Product Description

Actor Pete Duel, most widely known for his starring role as outlaw Hannibal Heyes in television's "Alias Smith and Jones", led an unpredictable and often tumultuous life, ending in a highly publicized 1971 suicide at the height of his television celebrity. This extensive biography delves beyond such familiar events as Duel's career and death to reveal more personal aspects, including his political involvement and environmental activism. Organized chronologically, the biography includes interviews with Duel's closest family and friends, complete episode guides for his work on TV's "Gidget" and "Alias Smith and Jones" and an extensive filmography.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #313874 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 229 pages

About the Author
Writer and artist Paul Green is also the author of A
History of Television's The Virginian, 1962-1971 (2006). He
lives in Rustburg, Virginia.

Customer Reviews

A Great Book!
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in 3 days!
I think that the Author Paul Green has done an excellent job of capturing the complex character that was Pete Duel. This book is a very tender tribute to his short life. It's a very honest book sharing heartfelt memories from those who clearly loved him.

Someone commented that they would have liked more of 'Alias Smith and Jones' in the book, but, having read the book, I don't think that Pete himself would have wanted that! Although everyone loved the series here in the U.K. I just don't think that Pete realised just how great he was in it!

It was a shame that Ben Murphy didn't contribute, but the fact that he didn't adds authenticity to this books story. Before I read this book, I knew very little about Pete Duel. I came away thinking "I would have really liked the guy!"
This book also unveils the cynical side of Hollywood. The side that Pete didn't like. You get a 'behind the scenes' look at the decision making processes that went on in the studios.
A Great book! Well researched & well written.

Pete Duel: A Biography
Pete Duel: A Biography

This book for me was a real eye opener. It is told by members of his family, his friends and colleagues. The material included cannot be disputed. They are memories of people that knew Peter best. I did not know him or claim to know him and for me, any information regarding his life and tragic death was something that I was truly grateful for.

Not hearing about his death back in 1971, I found out the hard way. I had tuned in to Alias Smith and Jones and discovered that Peter's character, Hannibal Heyes, aka Joshua Smith had been replaced by another actor. Very upset, I went searching for any and all information that I could find on the subject. I had come up empty handed except for a few television review books described what had happened in a few short sentences. Well, I wanted to learn more and I couldn't find anything to help me. I did discover in 2005, two Internet sites that helped me solve the mystery, but it still left me wanting more. Paul Green's book was both a revelation and a Godsend for me. I can describe the book as everything you always wanted to know about Peter but were afraid to ask. It is well written and concise.

It is authorized by his sister Pamela and is not a scathing unauthorized mess of negative stories and ideas. Paul has included the good and the bad of Peter's life, if people just took the time to read these pages and understand a little of what is being presented.I cannot understand what some fans are saying about the author and this book. Is it possible that we were reading the same information? Is it possible for fans to contradict what family and friends who have been close to him are saying? I don't understand.

I'll admit that I have no experience with an alcoholic relative, boyfriend or husband and those that do should have a clear picture of what was happening with this man instead of trying to put him down or analyze just what the author is saying here. I have however, had experiences with depression and epilepsy and seen firsthand what they can do. In this way I can empathize with Peter's situation and can finally put him in a positive light after all these years. The book is final closure for me as I'm sure for a lot of others who feel as I do.

This book hasn't changed the way I feel about Peter Duel, in fact this information has given me the respect that he has deserved and never received, even to this day. He is still a talented handsome man and a brilliant actor whose work I'd admire and enjoy. Thank you, Paul, for writing an excellent book and a job well done. Please know that it is appreciated.

A brief, shining life revisited
In this excellent biography, author Paul Green tells a compelling and unnerving story of the brief life of this promising young American actor, political and environmental activist who ended his own life at age 31. Duel was a rising star who appeared to have a brilliant acting career ahead of him, but as we learn from Paul Green and his contributors, Pamela Deuel Johnson, Duel's former girlfriends and close friends, career and material success matter little to the wounded, howling with pain. And Peter Duel was howling. Highly recommended and heartbreakingly honest.