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Past and Present: National Identity and the British Historical Film (Cinema and Society)
James Chapman
Manufacturer: I. B. Tauris
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1850438080
Release Date: 2005-11-24 |
Book Description
This groundbreaking book by one of Britain's leading film historians is the first to take on this major genre in all its complexity. It takes to heart Ken Loach's view that "the only reason to make films that are a reflection on history is to talk about the present." With this proposition as his starting point, James Chapman examines the place of historical films in British cinema history and film culture. Through in-depth case studies of fourteen key films, from Henry V and Zulu to Chariots of Fire and Elizabeth, he analyzes the themes they present, including gender, ethnicity, militarism and and imperialism--throughout exploring their dialectical relationship between past and present and how they project images and ideologies of "Britishness" to audiences in the UK and North America.
Amazon.com
Writing with the low-key stylishness his subject deserves, British academic Graham McCann pays tribute to the working-class Englishman who became "a democratic symbol of gentlemanly grace" to moviegoers worldwide. Aptly subtitled "A Class Apart," the book sympathetically depicts Archie Leach--born into poverty, his mother committed to an asylum when he was nine--reinventing himself as Cary Grant, whose debonair screen persona showed no signs of these difficult origins. A decorous account of Grant's private life (McCann dismisses talk of bisexuality as mere rumor) accompanies cogent descriptions of his performances.
Book Description
More than a biography, this is a savvy portrait of how Archie Leach, born to a poor working-class family in Bristol, England became Cary Grant, one of Hollywood's most irresistible and admired celebrities of all time.
Customer Reviews:
The Finest Estimate of an Inestimable Performer.......2007-02-24
This book would doubtless be better known, and better publicized, were it not published by a reputable university press. Don't mislead yourself, however. There's nothing tedious about McCann's book, which is very well written and measured in its judgments. Those wanting gossip and sensationalism should look elsewhere. Even those who know Grant's background and career will learn new things here. In a word: a splendid interpretation of an insidpensable performer.
The best biography on Cary Garnt I've read.......2006-04-20
It's detailed and well sourced and actually has quotes from people who actually knew him and lived through these events with the man. I felt like I actually had insight to the man rather than the image and the decades of gossip which seems to have been taken as fact by most of the other Cary Garnt biographers. He tells Cary Grant's story respectfully, but doesnt white wash the facts. The anecdotes as told by Cary's friends are fascinting, sometimes hilariously funny and often sad. He approaches the gossip as a researcher would and doesnt try to speculate or parse subjects to support hiw own personal oint of view or agenda.
This is the third biography I've read about Cary Garnt, and compared to the other very light offerings this was by far the best and most comprehensive. I learned for example that Cary Grant was not only a great charmer, but a shrewd businessman who consistently outwitted the studio bosses at every turn. I enjoyed learning about his incredible sense of honor which often times landed him in hot water and led to many of the vindictive rumors we are still hearing today. He hated the gossip columnists at the time and was embroiled in a very long and bitter battle with the likes of Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons, who he once told to mind her GD business. Got to love the guy.
Great book.
Movie star. Quick, who do you think of? Cary Grant........2004-10-21
Especially if your over 50. He looked, played & acted as the movie star he was. Women loved him. Men would have loved to be him. He was more often seduced than the seducer which was part of his charm. He never forgot who he was & where he came from: Archie Leech from Bristol, England. He was amiable & apolitical yet had a streak of independence & courage that led him to be one of the first stars to break with the studio system. That allowed him to be a free agent & pick the movies he wanted to do. It didn't always work out. Sometimes, the movies stank & he was the best thing in them. But most of his movies were money makers & that was really the only thing that counted. He was admired for his independence. He could be difficult to work with but was not tempermental. He was a professional working to perfect his craft as he liked to put it. This obsession with perfection did not work with the women he loved & he left four failed marriages in his wake. This failing apparently never occurred to him.
He didn't have to be pushed into old man roles & retired on his own terms. A class act.
