Customer Reviews

Julie Andrews: A Life on Stage and Screen

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the 3rd edition of Mr. Windeler's original 1970 biography on Julie Andrews, and is a very handsomely-produced book. It covers her career from childhood through the Broadway run of VICTOR/VICTORIA in 1995-97. While some fans may disagree with some of Mr. Windeler's opinions, he has done an admirable job of presenting Julie's life and career in an honest and up-front manner. The book contains a generous photo section, with some rare childhood pics as well as many beautiful poses from some of her famous roles - MY FAIR LADY, MARY POPPINS, VICTOR/VICTORIA - to name a few. Apart from a few minor errors and omissions, this is a handsome and well-rounded look at the life of a well-known and beloved star. Highly reccomened for any fan of Broadway or film musicals, as well as the serious Julie Andrews fan.

Before I begin, let me say that I am a Julie Andrews fan. I read Windeler's first book a number of times, and got my own copy of the 2nd edition. And this is where the problem arises. This book is a rehash of the second edition, with some of the personal observations about Julie Andrews toned down .... both observations he made, and those of other co-workers of hers. This leads to a biography having very little personal touch....rather than a flesh-and-blood picture being created, we have an almost "sanitised" version of a woman who is multi-dimensional.

Parts of this book are entirely intact from the second edition (while the second edition differed markedly from the first edition) and it is a great pity that in some of the film analysis, that Windeler did not comment on the two films (which led to Julie Andrews' temporary "unbankability") in more detail. Though savaged by critics at the time of release both Star! and Darling Lili have been seen to be films that were unfairly marked as poor. Star! was restored to full length, to both VHS and laser-disc format (1995). Premiere magazine had Star! as its premier video selection to buy (in 1995) and an article was run by the Toronto Globe called "A STAR! is reborn". Surely some concession should have been given to this ... the poor criticism which could have damaged directors' reputations (Robert Wise; Blake Edwards), Ms Andrews and the genre of the musical) are in hindsight agreed to have been mistaken and unfair. I feel that this was lacking from this edition.

In terms of films, 1986-7 was certainly an interesting year in that both That's Life and Duet for One were released to positive critical review for Julie Andrews' work (Time magazine). Duet for One, being filmed in London, was certainly a landmark film and proved Julie Andrews' acting ability beyond words. Both these films, while applauded, are given very little coverage.

It seems disproportionate that these later works (apart from an analysis of the stage version of Victor/Victoria, of which more interesting and factual information could be found on-line on the internet) are accorded little energetic and interesting analysis.

I felt that this book was a poor third edition and represented the author riding on a "bandwagon" of Ms Andrews' critical acclamation, rather than giving an INSIGHT into the lady - which it purports to have done.

I live in South Africa, and ordered the book through Amazon. It represents poor value for money. When I discovered some poor proofing (had some plates from previous editions been used ?) with spelling errors, misused words, and some sentences not being finished, my blood boiled. The pictures were not as complete as in other editions, and to give the year of the film as the date of filming, rather than release is bad practice for a cinematagrophile (e.g. Star! 1967) /sic.

This is the 3rd edition of Mr. Windeler's original 1970 biography on Julie Andrews, and is a very handsomely-produced book. It covers her career from childhood through the Broadway run of VICTOR/VICTORIA in 1995-97. While some fans may disagree with some of Mr. Windeler's opinions, he has done an admirable job of presenting Julie's life and career in an honest and up-front manner. The book contains a generous photo section, with some rare childhood pics as well as many beautiful poses from some of her famous roles - MY FAIR LADY, MARY POPPINS, VICTOR/VICTORIA - to name a few. Apart from a few minor errors and omissions, this is a handsome and well-rounded look at the life of a well-known and beloved star. Highly reccomened for any fan of Broadway or film musicals, as well as the serious Julie Andrews fan.

Julie Andrews: A Life on Stage and Screen is a great read and I have to say that I found it rather informative. Aside from a few spelling and grammatical errors, it was a good book. Any serious Julie fan should read this!

Julie Andrews is a beloved figure. With her crystalline voice and velvet features, she's been adored for almost all of her 50-years in the entertainment business. Windeler does an adequate job profiling this star (this book is a reissue of an earlier volume), but he reveals himself to be rather lazy. Instead of reinterviewing this fascinating singer-actress, he relies on already published information to chronicle her later career moves: "Putting it Together," "Victor/Victoria," and the Tony snub (Andrews' lack of cooperation is understandable, given that she was displeased with the former edition). There are, however, some interesting pictures within.

This is a wonderfully written book, it gives a behind the scenes look at Julie Andrews life. It gives her personal feelings about her movies and TV shows. While reading this book, I truely felt as if I, too, was riding on her roller-coaster life. I reccomend this book to all Julie Andrews fans, old or young. Since I am 12 years old, I think the material in the book is suitable for children.

A great book with lovely pictures. I just couldn't put it down.
The writer obviously knew her well and shared her amazing story. It was witty, sad and yet it often made you smile. She's also a gutsy lady with a gentle kind nature and very, very talented. Recomend this to anyone..

Julie's a great actor, but this bio isn't as interesting as its subject. An editor is needed for Mr. Windeler's overdrawn overdone prose.

Julie Andrews is a heart captivating person that (like every one else) lives a life of ups and downs. I give it two thumbs up

This book about Julie Andrews is extremely interesting. Julie has had many inspiring experiences in her life and continues today to have many more. This book explains how she became what she is today. Also, this book tells the reader many interesting facts about Julie Andrews personal life and career.