Donald Spoto Knihy

Marilyn Monroe je dramatický příběh o výjimečném životě, dojemný,často šokující, poutavý, zkrátka kniha, kterou přečtete jedním dechem.

Uvádí čtenáře do dramaticky barvité, hluboce intimní, někdy pikantní a často šokující historie britské královské rodiny.

This is the first complete, critical biography of Tennessee Williams (1911-1983), one of America's finest playwrights and the author of (among many important works) The Glass Menagerie, Summer and Smoke, A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Suddenly Last Summer, and The Night of the Iguana. Award-winning biographer Donald Spoto gives us not only a full and accurate account of Williams's life, he also reveals the intimate connections between the playwright's personal dramas and his remarkably autobiographical art. From his birth into a genteel Southern family, through his success, celebrity, and wealth, to his drug addictions, promiscuity, and creative struggles, Tennessee Williams lived a life as gripping as his plays. The Kindness of Strangers, based on Williams's own papers, his mother's diaries, and interviews with scores of friends, lovers, and professional associates, is, in the author's words, a portrait of "a man more disturbing, more dramatic, richer and more wonderful than any character he created."

A long-time teacher of theology offers another biography of Jesus, debunking attempts to paint him as a mere historical figure and arguing that he was the human incarnation of God. Reprint. 40,000 first printing. Tour.

The first full biography of Jackie Onassis since her death offers revelations about her life and the life of JFK, chronicling her work as a mother, editor, and spiritual seeker.

Biography of the Royal Family of Great Britain from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II that reveals new information about many family members and examines the difficulties that celebrity status has brought to the family.

Born in Brussels in 1929, Audrey Hepburn was the daughter of a British father and a Dutch Baroness. She married and divorced a second time, and there were other passionate but short-lived affairs, some revealed for the first time in this book, but her relationships were never entirely successful.

Drawing on his unprecedented access to Grace Kelly, bestselling biographer Donald Spoto at last offers an intimate, honest, and authoritative portrait of one of Hollywood's legendary actresses. In just seven years-from 1950 through 1956-Grace Kelly embarked on a whirlwind career that included roles in eleven movies. From the principled Amy Fowler Kane in High Noon to the thrill-seeking Frances Stevens of To Catch a Thief, Grace established herself as one of Hollywood's most talented actresses and iconic beauties. Her astonishing career lasted until her retirement at age twenty-six, when she withdrew from stage and screen to marry a European monarch and became a modern, working princess and mother. Based on never-before-published or quoted interviews with Grace and those conducted over many years with her friends and colleagues-from costars James Stewart and Cary Grant to director Alfred Hitchcock-as well as many documents disclosed by her children for the first time, acclaimed biographer Donald Spoto explores the transformation of a convent schoolgirl to New York model, successful television actress, Oscar-winning movie star, and beloved royal. As the princess requested, Spoto waited twenty-five years after her death to write this biography. Now, with honesty and insight, High Society reveals the truth of Grace Kelly's personal life, the men she loved, the men she didn't, and what lay behind the facade of her fairy-tale life.

Marlene Dietrich's story spans Germany's cabarets, Hollywood's silver screen and beyond.

"Absolutely compulsory reading." The New York Times Book Review No one but a tortured genius could have created such brooding, suspenseful, and utterly original films as SPELLBOUND, PSYCHO, and THE BIRDS. Now Alfred Hitchcock, the intensely private and often bizarre creator of these masterpieces, is fully revealed in a masterful biography that traces the roots of his obsessions back to a childhood in which the seeds of his future films were sown.

Ingrid Bergman's dramatic story is as compelling as the characters she portrayed in her memorable films, including "Intermezzo," "The Bells of St. Mary's," and "Notorious." Whether playing a saint or a sinner, Bergman reflected the extremes of her passionate nature. This riveting biography chronicles her journey from a troubled childhood in Sweden to her experiences in Nazi Germany, her rise during Hollywood's golden age, and her status as an international star across Europe and America. It explores her transformation from being labeled "an apostle of degradation" to facing a tragic final illness with grace and courage. The narrative features a remarkable supporting cast, including figures like David O. Selznick, Alfred Hitchcock, and Roberto Rossellini, among others. This epic biography not only highlights Bergman's significant impact on international celebrity but also reshaped perceptions of women's roles. The life of this acting legend and beauty is given major treatment in this detailed and elegantly written volume by veteran film biographer Spoto, as noted by Publishers Weekly.

A biography of Elizabeth Taylor based on studio diaries, letters and personal journals. She made her Hollywood debut at the age of nine, and in the 1990s continues to make news. This book documents for example, her numerous marriages, many affairs, and 30 operations.

The dramatic and revealing saga of the Redgraves, one of history's greatest families of actors, spans over a century of influence in theater and film. Their story, rich with singularly talented individuals, has never been fully told until now. Bestselling biographer Donald Spoto draws from personal relationships and unprecedented access to the family, offering a groundbreaking account that includes luminaries like Elizabeth Taylor and Katharine Hepburn. The narrative begins in 1907 with actress Daisy Scudamore's marriage to matinee idol Roy Redgrave and the birth of their son, Michael, a renowned stage actor and movie star known for his bisexuality despite his marriage to glamorous actress Rachel Kempson. Their daughter, Vanessa, stands out as the only British actress to win an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, Cannes, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, all while maintaining a strong humanitarian commitment. Lynn Redgrave, another family member, carved her own path with acclaimed performances, while brother Corin was known for his political activism and stage success. The legacy continues with Joely Richardson and Jemma Redgrave, culminating in the career of Vanessa’s daughter, Natasha Richardson, whose untimely death in 2009 shocked fans. This account, the result of over thirty years of research, chronicles a family that has redefined acting across the globe.

