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Charles Laughton: A Difficult Actor
£11.40£12.30 (-7%)
The creator of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Henry VIII and Captain Bligh, Charles Laughton’s career spans 50 films and 40 stage roles. This entralling biography follows him from his parents’ hotel in Scarborough to his climactic assumption of the role of King Lear in Statford at the end of his life. Along the way we meet a galaxy of Hollywood greats – from Korda, Hitchcock and Billy WIlder to Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe. We also discover a hugely talented and complex man – a legend in his own lifetime who nonetheless counted himself a failure.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Vintage (29 Nov. 2012) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 384 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0099581957 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0099581956 |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 2.31 x 19.81 cm |
by Gloria Porta
Still the best biography on Laughton and a reference book for those interested in the inner works of acting in particular and film and theatre in general.
It provides good background of each of Laughton’s performances and a sharp analysis of them, daring to contradict the general consensus on some of his best praised performances (Ruggles of Red Gap, Hobson’s Choice) and bringing some focus on others which where considered lesser back in the time but which certainly deserve new attention (White Woman, The Bribe and This Land Is Mine). Unlike previous biographies, Callow gives extended consideration to Charles’ work on stage, one of the highlights being his seance at the Old Vic in 1933-34.
It’s also a sound book, on the strictly biographical sense, which doesn’t shy away from focusing on the influence of Charles’ personal life (His homosexuality, his independence from established Hollywood, West End and Broadway Lobbies…) and its influence on its work, but wisely declines getting lost in the gossip (as lesser biographies of the man have done).
Recent books on “the Night of The Hunter*, have shed new light on Laughton and dismissed some statements which back in 1987 were believed as fact, and Callow ackowledges that in the new preface for the 2012 reprint: but this book still remains the best work on Laughton, as a man and as an actor.
* Books like Preston Neal Jones’ Heaven and Hell To Play With, Jeffrey Couchman’s The Night of the Hunter: A Biography of a Film and Callow’s own book in the BFI classics series.
by Amazon Customer
A gift to a family member and reading book now, so far enjoyed
by MISS C. MCCREA
Full of wonderful insights and facts about Laughton I didn’t know, this book is ideal for someone studying Laughton for Theatre Studies or Drama, or simply a fan. There is a lot of technical theatre terminology which makes it more suitable for a student. I bought this for my 63 year old father who is a great admirer or Laughton’s and it was he who provided the star rating – a great read but if you aren’t well up on your theatre it could take a bit longer to get through 🙂
by jacqui weir
I was a bit disappointed with this book – it is not what I expected. It is very factual and in places quite boring – it covers all of Charles Laughton work and speculates in many areas about his feelings etc. It hasn’t put me off Laughton and I am now looking for a book that is a bit more animated about the man.
by IVOR E KEYES
A very detailed biography of one of the most outstanding British actors of his generation. Sadly I never saw Laughton on stage but his films such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Hobson’s Choice leave a lasting impression. I was also keen to read about Charles Laughton’s only film as a Director, The Night of the Hunter. Exhaustively researched by Simon Callow. A fascinating read.
by Barry Bright
An excellent read, extensively researched and very well writen by an actor that truly cares about his subject.
by Inquisio
I have always enjoyed Charles Laughton’s roles, his films mainly of course, but the spoken word recordings are also a favorite. This book, after reading the rather lightweight Charles Higham book, came as a surprise. Full of wonderful revelations that put the flesh on the bones as it were. An in depth treatise on the mans life and personality. Every nuance is explored and handled sympathetically, but at the same time fully revealing. It has certainly changed my perception of the Laughton the media has taught us to admire.
I still enjoy the sometimes over the top acting, the ever present professionalism of the man, but, this book has changed me somewhat. Written by a lauded actor, as only an actor could write it, deep and yet, understanding too.
by T
Haven’t finished it yet