On Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, The Silver Screen Oasis is looking forward to talking with J.R. Jones, author of THE LIVES OF ROBERT RYAN.

Notice the plural in the title: This new biography deals with both the public and private lives of the great film actor Robert Ryan.
Robert Ryan never became a star of the magnitude of Cary Grant or Humphrey Bogart, but most lovers of classic film come to admire his work, whether he's playing the hero or the villain, the leading man or a supporting actor. Some of his best films, like ACT OF VIOLENCE and ON DANGEROUS GROUND, let him play aspects of both the villain and the hero in the same role.
Ryan excelled in a variety of genres. Film noir was a great fit for him, but westerns like THE NAKED SPUR and THE PROFESSIONALS also showcased his talent well. And then there's Ryan in domestic melodrama (CLASH BY NIGHT), Ryan in romantic drama (ABOUT MRS. LESLIE), Ryan in serious drama (THE ICEMAN COMETH). On stage he played Shakespeare's Coriolanus.
J.R. Jones is an award-winning film critic and editor for the Chicago Reader, and his writing has appeared in many publications, from New York Press to Kenyon Review to Noir City. He did an outstanding job of introducing ON DANGEROUS GROUND at the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival in Palm Springs this May, and as SSO member kingrat can attest, he enjoys chatting with fans about our classic films.
What would you like to know about Robert Ryan? How he got interested in acting, what his favorite films were, how his politics affected his career? Unlike most Hollywood stars, he was only married once, and the marriage lasted until his wife Jessica died of cancer.
J.R. Jones has written an informative, easy-to-read biography which I strongly recommend. It should be a lot of fun to talk with him about Robert Ryan."
Please note:
In 2008 we had the pleasure of hosting Robert Ryan's daughter, Lisa as our memorable guest at the SSO as well. That Q & A is now available in our Archive here: http://silverscreenoasis.com/oasis3/vie ... =36&t=2658
Below are links to explore this essential biography and obtain your own copy of this critically hailed book:
J.R. Jones published interview:
http://chicagoist.com/2015/05/21/jrjone ... _rober.php
J.R. Jones video interview:
J.R. Jones publisher's site:
http://www.upne.com/0819573728.html