Tweet READY NOW! LITTLE ELF: A Celebration of Harry Langdon

Good news! LITTLE ELF can now be ordered... and it's IN STOCK!

http://www.bearmanormedia.com/index.php ... uct_id=509

This is Harry Langdon's DEFINITIVE life story, coupled with the most comprehensive Langdon filmography ever compiled. My co-author, Chuck Harter, and I have uncovered every aspect of Harry's career, from his earliest stage appearances to his final day on a soundstage. Errors from previous books have been explained and corrected. Over 500 images add depth to the story of this most subtly visual of silent clowns. As a bonus, the book includes FIVE of Harry's original vaudeville scripts, TEN vintage movie magazine profiles from 1925-33, and a detailed, illustrated synopsis of HEART TROUBLE.

A Foreword by Steve Massa and a 3-page Introduction by Ed Watz - two of the most authoritative film comedy experts of our day - set the stage for this 690-page Langdon tribute. Whatever the depth of your interest in the Golden Age of Comedy, we're sure you'll enjoy LITTLE ELF.

Michael J. Hayde

Oh boy, oh boy... how exciting! Congratulations to you and Chuck and wishing you two all the best with what I'm sure is a fantastic book! I can't wait to get myself a copy, and here I thought I'd have to wait for another month or two. Christmas came early this year my friends. Not only do we have 1 book on Harry coming out, we have 2! Can't beat that. Does Bear Manor offer express shipping? I am going to consume this book once it arrives. Again, congrats to you and Chuck and everyone else who contributed!

Oh boy, oh boy... how exciting! Congratulations to you and Chuck and wishing you two all the best with what I'm sure is a fantastic book! I can't wait to get myself a copy, and here I thought I'd have to wait for another month or two. Christmas came early this year my friends. Not only do we have 1 book on Harry coming out, we have 2! Can't beat that. Does Bear Manor offer express shipping? I am going to consume this book once it arrives. Again, congrats to you and Chuck and everyone else who contributed!

What's the other book?

Jim
("Harry isn't God's elf; he's God Himself!")

What's the other book?

James L. Neibaur's "The Silent Films of Harry Langdon (1923-1928)" by Scarecrow is due out in about a month or so. It examines Langdon's silents film-by-film and his journey as a comedian and filmmaker.

While Michael J. Hayde & Chuck Harter's "Little Elf: A Celebration of Harry Langdon" is more of a bio which also includes a comprehensive filmography.

"Harry isn't God's elf; he's God Himself!"

I love it!

Nothing like a fine opportunity to raise a Little Elf.

("Harry isn't God's elf; he's God Himself!")

"The Lord Elf's Those Who Elf Themselves."

What's the other book?

James L. Neibaur's "The Silent Films of Harry Langdon (1923-1928)" by Scarecrow is due out in about a month or so. It examines Langdon's silents film-by-film and his journey as a comedian and filmmaker.

Good lord! Neibaur's churning them out like a dupe factory in China these days! What's this, his third book in less than 18 months or something?


Jim

Good lord! Neibaur's churning them out like a dupe factory in China these days! What's this, his third book in less than 18 months or something?


Jim

This is what Mr. Neibaur said about it at another board:

"As with my books on Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin, I feel that the major comedians can not be well served with just a broad overview of their entire career. Most of you know that I have done books on Keaton's talkies, Keaton's films with Arbuckle, Chaplin's Essanays, and Chaplin's Keystones. I am currently doing one on Keaton's silent shorts, and will follow up with one on Charley Chase's talkie shorts (at Roach and Columbia).

"So, my Langdon book is not a bio or a filmography. It is a film-by-film look at his silent movies, discussing their significance and making a serious case for greater appreciation, especially those films he directed himself (their negative reputation has to be quashed)."

As one of the authors who has just completed a "broad overview" of Harry Langdon, I strongly disagree that he "can not be well served" by it, especially since our work uncovers so many neglected or poorly researched aspects of his career. But most of the major clowns are the subjects of several books (sometimes several DOZEN books), and if anyone deserves the same level of attention, it's Langdon.

