This book is about a group of actors who bring drama to the big screen the way the fair haired hero never could. Meet the granddaddies of Darth Vadar and J. R. Ewing-villains of the Westerns! Experience the witty interviews with ten Hollywood heavies-Lee Van Cleef, Jack Elam, Strother Martin, and others-about their backgrounds, and feelings about themselves, their families, and playing bad guys. Horner asks the right questions, pulls out good answers and shows a fondness for controversial and sensitive issues. Two sections contain 43 photos of these familiar grisly characters in well known roles. This is a splendid portrayal of a bunch of fine fellows who make a living convincing audiences they are despicable, degenerate, and mean. A thorough filmography and a solid index are included.

William R. Horner
176 pp. Paperback. Photographs. Filmography. Index. 2000.