Often referred to as the actor's actor, Spencer Tracy's subtle introspection and thoroughly naturalistic style continue to impress actors and audiences alike. He began his career on the stage, and then went on to attain considerable acclaim as a film star for Fox Studios and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He won back-to-back Academy Awards in 1937 and 1938, began a legendary personal and professional relationship with Katharine Hepburn, and worked as an independent film star in the 1950s and 1960s.

This volume provides detailed information for Tracy's many performances in film, radio, television,...

Film and theatre director Tony Richardson's death in 1991, the publication of his memoirs in 1993, and the posthumous release of his final movie, "Blue Sky" in 1994 have resulted in the beginning of a critical reevaluation of Richardson's career. The first major reference on Richardson's life and work in British and American theatre and film, this book is a necessary first step in that reevaluation.

Richardson's life and work are summarized in a brief opening biography. A chronology then outlines the major events in his career. The chapters that follow provide extensively annotated...

One of the most significant contributors to the early years of the motion picture industry, Harold Lloyd was also a shrewd businessman and became the wealthiest man in Hollywood at the peak of his career. Perhaps more than any other major star of the silent era, his characters mirrored his times and captivated his contemporaries. His experiments with camera placement and motion were vital to the evolution of filmmaking techniques.

This book includes a short biography of Lloyd and detailed information about all of his performances. The biography overviews his childhood, his adolescent...

Born in Wisconsin in 1919, Wladziu Valentino Liberace began his career as a performer at roadhouses, bars, stag parties, afternoon teas, and dances in the Milwaukee area. Television brought him to stardom in 1952, when The Liberace Show was watched by more than 35 million people each week. His television exposure led to one of the most lucrative concert, nightclub, and recording careers in history. His death from AIDS in 1987 continued the perpetual speculation about his personal life.

This book charts the always controversial life and career of Liberace, from his birth in America's...

Though he appeared in only six films, James Dean is still frequently discussed some 30 years after his death in an accident at the age of 24. This book provides full production information, plot synopses, review excerpts, and critical commentary for Dean's roles in "Fixed Bayonets" (1951), "Sailor Beware" (1951), "Has Anybody Seen My Gal?" (1952), "East of Eden" (1955), "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955), and "Giant" (1956). It also details his stage, radio, and television work, and includes an extensive annotated bibliography.

This comprehensive guide synthesizes the tremendous amount of...

Born Isidore Iskowitz in 1892, Eddie Cantor became one of the greatest entertainers of Depression-era America. The star of such films as "Roman Scandals" (1933) and "Kid Millions" (1934), he symbolized the ordinary person who falls into extraordinary circumstances. Off-screen or on, Cantor exuded a spirit of charity and hopefulness. His life was marked by numerous humanitarian achievements and a strong commitment to political and social causes. On October 29, 1995, as part of a nationwide celebration of the 75th anniversary of radio, he was posthumously inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame...