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Customer Reviews (3)

wonderful biography
This biography is extremely detailed and it is very informative about the british moviestar that used to be one of my favorite while I still lived in Europe. I recommend this book to quintessential fan of this greatly talented actor with captivating charm and sex appeal. He is greatly missed.

An eagerly awaited paperback ...
I am delighted that John Coldstream's biography of Dirk Bogarde is now out in paperback, which means that more readers will have access to this compelling story of one of the finest actors of the 20th century.And, to my own pleasure, the paperback makes it easy to read in bed or carry in a pack, removing all worry about damaging my cherished hardcover version.

Without reserve, I can say that this is one of the best biographies I have read in years and certainly the finest that will ever be written on Dirk Bogarde. From the minute one picks up this book, as beautiful in paperback as in hardcover, one knows that it is not the usual star biography filled with gossip, written merely to pump up a star's image or to make a quick profit. Coldstream's engrossing look at the public and private lives of this icon of British film is impossible to put down. The first page quickly turns into 200 pages.

Coldstream has the rare perspective of friend and one who worked with Bogarde, which brings a special understanding and appreciation of the private Bogarde to this biography. Yet, unlike writers who set out to prove theories, Coldstream's balanced, extensively researched approach is the ultimate tribute to Bogarde. The reward for readers is a compelling view, written with candor, insight, and affection.

Given unlimited access by Bogarde's family to private papers, photos, and rare home movies, Coldstream unfolds a life that holds us spellbound. He illuminates the early influences on Bogarde, his military years, journey from matinee idol to serious actor, second career as a writer, and knighthood in 1992, giving us behind-the-scenes looks at some of the biggest names and players in British film and Hollywood.

We are privy to Bogarde's thoughts on the Rank and Hollywood Studio systems, on acting, the rigors of filming, and his unaccredited revisions of inadequate scripts. We hear his usual candid, often affectionate comments on the famous people who graced his beautiful homes on any given weekend: Ingrid Bergman, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Charlotte Rampling; directors Cukor, Losey, and Visconti, to name a few. Bogarde knew them all. Equally fascinating are their thoughts on him, the private man and actor, in the countless interviews Coldstream conducted across the globe and the extensive papers and firsthand sources he examined in the course of his research.

But Coldstream gives us more than the glitter of Bogarde's career in film. There is Bogarde at his beloved farm in Provence, the stray pets he sheltered, his natural talent for writing and the evolution of his 15 best sellers and later years writing for the Daily Telegraph, to the dark days when illness overcame his partner Forwood and then stalked Bogarde. Coldstream does not shy away from addressing questions readers have had about the elusive Bogarde, no easy image to capture. A continuing question has been whether his 40-year relationship with agent and companion Tony Forward was a homosexual one, something Bogarde denied to his death in 1999. To Coldstream's great credit, he does not speculate but lays out what he finds and leaves it to the reader to make up his mind on this and other aspects that continue to swirl around this fascinating man.

The paperback version has retained the elegance of the hardcover edition and its extensive chapter-by-chapter sources, appendices, and comprehensive index, including the wonderful endpaper drawing of Bogarde by Richard Cole, all of which reveal the taste and intelligence behind this effort. There are some 130 photos many never published, including Bogarde's own drawings.An added perk is a new cover photo of a younger, ever handsome Bogarde in his late 30s at the top of his game as reigning matinee idol, a throne he eagerly abdicated for more complex roles. A perfect choice, the photo reveals Bogarde's discerning intellect and inner discontent, which drove him to make such daring, independent career choices.

Coldstream has truly captured the spirit of Bogarde, the actor, writer and man, as well as the caustic wit yet kind and loyal friend. Few books leave one with the satisfaction of having spent time and money well. This is one of them.

