The Reel Thrilling Events of Bank Robber Henry Starr

“This is a well-written and engaging story about art imitating life and life imitating art in the later part of the silent period of American filmmaking. The story cuts back and forth between Starr’s ‘real’ and ‘reel’ lives. Archuleta’s book is highly readable and appropriate for a general audience, but it is also useful to specialists in the field of cinema history, US mass culture in the early twentieth century, and the depiction of Native Americans in popular culture. It is creative and thoroughly researched, citing extensive primary and secondary resources.” - Andrew Brodie Smith, author of Shooting Cowboys and Indians: Silent Western Films, American Culture, and the Birth of Hollywood

“Archuleta presents a different look at Starr’s abilities and performance while an actor. Starr’s criminal career is fully covered. The author presents Starr’s story quite well; his life unfolds smoothly and advances to the next step with ease.” - Mike Tower, author of The Outlaw Statesman: The Life and Times of Fred Tecumseh Waite

“A fascinating and well-researched account of a Western outlaw and moviemaker who lived on the border between myth and history.” - Richard Slotkin, author of A Great Disorder: National Myth and the Battle for America and Regeneration through Violence: The Mythology of the American Frontier, 1600-1860

“This captivating narrative illuminates the porous boundary between banditry and showbiz in the post-frontier period. Alternating between brazen bank heists and Hollywood stardom, Henry Starr gave moviegoers the authenticity they craved in an increasingly mediated culture. In bridging the divide between the Wild West and modernity, Starr and other gentleman bandits spawned an entertainment genre that has never lost its resonance. Thanks to Mark Archuleta for bringing us the reel thing.” - Michael J. Hightower, PhD, author of Banking in Oklahoma Before Statehood and Banking in Oklahoma, 1907–2000