BEVERLY HILLS—Film star Ann Savage is remembered by many of us historians of classic Hollywood; however, she’s not well known to many movie fans today. I recently picked up the definitive biography on Miss Savage, when fellow author and historian John O’Dowd, who wrote “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye: The Barbara Payton Story” told me about the book, and then introduced me to its author Kent Adamson. Immediately after reading this amazing book, which I highly suggest to everyone, I decided to speak directly to the man who has single-handedly revived the interest of Miss Savage for many of us.
Q-What made you write about the great Ann Savage?
A-“’Savage Detours’ began as Ann’s autobiography. She wanted to tell her complete incredible life story, and asked me to help her. I admired her acting skills from my first viewing of ”˜Detour’ over 30 years ago, and felt that her story was unique and entertaining.”
Q-Is she still with us? If so, has she read your book?
A-“Unfortunately Ann left this world as the book was being written. She had worked on and was very pleased with several of the biographical sections, particularly her childhood in 1920s Texas.”
Q-How long did it take you to research and write the book?
A-“I worked with Ann for nearly a decade recording many audio interviews, shooting digital video of her and organizing and researching her extensive archives.”
Q-What things did you learn about Miss Savage and her career that you didn’t initially know about her?
A-“It was delightful to learn that she was an even bigger World War II pinup star than she was a movie star. She was one of the most popular and prolific pinup models and shot with all the great photographers of the time, including Hurrell, Bernard, Coburn, Fraker and the others, and that she was very close friends with legendary wardrobe designer Billy Travilla, and made several movies with him.”
Q-Where is the book available?
A-“Amazon of course and all the bookstores.”
“Savage Detours” is a must read for classic film lovers. It’s one of the best biographies out there, and certainly the only one worth reading about Ann Savage.
