Autobiography's are sometimes a tough read simply because "Truth" can be colored to favor or sanitize the individual who writes about him or herself. Memoir's written by the children of the famous tread an even more precarious path. Bitter children can write damning or un-flattering portraits. Adoring children can sugarcoat the subject so much that your teeth hurt after reading each chapter.

Dark Star, (St. Martin's Press, 1985), by Leatrice Gilbert Fountain, John Gilbert's daughter, has successfully become her father's biographer. She has objectively brought together the great and not-so-great moments and events of his life. Leatrice is the daughter of John Gilbert's first marriage to Leatrice Joy (the famous leading lady who followed in Gloria Swanson's fashionable footsteps as Cecil B. de Mille's perfect woman.)

Ms. Fountain's research is impeccable regarding Gilbert's background and career. A detailed filmography and general index is included. Young Leatrice lost her beloved father when she was just blossoming into her adolescence. She felt compelled to piece together and solve the mystery of Gilbert the man and the artist. Her search becomes our search, her discoveries become our link with the man and his bittersweet life and legacy.

For me, the discovery of this book redefined my devotion and interest in silent film entirely. The story of John Gilbert gave me a deeper passion to become an active participant in the preservation/revival movement of silent film. Dark Star is extraordinary and genuinely moving. Ms. Fountain's noble goal to connect one's perception to the complex person that this actor was, and to place John Gilbert as the premier romantic leading man of the glorious silent era has been accomplished.
- Copyright, 1997, Diane MacIntyre, "The Silents Majority"