The Keystone Kid
Tales of Early Hollywood


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Book Presentation:
Coy Watson, Jr., made his motion picture debut in 1912 when he was nine months old. Before he could walk or talk, Watson had appeared in several of Mack Sennett’s popular “Keystone Cop” comedies, earning him the nickname “Keystone Kid.” From 1912 to 1930, Watson acted in over 60 movies, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Puttin’ on the Ritz, I’m No Angel, and State’s Attorney. Here Watson shares his beautiful memories of the early days of Hollywood and of being raised as a member of “the First Family of Hollywood.” Watson and his five brothers and three sisters were featured in over one thousand movies, and their father acted alongside the biggest stars of popular Westerns before becoming the first special effects man—and the first animal trainer—in Hollywood. Watson’s marvelous tales are illustrated with several hundred photographs featuring behind-the-scenes images of such movie stars and directors as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Jackie Coogan, Fatty Arbuckle, Lon Chaney, John Barrymore, D. W. Griffith, King Vidor, and Frank Capra.
About the Author:
Coy Watson, Jr., grew up in what is now known as Hollywood and appeared in more than 60 movies. He later went on to become a noted news photographer and television producer and introduced many film stars to television on his “Hollywood Reel” series. He lives in Alpine, California.
Press Reviews:
A beautiful reminiscence that is extremely satisfying and entertaining. -- John Burke, Host, American Movie Classics
A charming memoir...the photos alone are worth the price of the book. -- Kevin Brownlow, Director & Film Historian
The stories have the ring of truth, and his storytelling, the wid-eyed wonder of youth. -- Bob Mondello, National Public Radio
The stories have the ring of truth, and the storytelling, the wide-eyed wonder of youth. -- Bob Mondello, National Public Radio
What a wonderful slice of Hollywood history! -- Leonard Maltin, Entertainment Tonight
You'll never get a more vivid description of what wen on behind studio walls. -- Johnny Grant, The Honorary Mayor of Hollywood
a wonderful slice of Hollywood history! It's high time the story of the watson clan was put into book form. -- Leonard Maltin, Entertainment Tonight
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