Michael J. Hayde

As one of the authors who has just completed a "broad overview" of Harry Langdon, I strongly disagree that he "can not be well served" by it, especially since our work uncovers so many neglected or poorly researched aspects of his career. But most of the major clowns are the subjects of several books (sometimes several DOZEN books), and if anyone deserves the same level of attention, it's Langdon.

Michael J. Hayde

Hear, hear!

Order placed! I hope to post a review on feetofmud.com once I'm finished with it, which may be a while considering the 692 pages. I'm not complaining though, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Long live Harry!

Good lord! Neibaur's churning them out like a dupe factory in China these days! What's this, his third book in less than 18 months or something?


Jim

This is what Mr. Neibaur said about it at another board:

"As with my books on Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin, I feel that the major comedians can not be well served with just a broad overview of their entire career. Most of you know that I have done books on Keaton's talkies, Keaton's films with Arbuckle, Chaplin's Essanays, and Chaplin's Keystones. I am currently doing one on Keaton's silent shorts, and will follow up with one on Charley Chase's talkie shorts (at Roach and Columbia).

"So, my Langdon book is not a bio or a filmography. It is a film-by-film look at his silent movies, discussing their significance and making a serious case for greater appreciation, especially those films he directed himself (their negative reputation has to be quashed)."

As one of the authors who has just completed a "broad overview" of Harry Langdon, I strongly disagree that he "can not be well served" by it, especially since our work uncovers so many neglected or poorly researched aspects of his career. But most of the major clowns are the subjects of several books (sometimes several DOZEN books), and if anyone deserves the same level of attention, it's Langdon.

Michael J. Hayde

Jim Neibaur's books are of value if you want to know what Jim Neibaur thinks of a comedian's work after the DVD collections have come out. I prefer far more research and fact over opinion. Opinion is easy to to crank out in quantity, and everyone has one these days.


RICHARD M ROBERTS

Good lord! Neibaur's churning them out like a dupe factory in China these days! What's this, his third book in less than 18 months or something?


Jim

This is what Mr. Neibaur said about it at another board:

"As with my books on Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin, I feel that the major comedians can not be well served with just a broad overview of their entire career. Most of you know that I have done books on Keaton's talkies, Keaton's films with Arbuckle, Chaplin's Essanays, and Chaplin's Keystones. I am currently doing one on Keaton's silent shorts, and will follow up with one on Charley Chase's talkie shorts (at Roach and Columbia).

"So, my Langdon book is not a bio or a filmography. It is a film-by-film look at his silent movies, discussing their significance and making a serious case for greater appreciation, especially those films he directed himself (their negative reputation has to be quashed)."

As one of the authors who has just completed a "broad overview" of Harry Langdon, I strongly disagree that he "can not be well served" by it, especially since our work uncovers so many neglected or poorly researched aspects of his career. But most of the major clowns are the subjects of several books (sometimes several DOZEN books), and if anyone deserves the same level of attention, it's Langdon.

Michael J. Hayde

Jim Neibaur's books are of value if you want to know what Jim Neibaur thinks of a comedian's work after the DVD collections have come out. I prefer far more research and fact over opinion. Opinion is easy to to crank out in quantity, and everyone has one these days.


RICHARD M ROBERTS

Richard M Roberts, I find this to be a both unfair and untrue assessment, based on what I have read of Neibaur's work. His book on the Arbuckle/Keaton-collaborations, for instance, seems to me to be very well researched, providing a good overview on this crucial period in each men's respective careers. The book ALSO provides personal analysis from the author, and while I don't always agree with his opinions (it would be odd if I did), very often I do, and at the very least his discussions of the films always strike me as interesting and thought-provoking, making me eager to check them out for myself another time.

Richard M Roberts, I find this to be a both unfair and untrue assessment, based on what I have read of Neibaur's work. His book on the Arbuckle/Keaton-collaborations, for instance, seems to me to be very well researched, providing a good overview on this crucial period in each men's respective careers. The book ALSO provides personal analysis from the author, and while I don't always agree with his opinions (it would be odd if I did), very often I do, and at the very least his discussions of the films always strike me as interesting and thought-provoking, making me eager to check them out for myself another time.

Like I said, everyone has opinions, and quantity seldom makes up for quality.


