Book Review: Stumbling Into Film History

It is difficult to fully and accurately explain how much I enjoyed Lon Davis’ latest book from BearManor Media.  Stumbling Into Film History is Lon’s personal journey of film history interest from childhood to adulthood. Being roughly the same age as the author, I related pretty specifically to a lot of the essays collected in this book, from owning films in the 8mm and 16mm format, holding screenings for friends, and trying to contact the living performers from the silent and classic eras. 

Lon’s various journeys are fascinating even if you don’t relate to them as specifically as I did.  His friendship with Larry Fine is told delightfully.  His refusal to join friends to meet Curly-Joe DeRita because of the comedian’s rumored penchant for answering the door in his underwear is hilarious. 

I loved reading Babe London’s recollections to Lon about the experience of making Laurel and Hardy’s classic Our Wife.  I was fascinated by her conflict with fellow silent comedy lady Dorothy Devore, which lasted till the end of their lives.  And impressed with the words of encouragement Babe got from Charlie Chaplin.

Child actors who dated back to silents, the last of the Keystone Cops, actress Mary MacLaren, collector Bob Chatterton, film historian and archivist Kevin Brownlow – these all grace the book’s pages.

For film buffs and historians, Stumbling Into Film History, is a must.  It is also recommended to libraries and research centers.  Thanks for sharing your stories, Lon.

The book is available at this link:  STUMBLING