About this item
Highlights
- A versatile craftsman, actor Van Heflin was never concerned with popularity or comfortable with stardom.
- About the Author: Derek Sculthorpe, an archives assistant and researcher, has written plays, short stories and articles.
- 240 Pages
- Biography + Autobiography, Entertainment & Performing Arts
Description
About the Book
[Lauded by his peers, Van Heflin won a place in the hearts of cinemagoers with his portrayal of a resolute homesteader in George Stevens' timeless classic Shane. But there was far more to this superlative actor than one role. He impressed in all genres and could convincingly portray every kind of character from a heel to a hero and each shade in between. This first full-length work about him provides a full commentary of all his films with insights into his life as a sailor and his stage career. The aim is to restore him to his rightful place among the gallery of stars of Hollywood's Golden Age to whose luster he added a stage craftsman's unique talent.Book Synopsis
A versatile craftsman, actor Van Heflin was never concerned with popularity or comfortable with stardom. Lauded by his peers, Heflin won over moviegoers with his portrayal of resolute homesteader Joe Starrett in George Stevens' classic Shane (1953). He impressed in all genres, convincingly portraying every type of character from heel to hero.
Van Heflin first garnered attention as the sensitive, alcoholic friend of gangster Johnny Eager (1941), for which he won an Academy Award, and later gave notable performances in a string of noirs, dramas and westerns. He was memorable as the psychotic cop in Joseph Losey's masterpiece The Prowler (1951) but equally impressive as the doubtful executive in Jean Negulesco's smart satire Woman's World (1954).
This first full-length biography of Heflin covers his early life as a sailor and his career on stage and screen, providing detailed commentary on all his films.
Review Quotes
"Sculthorpe is an excellent writer. The author really went the extra mile to watch (and listen) to the actor's performances, and this one factor alone puts this bio head and shoulders above a lot of similar books. I highly recommend this terrific, well-written volume...you will not be disappointed,"-Classic Images; "a deep and thorough analysis of Heflin's career...this book gives us a greater appreciation of his work as well as insights into his life...very highly recommended...an exceptional job"-Examiner.
About the Author
Derek Sculthorpe, an archives assistant and researcher, has written plays, short stories and articles. He lives in Leeds, Yorkshire.