LOST COASTER: STRONGBOY

Thursday, August 7, 2014

STRONGBOY

I have in mind a John L. Sullivan biopic.

It starts out mid-fight.

John L. bridged bare knuckle prizefighting
to boxing with Marquis de Queensbury rules.

The Boston Strongboy interests me for a number of reasons,
not least of which being his straight-forward slugging style
eventually matched against the dancing jabs of
Gentleman Jim Corbett, bank clerk.

There's something about a bank clerk darting in
and dancing around the bloated John L. that speaks
to the economic condition.

John L.'s trainer was an ex-wrestler named William Muldoon. Muldoon had some crazy ideas about fitness considered state-of-the-art at the time which I think would be interesting for us to see taken totally seriously. It's also interesting to me for the lead character to have a story arc ranging from challenging anybody to a fight in a bar, then eventually becoming a bloated teetotaler telling everybody not to drink.

I'm seeing a whole lotta movie here.

Gonna call it STRONGBOY.

We hear the sounds of bare fists impacting on flesh in a sweaty din of screaming men.

The year is 1882 and it is the 8th round of an illegal prizefight held in Mississippi
between reigning champion Paddy Ryan and the challenger, John L. Sullivan.

A clubbing blow from Sullivan sends Ryan to one knee. Wild William Muldoon, Sullivan's trusty, crusty trainer, barks advice from a roiling throng...

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SOON

1 comment:

Squid McFinniganAugust 8, 2014 at 8:39 AM
Hard hard men in those days.
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Terry LaBarba's Review of DRIFTING ROOM

STORYTELLING THAT'S WILDLY POETIC

The story takes place in the small town of Madrani in the redwood forest. There were strange things going on that kept me engaged, the reason partly being due to the interesting narration and the main character’s voice. It reminded me of the descriptive ramblings of Arlo Guthrie doing "Alice’s Restaurant," only with higher octane.
It’s a casual read and then again it isn’t. The eventful but not overly complex story uses descriptive word groupings that, in itself, entertains. You will want to take your time and let the verbal constructs take hold. There were “caves of problematical intricacy,” and a trek through the forest mentioned trees with “boughs outstretched like gem-laden supplicants bearing offerings before the ancient giants.” Truly poetic.
When I read this mastery of words, I had to wonder if it easily flows to the author or does he take the time to labor over the most creative way to put together a concept or description? Stewart Kirby’s literary work comes across as play, seeming natural, yet brilliant. As far as being creative, the funny but creepy little twitching doll in this book is a good example. The names of the local businesses in this town were a hoot. There was also some twisted humor when one character builds the perfect, dirty sandwich (with not so nice intentions). It had me laughing out loud as the deed progressed.
The plot moved forward without a dull moment. I’m looking forward to the next book of “uncanny tales of the redwoods in the hugely Hippie haven of Humbaba County,” as Kirby calls them. I suspect it is just as campy, witty and fun as this one.