A must read...spellbinding view of Bogarde
This is one of the best biographies I've read in years and certainly the finest written on Dirk Bogarde. From the minute you pick up this beautiful book, you know that it is not the usual star biography filled with gossip, written merely to pump up a star's image or to make a quick profit. Coldstream's engrossing look at the public and private lives of this icon of British film is impossible to put down. The first page quickly turns into 200 pages.

Coldstream has the rare perspective of friend and one who worked with Bogarde, which brings a special understanding and appreciation of the private Bogarde to this biography. Yet, unlike writers who set out to prove theories, Coldstream's balanced, extensively researched approach is the ultimate tribute to Bogarde. The reward for readers is a compelling view, written with candor, insight, and affection.

Given unlimited access by Bogarde's family to private papers, photos, and rare home movies, Coldstream unfolds a life that holds us spellbound. He illuminates the early influences on Bogarde, his military years, acting days, career as a writer, and knighthood in 1992, giving us behind-the-scenes looks at some of the biggest names and players in British film and Hollywood.

We are privy to Bogarde's thoughts on the Rank and Hollywood Studio systems, on acting, the rigours of filming, and his unaccredited revisions of awful scripts. We hear his candid comments on the famous people who graced his beautiful homes on any given weekend: Ingrid Bergman, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Charlotte Rampling; directors Cukor, Losey, and Visconti, to name a few. Bogarde knew them all. Equally fascinating are their unvarnished thoughts on him, good and bad.

But Coldstream gives us more than glitter. There is Bogarde at his beloved farm in Provence, the stray pets he sheltered, his natural talent for writing and the evolution of his 15 best sellers, to the dark days when illness overcame Forwood and then stalked Bogarde. Coldstream does not shy away from addressing questions readers have had about the elusive Bogarde, no easy image to capture. A continuing question has been whether his 40-year relationship with agent and companion Tony Forward was a homosexual one, something Bogarde denied to his death in 1999. To Coldstream's great credit, he does not speculate but lays out what he finds and leaves it to the reader to make up his mind on this and other aspects that continue to swirl around this fascinating man.

This is also an elegantly done book of rich colours, fine paper, extensive appendices and index, which reveal the taste and intelligence behind this effort. There are some 130 photos many never published, including Bogarde's illustrations for his books, with a stunning front cover photo of the handsome Bogarde and one taken by Charlotte Rampling on the back cover.

Coldstream has truly captured the spirit of Bogarde, the actor, writer and man, as well as the caustic wit yet kind and loyal friend. Few books leave one with the satisfaction of having spent time and money well. This is one of them. And when it ends, we wish for more. ... Read more

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BOOK-SPINE READY TO BREAK APART
I shall qualify by saying that I've only read portions of this book so far--
it is illuminating and draws you in especially if you're interested in Dirk Bogarde. However, THE SPINE IS SO FRAGILE, I'm afraid to open the book wide lest the spine break apart and I'll end up with multiple portions of the book.
WHY CARE SO LITTLE ABOUT THE READING AUDIENCE BY PUTTING SO LITTLE EFFORT IN PRODUCTION OF THIS BOOK? -- I've given only one star for this disregard.

Ever, Dirk
I was delighted to find that this book was created and compiled by letters from Dirk Bogarde to so many people, in all walks of life, and that through his wonderfully amusing, caustic, intelligent, right-from-the-gut letters to his correspondents, we can get an deeper, more personal insight into DB's very elusive persona.As a long-time Dirk Bogarde follower, I have collected I believe, all his autobiographies, novels, short essays, biography, and now, this very hands-on and fascinating book which shows us Dirk Bogarde probably as openly as we, the general public will ever get to know him; letters from the heart and soul of this extraordinarily private man, the actor, the writer, the man himself. Through the generosity of his correspondents, John Coldstream has managed to compile letters they kept into a marvellous thick page-turner of a volume. I love everything about the quality of this book, from the cover photograph to the very personal letters and way in which DB actually wrote, typing errors and all which make it all the more personal.For DB devoted followers, this is manna from Heaven that we have just one more book to enjoy.John Coldstream you've done another marvellous job in putting together some Class Act reading material.....for which I, among many others, will undoubtedly thank you.MANY THANKS.(Signed: A Brit residing in New York City.) ... Read more

