Noel Coward
- Book Review,
by Clive Fisher
From Publishers Weekly
Noel Coward (1899-1973), English actor, director, librettist, composer and playwright, achieved fame worldwide for his polished stage comedies and sparklingly witty lyrics. Unfortunately, nothing of his deft comedic talent is apparent in this biography by British film critic Fisher. Although this is partially due to the refusal of the Coward estate to allow the author to quote from Coward's work, the chief problem is Fisher's virtually lifeless writing style. Revealing what he perceives to be the real man behind Coward's charming, sophisticated persona, he focuses on his subject's egocentricity and immaturity. And, though acknowledging that it was necessary for Coward to hide his homosexuality due to then-repressive English laws, his discussion of Coward's private life at times assumes a homophobic tone in this uninspired attempt. Photos. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The celebrated English actor and playwright once said he was determined to travel through life first class, and this account relates his journey in the same manner. Because the Coward estate refused permission to quote, it is more a literate than a literary biography (e.g., John Lahr's Coward the Playwright , Heineman, 1983), with analysis of his writing kept to a minimum. British critic Fisher examines Coward's "gay mad world of powder and paint" with careful research and no lack of humor: "Cigarettes," he notes, "are a vital stage accessory in Coward, as essential to his characters as swords are to Shakespeare's." Extensive notes and a well-chosen bibliography add value to this carefully written study, which traces its subject's rise from obscurity in the first quarter of the century to fame in the 1930s and through World War II, followed by semi-obscurity in the 1950s and revival in the 1960s. The book makes a nice companion, or alternative, to Sheridan Morley's Coward-sanctioned A Talent To Amuse (1969. o.p.).-Carolyn M. Mulac, Chicago P.L.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Not, of course, contrary to the publisher's blurb, the first ``in-depth biography''--Cole Lesley's 1976 Life of Noel Coward was discreet yet complete--but a decent enough life-and-work: sometimes strong on the plays and films, weak (to put it mildly) on the songs. Fisher, a British film critic, stresses--not very originally- -the contradictions in Coward's persona and oeuvre: the mocking outsider (homosexual, lower-middle-class) who was also a social climber, snob, and patriotic champion (in later years) of the Establishment; the idol of the literati who was himself ill- educated, insecure, and anti-intellectual. These conflicting impulses are noted as Fisher competently chronicles the well-known career--from child-performer to 1920's stardom in revues and his own scandalous The Vortex; from theater triumphs (Hay Fever, Private Lives, Calvacade, Blithe Spirit) and film acclaim (Brief Encounter, In Which We Serve) to a post-WW II decline partly redeemed by phenomenal success as a cabaret act. Only half- convincingly, Fisher argues that Coward, longing for acceptance, remained creatively stunted; the later work is slighted, and the memorable music and lyrics receive little attention. As for the private life, a few lovers (including Prince George, youngest son of George V) are named; the supposed Coward/Olivier liaison (cf. Donald Spoto, Laurence Olivier, p. 42) doesn't surface; and nothing surprising--or particularly insightful--is revealed. Throughout, the tone wavers between crisp competence and somewhat glib snideness, with unnecessary bits of dubious opinion tossed in (``Samuel Beckett is one of the most overrated playwrights of recent times...''). A mixed bag, then, marred by blind spots--but welcome for its detailed discussion of the plays and on-target enough of the time to be useful, perhaps, as a balance to Lesley's far less critical biography. (Sixteen pages of b&w photographs--not seen.) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
From Book News, Inc.
A reference on British playwright Coward (1899-1973). A 30-page biographical sketch is followed by sections of plays and stage appearances, filmography, radio broadcasts, television productions and appearances, discography, awards and honors, and a combined primary/secondary annotated bibliography. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
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