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Harold Lloyd: Master Comedian

jeffrey vance suzanne lloyd

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A heavily researched volume published to coincide with the release of the silent film innovator's major works on video and DVD examines his role in American cinema as well as every aspect of his creative output and processes, from his more than two hundred films to his pioneering efforts for the popular "thrill" comedy genre.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1,2002

This edition

Format
240 pages, Hardcover
Published
May 1, 2002 by Harry N. Abrams
ISBN
9780810916746
ASIN
0810916746
Language
English
Characters More characters
  • Harold Lloyd

    Harold Lloyd

    Harold Clayton Lloyd, Sr. (April 20, 1893 – March 8, 1971) was an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer who was one of the most influential film comedians of the silent film era, Lloyd made nearly 200 comedy films, both silent and "talkies", betwe...

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About the author

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jeffrey vance

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Jeffrey Vance is an American film historian, producer, archivist, and lecturer, as well as the author of the acclaimed volumes "Douglas Fairbanks" (UC Press/Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 2008), "Chaplin: Genius of the Cinema" (Harry N. Abrams, 2003), "Harold Lloyd: Master Comedian" (Harry N. Abrams, 2002), and "Buster Keaton Remembered" (Harry N. Abrams, 2001). His most recent book is "A Star Is Born: Judy Garland and the Film That Got Away" (Running Press, 2018).

He began his career as an archivist for M-G-M/United Artists and served the same function for the Chaplin family's Roy Export S.A.S., The Harold Lloyd Trust, and the Mary Pickford Foundation. As a producer, he packaged the "Harold Lloyd Classic Comedies" for Turner Classic Movies, later released to DVD by New Line Home Entertainment. As a filmmaker, he produced and directed the short subject "Rediscovering John Gilbert" (2010) which aired on Turner Classic Movies as well as released to home video. He has served as a consultant to virtually every motion picture studio and has appeared in numerous documentaries.

He writes for various publications, contributes audio commentary tracks for Blu-ray and streaming, and speaks at venues throughout the United States and Europe including the TCM Classic Film Festival, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, British Film Institute, Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco Silent Film Festival, "Los Angeles Times" Festival of Books, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 5 votes)
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5 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Saccanijacopo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book that I recently purchased was a gift to myself in celebration of a personal triumph.

All I can express is that, for a die-hard classic cinema enthusiast like me, reading it is as gratifying as taking a bite of a slice of perfectly buttered and evenly spread, hearty bread. YUM! It's not only tasty and delicious but also nutritious in terms of knowledge.

Jeffrey Vance is one of my most beloved classic cinema authors and biographers. His books are tasteful, adorned with beautiful photographs that sparkle, well-written, and honest, devoid of any cheap sensationalism.

In this era dominated by Internet trash and the Rupert Murdoch-inspired, cheap "yellow journalism" tactics of phone hacking, it is truly a breath of fresh air to read something as informative and well-organized as this book. Skoal!

It's a wonderful addition to my collection and a source of great joy and learning. I highly recommend it to all those who share my passion for classic cinema.
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BlerdGirl
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book shares a similar format with Jeffrey Vance's biography/filmography of Douglas Fairbanks. However, for certain reasons, it fails to measure up nearly as well.

The photographs within this book are truly fantastic. They offer a visual treat and provide a great insight into Harold Lloyd's life and career.

Regrettably, the text often leaves much to be desired. The account of Lloyd's 1919 accident, which cost Harold part of his hand, is too brief. It raises more questions than it manages to answer. The most significant question being: How could a prop bomb in a photo shoot accidentally be replaced with a real bomb? And what exactly triggered the explosion? From reading this book, one gets the impression that no one really gave these aspects any serious consideration.

Harold's granddaughter, Suzanne Lloyd, is credited as a co-author. She has dedicated her life to preserving Harold Lloyd's legacy. (I vividly recall seeing her with Robert Osborne on TCM, discussing her grandfather and introducing his films.) I'm certain that she contributed a wealth of valuable information to the book. However, I can't help but wonder if she also, perhaps to the book's detriment, influenced some of the rather one-sided "Gee, wasn't he a great guy?" tone in the text. I wasn't seeking scandal and gossip, but I would have preferred a bit more objectivity.

In the future, I will likely search for another biography of Harold Lloyd. While this one was somewhat infotaining, I firmly believe that there must be a better one available out there.

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lollicat
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Harold rocks my world.

He is an extraordinary person who has had a profound impact on my life. From the moment I met him, I knew there was something special about him. His charm, intelligence, and kindness are simply captivating.

Harold has a unique way of making everything seem possible. He encourages me to pursue my dreams and never gives up on me, even when I face difficulties. His support and belief in me have given me the confidence to take on new challenges and grow as a person.

Not only is Harold an amazing friend, but he is also a great inspiration. His positive attitude and ability to find the good in every situation are truly remarkable. He always manages to bring a smile to my face and make my day brighter.

In conclusion, Harold is a one-of-a-kind individual who has truly rocked my world. I am so grateful to have him in my life, and I know that he will continue to have a positive influence on me for years to come.
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Aftermath123
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have a deep love for silent films. Among the many remarkable figures in the world of silent cinema, Harold Lloyd is someone who is truly and absolutely fascinating. His unique style and approach to filmmaking set him apart from others. This particular piece is a great read for those individuals who have a keen interest in getting to know this extraordinary man and understanding his intense passion for making pictures in his own distinct way. It delves into the various aspects of his life and career, shedding light on the creative process that drove him to produce some of the most memorable silent films of all time. Whether you are a die-hard fan of silent films or simply curious about the history and evolution of cinema, this article offers valuable insights into the world of Harold Lloyd.

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