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From his birth in a taxi to his status as a best-selling author, here is the story of Dirk Bogarde, one of the best-loved and greatest film stars Britain has ever produced. Sheridan Morley'sengaging biography-handsomely illustrated with 150 photographs-looks at the early years; his distinguished career in films like "Death in Venice," "The Night Porter," and "A Bridge Too Far"; and the acclaim that came to Bogarde later in life as an accomplished novelist and memoirist. Sheridan Morley, who knew Bogarde for more than two decades, draws on their many years of conversations and interviews. The result is an absorbing portrait of a private, supremely talented man "who did, perhaps, always remain something of an outsider." ... Read more

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Wonderful Pictures Highlight This Bogarde Book
A stunning look at one of the great talents of the 20th century. This is the same man of The Servant, Death in Venice, Darling, The Damned, the man, that face, that voice. The photos tell the entire story of this man who had an impact on film and cinema history not soon forgotten. This book is a Bogarde fans dream come true.

This was just I was looking for years
It's often hard to find books about real actors, well I have to say also author since Dirk Bogarde was not only an effective and surprising actor, but also author of very steemed books.In this book, I could find verynice pictures taken through his whole life and also a lot of informationthat matched perfectly with the ones in his autobiography.

A really greatmasterpiece not only for the Bogarde fans, but also for anyone who isinterested to see and reas a multitalented human being.

Highlyrecommended. ... Read more

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This is the blockbuster BBC Radio 4 adaptation of John Galsworthy's classic family drama, featuring a star cast including Dirk Bogarde, Sir Michael Hordern, Diana Quick, Michael Williams and Amanda Redman. Galsworthy's epic story chronicles the decline and fall of the Forsytes through almost fifty years of material triumph, emotional disaster and a terrible feud that splits them asunder. Beginning in 1886, 'The Man of Property' starts with the family wealthy, successful and united. But the actions of the arrogant Soames Forsyte and his beautiful wife Irene are to have disastrous consequences...'In Chancery' has marital discord as its theme, as various members of the family find themselves dealing with domestic dramas, affairs and divorce. 'To Let' sees the second generation experiencing both the pain and the promise of love, as the sins of the father are visited on the Forsyte children. With an all-star cast of over thirty experienced actors, and enacted over the course of 23 episodes, this thrilling tale of sex, power and money will enthral you from beginning to end. '...hallmarked with elegance and craftsmanship...Gripping stuff' - "Evening Standard." ... Read more

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This best-seller marked Dirk Bogarde’s transition from star of stage and screen to internationally acclaimed author.

This vivid and engaging memoir traces Dirk Bogarde’s childhood amidst the enchanting beauty of rural Sussex as well as his first steps as a young actor. Here is the delightful harmony of summer days spent fishing and foraging with his young sister. Then came the plays they staged in their barn, followed by forays into the theater with the local amateur dramatic society. Finally, just as war broke out, came an audition for a scholarship to the Old Vic—a prelude to his growing desire to join the world of the theater. ... Read more

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Dirk, we hardly knew ye
This fine book, published while Dirk Bogarde was still alive, remains the ne plus ultra in Bogarde-mania.It has hundreds upon hundreds of pictures, cinema stills, candid photos, Rank Studio glossy glamor shots, and even a few that are totally unclassifiable.It was written before Bogarde came out (even if really ever did come out) and this Margaret Hinxman and her collaborator, Susan D'Arcy, allude to his romance with the tempestuous Capucine, almost as if they really believed there was anything between these two but studio fakery.The two met, of course, on the set of George Cukor's SONG WITHOUT END, a film famous as Nazimova's SALOME or Otto Preminger's LAURA among gay and lesbian filmgoers, for each movie is packed to the gills with closeted gay actors and actresses.And of the three, SONG WITHOUT END isn't the worst, because both Capucine and Dirk Bogarde are really trying.

