Lon Chaney's Shadow: John Jeske and the Chaney Mystique (c) 2006-2008 Suzanne Gargiulo |
New Book Coming Soon! |
Lon Chaney's Shadow: John Jeske and the Chaney Mystique will for the first time present an unexplored and controversial side of the great silent film actor Lon Chaney's life by taking a close look at his relationship with companion, chauffeur, and make-up assistant, John Jeske. The books available 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 really was as a man. My book focuses on the rich emotional and psychological aspects of the story so that the human side of the relationship between Lon, his son Creighton, his wife Hazel, and their "faithful servant", can finally be revealed. John Fred Jeske was a German-Polish immigrant who overcame his lack of education and polish with his innate charm, warmth and a quick wit. Jeske knew the value of being a good listener, and also the value of loyalty. Chaney's close bond with a man like Jeske was an anomaly: Chaney, the rugged, no-nonsense guy who rejected the whole "Hollywood scene" in preference to his small circle of hand-picked, staunchly loyal friends, and the immigrant with a taste for adventure who came out of nowhere to be Chaney's assistant. What was it about Jeske that Chaney immediately responded to? Why did he feel it necessary to hide the true nature of their relationship? Jeske was one of only a select few allowed to enter Chaney's studio dressing room (the actor fiercely guarded his secrets). He was also Chaney's companion at boxing matches and football games, and Jeske was often seen on holiday with Lon and Hazel at their mountain retreat near Big Pine, California. The two men were said to be "inseparable". This was no casual friendship. I have eye-witness accounts from a handful of Chaney co-stars and colleagues who remember John Jeske and his work as Chaney's make-up assistant and double. This material was never meant to be made public, but I feel it is time to set the record straight once and for all. Though his years with the Chaney's were spent enjoying the perks and privileges afforded to a Hollywood movie star, Jeske would ultimately pay a high price for his devotion. Creighton Chaney, the troubled son who was to become actor "Lon Chaney, Jr.", carried a secret that would forever haunt him and led to his violent outbursts and dependence on alcohol. Creighton hated Jeske, and deeply resented that this "foreigner" received a large inheritance after Hazel died in 1933, yet he was disowned. Could he have been behind the 1934 kidnapping of Jeske designed to reclaim this money--money he felt was rightfully his? The evidence would seem to confirm such a connection. After the tragic death of Lon in 1930 and Hazel's death from cancer three years later, Jeske seemed lost without their friendship and guidance. Despite his best efforts, his marriage ended in divorce in 1935 and he found his life spiraling out of control thereafter. Jeske died suddenly under suspicious circumstances three days after his 54th birthday in 1944. All the money he inherited from the Chaney's was long gone, as were most of his friends. Jeske lies in an unmarked, forgotten grave. After waiting over 70 years to set the record straight, Jeske's soul can finally rest easy knowing the truth will be told. Lon Chaney's Shadow: John Jeske and the Chaney Mystique will be of great interest to the thousands of Lon Chaney fans here in this country and around the globe. I firmly believe even the most casual of Chaney fans will want to pick up this book and read it from cover to cover. Jeske's story is strong enough on its own--his turbulent eight-month marriage to a young gold-digger that began with a horrific kidnapping and robbery ordeal on their honeymoon, failed business venture, bankruptcy, and a sudden death--to interest those who have no prior knowledge of Chaney. The story is a fascinating glimpse into a world that has been until now 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 John 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 will be a welcome addition to the library of Chaney fans and film historians worldwide. Great news! Ben Ohmart at BearManor Media has graciously agreed to publish Lon Chaney's Shadow: John Jeske and The Chaney Mystique! BearManor has made a name for itself as a publisher of well researched and informative books on some well-known and some more obscure actors of old time radio, film, and television who made a huge contribution to their craft. The contract has been signed, but it may not be until early 2009 before the book will be available. A great deal will depend on the pre-sales. If demand for the book is strong, then it is possible the book will be published this year. If you are interested in this very unique and heretofore unresearched area of the great Lon Chaney's life and the impact it had on his faithful assistant John Jeske, please contact BearManor and let them know you would like to purchase a copy as soon as possible. Click the square to go to the BearManor Media web site Thank you! (c) 2006-2008 Suzanne Gargiulo |
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