The Films of Audie Murphy - by Bob Larkins & Boyd Magers (Paperback)

About the Book

This work traces Audie Murphy's life as a film actor, including reviews of each of his films from Beyond Glory (1948) to A Time for Dying (1971). A biography of the actor runs from his birthdate (listed as 1924 so he could get into the army a year early, but really 1925) to his three years in the army winning every possible combat medal, including the Congressional Medal of Honor, and from his entry into Hollywood at James Cagney's invitation to his final dramatic decline, gambling his fortunes away, becoming involved in violent episodes, and dying in a plane crash in 1971. Each of the 49 film reviews gives full credits, including casts, characters, crew, date of release, location, and cost, backgrounds for directors and main players, and comments and anecdotes from interviews with Murphy's colleagues. Each section also describes what was happening in the actor's life at the time of the filming and gives interesting comments about the production. The sections on films also include reviews and critics' notices from tradepapers and newspapers of the time, and the work is richly illustrated with film stills and private photographs.

Book Synopsis

This work not only traces Audie Murphy's life as a film actor (from Beyond Glory, 1948, to A Time for Dying, 1971) but also provides a biography that runs from his birth to his three years in the army, winning every possible combat medal including the Congressional Medal of Honor--and from his Hollywood debut at James Cagney's invitation to his final dramatic decline, gambling his fortunes away, becoming involved in violent episodes, and dying in a plane crash in 1971.

Each of the 49 film entries gives full credits, including casts, characters, crew, date of release, location, and cost, backgrounds for directors and main players, and comments and anecdotes from interviews with Murphy's colleagues. Critical reviews are quoted and the work is richly illustrated with film stills and private photographs.

Review Quotes

"A fine book...a wonderful collection"-Western Clippings

"Comprehensive account"-Wranglers' Roost

"Excellent...a very detailed discussion...much information...highly informative, entertaining volume"-Classic Images

"Fascinating...profusely illustrated"-World War II History

"Waldman presents us with the complete history of German films in America...Rare seen photographs are used throughout."-Argunners Magazine

About the Author

The late Bob Larkins was a radio and television host as well as a writer. Boyd Magers, president of Video West, has contributed to scores of magazines and several television documentaries. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.