Lloyd Hamilton: Poor Boy Comedian of Silent Cinema

by Anthony Balducci

At first glance, Lloyd Hamilton was a large, baby-faced comic who walked like a duck. To the trained eye, Hamilton demonstrated keen timing and an inventive mind, providing wry humor rich in emotion during his 20 year career. Perhaps most importantly, Hamilton was greatly admired by his fellow comics, receiving praise from the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. This book explores Hamilton's life and work, beginning with his conservative, middle-class childhood and continuing through the comic's entry into show business as a theatre extra, his most memorable role as half of silent comedy's "Ham and Bud" duo, and his first feature film, The Darker Self . The author examines Hamilton's private life and alcoholism and the decline of his health and career, which led to his death at the age of 43. The book includes exclusive photographs from the Hamilton family, a filmography with detailed plot descriptions, many behind-the-scenes facts, and an analysis of Hamilton's critical lost feature film A Self-Made Failure .

260 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2009

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this when it first came out, but was a little put off by the self-consciously artsy scene setting early on--I just didn't need to now that much about early Oakland, CA. But I picked the book up again recently, and after getting past that bump in the road, the book becomes readable and informative. It is a very good bio, well researched and insightful. Those interested in early film comedy will find it a worthy addition to their libraries. McFarland books are never cheap, and this one is no exception, but while $45 dollars may be a high price for a book, it is a very small price for an education. I recommend LLOYD HAMILTON: POOR BOY OF SILENT CINEMA wholeheartedly.

[Estott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography of a man with tremendous talent and a self-destructive life.