Margaret Hinxman later found a measure of fame as a crime novelist, whose books are too cute for my tastes, but she was really good writing up her passion for Dirk.And the captions and the synopses of his many films make you long to see more.Oddly enough, as the prestige of the movies increased among the art crowd, his acting became more stylized, to the point that today I think I'd rather see one of his famous, lowbrow DOCTOR movies than to sit through another turn under Fassbinder or Resnais.It was as if he thought he had to prove something to the world, I wonder why?There's a wonderful photo of him embracing Kay Kendall that shows, at heart, how warm he was and how little like the icy Visconti frump he became.Dirk, we hardly knew ye, but there will never be another like you. ... Read more

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Illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, this tribute to actor Dirk Bogarde covers his appearances in film, theatre and television listed role by role in chronological order, linked by a running commentary and quotes from critics of the day. Bogarde has worked with directors as diverse as Joseph Losey, John Schlesinger and Visconti. Robert Tanitch has written extensively on film and the theatre. His previous titles include photographic biographies of Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft and John Gielgud. ... Read more

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The sequel to Dirk Bogarde’s memoir, A Postillion Struck by Lightning.

In his outstanding first volume of autobiography, A Postillion Struck by Lightning, Dirk Bogarde retraced his childhood and early experiences on the stage. In Snakes and Ladders, he continues his memoirs, from the trials of army training camp to the greatest challenge of his film career—the role of von Aschenbach in Death in Venice. Here, Bogarde recounts all the ups and downs and the people he encountered—family and friends, actors and actresses, directors and producers—on his way to becoming one of the finest cinematic actors of our time. ... Read more

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Beau Grayle was a wartime hero with a dreadful dark secret. As Nanny Grayle slips away, the family's home, Hartleap, seemed to be sliding into the grave with her. As the tide of terrible truth rises, the family are desperately closing ranks. ... Read more

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Charming social satire, rotten at the core
Set thirty or so years after World War Two, "Closing Ranks" starts out as a charmingly gentle English satire, a "comedy of manners", before it takes a darker turn, skilfully revealing atrocities committed during WW2 by theBritish.

Having lived at Hartleap for generations, the proud Graylefamily has gone into financial decline, with most of the estate leased tooutsiders.On her deathbed, an ancient family retainer, Nanny Grayle,makes some startling revelations; the celebrated family hero was "wicked"and his son is "tainted".

Before her death, one of the tenants, ajournalist researching the story of Beau Grayle, a great hero who died inWW2, spent a lot of time with Nanny Grayle.It just so happened theservant, in whose arms Beau Grayle supposedly died, was Nanny Grayle'snephew and only heir.The family gathers for the funeral, and as terriblesecrets begin to emerge, they close ranks.

I've been fascinated by DirkBogarde's career as an actor - he starred in about 60 films, starting outas a juvenile lead in 1947, he was matinee idol in the 1950's and 1960'sbefore really making his dramatic mark in the later years of his career infilms such as The Servant, Death In Venice and Daddy Nostalgie.His careeras an author began with what ultimately became seven volumes hugelyentertaining autobiography, and he eventually branched out into fiction. After serving in WW2, his fascination with events during that time isobviously the basis for "Closing Ranks".

