(Originally published 2011, Paperback edition 317 pages)
Ms. Orlean's investigation of Rin-Tin-Tin (1918-1932) is also part memoir and
skirts the edges of gonzo journalism. The story of the original famous dog
takes up about 110 pages of the paperback edition. The remainder of the 317-page
book involves the people who where instrumental in continuing and profiting from
the Rin-Tin-Tin legacy. The owner, Lee Duncan, had a single-minded dedication to
promoting his dog that transcended mere economic gain. His story is also quite
compelling and Ms. Orlean's exploration of the man's life left her with many
questions as to what made the man tick? Speaking as a parent with
high-functioning autism family members, my money is that Lee Duncan had
Asperger's Syndrome. He fits the condition almost to a tee. Clearly, the author
had no clue.
The book has a great deal of emotional depth and does a very good job explaining American's shifting attitudes about dogs from the late 1800s to 2010. The original Rin-Tin-Tin, Lee Duncan and a very colorful producer named Bertrand "Bert" Leonard were able to capitalize on the popularity of the burgeoning movie industry in the 1920s and also the growth of television in the 1950s. Fortunes are made and lost. You see how the entertainment industry spread the BS very thick when it came to Rin-Tin-Tin's backstory. It's difficult for me to believe there are any ethics in advertising and entertainment when marketing as well as big money are involved. Ms. Orlean does a commendable job wading through the lies in an effort to separate fact from fiction.
The author also highlights the use of dogs during WWI and WWII; the birth of the German Shepherd breed; the rivalry between Rin-Tin-Tin promoters and other famous movie dogs in the 1920s; a short overview of the Lassie sensation; and fans such as Daphne Hereford who were determined to continue the Rin-Tin-Tin legacy. This was a fun, interesting history/author memoir about a dog I'd only heard about in passing. There is plenty of solid history between the covers with some of it written in an introspective manner. It was a very enjoyable read.
The book has a great deal of emotional depth and does a very good job explaining American's shifting attitudes about dogs from the late 1800s to 2010. The original Rin-Tin-Tin, Lee Duncan and a very colorful producer named Bertrand "Bert" Leonard were able to capitalize on the popularity of the burgeoning movie industry in the 1920s and also the growth of television in the 1950s. Fortunes are made and lost. You see how the entertainment industry spread the BS very thick when it came to Rin-Tin-Tin's backstory. It's difficult for me to believe there are any ethics in advertising and entertainment when marketing as well as big money are involved. Ms. Orlean does a commendable job wading through the lies in an effort to separate fact from fiction.
The author also highlights the use of dogs during WWI and WWII; the birth of the German Shepherd breed; the rivalry between Rin-Tin-Tin promoters and other famous movie dogs in the 1920s; a short overview of the Lassie sensation; and fans such as Daphne Hereford who were determined to continue the Rin-Tin-Tin legacy. This was a fun, interesting history/author memoir about a dog I'd only heard about in passing. There is plenty of solid history between the covers with some of it written in an introspective manner. It was a very enjoyable read.
(Meyers - A few years ago, I
started writing, under the pseudonym Franklin the Mouse, short
reviews at Amazon's web site. This is my most recent review #337)
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