MACK MADE MOVIES

Rim shots, raspberries, and rollicking Keystone Cops music back the narration of this picture-book biography of Mack Sennett, a pioneer of silent-movie comedy. George Guidall brings a nice slapstick rhythm to his very visual narration. The reading and sound effects combine to make the accompanying picture book nearly redundant. As Guidall reads, we see it all on the widescreen between our ears. A Hollywood legend who began on stage, graduated to nickelodeons, and made a star out of Charlie Chaplin when he bought his own studio, Mack Sennett represents a lot of motion-picture history. Guidall's narration gives his story weight, and a touch of silly slide whistle, as well. M.M.C. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2009]