It's Only a Movie : Alfred Hitchcock - A Personal Biography - Hardcover

Charlotte Chandler

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0743239709 ISBN 13: 9780743239707

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2005

Synopsis

In his films, Alfred Hitchcock found the perfect expression for his fantasies, and he shared those fantasies with the world in such classics as The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, Rebecca, Shadow of a Doubt, Notorious, Strangers on a Train, Rear Window, The Man Who Knew Too Much, To Catch a Thief, North by Northwest, Vertigo, Psycho, and The Birds. In It's Only a Movie, Charlotte Chandler draws from her extensive conversations with Hitchcock, frequently revealing unknown facts and unexpected insights into the man, the director, and his films.

Author of acclaimed biographies of Groucho Marx, Federico Fellini, and Billy Wilder, Charlotte Chandler spent several years with Hitchcock discussing his life and his amazing career. She also talked with his wife, Alma, and daughter, Pat, as well as many of the screen legends who appeared in his films, including Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier, Michael Redgrave, John Gielgud, Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda, Tippi Hedren, James Mason, Eva Marie Saint, Kim Novak, Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and others. The result is an intimate yet expansive portrait of a unique artist who, from the 1920s through the 1970s, created many of history's most memorable films.

A quarter-century after his death, Hitchcock's distinctive profile remains an instantly recognizable icon to millions, while his films continue to grow in popular appeal and critical esteem. Chandler introduces us to the real Hitchcock: a devoted family man, practical joker, and Englishman of Edwardian sensibilities who was one of the great masters of cinematic art.

About this title

About the Author:

Charlotte Chandler is the author of three higly acclaimed books, HELLO, I MUST BE GOING: GROUCHO AND HIS FRIENDS, THE ULTIMATE SEDUCTION, and I, FELINI.

Review:

'A wonderful study of Hitchcock the man and Hitchcock the film-maker' John Landis 'Hitchcock came from south London, like me, and I really liked this book so I figure he would as well' Michael Caine 'IT'S ONLY A MOVIE is not only a book but a vivid experience, a real page-turner. Through Charlotte Chandler's books, we've come to know Groucho Marx, Federico Fellini and Billy Wilder - and now we know Alfred Hitchcock' Sidney Sheldon 'A perfect murder? It's only a movie. A perfect book!' Michelangelo Antonioni 'It's Only a Movie is a brilliant working and personal biography of Hitchcock which captures the director and the man as never before' Sheridan Morley 'The life of the self declared 'frightmare' expert is told through a web of quotes and points of view artfully stitched together in a way that bring his genuine nature to light... Chandler skilfully contrasts the filmmaker's self critical but insightful and witty character with his stern professional side' Lindsay Pfeffer, OBSERVER 'Breezy and anecdotal' FINANCIAL TIMES 'Charlotte Chandler has written the best book ever written about my father' Patricia Hitchcock 'Chandler's memoir is fluent, chronological and has time for humorous moments' The Herald (Glasgow) 'Charlotte Chandler has spoken to an impressive range of people about the British-born director ... like all gossip, it's thoroughly absorbing ... she knows her way around a film set and faithfully reports Hitch's compulsions' METRO LONDON 'The core of this book is some lengthy conversations with Hitchcock in which he expresses himself with his customary dry humour. In addition Chandler spoke over the years to innumerable Hitchcock collaborators, including Laurence Olivier, Cary Grant, Joseph Cotten, Gregory Peck, Joan Fontaine and Grace Kelly. The results are fascinating.' Christopher Wood, THE TIMES 'CHarlotte Chandler's elegantly written study of the great director benefits from extensive first-person interview material with Hitchcock, as well as his friends and stars. Truly fascinating... ' Observer 'Chandler reveals insights into both man and director, cleverly contrasting his self-critical but witty insightful nature with his stern professionalism' Daily Express, 13/1 ' A convincing portrait emerges of the master of suspense at work' Sunday Times, 15/1 ' Contains a wealth of information about the private man. An intimate portrait of one of the towering figures of cinema' Mail on Sunday, 15/1

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0743239709
• ISBN 13: 9780743239707
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368