RICHARD M ROBERTS (well, I could have just said, "You're wrong".)

Order placed! I hope to post a review on feetofmud.com once I'm finished with it, which may be a while considering the 692 pages. I'm not complaining though, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Long live Harry!

I've also ordered the book -- two copies, actually -- and will be ordering more in the coming weeks as gifts for some very lucky friends. (I'd order additional copies now if I didn't have to carry them in my luggage to Germany, but this book approximates the dimensions of the Manhattan yellow pages.)

I was luckier still to be able to preview a good portion of LITTLE ELF. This book is not only a comprehensive life story of Harry Langdon, which just happens to contain a massive amount of incredible original research, engagingly written. Every one of Langdon's films are also examined, with full synopses, analyses, "Harry moments," etc., all beautifully detailed. Even the "lost" films are descriptively covered. And the number of rare photos used throughout is staggering. All in all a monumental achievement.

I'm a little nonplussed (or perhaps the better term is "slap-happy") from all the ongoing activity as my family and I go through the process of selling our home, dealing with movers, and worrying over my precious cargo of 16mm films as they make their way across the Atlantic, airborne ahead of us. But on one thing my mind is very certain: Mike Hayde and Chuck Harter's fabulous work on Harry Langdon is destined to be one of THE top film books of 2012...once you see it for yourselves, you'll realize that I was just stating the obvious...

[silentfilm]

I'm a little nonplussed (or perhaps the better term is "slap-happy") from all the ongoing activity as my family and I go through the process of selling our home, dealing with movers, and worrying over my precious cargo of 16mm films as they make their way across the Atlantic, airborne ahead of us.

I know the feeling. Three years ago we moved 250 miles across the state, and I was not about to let the movers handle my film collection (although they did a great job with the rest of our stuff, much better than I expected). Since I started my new job 6 weeks before the move, I packed up my car with 16mm films and notebooks full of film stills on one of my weekends back home and drove it up to Dallas to make sure it all arrived safely.

But on one thing my mind is very certain: Mike Hayde and Chuck Harter's fabulous work on Harry Langdon is destined to be one of THE top film books of 2012...once you see it for yourselves, you'll realize that I was just stating the obvious...

Dare I say one of THE top film books of the decade? I haven't even seen it yet but from your description, and what Chuck & Mike have told me, it sounds like it's a phenomenal book.

All the best in your move, Ed. Wishing you all the best!

I'm a little nonplussed (or perhaps the better term is "slap-happy") from all the ongoing activity as my family and I go through the process of selling our home, dealing with movers, and worrying over my precious cargo of 16mm films as they make their way across the Atlantic, airborne ahead of us.

I know the feeling. Three years ago we moved 250 miles across the state, and I was not about to let the movers handle my film collection (although they did a great job with the rest of our stuff, much better than I expected). Since I started my new job 6 weeks before the move, I packed up my car with 16mm films and notebooks full of film stills on one of my weekends back home and drove it up to Dallas to make sure it all arrived safely.

Bruce, I wish I could have done exactly what you did with the films - transport them myself - but I had to take that leap of faith that the cargo company would treat them carefully. Fortunately we just received a call this morning that all the films arrived safely in Frankfurt, and are now being transported to my mother-in-law's home about six hours away. Still sweating it out, but very glad that nothing has been lost!

But on one thing my mind is very certain: Mike Hayde and Chuck Harter's fabulous work on Harry Langdon is destined to be one of THE top film books of 2012...once you see it for yourselves, you'll realize that I was just stating the obvious...

Dare I say one of THE top film books of the decade? I haven't even seen it yet but from your description, and what Chuck & Mike have told me, it sounds like it's a phenomenal book.

All the best in your move, Ed. Wishing you all the best!

Thank you, Tim! I'll be sure to let everyone know when I land on my feet - it's a tiny rural village, think GREEN ACRES in German - who knows, maybe the locals are just premiering the latest from Lupu Pick!

Regarding Mike Hayde and Chuck Harter's LITTLE ELF -- I like the way you think! Here's hoping the folks on Nitrateville support the book and make it a Best Seller in this niche market. It's truly a magnificent book.

