Anyone read about this guy in the book by William Cooper?
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jaymckenna — 15 years ago(September 14, 2010 12:58 PM)
I just bought the book because of your post. Yes, its definitely shocking, if true. But I agree with jacawaro: Is it to be believed?
What bothers me is that Cooper posits himself as this prophet of absolute truth but is almost completely inaccurate in his description of Callans career. Quote Callan was a regular in the cheapy teen beach-blanket movies Unquote.
If you want to categorize Gidget Goes Hawaiian as a beach movie, then there is some sloppy truth to Coopers assessment, but that is the only beach movie Callan ever appeared in. He most definitely was not a regular in the Frankie-Annette movies, nor did he appear in any other surfing films, including Beach Blanket Bingo. Most of his films around that time were dramas (The Interns, etc.) Its true that Callan was a pseudo teen idol. In that sense, Coopers description would be a perceptual generalization, but still not factually accurate. Unfortunately, Coopers lack of factual accuracy about Callans career plants a seed of doubt about the rest of what he is saying. Is it just more subjective generalizing?
I did try reading the book in its entirety and despite the many testimonials to Coopers mental solidity and clarity, I found his text to be non-linear, highly subjective, and given to tangents, misinterpretations, and false delusions. Yes, he seemed very paranoid.
I have enjoyed Michael Callans career over the years, but actually Im not defending him. Ive heard he was a real sleazebag with women, like a Bob Crane type, and his interest in Cooper could very well have been just for financial gain.
But could it also be that Callan found himself caught in a bad business deal with someone who was becoming increasingly erratic and unstable? Maybe he just shored up his assets and cut his losses, like any good businessman.
Sad times and strange days for both men. -
hollywoodpsychic — 13 years ago(January 28, 2013 02:24 PM)
What exactly is the allegation? I read that book when I was about 18 and don't remember what it says about Callan. I do remember it was filled with right wing nonsense and conspiracy paranoia.
A lot of strange things happen in this world. Things you don't know about in Grand Rapids. -
ClayCat — 11 months ago(May 06, 2025 09:45 PM)
I haven't read the book, so I can't attest if this is true or not, or even exactly what is being asserted about Michael Callan. However, every single thing I've read about Michael Callan, particularly from women celebrities, has been very positive. I especially have never heard one thing about how he was a 'Bob Crane type'. I am not defending him either. I have always been hyper 'in love' with him and loved his work, particularly on Cat Ballou. If I ever did hear he was Bob Crane-like..I would probably never watch him again. Michael has tons of memorial pages on Facebook, and there has never been anybody posting ANYTHING disparaging about him. If people are going to come out of the wood-work, I'd think they'd have come out by now, though you never know. Most posts and pictures I've seen of Michael have been of him gathered with large groups of people, celebrities, fans, etc. He appears very loved and seems to know just about everyone in Hollywood. I am glad we have message boards like this to show and discuss our mutual admiration of celebrities. Thank you for your respectful post about Michael Callan
