The Beauty of the Beasts: Tales of Hollywood’s Wild Animal Stars

A trainer shares true stories of famous lion, orangutan, and other animal actors that “will hold readers enthralled” (School Library Journal).

They are major stars who do not speak a word onscreen, yet are world famous for their compelling performances. Who are they? The animal stars of the big screen, of course! In The Beauty of the Beasts, Ralph Helfer shares with the reader his love of animals and his work with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars: Clarence the Cross‑Eyed Lion, Gentle Ben, the Schlitz Malt Liquor Bull, Clint Eastwood’s orangutan sidekick Clyde, and many more. Helfer shares his philosophy on training these beautiful beasts to do amazing feats and maximize their acting potential without coercion. Join Ralph Helfer in his exploration of animal acting and read of his masterful use of TLC to work with these phenomenal, non‑human actors.