New Lon Chaney Book

FROM THE BOOK'S BACK COVER:

"Lon Chaney's Shadow: John Jeske and the Chaney Mystique reveals an unexplored and controversial side of the great silent film actor Lon Chaney's life by taking a close look at his relationship with friend, chauffeur, and make-up assistant, John Jeske. Books previously published of Chaney's life and career document his phenomenal talent in the art of motion picture make-up and acting, but the reader comes away without a full understanding of who Chaney was as a man. This book focuses on the human level of the relationship between Lon, his son Creighton (Lon, Jr.), second wife Hazel, and their "faithful servant," so the pieces of the emotional and psychological dynamics at work in this complex story can finally be appreciated for the significant impact they had on Chaney's career.

The John Jeske story is at its core a fascinating glimpse into a world which has until now been off limits to all but the most dedicated of researchers. The majority of evidence to link the two men has been purposely suppressed or destroyed--a great deal of it was destroyed by Chaney himself and his wife Hazel to keep alive the myth that Chaney did not need help of any kind. The story of Jeske's life and work with Lon Chaney is therefore fragmented at best, but I believe, through painstaking research, I have recovered enough to finally reveal the truth. This book fills the gap left behind by every other Lon Chaney biography and is an essential addition to the libraries of Chaney fans and film historians worldwide."

A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR:

I have a great deal of admiration and respect for Lon Chaney's contribution to the art of motion picture make-up and character acting. He was a true genius and pioneer of early cinema who deserves his rightful place as one of Hollywood's best. Revealing some of his secrets will do more to appreciate his enormous talent than diminish it. John Jeske played an important role in final years of Lon Chaney's life and beyond into the tumultuous years between 1930 and Hazel's death in 1933. Jeske's story didn't end there, though, and the bizarre kidnapping of 1934, death threats, and his descent into a world of paranoia speak of the tragedy that filled every aspect of his life. I hope all those who claim to be fans of Lon Chaney will read the book with an open mind and understand the real purpose of the book--to set the record straight and remove any doubt as to the true nature of Jeske's motives and character.

UNPUBLISHED NEWS, TRIVIA & MORE:

Lon Chaney's Shadow was nominated for a Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award for "Best Book of the Year" (2010), but unfortunately it did not win. Nevertheless, I am very honored to have been nominated and thank everyone involved for their support.

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KSAV RADIO NOTES: I was interviewed by Wesley Britton about my book, Lon Chaney's Shadow: John Jeske and the Chaney Mystique, for KSAV radio's "Dave White Presents" February 17, 2010 show. I believe this broadcast is still available for download through the "Dave White Presents" archive page. I was very nervous during the phone interview and my mind went blank when I tried to recall certain facts. In case anyone was actually listening that night or has a copy of the show, here is a list of the ones I know I goofed on: London After Midnight was released in 1927: The type of film I was trying to remember is "polychromatic": Joy Parker was Lon Chaney's cousin--Cora Chaney's niece. There... I feel better now.

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I found this amazing little article from the San Mateo Times and Daily News Leader, March 5, 1934: "'Sandy', Lon Chaney's wire-haired terrier, is dead, and his remains will rest with those of his master and mistress. Since the recent passing of Mrs. Chaney, Sandy had lived with John Jeske, chauffeur and faithful friend of the actor and of his wife. The dog had every care, but he was old and one morning last week, Jeske found him dead. The ex-chauffeur believes that Lon would want his pet to be near him, so he had the remains cremated and will put them in a silver urn on top of the Chaney vault. The urn will carry the inscription: "Sandy Chaney--1922-1934". -- I always wondered what happened to Sandy. Now that mystery is solved!