Book Review: They Coulda Been Contenders

Film historian and author Dan Van Neste has chosen twelve noted actors for Hollywood's golden age who always could be counted on to turn in remarkable performances, but who never quite reached true stardom. His book argues a case for each of them as deserving of being top stars. These include Nancy Carroll, Gloria Dickson, Clare Dodd, Richard Greene, John Hodiak, Marian Marsh, Karen Morely, Edward Norris, Paula Raymond, Zachary Scott, and Gloria Stuart.

Back in the 1970s, the last great age for all things cinema, a respect for classic Hollywood was the norm, even moreso than a mere trend. People who appreciated the great films currently being played at the theaters were also drawn to the late shows on TV where vintage movies were shown. Along with the great stars whose names lived on, these films featured a lot of character actors who had faces that popped up frequently, always welcome in their consistent roles. A number of books came out at the time, identifying these beloved supporting players and giving some background about their life and work -- usually thumbnail sketches that were satisfactory at the time. Dan Van Neste instead chooses twelve actors whose work held a lasting significance, but who were not unknown familiar faces. They were also not stars. And unlike the enjoyable old character actor books, Van Neste provides far more depth, substance, and details.

These chapters were originally published as feature articles in magazines like Classic Images and Films of the Golden Age. The author compiles them in this anthology, and although some were written years apart, they all connect cohesively. The diversity is interesting. Gloria Dickson, for instance, was killed in a fire when she was quite young, whereas Gloria Stuart started out in the 1930s and lived to be nominated for an Oscar for the movie "Titanic." For the older performers, the author often had the opportunity to conduct interviews, and the resulting memories are fascinating for classic film buffs.

The book is a massive volume that reaches nearly 600 pages, filled with layers of interesting information and many illustrative photographs. We not only learn a great deal about the life and work of each subject, we are made to realize the depth of their talent, the significance of the work they've left behind, and the impact that still resonates whenever one of their films is encountered all these years later.

Sometimes the lives they led offered challenges beyond their screen work. Karen Morely had to deal with blacklisting in the 1950s. Paula Raymond was in a serious auto accident after which, according to the actress, "I had no face!" And there was the aforementioned Dickson's tragic death.

So much has been written about the icons of classic Hollywood, it is wonderful that the author has compiled his thorough interviews and deep assessments from past magazines, so we can have a lasting document of these fine actors. Van Neste's book shows us, in fascinating detail, how far the era of classic cinema extends, and the memories of these actors give us a real understanding of film history.

"They Coulda Been Contenders" is one of the finest books on film history by one of its finest authors. Published by BearManor Media, the book is available at this link: Contenders. It is most highly recommended. The Foreword is by Bob King, longtime editor of Classic Images and Films of the Golden Age.