If one enjoys reading about great character actors, this is a wonderful read. Tiny bits about those who supported the main star adding the content to make a movie diverse.
March 14, 2016
Thanks
I liked the trip down memory lane. Now let's have some more. Lots of fun and informative. I remember all of them.
I liked the trip down memory lane. Now let's have some more. Lots of fun and informative. I remember all of them.
November 4, 2017
Very enjoyable book!
Reinforced my memories of the many fine supporting actors I have admired and grown up with. I am looking forward to reading the next two volumes.
Reinforced my memories of the many fine supporting actors I have admired and grown up with. I am looking forward to reading the next two volumes.
December 15, 2020
The Name Below the Title is the first in a series of 3 books dealing with the character actors from Hollywood's Golden Age. The actors selected are mostly fairly well known from their films from the 1930's to 1960's. Some had starring roles from time to time, but most gave supporting performances that are well remembered. Featured among 20 talented actors: Claude Rains, Lionel Barrymore, Thelma Ritter, Beulah Bondi, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond, Basil Rathbone, Dan Duryea, Agnes Moorehead, Margaret Hamilton, Walter Brennan, George Sanders and Eve Arden. Several lasted long enough to become TV stars (Brennan, Arden, Moorehead, Bond). A few even won Oscars (Barrymore, Brennan, Fitzgerald). The only negative here is that each actor is given only a thumbnail sketch and not a more detailed portrait, but, overall this is fun to read.
November 24, 2020
Nice Little Volume
If you enjoy the old movies and find yourself wondering "who is that guy?," then this little book is for you. Alistair highlights the backgrounds of some of the stock ... but often unknown ... character actors of Hollywood's Golden Age. You know their faces and now, thanks to this book, know their names and histories. It's the first in a three-volume set. We've read all three and hope there will be others. If we have one criticism of the series ... and it's very minor ... is that a little more on their personal lives would have been welcomed. But again, a minor point on an otherwise enjoyable series. The series is a fast read and a good reference to keep handy.
If you enjoy the old movies and find yourself wondering "who is that guy?," then this little book is for you. Alistair highlights the backgrounds of some of the stock ... but often unknown ... character actors of Hollywood's Golden Age. You know their faces and now, thanks to this book, know their names and histories. It's the first in a three-volume set. We've read all three and hope there will be others. If we have one criticism of the series ... and it's very minor ... is that a little more on their personal lives would have been welcomed. But again, a minor point on an otherwise enjoyable series. The series is a fast read and a good reference to keep handy.
March 31, 2021
This is a good enough boo k, just not outstanding in prose or description. It gives a,quick look at some of the great c h archer acts of Hollywood. It is easy to read and a gold reminder of some of those faces we saw over and over in often similar roles. I recommend this if you are a film buff or if TCM is your favorite television network. Probably the best known people are Walter Brennan and Ward Bond. And the sensational Wicked Witch of the West herself, Margaret Hamilton.
It is also like getting to find out details about some old friends in your life. Hope you enjoy the read.
It is also like getting to find out details about some old friends in your life. Hope you enjoy the read.
September 29, 2023
Good to put names with the faces.
As a big fan of classic movies I have seen the face of these actors for years, so it was good to be able to put names with face. And great biography to round out the book. Its a quick read but a good one, I was happy to find out there are not book to read. The problem with movies today is lack of depth in story lines if n the movie has a story. Missing most are these actors.. Enjoy this one and get the others lined up for good evening, or anytime read. On to book.2
As a big fan of classic movies I have seen the face of these actors for years, so it was good to be able to put names with face. And great biography to round out the book. Its a quick read but a good one, I was happy to find out there are not book to read. The problem with movies today is lack of depth in story lines if n the movie has a story. Missing most are these actors.. Enjoy this one and get the others lined up for good evening, or anytime read. On to book.2
June 25, 2019
Odd
Kind of like reading a high school report. For some actors, their date of birth and age at their death are listed. For others, there's just a sample list of movie roles mixed in with an odd fact. Very much like reading the second and fourth paragraphs from each actor's Wikipedia page.
Kind of like reading a high school report. For some actors, their date of birth and age at their death are listed. For others, there's just a sample list of movie roles mixed in with an odd fact. Very much like reading the second and fourth paragraphs from each actor's Wikipedia page.
April 20, 2023
Our beloved characters
I just love reading about the life and times of our beloved character actors from film and screen. Thank you for researching these often ignored people in our lives.
If it wasn't for these characters that are brought to life the movies would lose their draw.
I just love reading about the life and times of our beloved character actors from film and screen. Thank you for researching these often ignored people in our lives.
If it wasn't for these characters that are brought to life the movies would lose their draw.
May 15, 2023
Quick Bios Of Familiar Faces
These short (3-4 page) bios of familiar character actors are a great introduction to these familiar but often unknown performers. Each entry gives a brief overview of the actor’s life and career, mentioning their most famous performances. For the casual movie fan, it’s a nice resource. For more serious fans, it’s a good place to start.
These short (3-4 page) bios of familiar character actors are a great introduction to these familiar but often unknown performers. Each entry gives a brief overview of the actor’s life and career, mentioning their most famous performances. For the casual movie fan, it’s a nice resource. For more serious fans, it’s a good place to start.
February 15, 2025
If you like classic movies and character actors, this short book gives you an intro to some of the finest actors of that genre. Most are recognizable immediately. Easy to read and fun to remember, these talented individuals such as one of my favorites, Dan Duryea, are little nuggets of pleasure to watch.
May 22, 2020
Oh joy!
I enjoyed reading about these character actors. Every time I saw another name come up it stirred something in me. Brought me back to the time I first saw these characters come alive on the screen. I hope everyone else enjoys it too!
I enjoyed reading about these character actors. Every time I saw another name come up it stirred something in me. Brought me back to the time I first saw these characters come alive on the screen. I hope everyone else enjoys it too!
August 9, 2021
Great book
If you're a fan of classic movies, this is the book for you! There are short biographies of twenty of the best character actors of the golden age. I was so glad to see Claude Rains, Eve Arden and Jack Carson among them.
If you're a fan of classic movies, this is the book for you! There are short biographies of twenty of the best character actors of the golden age. I was so glad to see Claude Rains, Eve Arden and Jack Carson among them.
December 19, 2022
Required reading for anyone who loves cinema!
I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the supporting actor, because without them, the star would not shine as bright.
This was a truly great read!
I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the supporting actor, because without them, the star would not shine as bright.
This was a truly great read!
April 22, 2023
Have been watching Hollywood films from the 30s - 50s for as long as I can remember, so all of these names are familiar friends. The only complaint I have is that the bios are not long enough. But I look forward to reading more of Alistair's books to see what else he has in store.
March 16, 2018
Not a all what I thought it would be. It is just a series of short, obituary like, bios. I wouldn't call it boring, but it is a long jaunt from interesting.
March 23, 2019
If you enjoy classic movies and the character actors that have made those movies still popular today, you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book.
April 12, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed the read. It was entertaining as well as informative. I would recommend reading the book. Thanks very much.
I enjoyed the read. It was entertaining as well as informative. I would recommend reading the book. Thanks very much.
August 25, 2020
love reading about the classic years of movies and this book gives insight to the great character actors of that era.
May 5, 2021
Funny and informative!
I liked this book very much and intend to read Mr. Alistair's next book. I haven't read as much as I used to. This book hit the spot.
I liked this book very much and intend to read Mr. Alistair's next book. I haven't read as much as I used to. This book hit the spot.
November 6, 2021
I love classic movies and this book taught me a lot about the faces we know so well. I keep it next to the TV and refer to it when a familiar face appears. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews