Arthur Kennedy, Man of Characters: A Stage and Cinema Biography - Softcover

Meredith C. Macksoud; Craig R. Smith; Jackie Lohrke

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786413840 ISBN 13: 9780786413843

Publisher: McFarland, 2002

Synopsis

“Basically, all parts are character parts. The problem of the actor is to protect the differences in a character: to identify that the character being portrayed has his own personality traits. He has to find things within himself to establish these differences. I’m best when I portray not good guys, or bad guys, but human guys. These are the people I understand.” Arthur Kennedy’s words speak volumes about the kind of actor he was, one sought by both Hollywood and Broadway to be in dramas involving real people struggling with real problems. His many talents were recognized with several Academy Award nominations and the winning of a Golden Globe and a Tony award. This work covers Kennedy’s film and stage career, film-by-film and play-by-play, and provides pictures, synopses, and commentary for each one. Acting anecdotes from Kennedy himself or from his peers in film and on stage, such as Errol Flynn, Elia Kazan, James Cagney, Ida Lupino, Humphrey Bogart, and many others, bedizen the commentary. Among the films and plays included are Joy in the Morning, Henry IV Part I, Strange Alibi, High Sierra, Bad Men, Desperate Journey, Cheyenne, The Window and Champion.

About this title

About the Author:

Meredith Macksoud, a teacher’s assistant in Santa Barbara, California, died after nearly completing this book. Her mother, Jackie Lohrke, and family friend, Craig R. Smith, saw the project through to publication.

Review:

“Very readable and extremely interesting” --Classic Images

“An absolute treat for film buffs...a noble heartfelt testament...affectionate and respectful...simply wonderful” --Winston-Salem Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: McFarland
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0786413840
• ISBN 13: 9780786413843
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 187