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In 1915, British moviegoers voted Fred Evans second only to Charles Chaplin as their favorite film comedian. Appearing as the roguish and anarchic "Pimple," Fred made 200 silent movies between 1910 and 1922, running amok in frantic chases and sending-up current events and fashions. With a rich family heritage in pantomime and music hall, Evans introduced a satirical approach to filmmaking, frequently lampooning the recently introduced feature films. Pimple's burlesques deflated the seriousness of such productions, providing subversive support for audiences adjusting to the the new form. But continual mockery of themes, acting styles and film techniques did not endear him to all. Changing public tastes and industry disapproval eventually resulted in an end to Evans' screen appearances and a return to the stage.
As Evans has been almost entirely sidelined by film historians, this is the first book-length biography of him. It places Evans not only in a film context but within the wider entertainment and social perspectives of his time. Amongst topics discussed are the beginnings of the star system, war propaganda, the growth of film fandom and concerns about the influence of cinema on children.
List of contents
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1.¿Pimple's Pantomime Tradition
Chapter 2.¿Minnie Jee, the Fair Equestrian
Chapter 3.¿Uncle Will, the Musical Eccentric
Chapter 4.¿An American Interlude
Chapter 5.¿Living Pictures
Chapter 6.¿The Pooles as Partners
Chapter 7.¿Ec-Ko and Co
Chapter 8.¿Folly and Phoenix
Chapter 9.¿A Cast of Thousands, More or Less
Chapter 10.¿Uncles on Screen
Chapter 11.¿Pimple's Popularity
Chapter 12.¿The Humor of the Halls
Chapter 13.¿Pimple's Patriotism
Chapter 14.¿Pimple's Three Weeks (Without the Option)
Chapter 15.¿Pimple in "The Whip"
Chapter 16.¿Our Old Pal Pimple
Chapter 17.¿Pandora B9/877
Chapter 18.¿Joey, Jimmy, and Gerry
Chapter 19.¿An End to Filming
Chapter 20.¿Family Affairs
Chapter 21.¿Postscript
Appendix: The Films of Fred Evans
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Barry Anthony is a film and theater historian living in London. Over the last 30 years he has written several books and magazine articles about social history, the visual arts and popular entertainment.
