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This title in other formats:Other titles in the Screen Classics series:Claude Rains: An Actor's Voice (Screen Classics)by David J. Skal
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Late in Claude Rainss distinguished career, a reverent film journalist wrote that Rains “was as much a cinematic institution as the medium itself.” Given his childhood speech impediments and his origins in a destitute London neighborhood, the ascent of Claude Rains (1889–1967) to the stage and screen is remarkable. Rainss difficulties in his formative years provided reserves of gravitas and sensitivity, from which he drew inspiration for acclaimed performances in The Invisible Man (1933), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Casablanca (1942), Notorious (1946), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), and other classic films.
In Claude Rains: An Actors Voice, noted Hollywood historian David J. Skal draws on more than thirty hours of newly released Rains interviews to create the first full-length biography of the actor who was nominated multiple times for an Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Skals portrait of the gifted actor also benefits from the insights of Jessica Rains, who provides firsthand accounts of the enigmatic man behind her fathers refined screen presence and genteel public persona.
As Skal shows, numerous contradictions informed the life and career of Claude Rains. He possessed an air of nobility and became an emblem of sophistication, but he never shed the insecurities that traced back to his upbringing in an abusive and poverty-stricken family. Though deeply self-conscious about his short stature, Rains drew notorious ardor from female fans and was married six times. His public displays of dry wit and good humor masked inner demons that drove Rains to alcoholism and its devastating consequences. Skals layered depiction of Claude Rains reveals a complex, almost inscrutable man whose nuanced characterizations were, in no small way, based on the more shadowy parts of his psyche. With unprecedented access to episodes from Rainss private life, Skal tells the full story of the consummate character actor of his generation. Claude Rains: An Actors Voice, gives voice to the struggles and innermost concerns that influenced Rainss performances and helped him become a universally respected Hollywood legend. Review:"[Claude Rains] was perfect. There's a very small group of actors who seemingly never made a mistake: Walter Huston, Spencer Tracy, Henry Fonda, and Claude Rains."--Roddy McDowall Review:A comprehensive, breezily written guide to a consummate gentleman and an ever-diligent pro. Review:"[Claude Rains] was witty, amusing, and beautiful. And thoroughly enchanting to be with. And brilliant."--Bette Davis Review:Most movie stars eventually are forgotten, and almost all character actors are, but the reputation of Claude Rains has survived for more than 40 years since his death. David Skal's biography, written with Rains' daughter, probably will provoke even more welcome-and justified-reassessments of his gifts. Review:This highly readable biography, written with the help of his daughter, Jessica Rains, reveals the witty, talented man behind this universally respected Hollywood legend. Synopsis:Born into the English working class, Claude Rains (1889–1967) overcame a severe speech impediment to become a fixture of the London theater scene. Rainss personal life was as dramatic as his work onstage: to end his second marriage while masking his wifes alcoholism, he staged an episode of infidelity, though the ensuing scandal made it difficult for him to find work. In 1926 he immigrated to America where, despite what Rains described as “the worst screen test of all time,” he was hired by director James Whale to play the title role in an adaptation of H. G. Wellss The Invisible Man, a tour-de-force depending completely on his vocal skills. In Claude Rains: An Actors Voice, noted author David J. Skal illustrates how Rainss talents were well suited to Hollywoods studio system, allowing him to become one of cinemas best known character actors. He lent his commanding presence to such landmark films as Casablanca, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Notorious, and Lawrence of Arabia and was nominated for four Academy Awards. Bette Davis considered him her favorite acting partner. Drawing on over thirty hours of newly released audio interviews with Rains and enriched by daughter Jessica Rainss contributions, Claude Rains is an intimate portrait and the first full biography of this gifted actor. About the AuthorDavid J. Skal is the author of numerous books about film and popular culture, including Death Makes a Holiday, Hollywood Gothic and The Monster Show He has produced and directed two original documentaries about Claude Rains: The Invisible Man and The Phantom of the Opera.
Jessica Rains, the only child of Claude Rains, is a producer and actress whose performance credits include The Sting, Pete and Tillie, Islands in the Stream, and Portnoy’s Complaint. A graduate of the American Film Institute’s producer training program, she has produced eleven independent films and videos. She is currently developing a biographical documentary, A Beautiful Friendship: Claude Rains and the Movies. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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