This book is about a group of actors who bring drama to the big screen the way the fair haired hero never could. The granddaddies of Darth Vadar and J.R. Ewing -- villains of the Westerns. In witty interviews with ten Hollywood heavies -- Lee Van Cleef, Jack Elam, Strother Martin, others -- about their backgrounds, and feelings about themselves, their families, and playing bad guys, Horner asks the right questions, pulls out good answers and shows a fondness for controversial and sensitive issues. Two sections of glossy plates contain 43 photos of these familiar grisly characters in well known roles. All in all a splendid portrayal of a bunch of fine fellows who make a living convincing audiences they are despicable, degenerate and mean. A thorough filmography and a solid index are included.