Charles Laughton: An intimate biography

by Charles Higham, Elsa Lanchester (Introduction)

Genres: Biography, Film

239 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Charles Higham was an author and poet. Higham was a recipient of the Prix des Créateurs of the Académie Française and the Poetry Society of London Prize.

Reviews

[Scott Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1984 I found this book in a library in Ottawa, Canada. In that period of time there seemed to be so few books written about the personal lives of homosexuals and bisexuals that I found it fascinating but I had a suspicion that this book, written by a homosexual writer with the willing participation of Laughton's widow, was somewhat skewed and biased. I remember writing in my notebook at the time, "One part Elsa, Two parts Charles, and a dash of bitters." Written in 1976, 14 years after the death of Charles, and ten years before the death of Elsa, it sometimes drifts into a tone of gossip, which is not what I was looking for. I am grateful to have begun with this biography, which is of such a different tone than Simon Callow's 1987 well researched biography titled "Charles Laughton: A Difficult Actor." IMO Callow offers a more thorough and balanced story, with the latter digging a little deeper than the former. Regardless, it's a significant book, a good read, and as with most of Higham's writing, well worth the effort. I just wish it had been a little less slanted. Also of value to the reader would be to check out Elsa's book "Elsa Lanchester: Herself," and if you can find it, her 1938 book titled "Charles Laughton & I". You'll also learn more about Charles if you get a chance to read his two anthologies, "Tell Me A Story" and "The Fabulous Country", which offers you some of Charles' writing before each short story.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't say I really enjoyed this book but I did find it an interesting insight into an actor of stage and screen during the heady days of the mid 20th century arts world.

Charles Laughton appears temperamental, self obsessed, massively introverted, condescending and unlikeable, although someone with enormous talent.

His marriage to Elsa Lanchester was non conventional as he was a homosexual constantly seeking companionship from pretty young men. It had her full knowledge and acceptance. If that worked for them I'm happy for them and do not judge.

However, I do find it odd that most of his young men had neither intellect, talent, or aspiration to be much more than a handbag. I don't see how you can have a meaningful relationship with someone like that but perhaps that was what Elsa was for.

I can't really recommend the book except to extreme hollywoodophiles.