Gielgud: A Theatrical Life, 1904-2000

by JonathanCroall (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2001

  $4.98

  This authoritative biography of John Gielgud deals in fascinating detail with the life and work of the greatest classical actor of the twentieth century. Drawing on recollections of more than a hundred friends and colleagues, Jonathan Croall captures vividly Gielgud's early struggles as an actor, his trail-blazing achievements as a director, actor-manager and interpreter of Shakespeare, and his late flowering in the plays of Pinter, Albee, Storey, Bond and Bennett and as an Oscar-winning movie star. It also uncovers Gielgud's difficult relationship with Laurence Olivier and reveals his courage in the face of a humiliating scandal that threatened to wreck his career. An absorbing portrait of a remarkable actor.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2000

  $3.28

  In an attempt to write an honest, rounded account of this much-loved man, Jonathan Croall has conducted in-depth interviews with more than 100 of his contemporaries, including John Mills, Peter Ustinov, Sarah Miles, Dirk Bogarde, Michale Pennington, Edward Albee and Peter Brook. The book recounts his childhood as a member of one of Britain's great theatrical dynasties - the Terry family - his rise to fame, and his triumphant Shakespeare performances at the Old Vic. It also explores Gielgud's work with contemporary playwrights such as Harold Pinter, his Oscar-winning movie roles, as well as the influence he had on actors such as Alec Guiness and Michael Redgrave.