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Tennessee Williams and Company: His Essential Screen Actors

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While the 11 actors featured in John DiLeo's entertaining "Tennessee Williams and Company: His Essential Screen Actors," may not have all done right by the playwright (or he by them in some cases), what an amazing group of artists. The list reads like a "Who's Who" of great acting--from mega-stars like Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Paul Newman and Katharine Hepburn to possibly lesser-known lights such as Geraldine Page (I can't believe she's "lesser-known" but, alas, she probably is), Joanne Woodward, Anna Magnani, Mildred Dunnock and Madeline Sherwood.

DiLeo takes this illustrious group through their paces, skillfully dissecting their performances in the Williams film canon. Every gesture and acting choice is thoroughly discussed in a breezy, yet in-depth, manner that brings the performances alive on the page, even if you've never seen them. For a non-actor like myself, the effect was like getting a crash course in Film Acting 101. The book also documents the ups and downs of Williams' career, as well as the actors. Not every word Williams wrote was poetry and not every performance was legendary. DiLeo mines untapped wells of Hollywood and stage history with a fresh angle and then writes the hell out of it.

While I may disagree with some of his observations, that's what makes reading a book like this so much fun. As he did with his other books, DiLeo writes in an engaging manner that never pontificates or panders to the reader. The subject matter was not what I was expecting when I heard about the project, and the book resulted in so much more than it could have been in lesser hands. A thoroughly entertaining read from start to finish.

Like all of John DiLeo's works, his latest is a pleasure to read. It is insightful and entertaining and often laugh-out-loud funny. DiLeo has strong opinions, some of which might surprise you, but he backs up everything he says with well thought out reasoning and explanations. His honesty is refreshing and he is generous in both his praise and his criticisms of these actors' performances as well as the work of Tennessee Williams. You will most likely want to view or re-view most of the films he talks about. Anyone who has an interest in film, theatre, acting, and/or Tennessee Williams, is sure to appreciate this wonderful book.

I have learned from reading Mr. DiLeo's previous books - scholarly, charming, warm, witty and great conversation starters at parties - to always have my Netflix App open and my Queue primed to add any number of films to it, based on his You Must Watch This recommendations. TENNESSEE AND COMPANY: HIS ESSENTIAL SCREEN ACTORS has added to my Queue. DiLeo's chatty, often wickedly funny writing style is like having a best friend who is the world's sharpest and most knowing film critic. "Here, let's sit in front of this nice cozy fire, have some Jacques Torres hot chocolate and I'll tell you all about brilliant acting, stunning direction, gorgeous cinematography and great screenwriting. And the lousy stuff, too." Prepare not only to get lost in this book, but then to sit down and watch all of the movies and performances he's just dissected. The most appealing and profound part of the book is the fact DiLeo constantly reminds us - in a confident yet a modest way - that although these are just his opinions, you might, just might, want to pay attention to what he has to say. For anyone who loves great film acting, and movies in general, DiLeo's book is, well..... You Must Read This.

This is yet another impressive work by film aficionado John DiLeo.

For those who have an interest in the lives and careers of some of Hollywood's finest actors, this book is a joy from start to finish, filled with amusing anecdotes, interesting observations, and intelligent insights. As with all of DiLeo's work, it is entertaining, informative, colorful and witty. It goes beyond a surface analysis, offering original commentary and opinions in a fresh and chatty style.

The structure of the book enables the reader to either enjoy a cover-to-cover reading, or to skip around to find particular points of interest. There are sidebars throughout that support and complement the main text. These, too, can either be read in tandem with a thorough reading, or enjoyed on their own as one browses through choice sections.

In addition, it is filled with many wonderful photos.

This well-written, highly engaging book is a must-have for fans of these great film actors!

Another fine film book from scholar John DiLeo, this one focussed on the remarkable group of actors who had career peaks (and, sometimes, lows) in roles in film versions of Tennessee Williams plays. This outing is one where John's background as an actor really pays off. His insights into the work of Geraldine Page, for example, are infused with an astute analysis of, and appreciation for, her technique in bravura scenes like the telephone call in SWEET BIRD. One of the most enjoyable things about John's writing is that, despite a vast knowledge of all things Hollywood and a sophisticated take on the subject at hand, he never loses the unjaded, charming, enthusiastic appreciation of a fan. No matter your level of familiarity with the films discussed here, you'll find many, many things to savor in these detailed discussions of performances both celebrated (Brando and Leigh in STREETCAR) and unjustly somewhat forgotten (Page in SUMMER AND SMOKE). The book's an instant classic, and a must for fans of Williams and the glorious actors in his company. All this, and just in time for Christmas!

If you are a fan of the playwright and his essential actors you will truly enjoy the depth of which this book will take you.It is like seeing the films again,but with much more appreciation of the skills of everyone involved. If you have never seen some of these performances or it has been awhile since you have then you will want to run to the nearest Blockbusters. What makes a performance Academy Award worthy? Is it the actor or the dialogue? Why do some performance capitvate and some fall flat. Why do some of Williams' plays work so well on film and some truly bomb? DiLeo truly has a gift with words and a flare for keeping the reader glued from page to page.