Who could forget those faces? Who could forget those roles? When The Name Below The Title, Volume 1: 20 Classic Movie Character Actors From Hollywood's Golden Age was published, it offered a look at some of Tinsel Town's most fun, interesting and talented actors during their classic movie heyday. It was so popular that The Name Below The Title, Volume 2 wasn't far behind. If those books were your classic movie cup of tea, then The Name Below The Title, Volume 3 is ready to be devoured!
Not only did they support the leading stars in Hollywood films, they also added an extra dimension that make these movies all the more golden. In this sequel, even more character players' lives and careers are featured, with interesting insight into their personal lives and backgrounds, as well as their stunning film contributions.
If you like Old Hollywood and Turner Classic Movies is your go-to movie channel, you will enjoy The Name Below The Title, Volume 3: 20 MORE Classic Movie Character Actors From Hollywood's Golden Age. Click "Buy Now" and enjoy fun and interesting insight into a time gone by, with the people who helped to make it great!
I just love these books, and classic movies. I did know many of the faces here, but not the names to go with those faces. As always a well written and chatty style that makes reading quick and fun. The short biographies of each are just perfect light and interesting reading for our sunny spring days. A cup of tea, a cookie and a book by Rupert Alistair makes for a perfect afternoon.
Second bananas and supporting cast rarely get the notice they deserve. Rupert has provided an excellent introduction to some amazing actors...and it makes me want to learn more about them. Now I have even more movies to watch...to catch these wonderful supporting actors and actresses.
This book was a fascinating account of the lives and careers of character actors and actresses in Hollywood's Golden Age. I highly recommend it to other movie buffs. I did however find an error: Elvis Presley was listed as nine years older than Angela Lansbury. He was actually younger than Angela Lansbury by several years.
When I read volume 1 of Rupert Alistair’s The Name Below the Title, I didn’t expect to read volumes 2 and 3 in such quick succession. These books are great for movie buffs of the golden era of movies in the 1930s to 1940s. As with the other books in the series, Alistair recounts the biographies and roles of 20 classic movie character actors. These were people who played supporting roles in the films, helping fill out the movie in support of the storyline and lead actors. They often developed a character type who they played variations of again and again in various movies. We’ve all seen them even in modern films. The actors we recognize but possible we don’t know their names. People who play support so effectively and often for very extended careers. Unlike leading actors who often have to rely on their appearance to maintain the lead, character actors could have extended careers lasting decades because they were creating unique characters, not maintaining a certain glamorous youthful look. I was surprised at how many of these actors were well into middle age when they started acting in Hollywood, yet they went on to great success. For Hollywood movie buffs, this book (and the series it belongs to) is a winner. Check it out!
I have all three of Rupert Alistair's Name Above the Title books and really treasure them. The stars do get the attention, money, and the fame but there is no film that could be as great if it weren't for the wonderful character actor and actresses. Mr. Alastair gives little vignettes on the characters films and personal lives. Great books for serious film historians.
Took me back to my childhood. Vivid memories of stars like Tyrone Power (big crush at age 12), and popular character actors that engendered desired emotions. Movies were a great escape. Movies actually had a plot and sex was not the driving force that it is today. It was hinted, not depicted on screen several times in the story line. Rating based on interesting facts but precludes emotional involvement.
I very much enjoyed volume one. Volume two was pretty good. But, this volume is filled with strange choices. Frank Morgan & Fay Bainter, sure. Even Percy Kilbride. But, some of the choices are barely deserving & a couple of the accounts are almost cruel. Read the first two & skip this one!
These short (3-4 page) bios of character actors are a great introduction to these familiar but often unknown performers. Each entry gives a brief overview of the actor’s life and career, mentioning their most famous performances. For the casual movie fan, it’s a nice resource. For more serious fans, it’s a good place to start.
This volume had two of my favorites: Angela Lansbury who did such a magnicent job in 'The Manchurian Candidate' (1962) and Laird Cregar who had a short but entertaining career. The trouble is that there are so many memorable character actors that you could list endless names. Mr. Alistair has a treasure trove of actors to work with.
All of Robert Alistair's books are very entertaining. This is the third volume in a trilogy of books about the great character actors. Definitely recommended for fans of classic movies.
Being a fan of movies, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. The writer did extensive research on each subject and was able to make it interesting and educational at the same time. Definitely worth the purchase!
Another great installment of the Name Below the Title series. I love reading about the lesser known actors and actresses that graced the stage and screen in Hollywood's glory days.
I very much enjoyed the three books in this series. Maybe the author is thinking of doing a fourth? It was great reading about all these talented supporting players.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all three of these books! It has been wonderful getting to read about these character actors. I wish there were more of these volumes!
Wow, this was a fun read! Whenever I read books by Mr. Alistair I get tempted to jump into my video stash of old movies or seek them out to see these actors at work. There are some wonderful, scandalous and shocking discoveries in this book. And touching moments also. Tidbits that I can't reveal here, you've got to read it for yourself! Enjoy!