Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews (Hollywood Legends)

Name: Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews (Hollywood Legends)
Brand: University Press of Kentucky
SKU: 131414
Availability: InStock

$25.00

Disclosure

Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews offers an in-depth exploration of the celebrated actor’s life and career, revealing the complexities behind his iconic roles. Published by University Press of Kentucky, this book provides a compelling and authoritative portrait for fans and film scholars alike.

Category: Books

Tags: actor memoir, classic Hollywood, Dana Andrews, film history book, Hollywood biography, Hollywood Legends, University Press of Kentucky

Brands: University Press of Kentucky

Dana Andrews (1909-1992) worked with distinguished directors such as John Ford, Lewis Milestone, Otto Preminger, Fritz Lang, William Wyler, William A. Wellman, Mervyn Le Roy, Jean Renoir, and Elia Kazan. He played romantic leads alongside the great beauties of the modern screen, including Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor, Greer Garson, Merle Oberon, Linda Darnell, Susan Hayward, Maureen O’Hara, and most important of all, Gene Tierney, with whom he did five films. Retrospectives of his work often elicit high praise for an underrated actor, a master of the minimalist style. His image personified the “male mask” of the 1940s in classic films such as Laura, Fallen Angel, and Where the Sidewalk Ends, in which he played the “masculine ideal of steely impassivity.” No comprehensive discussion of film noir can neglect his performances. He was an “actor’s actor.”

Here at last is the complete story of a great actor, his difficult struggle to overcome alcoholism while enjoying the accolades of his contemporaries, a successful term as president of the Screen Actors Guild, and the love of family and friends that never deserted him. Based on diaries, letters, home movies, and other documents, this biography explores the mystery of a poor boy from Texas who made his Hollywood dream come true even as he sought a life apart from the limelight and the backbiting of contemporaries jockeying for prizes and prestige. Called “one of nature’s noblemen” by his fellow actor Norman Lloyd, Dana Andrews emerges from Hollywood Enigma as an admirable American success story, fighting his inner demons and ultimately winning.

Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews (Hollywood Legends), published by the University Press of Kentucky, offers an insightful and compelling exploration into the life and career of one of classic Hollywood’s most intriguing figures. This meticulously researched volume delves into the complexities and contradictions that defined Dana Andrews, a star whose work in film noir and dramatic cinema left an indelible mark on the industry. Through detailed narrative and critical analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of Andrews’ artistic legacy as well as the personal challenges he faced behind the scenes. This book is an essential addition for film enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the golden age of Hollywood. It enriches the reader’s appreciation of cinema history by providing context to Andrews’ performances and the cultural landscape of his era. The University Press of Kentucky’s commitment to scholarly rigor ensures that this biography is both authoritative and accessible, making it a valuable resource for academic study or casual reading alike. Incorporating Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews into your collection enhances your engagement with film history by shedding light on the enigmatic qualities that set Andrews apart from his contemporaries. Whether used as a reference for research or as an engaging narrative for leisure reading, this book offers a nuanced portrait that celebrates the enduring appeal and complexity of a Hollywood legend. It is a thoughtful tribute that honors the spirit of one of cinema’s most compelling actors, enriching everyday conversations about film and culture.