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

~ John T. Soister; JoAnna Wioskowski (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Lavishly illustrated...loving, well-written...well-deserved tribute...one of the best film books...essential" -- Video Watchdog

"Comprehensive...eighty rare photographs...definitive guide to Claude Rains’ complete body of work" -- Midwest Book Review

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

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

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

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

Product Description

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.

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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: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #721,452 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 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 Exceeded expectations, April 13, 2008

By	Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

As a life-long film buff, I've long regarded Claude Rains as one of the finest screen actors in movie history. He stole every scene he was ever in and enlivened even the worst of his movies. His voice was incomparable, like "honey with a little gravel thrown in." In addition, there was his formal manner, the way he moved... the whole package was quite mesmerizing. Prior to this book, I had to glean my information on Claude from various Hollywood books and many interviews with the inimitable Bette Davis, who adored "my gorgeous Claude." I have to agree with Bette, Claude Rains was everything in a man that discerning women want: sweet, brilliant, a gentleman and sexy as hell. If you're a Claude-besotted soul, this book will please you enormously. The photos alone are worth the price, as are the all-too-brief recollections from his daughter. Excellent work on an essential actor.

5 of 5 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 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.