Hollywood’s Biggest Star in 1943
How special was Private Mickey Rooney? Clarence Brown, who directed Rooney in National Velvet, remarked, “He’s the closest thing to a genius I’ve ever worked with.” Laurence Olivier once said he considered Rooney, “The best there has ever been.”
Mickey Rooney was a superb dramatic actor. He was one of the best dancers of his era. He played piano and drums at a professional level. He did brilliant slapstick and stand-up, including impressions. He wrote songs and sang well enough himself to match Judy Garland in several musicals. He learned to play the banjo in a day. There was nothing in show business Mickey Rooney couldn’t do, except grow an inch over 5’2″.
Mickey Rooney stars again in Jeep Show — A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge
Experience the unparalleled entertainer, Private Mickey Rooney, performing for combat infantry in places the USO could not go in the WWII novel Jeep Show.
Critical Acclaim for Jeep Show
“A compelling glimpse into a little-known aspect of WWIl military service … His meticulous research shines through in historical details about Army life in WWII.” — Purple Heart Magazine
“Although a work of fiction, Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge brilliantly draws upon real people, places, and events drawn from the European theatre of World War II. A fun and fascinating read from start to finish, one that rises to an impressive level of literary excellence.” — Midwest Book Review
“This refreshing take on military fiction masterfully balances the gravity of war with unexpected moments of fun and camaraderie.” — BookLife Editor’s Pick
“I couldn’t put it down.” — Dale Throneberry, Veterans’ Radio Podcast
“A very entertaining read.” — Richard Killblane, U.S. Department of the Army Historian (Ret.)
“Carefully researched, punctuated by the cornball humor of the time Jeep Show puts the reader squarely in the action … It is an incredible story, well told, a must-read for historical fiction buffs.” — Will Sonnet, author, Duck Hunting in Quicksand