As I think I’ve mentioned before, I am a major Chester Morris fanboy. I have a special interest in performers who shined then faded. I am currently reading a biography of Lyle Talbot, whose career was similar to Morris’s in many ways. Almost the same age (born one year apart), both started in theater and vaudeville, and hit a movie career peak in Pre-Code. Both were accomplished magicians. Both jumped into television early. Talbot didn’t get a Boston Blackie-type second wind, though, and his movie roles got rattier (Bowery Boys and Ed Wood joints).

I would be thrilled to read a Chester Morris bio if someone would publish one with McFarland.