Hollywood's First Australian: The Adventurous Life of J. P. McGowan, the Movie Pioneer They Called 'The Railroad Man'

‘John McGowan’s biography … does this Hollywood pioneer proud.’ – The Age

‘Our first movie star … this biography is a valuable addition to our knowledge of Australian, and American, film history.’ – The West Australian

Hollywood's First Australian: The Adventurous Life of J. P. McGowan, the Movie Pioneer They Called 'The Railroad Man', by John J McGowan, relates the extraordinary story of the motion-picture trailblazer who became the first Australian Hollywood star. Published in 2016, this is an expanded and re-titled Australian edition of the book originally published in the United States in 2005 under the title J. P. McGowan: Biography of a Hollywood Pioneer.

The publication of this revised edition was triggered by the surprise discovery in a Queensland shed of a treasure trove of photographs, scrapbooks and other memorabilia relating to JP McGowan and his family. Many of these photographs – some never-before-seen in public – have been included in the new edition of the book.

This book is the only biography of South Australian–born John Paterson (JP) McGowan (1880–1952) who, as an actor, director, writer and producer, was involved in over 600 productions during a forty-year Hollywood career.

As a director, JP McGowan specialised in adventure dramas involving trains. With his actress wife Helen Holmes as the star, McGowan pumped out scores of these productions and became known as Hollywood's 'Railroad Man'.

Following his successful screen career, JP McGowan became the second-ever Executive Secretary of the Hollywood Screen Directors' Guild (now the Directors' Guild of America). During a period of service lasting twelve years, he played a crucial role in formulating the industrial framework that continues to underpin the working conditions of the modern motion-picture industry.

In 1951, in recognition of his service to the Guild, he was awarded the rare accolade of Honorary Life Membership, placing him in the company of motion-picture luminaries including Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin and David Lean. JP McGowan remains the only Australian-born person to have received this accolade.

About the author:

John J McGowan has written and directed award-winning documentaries and educational productions for national television. He is also a broadcaster and motion picture commentator.