This is the only one of DirkBogarde's fictional works that I've read, and I enjoyed it very much - it'sstylish, witty, and above all, doesn't hold back in revealing part of warhistory I'm sure the British would rather forget.It is, however, veryBritish, both in attitude and language, and might not appeal to everyone,but coming from one of the "colonies" and having lived in the UKfor several years, I had no problem with that. ... Read more

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The sixth and final volume of the actor and writer's autobiography, which relates episodes from his war experiences, and years in films. ... Read more

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Sequel to the first volume of Dirk Bogarde's autobiography "A Postillion Struck by Lightning". Seen through the eyes of a 10-year old in the late 1930s, this novel recaptures an idyllic childhood, a time of love and gentleness with its sounds and scents intact, whilst the world beyond went to war. ... Read more

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Charming book, read by the author!
This is an utterly charming book on tape. It consists of a compilation of memories of Dirk Bogarde's childhood, which was spent with his younger sister and nanny in a lovely English village. The worries and concerns aswell as the joys of this small boy are captured in this delightful memoir.Alas, I finished listening to the last tape on the day Dirk Bogarde died.What a lovely gift he has given us; his memories and his reading of thistape. ... Read more

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End of an era
I must confess to not having finished Dirk Bogarde's autobiographical books as I found them to be just too depressing but, to my great surprise, found this to be a delightful, sophisticated gem and a joy to read. Sir Charles Peverell and his wife Cuckoo live in a magnificent villa on Cap Ferrat in France, a place they have owned since the thirties when they were part of the young set which included F.Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda, Cole Porter and all the luminaries of that golden age. Except for their friend Principessa Minerva, they are the sole survivors of that era and are feeling like anachronisms in the present day world. Cuckoo has been diagnosed with incurable leukemia and, in a fit of total depression, attempts to drown herself. A gorgeous looking young man,Marcus, rescues her and agrees to back up her story that she simply slipped on the rocks. Cuckoo and Charles persuade Marcus to stay with them for a few days and to ask his girlfirend, Leni, to join them. The young couple soak up the luxurious surroundings very happily and its not until the arrival of a huge yacht bearing an Italian film producer and his entourage, including Principessa Minerva, anchors nearby, that the happy fantasy life begins to sour. It's a beautifully written book with perfect descriptions of all elements of luxury and beauty set down with a wonderful sense of elegance.

The only thing light about this book is its weight
Light? Entertaining? Maybe on the surface, but this book is as dark and cynical as they come. When we first meet one of the main characters, Cuckoo, she is having a mid-life crisis, so she boozes it up and tries to drown herself. Fortunately she is rescued by Marcus, the object of every man's lust- and every women's, too! He even gets raped later on. Oh yes, how light & entertaining.

We also meet a miserable tyrant of a film director who speechifies on actors being clay, and him being the potter. This is a man who would stop at nothing for art. I won't say what he does but you'll see what I mean. At least Marcus puts him in his place. I was like "Yeah!~ You go boy!" Sure, all this is ample material for spoofing, but underneath there are some heavy issues being dealt with.

The same dark pattern can be seen in many of the other characters, such as the narcissistic, historically obsessed Archie, or Leni, whose guilt over her German heritage leads her to an odd kind of atonement for the sins of the fathers. Oh yeah, the ending is so positive and cheery... lots of hope there(note the sarcasm). An alright book, but certainly not one with a joyful message.

Light, entertaining read
I read this book years ago, and again recently for the book club I belong to.It is light and entertaining.Some of the descriptions are most evocative and one can almost FEEL the warmth of the sun in the garden, andthe luxury of the life style.Clearly Mr. Bogarde has experienced the typeof life he writes about. Occasionally it gets a little preachy.Some ofthe conversations are unreal.People rarely talk in lengthy paragraphs,but more in short exchanges. Overall though it is a good read, and I wouldrecommend it to anyone looking for light escapism at the cottage, or onvacation, or even tucked up in front of the fire. ... Read more

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Dirk Bogarde's first volume of autobiography, published originally in 1977, traces the first steps of a young actor who went on to achieve worldwide acclaim. It details not only his early stage experiences, but also some evocative scenes from his childhood in Sussex, where his family lived in a cottage in the South Downs. Later came a technical college in Glasgow, an apprenticeship in printing, an art education at Chelsea, and finally a scholarship to the Old Vic - just as war broke out. Other volumes of his autobiography are: "Snakes and Ladders", "An Orderly Man" and "Backcloth". ... Read more