Fortunately we just received a call this morning that all the films arrived safely in Frankfurt, and are now being transported to my mother-in-law's home about six hours away. Still sweating it out, but very glad that nothing has been lost!

Your time spent with Rohauer seems to have prepared you well for shipping films to Europe from USA and having them end up in non archive locations. Come clean, what did you actually ship? The lost Dippy Doo Dads outakes?

Fortunately we just received a call this morning that all the films arrived safely in Frankfurt, and are now being transported to my mother-in-law's home about six hours away. Still sweating it out, but very glad that nothing has been lost!

Your time spent with Rohauer seems to have prepared you well for shipping films to Europe from USA and having them end up in non archive locations. Come clean, what did you actually ship? The lost Dippy Doo Dads outakes?

I can assure you it was NOTHING as irreplaceable as those missing Dippy Doo Dads outtakes. (Didn't Dick Bann already locate that footage back in his Minnesota days - stored under Sven Svensen's ice skating rink? I could be mistaken!)

LITTLE ELF can now be pre-ordered from Amazon. (The books are printed; they just need to make their way to Amazon's warehouse[s] before they ship out.)

http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Langdon--Li ... ry+Langdon

Michael

Yesterday was the day- LITTLE ELF was delivered! Let me just say, WOW... I almost needed help carrying it because it's SO thick. I've spent a little time thumbing through it but there is so much more info here, it's going to be a while until I get through it all. It's like an encyclopedia edition on Langdon. I obviously haven't even begun to take in everything, but it's loaded with stills, posters, scripts, reviews, ads, etc. I've only read a few pages so far and am amazed at the feat that was accomplished to assemble all of this. I think the price of the book is worth it just based on all the imagery, and on top of that you mean to tell me there's a very well researched bio AND detailed filmography? Again, WOW! I don't even know where to begin, I spent the afternoon just flipping through it and looking at all the rare images that Chuck & Michael unearthed during their journey to produce this spectacular volume. I can't thank Chuck, Michael, Steve, Ed, and everyone else who contributed to this book enough. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Heck, this isn't a book, it's a flippin' tome (but not in a scholarly kind of way, it's very readable)! Now, if I could only take the whole summer off and relax on a beach with this, I'd be happy as a clam and a lark!

Whatever you need to do to purchase this book, DO IT!... Collect change off the street, sell your belongings, get a part time job, whatever it takes. This book is simply unbelievable and you won't be disappointed!

Whatever you need to do to purchase this book, DO IT!... Collect change off the street, sell your belongings, get a part time job, whatever it takes.

Just did it. (And all it took, in this dangerous day and age, was a click on the keyboard.)

Looking very much forward indeed to getting better acquainted with the master pantomimist.

Whatever you need to do to purchase this book, DO IT!... Collect change off the street, sell your belongings, get a part time job, whatever it takes.

Just did it. (And all it took, in this dangerous day and age, was a click on the keyboard.)

Looking very much forward indeed to getting better acquainted with the master pantomimist.

I know the feeling, I have to control myself sometimes as there are so many good books & films I'd like to purchase. This book was #1 on my list before it even came out though.

You won't be disappointed. I'm glad to hear you took the leap of faith and purchased it. It is truly an outstanding piece of work! I'm still dumbfounded over all the imagery in this book.

Aaargh! I ordered from Amazon last week and it's backordered!

Aaargh! I ordered from Amazon last week and it's backordered!

Maybe you should cancel it and order from Barnes & Noble: Bigger discount (as of this writing) and "usually ships within 24 hours."

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/harry-l ... 1593932787

Michael

Thanks, but I have a gift card that covers it for Amazon, plus, while it's cheaper from B&N, there's tax, which brings it up to a couple of dollars more than Amazon (since I have, essentially, free shipping from Amazon).

I wouldn't have time to read it at the moment anyway, I'm just dying to look at it.
Fred

Well, I should have it by mid next week. I *did* cancel my Amazon order and switched to B&N. I have a 20% coupon, so even with tax it came to a lot less than Amazon. Can't wait!

Eighteen months later... a promise delivered.

http://littleelflangdon.blogspot.com/20 ... vered.html

If there's anything crying out for restoration, it's here.

Michael

Mine just arrived! Cool!