Gary Cooper: American Life, American Legend

Probably no other screen legend was so perfectly cast as a hero as was Gary Cooper. Even in later years when an edge of cynicism crept into his roles, you always saw Coop piercing through those expressive eyes hoping the world was not really as bad as he was seeing.

I was really surprised to see that unlike most documentaries, this was written, directed and produced by a film critic-- Richard Schickel. Most of the times I know of where film critics had major involvement in films, the films turns out to be bombs (Rex Reed starring in "Myra Breckenridge" and Roger Ebert writing "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" are prime examples).

I just saw this documentary, which appears on the otherwise superb 2- disc DVD set of "Sergeant York." I have to say that this documentary fails as a learning experience about the great Gary Cooper.

Exclusively for Coop's lovers, though Clint Eastwood very strong though unobtrusive presence is a great asset of this very good documentary film. It is a biography of Gary Cooper, based mainly on his filmography, but also on more private archives, which show him as a child, as a young man, as a family man, with some of his friends (Picasso, Hemingway, etc.

Richard Schickel's 1991 documentary about Gary Cooper - "Gary Cooper: American Life, American Legend" gives us a look at the tremendous, all-American star through his films and his life. Narrated by Clint Eastwood, the theme is definitely "Gary Coooper, American" as we are taken through fast clips of his many appearances in westerns, and scenes from "Meet John Doe," "Mr.

GARY COOPER found his niche in westerns, never requiring a lot of talk but a lot of fast action and quick on the trigger in cowboy roles.His likable and unpretentious manner of acting, combined with his natural good looks made him a natural for films, after attending college and thinking of a career as an artist.

Gary Cooper: American Life, American Legend (1991) ** 1/2 (out of 4)Clint Eastwood narrates this documentary that takes a look at the career of legend Gary Cooper. Calling this a documentary is a little unfair as the only person talking is Eastwood and he only casually drops in to say a few lines.

Richard Schickel, who wrote and directed this, is a perceptive observer. His presentation of self in TV interviews is nasal, wry, and comfortingly casual.