Scott O'Brien

Finally a biography on dancer, actor, director Gene Nelson. Nelson was just as talented as Gene Kelly and is probably best remembered for his role in Oklahoma but just never seemed to get the recognition. Based on this book, his relationship (while both were married) with actress Jane Powell may have caused him to be somewhat blacklisted. The book covers his life and has interviews with many who knew and worked with him and has an extensive list of his work on stage, screen, and tv as both actor and director. However, after reading this author's other works on Ann Harding, Ruth Chatterton, and George Brent (among others) this one was somewhat unsatisfying and did not seem as detailed as the previous works. As an example on page 23 the author referred to the film Second Fiddle and indicated it "included an Academy Award nomination for Best Song" but neglected to tell us what the song was. However, it is still a good resource for information on Gene Evans.… (mehr)

Scott O'Brien has done it again. After great biographies of classic film stars like Ann Harding, George Brent, Ruth Chatterton, Kay Francis, and Sylvia Sidney, he now has an outstanding biography of British actor Herbert Marshall. Marshall's story is unique as he lost his left leg during WWI but worked as a successful actor, first on a stage, and then in major films through Hollywood's Golden Age. The book provides interviews with not only those who knew and worked with Marshall but also with current film experts who discuss Marshall's lasting impact. The book also let us know what happened to Marshall's various wives and his daughters. Well done.… (mehr)

Well researched book on actor George Brent - a frequent co-star of Bette Davis - and one that the actresses liked as he would not overwhelm their roles as a Clark Gable would. Brent had a most interesting life but was somewhat reclusive. The author did a lot of work in tracking down Brent's Irish roots and family history. He also interviewed those who worked with Brent as well as Brent's daughter and a nephew. The book was full of great photographs and provided an extensive listing of all of Brent's work including film, television, and radio. I would highly recommend this to classic film fans. My only reason for 4 stars is I felt the author did not complete the book in that we really know nothing of what Brent's children and grandchildren are doing and I would have liked to have known that.… (mehr)