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Bar News - February 18, 2005 Attorney Writes Biography of Hollywood 'Rogue' Stephen C. Jordan, a member of the NH Bar Association who practices in Portland, Maine and is himself an artist and illustrator, has written an interesting account of the life of artist John Decker. In Bohemian Rogue, The Life of Hollywood Artist John Decker, Jordan relates the story a man who was the friend and companion of several Hollywood giants of the film industry during the 1930s and '40s. Decker, abandoned at the age of thirteen by his parents in London and later detained on the Isle of Man during World War I, came to America full of hope for the future. He had an amazing artistic talent and not only was able to do creative work of his own, but could duplicate the styles of many famous painters-so well that even some experts were fooled by his work. He was the close friend of actor John Barrymore and author Gene Fowler. At his studio on Bundy Street, the "rogues" of Hollywood often gathered: Barrymore, Fowler, W.C. Fields, and sometimes John Carradine, Anthony Quinn, Errol Flynn and others. They were a witty bunch, often drunk and consequently, often depressed. Barrymore in particular, whom Decker so admired, drank to excess and was often ill. The book gives many interesting glimpses into the twilight world of these men. There are also several pictures of Decker's work in the book, including one of his portraits of Barrymore, a portrait of W.C. Fields as Queen Victoria (Decker had a wicked sense of humor and was also an excellent caricaturist), portraits of Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Clark Gable, Errol Flynn-and examples of his work in the styles of other artists. Jordan practices with the law firm of Troubh, Heisler & Piampiano. He may be reached at sjordan@ohtlaw.com. For inquiries about the book, contact www.scarecrowpress.com. |
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