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A native of Michigan author, biographer Dan Van Neste has penned four books and over 50 major movie-related articles during the past three decades including several prominent movie star profiles in Classic Images and Films of the Golden Age magazines which featured his original interviews with vintage filmmakers. His first book, The Whistler: Stepping Into the Shadows (BearManor Media-2013) is a salute to the influential, groundbreaking suspense film series produced by Columbia Pictures (1944-48). The 421 page film reference volume, featuring 114 photos, traces the history of the series and its radio origins, provides vital background details on each of the eight Whistler motion pictures, and features 50 rare profiles of Whistler filmmakers highlighted by an in-depth look back at the life and career of series' star Richard Dix. Mr. Dix's actor son, Robert Dix wrote the Foreword and provided personal reminiscences of his father. Also included is a discussion of the Whistlers as film noir by noted noir author Karen Burroughs Hannsberry.
Dan's second book, The Magnificent Heel: The Life and Films of Ricardo Cortez (BearManor Media- 2017) is a biography and filmography of the handsome, charismatic film, stage, radio, and television actor. Enriched by rare photos and never before published records gleaned from major libraries and film and newspaper archives, the lengthy, 590 page volume, featuring 160 photos, is two books in one. Part I is a detailed biography which features reminiscences from family and coworkers, original candid photos, as well as pictures of personal items, and scrapbooks Mr. Cortez kept as mementos of his five decade long career in the movies. Part II is devoted to his 100+ feature films. Each film has a separate section which includes all essential data as well as interesting facts and trivia.
Dan's book # 3, is They Coulda Been Contenders: Twelve Actors Who Should Have Become Superstar (BearManor Media- 2019), a detailed exploration of the lives and careers of twelve talented actors who achieved stardom, and fame, yet despite their abilities and impressive screen credits, never quite made it to the very top of their profession. The 600 page volume is fully annotated and is enriched by 180 photos, and original interviews with the stars themselves and/or those who knew them. It includes a foreword by Bob King, longtime editor of the acclaimed film publication, Classic Images.
Dan's latest book is "The Accidental Star: The Life and Films of Warner Baxter (BearManor Media-2023), a 490 page fully annotated, profusely illustrated exploration of the life and career of Academy Award winning actor Warner Baxter whose acclaim, spectacular success, and riches could not shield him from struggles with both his physical and mental health. Divided roughly evenly between an in-depth biography and filmography, the latter section includes a deep dive into Baxter's rich legacy of films (100+) including such classics as The Great Gatsby (1926) (He was the first actor to play the famous Fitzgerald character.), In Old Arizona (1949) (He was the first to play the famed Cisco Kid), 42nd Street (1933), and The Prisoner of Shark Island (playing the famed Dr. Mudd). Includes never before published archival material on both his life and career.
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