Stunt Man: The Autobiography of Yakima Canutt With Oliver Drake

by Yakima Canutt, Charlton Heston, John Wayne

Chronicles the career of the stunt man responsible for creating the action for such films as "Ben Hur" and "Gone With the Wind"

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love the author had for his craft comes through in the pages of this book. Learned about this book from the Arizona Ghost Riders Youtube channel.

[Amanda Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, enjoyable look at film history and the career journey of a creative genius and gutsy stunt man who impacted the industries of stunt work and second unit filming.

The book's organization and writing could be better. Transitions aren't used often; even a scene-break space would have helped in some chapters. Regardless, the book is worthwhile for anyone interested in Old Hollywood or who knows Yakima Canutt's work and wants to read behind the scenes of his three careers (bronc riding, stunt work, and second unit directing). His detailed descriptions of his work on various films, how to keep actors safe and how to create realistic spectacle, are fascinating and make me wish more of this work were still included in the movies made today, rather than relying so much on the green screen.

[Jay Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for information on stunt men for a project I am writing. Canutt is an icon in the film industry and too humble to brag about his career in film and in rodeo. He merely lays out the things he's done and lets us judge how good he was. A true gentleman.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I read this book so long ago, I do not remember liking it or hating it, but I do remember the interesting stories Canutt told.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just about worn the cover off of the library copy of this book. Yakima Canutt gives us a behind-the-scenes view of life as a rodeo legend, a stuntman, and stunt director. He is well known for the stunt directing of of such movies as _Ivanhoe_, _Spartacus_, and the thrilling chariot race from _Ben Hur_. He also helped direct stunts in family movies, like _Old Yeller_ and _Swiss Family Robinson_, and he gives fascinating anecdotes about each one. Unknown to many, Yakima also appears in what some consider one of the most iconic movies of all time, _Gone With the Wind_, as well as a passel of "blood and thunder" early Westerns. I could go on, but what would be the use? You need to read it to get his unique and exciting viewpoint on life and on the different movies he participated in. The book has many pictures in it, and an easy-to-follow first person narrative. If you don't think you like autobiographies, try this book. It may convert you!