Over-Detailed And Difficult To Stick With.......2003-12-27
I wish I could say I wasn't disappointed in this book, since I was looking forward to a well-researched and engrossing book on a screen legend. However, I had to force myself to finish reading it and came away with very little enjoyment and appreciation for the subject. Very nearly ONE THIRD of the book (the latter portion) is not textual biography, but a glossary, filmography and voluminous footnote after footnote after footnote of data supporting the main body (2/3) of the book. Far too many distracting footnotes referenced on virtually every page of the book were significantly annoying, and in many instances a point was belabored ad infinitum. Many key points of detail and anecdotes relating to admired, classic CG movies weren't present, while others were - sorry - rather beaten to death. Supporting photographs were limited and failed to include more than good shots of the subject at a small, select time of his life. I expected a more linear, cohesive, colloquial narrative unencumbered by redundent grammatical 'precision.' The book was obviously well-researched, but extreme detail does not always do the subject or the audience justice.
THE BEST BOOK I'VE READ ON CARY GRANT!.......2002-01-27
If you want to find out everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - about Cary Grant then this is the book for you. All other books, including the latest biog, are glitzy and frothy and tell you nothing you hadn't already read if you are a big fan. Also some are not as revelationary as they would like to think.
If you are a serious fan then you can't beat this book.
Book Description
Spanning 40 years and including 100 films, Oliver Reed's career began with Hammer Horror films but soon developed into international stardom. In May 1999 he died while making another film ? the hit blockbuster Gladiator. During his life, he became equally well-known for his off-screen exploits and blunt opinions but Cliff Goodwin reveals another side to this complex man, using material from first-hand interviews with Reed's family, friends and colleagues, together with never-before-seen photographs. Contains first-hand interviews with some of Reed's family, friends and colleagues, plus photographs from the family album Gladiator, Reed's last film, was dedicated to him and his performance was well reviewed by the critics.
Customer Reviews:
Workmanlike Bio.......2003-11-13
For any avid Oliver Reed fan, this book doesn't contain anything new. However, for the cinema fan who admired Ollie's filmwork, it's a good intro to his life. When Ollie died, I was surprised to see that those of us in the American film industry viewed him more as a god of cinema, whereas the Brits viewed him as a god of debauchery. Since this book was written for the British audience, it focuses more on Reed's flamboyant side, but then Ollie was a one-of-a-kind rogue. Compared to the hypocritical stars of today, Ollie stands out as a true individual with a set standard of living. A great man, but the true story is still being written.
Outta here.......2003-04-29
Although the writing and story in general did not flow particularly well and it seemed to be a bit jerky with respect to the sequence of events, just reading about the sheer audacity, madness, debauchery, depravity, and wickedness of Oliver Reed's life makes for an adventure well worth [the money]. The book in itself is not, nor will it ever be recognized as a literary pinnacle, however as a means to record several snap shots in the life of Oliver Reed, it is truly remarkable as simply a documentary writ of a life which was full of excess. This is the story of which legends are made, however despicable the behavior, and regardless of how one apply there respective terms of morals, no one remembers mediocrity or exemplary behavior. However, one seldom forgets tossing a chair through the pub window, or helping your friend off the side of a balcony, sexual advances and behavior of which most people fantasize about. In the great dichotomy of life one also is privy to a man who maintained his personal and emotional loyalty to friends and family of which few in this world can demonstrate, albeit left of center.
Absolutely brilliant!!
Average customer rating:
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British Historical Cinema (British Popular Cinema)
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0415238102 |
Book Description
British Historical Cinema examines the ways in which British films have represented the past onscreen. From Carry On's historical films to heritage cinema and recent retro films such as Velvet Goldmine and East is East, contributors explore issues of authenticity and nationalism, and challenge recent debates about the role of British film in the construction of history and identity.
Average customer rating:
- An interesting little book.
- A very good and interesting book
- Not Bad
- He is Hot
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Ewan McGregor: An Unauthorized Biography
Chris Nickson
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Ewen McGregor: The Unauthorized Biography
ASIN: 0312969104 |
Book Description
The radical star of Trainspotting and the hottest young member of the "Brit Pack," Ewan McGregor is Scotland's biggest export since Sean Connery. He now explodes into global stardom at the center of the most highly anticipated films in movie history-- the new Star Wars prequels.Get plugged into the whole story of this dynamic young actor for the new millennium, from his training at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama to his first big break on British TV. Learn the inside story of McGregor's cosmic connection to his role as the young Jedi Knight Obi Wan Kenobi (hint: it's a family tradition).From day one, the ultra-hip GenX heartthrob has called his own shots and chosen mellow cool over Hollywood glitz. This fascinating bio reveals how Ewan does it-- his way.With 8 pages of fab photos!
