Vanishing Legion

Jon Tuska is the author of numerous books on film history and American culture. In 1969–1971 he produced “They Went Thataway,” a series of ten half-hour programs on the American Western cinema. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

“lively and informative...fine collection of stills...recommended”—Choice; “enticing”—Booklist; “a valuable record”—Classic Images; “Jon Tuska has written an insightful, detailed history of Mascot Pictures...for the true fan of movie serials, this book is sure to thrill you right to the very end!”—Suite101.com; “a definitive record...elaborate appendices”—Film & History; “the definitive work on Mascot Pictures”—Cliffhanger; “interesting and informative...well worth reading”—Wrangler’s Roost; “very compelling...important for its history of a generally overlooked part of the filmmaking story...get this book”—Nostalgia Westerns; “the definitive work on Mascot Pictures in paperback. If you are a serial buff or a fan of the B movies of the smaller studios, this book should be in your library”—Under Western Skies; “a fresh perspective”—The Silents Majority On-Line Journal; “earnest, brave, and informative...a healthy antidote for those who have long tired of the wholesale whitewash so often daubed onto western films’ lore...a completely absorbing work.”—American Classic Screen.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgments      Preface      1. The Lurking Peril      2. The Gambler      3. The Voice Speaks      4. The Lightning Warrior      5. Painted Faces      [16 pages of plates, 57-72]6. Shieks in Bedlam      7. The Lost Jungle      8. Laughing at Life      9. Mystery Mountain      [16 pages of plates, 137-152]10. Miracles and Music      11. Tom Mix Rides Again      12. The End of the Trail      Appendix I: The Mascot Serials      Appendix II: The Mascot Features      Index