Book Review: Brian Donlevy: The Good Bad Guy

Subtitled “A Bio-Filmography,” author Derek Schulthorpe (who wrote a good book about actor Van Heflin earlier this year), now chooses the fine actor Brian Donlevy as his subject. An actor who played leading roles and character parts, in everything from dark film noir to a Jerry Lewis comedy, Donlevy was one of the most durable and dependable actors in Hollywood movies.

The author does not approach Donlevy’s work film-by-film, offering deep critical assessments for each. He does not rely on dry, dull facts without any literary contribution to enhance the narrative. Instead, Schulthorpe offers a highly readable, informative, and insightful look at Donlevy’s life through his work. Readers come away with a good understanding of both.

The book’s title refers to the fact that Donlevy was equally comfortable playing a bad guy (“Destry Rides Again,” “Union Pacific,” “Beau Geste”) or a good guy (“Wake Island,” “Kiss of Death”). He comfortably performed in drama, adventure, and comedy (“The Great McGinty,” “The Errand Boy”). Throughout the text, the author discusses Donlevy’s range as an actor and his remarkable versatility. Arguing that he remains underrated for his talents, Schuthorpe’s prose elevates Donlevy’s status to the lofty position that he belongs within the annals of Hollywood movie history.

“Brian Donlevy: The Good Bad Guy” is available for purchase here.