Customer Reviews:
An interesting little book........1999-10-15
I'm enjoying this book but find that it's a bit too short and because it's written by an American author it has a US slant on it (e.g box office takings of films are all in dollars and release dates are different too). Otherwise, I find the little snippets of fun information about the films he's worked on very interesting.
A very good and interesting book.......1999-07-12
This is a really good book. It's very informative. Not only does it give information about Ewan but also about his movies which is nice when trying to convince one's mother to let them see a movie. It wasn't written in American english but not hard to read. It was a good book.
Not Bad.......1999-07-04
This is an awesome book with a lot of info for a small book. The draw back is the begining is hard to get into, the lack of photos and that fact that they're black and white, and that it's more about McGregor's movies, etc. instead of McGregor himself. Not great, not bad, but lots of info.
He is Hot.......1999-06-02
The book is good, but it isn't in American english so it can be a little funny, I wouldn't do a book reort on it ether it was hard.
Average customer rating:
- Couldn't put it down. - Diane
- Long-winded and overheard
- rawther opiniated, yet still delightful
- A Woman of Wonders
- GREAT BOOK!
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Julie Andrews: A Life on Stage and Screen
Robert Windeler
Manufacturer: Citadel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Julie Andrews
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Duet for One
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That's Life
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S.O.B.
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Julie Andrews Sings Her Favorite Songs
ASIN: 080652054X |
Amazon.com
In this satisfying, straight-ahead biography of the star of My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, and The Sound of Music, Robert Windeler walks a fine line between adulation and gossip. While his admiration for the former singing sensation shines through the text, he grapples earnestly with her parents' alcoholism, her extramarital affair, and the long stretches in her career without a Broadway or Hollywood hit. What emerges is a multidimensional portrait of a former British child star who lost her way in early success and found herself--and an interesting new toughness--through some midlife failures, which lead to her 1995 Broadway comeback in Victor/Victoria and her defiance of the Tony Awards. There's much more in Andrews of the scrappy survivor Victoria Grant (of Victor/Victoria) than any magical nanny.
Customer Reviews:
Couldn't put it down. - Diane.......2005-09-20
A great book with lovely pictures. I just couldn't put it down.
The writer obviously knew her well and shared her amazing story. It was witty, sad and yet it often made you smile. She's also a gutsy lady with a gentle kind nature and very, very talented. Recomend this to anyone..
Long-winded and overheard.......2005-08-24
Julie's a great actor, but this bio isn't as interesting as its subject. An editor is needed for Mr. Windeler's overdrawn overdone prose.
rawther opiniated, yet still delightful.......2003-11-26
What's with the cover picture? I mean, I love Victor/Victoria, but Julie is a beautiful woman... why did he choose this picture? Also, there were times in the book where Windeler's personal opinion was a little offensive to me. I suppose that is alright, because he is allowed his opinion, but it seemed to me like he was bashing the movie "Star!", which happens to be one of my favorites. Other than the difference in opinion that occurred occasionally between the reader and the author... this book was a delightful, yet 'real' holiday about Julie Andrews. It's loaded with anecdotes and great accounts of 'The Adventures of Julie and Carol (Burnett)' (as I call them). Over all, this is a good read for the Julie Fanatic, just keep in mind that you don't always have to agree with what this biographer has to say . ;)
A Woman of Wonders.......2002-03-27
This book about Julie Andrews is extremely interesting. Julie has had many inspiring experiences in her life and continues today to have many more. This book explains how she became what she is today. Also, this book tells the reader many interesting facts about Julie Andrews personal life and career.
GREAT BOOK!.......2002-01-28
Julie Andrews: A Life on Stage and Screen is a great read and I have to say that I found it rather informative. Aside from a few spelling and grammatical errors, it was a good book. Any serious Julie fan should read this!
Average customer rating:
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British Stars and Stardom: From Alma Taylor to Sean Connery
Manufacturer: Manchester University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0719058406 |
Book Description
British film stars—even the most famous ones, such as James Mason, Sean Connery, and Julie Andrews—are a neglected subject in film history. This interesting collection looks at the whole of British stardom from circa 1910 onwards, and the many types of British stars who gained worldwide fame through national and international cinema.
