Lloyd Hamilton: Poor Boy Comedian of Silent Cinema

At first glance, Lloyd Hamilton was simply a large, baby-faced comic who wore a checkered cap and walked like a duck. Beyond the surface, however, Hamilton had much more to offer than an iconic look and persona. In his performances, Hamilton demonstrated keen timing and an inventive mind, providing humor rich in both emotion and self-observation for a career that spanned over 20 years. But perhaps most importantly, Hamilton was greatly admired by his fellow comics as a true ‘comedian’s comedian’ receiving overwhelming praise from no less than Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and other comic greats.This book explores Hamilton’s life and work, beginning with his conservative middle-class childhood, which set him apart from most early slapstick comedy stars who came from theatrical backgrounds with broken or poor immigrant families. The story continues through the comic’s early entry into show business as a theatre extra, his most memorable role as the stocky, crass half of silent comedy’s ‘Ham and Bud’ duo, his first feature film
The Darker Self , and many other career benchmarks. The author also examines Hamilton’s troublesome private life and his descent into alcoholism, evaluating how the decline of Hamilton’s health and career led to his death at the age of 43. The book includes several exclusive photos from the Hamilton family, along with a comprehensive filmography including detailed plot descriptions, behind-the-scenes facts, and an in-depth analysis of Hamilton’s critical lost feature film
A Self-Made Failure .