Claude Rains: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference to His Work in Film, Stage, Radio, Television and Recordings [Paperback]

John T. Soister; JoAnna Wioskowski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 14, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0786428554 | ISBN-13: 978-0786428557

The career of Claude Rains is often, and unfairly, overshadowed by the careers of the ever-popular Karloff, Lugosi, Chaney and Rathbone, but few can dispute that he was truly one of the world's foremost character actors. The Invisible Man, ironically, made him quite the visible star. In his own inimitable way, Rains later became John Jasper (in Mystery of Edwin Drood), Louis Renault (Casablanca), Julius Caesar (Caesar and Cleopatra), and Mr. Dryden (Lawrence of Arabia).

While concentrating on Rains' more than fifty films, this book also comprehensively examines his work in other media: the stage, radio, television and recordings. His only child, Jessica, in the foreword, provides a brief biography of her father. There are many rare photographs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The only book about the fascinating, scene-stealing actor...informative...Soister presents his views rationally and perceptively...an intelligent book --Classic Images

Lavishly illustrated with many ultra-rare stills...a loving, well-written, and well-deserved tribute...one of the best film books of the year...essential reading --Video Watchdog

Comprehensive...eighty rare photographs...the definitive guide to Claude Rains' complete body of work as one of the most talented and called upon actors of his day --Midwest Book Review

About the Author

John T. Soister, a teacher of modern and classical languages, is also the author of Up from the Vault (2004), Conrad Veidt on Screen (2002) and Of Gods and Monsters (1999). JoAnna Wioskowski is a teacher in Baltimore, Maryland, and has published articles and art in Big Reel and other magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers (July 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786428554
• ISBN-13: 978-0786428557
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,202,955 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soister does it again!, June 1, 2000

By 

Rick Farmiloe (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Claude Rains: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference to His Work in Film, Stage, Radio, Television and Recordings (Hardcover)

Another great biography from John Soister. Mr. Soister wrote the definitive book on Universal horror films from the 1930's a year ago, now he publishes the definitive biography of one of filmdon's acting giants, Claude Rains. A book on this wonderful actor was way overdue. Soister proves it was well worth the wait! Each of Rains' films is recounted in detail, with Soister's well informed opinion on each film, and Mr. Rains' performance. If you are a fan of Claude Rains, or Hollywood's Golden Era, THIS is a must book for you! He may have been short in physical stature, but Claude Rains was a towering giant when it came to talent, style, and film presence. You won't be disappointed in buying this great work!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Self-Made Man, November 3, 2008

By 

J. F. Compton (Sun City AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Claude Rains: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference to His Work in Film, Stage, Radio, Television and Recordings (Paperback)

Being a fan of some Bette Davis movies, I purchased "Deception" and was stunned by the performance of Claude Rains. Since then, I have purchased as many Claude Rains performances as I could. Here was a man who overcame a childhood of abject poverty, little education and two forms of speech impediments. He became a performer of such intensity it is difficult to notice anyone else in the scene. Although his height, or lack of it, usually kept him from getting the girl, Miss Davis admitted that he reeked of sex appeal. What Elvis evoked with a wiggle, Claude was able to do with that left eyebrow and that voice. Naturally, after seeing some performances, I definitely wanted to find out all I could about Mr. Rains and "An Actor's Voice" did not disappoint. This is a penetrating book about a brilliant. irreplaceable artist.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, April 22, 2008

By 

W Miller "Classic Film Nerd" (Somewhere!!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Claude Rains: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference to His Work in Film, Stage, Radio, Television and Recordings (Paperback)

This book is exactly what it says, it is comprehensive (it covers his whole life in great detail). It's Illustrated (it has pictures and photographs throughout the book). It can most definitely be used as a reference to many things, Drama, The Arts, Claude rains, life in british poverty. Overall this is a very good book.