The Dead File

About the Book

It´s "The Good Old Days" - the 1950´s Red Scare, The Blacklist --- and its bastard child, The Dead File. The Blacklist was public, a business: those who Blacklisted you would "clear" you -- for a fee. This is the story of one young actor who was put in it and never found out why and what had changed his life forever.

SOME READER REVIEWS (Rated 1 to 5 Stars)
Number of Reviews: 3 Average Rating: 5 Stars

A Real Page Turner! (5 Stars)
´The Dead File´ is a fast-moving account of a young actor´s career in the early days of television entertainment. Its quick-tempered but likable hero, Des McCrossan, clues us in on the roles of casting directors, sponsors, and gossip, and even why the TV industry moved to Hollywood from New York. He often bounces back despite the fear-motivated actions of many others in the Black List and Dead File era. Sex, Scotch, sailboats and Sardi´s jazz up episodes on the East and West Coasts.
Brett Hyde, Edmonds, WA. Ad Agency Owner

A MUST READ! (5 Stars)
Excellent, dramatic, authentic portrayal of blacklisting of a New York stage actor. Reflects the secrecy, frustration of the time but treats it with some humor.
Kay Swift, Washington D.C. Businesswoman

Five Stars for ´The Dead File´
I never dreamed that there was a time when private citizens in the entertainment business acted like an ad hoc arm of the government. This book shines a bright light into a dark part of our recent past, and it does it with a deft touch, without preaching. I recommend it without reservation.
M.B.Adams, St. Louis. Retired

About the Author

"The Dead File" is the first Kevin O'Morrison's three novels. A former New York playwright-actor, he lives with his wife in Edmonds, WA. Most of his eight plays have been produced in New York before moving onto other stages. Some have won prizes - for himself and those who acted in or directed them. His plays have been published by the U. of Minn. Press and Samuel French, Inc. Recent acting stints include Robert Duvall's Doctor in the TV mini-series, "Lonesome Dove"; The Sheriff in "Funny Farm"; and Meg Ryan's father in "Sleepless In Seattle". His song lyric, "The Dark Wind of Missouri" - (music and vocal by Chris Jones) - was on The Bluegrass Charts for more than a year.