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Book Review of Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend

Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend
hardtack avatar reviewed on + 2569 more book reviews


Fro the most part, I found this a fascinating book, as I was also a Rin Tin Tin fan. I spent many an hour watching Rinty, Rusty and Rip fighting evil doers in the old west on TV.

And I also learned a lot, including his origin on a battlefield in France; how Rin Tin Tin got his name; how, during the silent picture era, he was paid more than any human actor in Hollywood; how some Rin Tin Tins on TV and in the movies weren't even related to the original, how Rinty was pretty much his owner's life, and much more.

Sadly, I also learned of the decades of ongoing legal battle surrounding the "Rin Tin Tin" name and properties. For many of the participants, this was an ugly period in their lives, and it seemed to be also a waste of energy in pursuit of egos and greed.

Finally, toward the end of the book, the author seemed to become involved in her story to such an extent that she delves into meandering thoughts about what might have happened if.... If she had left these 40-50 pages out, it would be a much better book.