Charley Chase...is one of the great old-time comics who was touched by the cruel hand of genius but whose acceptance among the arbiters of taste was delayed until a half-century after his death. Now there is a biography, written con amor by a pair of excellent researchers whose affection for their subject is evident.
American Cinematographer
Anthony and Edmonds perform a worthy public service for the film community by showcasing the busy, comic, and poignant life of film writer-director-actor Charley Chase...the pleasant, fluid narrative opts for the personal rather than the scholarly touch...the breadth and depth of personal interviews is staggering. Anthony and Edmonds provide an engaging model for reviving the personal histories of the silent and early sound films eras, making old black-and-white comic images not only accessible but colorful and entertaining. All academic and public film collections.
CHOICE
...a fascinating trip through Chase's career. The writing is simple and unadorned, much like the filmaking of Chase himself. The authors have a vast knowledge of Chase's shorts, and they meticulously take us through each year of his career...Unlike many writers, however, Anthony and Edmonds aren't blinded by their subject.
Classic Images
...the authors...managed to reveal the full story of Chase through access to the Hal Roach Studio papers and their interviews with Roach himself, Chase's daughters, Jules White, Joe Rock, Ed Bernds, Dorothy Granger, Elwood Ullman, Anita Garvin, Marvin hatley and others who worked with him...photos include many from the Chase family album never before published...I appreciated Chase before I read the book and do so even more now...
The Big Reel
Charley Chase is America's great unsung comedy talent. It's about time someone devoted an entire book to him!
Leonard Maltin
Anthony and Edmonds do an excellent job of evoking the worlds in which Chase lived and worked....This is a worthwhile and valuable book.
Past Times
Author and Charley Chase buff Brian Anthony presents his idol, warts and all...excellent research and dedicated attention to detail...a rich three-dimensional portrait of Chase and his times.
The Silents Majority
...diligent research...a complete filmography is included which on its own is a miracle of accomplishment...in addition, the authors have dug deeply into the archives of the film companies where Chase worked and given us a chronology of the movies he made, the dates they were done, even the casts...well-researched and documented...an illuminating study of the man and his times. Four stars.
Rapport
Now, thanks to the diligent research of these authors, tribute has at last been paid. A complete filmography is included which on its own is a miracle accomplishment...the general movie buff will more than likely taste the fruits of this endeavor. For those who are resourceful enough to read this well-researched and documented story, they'll find themselves with an illuminating study of the man and his times.
Rapport, Vol. 20, No. 5
Along with fascinating biographical details, the authors cite specific films for analysis and provide a complet annotated filmography.
Film Quarterly
...its cultural value is certain, providing an interesting and entertaining context for a forgotten star.
Historical Journal of Film, Radio, & Television
The authors are most successful in making a case for a reexamination of Chase's work. This is a long-needed and most highly recommended book.
The Current