Books in French are on www.livres-cinema.info
In a Door, into a Fight, Out a Door, into a Chase
Moviemaking Remembered by the Guy at the Door
(0 vote)Average rating:
| 0 | rating |  = We can do without |
| 0 | rating |  = Good book |
| 0 | rating |  = Excellent book |
| 0 | rating |  = Unique / a reference |
Your rating: -
Book Presentation:
Early in 1937, a young film editor went on-location to St. George, Utah, for the filming of Republic’s The Painted Stallion. Rain and cast problems put the production hopelessly behind schedule. The studio summarily fired the director and replaced him with the film editor. Thus was born the career of one of Hollywood’s most famous serial directors, Bill Witney.
Witney went on to direct or codirect 23 Republic serials, working with such stars as William Benedict, Hoot Gibson, Bela Lugosi, and Noah Beery, Sr. Witney’s output included some of the most famous cliffhangers of the era, such as Adventures of Red Ryder, Spy Smasher, Drums of Fu Manchu, The Lone Ranger, and The Lone Ranger Rides Again. Though he enjoyed a long career as a feature film and television director, it is the Republic serials for which he is best remembered. This engaging story is a behind-the-scenes look at the heyday of the Hollywood cliffhanger, the making of the movies, and the people involved in them.
About the Author:
The late William Witney lived in Pioneer, California.
Press Reviews:
"essential reading"—Big Reel; "essential…fascinating and insightful…recommended"—Wrangler’s Roost; "one of the greatest cliffhanger bargains available"—Serial Report; "this could easily be the most interesting book ever written about the early days of movie making. Great stuff. McFarland at its best!"—Little Shoppe of Horrors; "Witney writes well and fondly of his films and colleagues…his ability to recapture the excitement of filmmaking is phenomenal"—Classic Images; "engaging"—New York Times.
See the publisher website: McFarland & Co
See the complete filmography of Bill Witney on the website: IMDB ...
> On a related topic:
Edgar G. Ulmer (2009)
Essays on the King of the B's
Dir. Bernd Herzogenrath
Subject: Director > Edgar G. Ulmer
The Independent Film Experience (2002)
Interviews with Directors and Producers
Subject: Genre > Independent cinema
The Republic Pictures Checklist (2006)
Features, Serials, Cartoons, Short Subjects and Training Films of Republic Pictures Corporation, 1935–1959
Subject: Studio > Republic Pictures
The Republic Chapterplays (2000)
A Complete Filmography of the Serials Released by Republic Pictures Corporation, 1934–1955
by R.M. Hayes
Subject: Studio > Republic Pictures
The Oneiric in the Films of David Lynch (2026)
A Phenomenological Approach
Subject: Director > David Lynch
Martin Scorsese (2025)
The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work
by Ian Nathan
Subject: Director > Martin Scorsese
Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions (2025)
My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood
by Ed Zwick
Subject: Director > Edward Zwick
Back