Almost as old as the century, Marlene Dietrich, the daughter of a Prussian police officer, grew up in an atmosphere of privilege and German-Victorian rectitude before plunging into the hectic, sexually liberated (and sexually ambiguous) world of 1920s Berlin. When she was cast by Josef von Sternberg in The Blue Angel the major influences on her life and career were in place. remains this century's great icon of cosmopolitan glamour and elegant sexual allure, yet she persistently denied any similarity between her public image and her private self. In forty years as a film actress she seduced, and was seduced by the camera. When her film career faltered she created a new role for herself which led to a remarkable contribution to the Allied effort in World War II. In later years she revived almost single-handed the European nightclub-cabaret tradition. lovers included John Wayne, Jean Gabin, Maurice Chevalier and Generals Patton and Gavin. Her lesbian love affairs were if anything more intense on her part. Her life at every stage was more dramatic, more unpredictable and more colourful than any Hollywood scenarist could invent. Short in stature, less than outstanding as an actress and singer, she nonetheless established an image and a legend which made her one of the most sought-after women of our age, and which in the end, made her their prisoner.

Sir Laurence Olivier ist der wohl größte Schauspieler des 20. Jahrhunderts. Er starb 1989 im Alter von 82 Jahren in seinem Haus in Brighton. Doch wer war Laurence Olivier wirklich? Donald Spoto hat nach jahrelangen Recherchen und zahlreichen Interviews das Leben dieses \"Jahrhundertschauspielers\" aufgezeichnet. Sein Buch ist die erste umfassende Biographie dieses genialen Schauspielers und ungewöhnlichen Menschen. (Buchrückentext der Heyne-Ausgabe)

Als unsterbliche Elsa eroberte sie in Casablanca die Herzen der Zuschauer in der ganzen Welt - und wurde zu einer der berühmtesten Filmschauspielerinnen aller Zeiten. Die kühle Schöne war scheu und stur zugleich, führte ein intensives Leben voller berauschender Karriereerfolge und aufsehenerregender Skandale. Die Bergman verdrehte Alfred Hitchcock und Roberto Rossellini den Kopf, wurde als Schlampe verrissen und als Heilige gefeiert. Vom Publikum geliebt und geächtet, blieb sie sich selbst immer treu. Mit enormer Willenskraft und Selbstdisziplin erarbeitete sich die eiserne Diva schon zu Lebzeiten den Ruf der Legende und erlangte schließlich den Respekt der Öffentlichkeit. Doch steckt hinter der schwedischen Ikone eine harmoniebedürftige, warmherzige Frau, die sich bis ins Alter schonungslos mit den eigenen Schwächen auseinandersetzte. Dieses sensible und mitreßende Porträt eines der besten Biographen unserer Zeit ermöglicht erstmals einen Blick auf die facettenreiche Frau jenseits der strahlenden Filmkulisse. (Buchrückentext)

Bardzo obszerna, obiektywna, oparta tylko na faktach, wywiadach i sprawdzonych źródłach relacja z życia i twórczości wielkiej i powszechnie uwielbianej gwiazdy Hollywood - Audrey Hepburn. Donald Spoto to wybitny specjalista od biografii gwiazd i sław. Jest autorem wielu cenionych biografii, m.in. Jacqueline Kennedy, Jamesa Deana, Elizabeth Taylor, Ingrid Bergman, Alfreda Hitchcocka, a także św. Franciszka z Asyżu i Joanny d'Arc. Twarda oprawa, liczne fotografie pięknej aktorki.

Her name embodies elegance, style, and grace. Throughout her extraordinary life, Audrey Hepburn captivated hearts globally, crafting an iconic public image. Despite her fame and tireless UNICEF work, she was intensely private. With unprecedented access to studio archives and insights from friends and colleagues, bestselling author Donald Spoto presents an intimate portrait of this elusive talent. He traces her remarkable journey from a harrowing childhood in Nazi-occupied Holland to her struggles as a ballet dancer in London and her Broadway debut in Gigi. Spoto reveals the origins of Audrey's tenacity and passion, leading to her starring roles in classic films like Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A muse for designer Hubert de Givenchy, she became a fashion icon, influencing women's fashion profoundly. Yet, beneath her glamorous facade lay a deeper yearning for love and affection. Spoto offers insights into her relationships with her two husbands and notable figures such as Gregory Peck and Cary Grant. Her turbulent youth, empathy for the hungry, and experiences of motherhood shaped her later dedication to UNICEF, the organization that aided her post-war. Spoto's poignant biography invites readers to rediscover the private Audrey Hepburn, revealing a woman as funny as she was beautiful, embodying a rare blend of elegance and spirit.

Keiner formulierte den Zusammenhang von Lust und Mordlust im Film so präzise wie dieser Magier des Schreckens. Und keiner drückte die Urängste des 20. Jahrhunderts so erfolgreich im Film aus: Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980). Persönlich aber war der Meisterregisseur das erste Opfer seiner eigenen unausgelebten Phantasien und sexuellen Obsessionen. In seiner brillant recherchierten Biographie zeigt Donald Spoto nicht nur den genialen Filmemacher und seine Meisterwerke, sondern auch seine Nacht- und Schattenseiten. (Amazon.de)

Leben und Karriere der gefeierten österreichischen Sängerin und Schauspielerin Lotte Lenya (1900-1981).