Ray Bolger: More than a Scarecrow

Ray Bolger, best known for his role as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, had a diverse and remarkable career spanning more than four decades. This first biography, Ray Bolger: More Than a Scarecrow, explores his life outside of the burlap mask, from his upbringing in a working-class Boston Irish family to his success as a Broadway star, Hollywood contract player, USO performer, Tony Award winner, sitcom star, and opening headliner of the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas. The book uses unprecedented access to Bolger's papers and photographs to piece together the lost story of an itinerant hoofer who survived and thrived during the twentieth century and established himself as a staple of American pop culture.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 25 April 2019
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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Ray Bolger, best known for his iconic role as the Scarecrow in the 1939 MGM musical The Wizard of Oz, embarked on a remarkable and diverse career that spanned more than four decades before and after the film's creation. In Ray Bolger: More Than a Scarecrow, the first comprehensive biography of this legendary American entertainer, author Michael R. Smith delves into the lesser-known aspects of Bolger's extraordinary life, shedding light on his remarkable career beyond his iconic burlap mask.

Born into a fragmented working-class Boston Irish family, Bolger found solace in tap dancing and eccentric dance steps as a means of coping with the challenges he faced in his early life. Determined to pursue his passion, he ran away to repertory theater and Vaudeville, where he honed his skills and gained recognition. His journey led him to become a Broadway star, a contract player at Hollywood's major studios, one of the first performers to tour the South Pacific for the USO, a Tony Award winner, an early sitcom star, and the opening headliner of the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas.

Through unprecedented access to Bolger's papers and numerous never-before-published photographs, Smith pieces together the lost story of an itinerant hoofer who weathered and thrived amidst the significant media changes of the twentieth century. Bolger established himself as a staple of American pop culture, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his unparalleled talent, charm, and enduring legacy.

In conclusion, Ray Bolger: More Than a Scarecrow is a captivating and enlightening exploration of the life and career of a true American icon. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, author Michael R. Smith sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of Bolger's extraordinary life, showcasing his talent, resilience, and enduring influence on the world of entertainment. This biography is a must-read for fans of classic Hollywood and anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling to capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences for generations to come.

\n Weight: 510g\n
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780190639044\n \n