Average customer rating:
- Not just Elizabeth but why she matters
- Gloriana in all her posthumous glory!
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England's Elizabeth: An Afterlife in Fame and Fantasy
Michael Dobson , and
Nicola J. Watson
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
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The Life of Elizabeth I
ASIN: 019926919X |
Book Description
No monarch is more glamorous or more controversial than Elizabeth I. The stories by which successive generations have sought to extol, explain, or excoriate Elizabeth supply a rich index to the cultural history of English nationalism - whether they represent her as Anne Boleyn's suffering orphan or as the implacable nemesis of Mary, Queen of Scots, as learned stateswoman or as frustrated lover, persecuted princess or triumphant warrior queen. This book examines the many afterlives the Virgin Queen has lived in drama, poetry, fiction, painting, propaganda, and the cinema over the four centuries since her death, from the aspiringly epic to the frankly kitsch. Exploring the Elizabeths of Shakespeare and Spenser, of Sophia Lee and Sir Walter Scott, of Bette Davis and of Glenda Jackson, of Shakespeare in Love and Blackadder II, this is a lively, lavishly-illustrated investigation of England's perennial fascination with a queen who is still engaged in a posthumous progress through the collective pysche of her country.
Customer Reviews:
Not just Elizabeth but why she matters.......2005-01-16
Anne Barton, an emerita Cambridge, England professor of literature and history, called this book 'scholarly, wide-ranging, lively and witty', and she doesn't give out praise lightly: she also described it as 'a fascinating cultural history of England itself in terms of its obsession with Anne Boleyn's resilient daughter.' This was in the London Review of Books, which rarely gets that sort of thing wrong, so I bought it. And she was dead right. This is a stunning book -- broadens your whole sense of history. And such a joy and a stimulant to read. I can't think how they'll ever follow it, but thank goodness they wrote it.
Gloriana in all her posthumous glory!.......2003-03-05
This is a dazzling piece of cultural history about all the things people have wanted to be true about Elizabeth I whether they are or not, with fantastic pictures drawn from the plays and novels and movies in which her endlessly glamorous afterlife has been lived. It's a great book about why this enigmatic, dangerous woman matters and has mattered: it's funny, it's heartfelt, and it's scholarly too. Perfect for the thinking Glenda Jackson/Bette Davis/Cate Blanchett fan in your life, and a penetrating, witty meditation on fame, womanhood, and history.
Average customer rating:
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Fashioning the Nation: Costume and Identity in British Cinema
Pam Cook
Manufacturer: British Film Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 085170574X |
Book Description
When Christian Dior launched his New Look in 1947, Gainsborough Studios had already begun to refashion British sexuality. Elizabeth Haffenden's designs for the period costume romances produced by the studio between 1943 and 1950 projected a vision of femininity as both powerful and erotic. Gainsborough's spectacular display of the feminine outraged critics and official agencies. Fashioning the Nation reveals the cultural implications of this scandal, changing the consensus that, even today, tends to define British cinema in narrow parochial terms.
Book Description
When Elvis Died is one of the very few books to address the Elvis phenomenon with both intelligence and insight while avoiding the pretention and adulatory bombast that so often plague rock criticism. It tells, with neither condescension nor fanfare, how the story of Elvis's death shocked the nation and changed forever our society's perception and appreciation of popular culture.
Customer Reviews:
what it was like the day elvis died.......1998-12-18
This book takes you back to August 16,1977, the day Elvis Presley died.The book lets you see how elvis's death affected so many people from all over the world.The book begins with the early unconfirmed media reports of elvis's death,and then goes to how the media reacts when these reports are confirmed.And then the book focuses on the vigils the fans held outside of Presley's home in Memphis after he died.Also included are obituary's and articles about elvis from several newpapers from around the country.This book does a great job of giving the reader a feel for what it was like that sad time in 1977,and is recommended to all Elvis fans.
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- Robert E. Howard: A Collector's Descriptive Bibliography of American And British Hardcover, Paperback...
- Robert Johnson - Signature Licks: A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Legendary Guitarist's Style and Technique (Guitar Signature Licks)
- Roberto Rossellini: Magician of the Real
- Sarah McLachlan - Afterglow
- SCAR TISSUE
- Screen Christologies: Redemption and the Medium of Film
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