Uncovering the Untold Mysteries Behind Larry McMurtry’s Legendary Life in ‘Western Star’
The first chapter about The Last Picture Show explores the circumstances and influences that prompted McMurtry to write such a scathing indictment of his hometown and the town’s embittered reception of the book. The other two chapters focus on the making of the movie, McMurtry’s friendship with the director, Peter Bogdanovich, the critical response to the movie, and the impact it had on the careers and personal lives of the people involved.
I am probably the best and worst audience for this book. By the time Peter Bogdanovich brought his film crew to Archer City in 1970, fell in love with Cybil Shepherd, and wrecked his marriage, I was already an admirer and avid reader of Larry McMurtry. Although Streitfeld doesn’t cover a lot of new territory for me, I am happy to soak up new takes on McMurtry and rehash old ones.
