Being an historian of Hollywood and films, I am always amazed when I run across a great read, as I recently did with McFarland Publishing’s “Charles McGraw: Biography of a Film Noir Tough Guy.” It was written by fellow historian of Hollywood and fellow author, Alan K. Rode (though I don’t consider myself a writer in this man’s league). The foreword was by Jim Steranko. Being an avid reader, I found myself engrossed in a story about a film tough guy that I had enjoyed in my youth. Being a fan of film noir, I cannot remember any actor who was cast so perfectly for this genre. And after reading this book, I cannot think of another author better prepared to write about McGraw.

Photo of Charles McGraw. Courtesy of Alan K. Rode.

My favorite McGraw film was “Blood on the Moon.” Rode has a very extensive collection of photographs of the actor, both candid and action packed. I was pleased to see a still of the actor from this film. But reading the book, I found myself mystified by some of the new things that I learned about Charles McGraw. The word "spellbinding" is an appropriate way to describe the style of writing and the way Rode entices the reader to continue chapter after chapter.

McFarland Publishing always puts together great books for the educational oriented reader, but in hatching this story, they are now on a new publishing level. The iconic actor Charles McGraw appeared in over 140 roles on film and television, including the classic noir pictures “The Killers” 1946 and “The Narrow Margin” 1952. The man became an incredible presence on the screen whenever he was cast in a role and worked with some of the most beautiful ladies in Hollywood. McGraw was not a pretty boy, his looks were rugged and grizzled many say, but he was the master of making us feel fear and shock with the bat of an eye.

Author Alan K. Rode chose to emphasize the impact this actor had on the movie industry, especially that of noir. He describes and explains the actor's long career with detail and perfection. The book is exhaustively researched by Rode, who interviewed many surviving friends, intimates, close acquaintances and co-workers. McGraw's tumultuous personal life is detailed with great detail and the extensive biography is hard to put down. And for those who would like to see some previously unpublished film stills and personal photos, this tome is for you.

While reading this book, certain chapters stand out, including Bright Boy Gets a Break, The Other side of the Hill and Single Actor, Needs Work. But every page of this book is incredible in it’s depth of research, showcasing Rode's impressive style of writing. Even down to the actor’s tragic accidental death, this book never fails to capture the attention of the reader. Rode is able to hit the high and low points of the actor's life and career with such amazing detail, you can envision it as you are reading it. This is a talent few writers have, and Rode employs it at the best points in the book, where he’s intentionally trying to get your interest. He held my interest all the way through.

When asked, why he had decided to write about this great star, Rode responded, "Serendipity and timing.  After a happenstance meeting with McGraw’s last significant other in 2002, we became close friends. Her numerous stories combined with my other research on McGraw, film noir and Old Hollywood struck me as a story I wanted to tell. I started it around my other work and then went to work on it full time in November 2005."

Here’s hoping that Alan K. Rode publishes even more books on other lesser known stars of the past who made an enormous impression on film noir fans.

The book is available at www.mcfarlandpub.com or www.alankrode.com

-