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Laurence Olivier
Takes a fresh look at the life and career of the distinguished actor and director
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
20 people want to read
About the author
Melvyn Bragg
135 books141 followersMelvyn Bragg, Baron Bragg, FRSL, FRTS (born 6 October 1939) is an English author, broadcaster and media personality who, aside from his many literary endeavours, is perhaps most recognised for his work on The South Bank Show.
Bragg is a prolific novelist and writer of non-fiction, and has written a number of television and film screenplays. Some of his early television work was in collaboration with Ken Russell, for whom he wrote the biographical dramas The Debussy Film (1965) and Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World (1967), as well as Russell's film about Tchaikovsky, The Music Lovers (1970). He is president of the National Academy of Writing. His 2008 novel, Remember Me is a largely autobiographical story.
He is also a Vice President of the Friends of the British Library, a charity set up to provide funding support to the British Library.
Bragg is a prolific novelist and writer of non-fiction, and has written a number of television and film screenplays. Some of his early television work was in collaboration with Ken Russell, for whom he wrote the biographical dramas The Debussy Film (1965) and Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World (1967), as well as Russell's film about Tchaikovsky, The Music Lovers (1970). He is president of the National Academy of Writing. His 2008 novel, Remember Me is a largely autobiographical story.
He is also a Vice President of the Friends of the British Library, a charity set up to provide funding support to the British Library.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 24, 2025
The current reviews do not do justice to this book. It is a brilliant piece of writing by somebody who knows how to write about somebody who knew how to act. Just nine short chapters over 126 pages that somehow manage to encapsulate both the spirit and the talent of Olivier. One chapter in particular, entitled the Prologue, stands by itself as an exceptional piece of descriptive writing. For a full biography of Olivier you would need to look elsewhere, but as an introduction to what made Olivier exceptional, as an actor of both stage and screen, this short book succeeds in highlighting the essence of genius.
December 14, 2025
Olivier was a complex man who led a complex and extremely busy life. Bragg does a very good job of capturing his essence and what drove him to reach the heights he did. It is not a biography, nor does it set out to be.
This book is worth reading to appreciate Olivier's greatness and achievements. Some understanding of the actors and events of the 1930s to 1970s period is helpful to fully understand it.
My only criticism is that Bragg on occasions tries to be too clever in his writing in an attempt to be intellectual and 'arty'.
This book is highly recommended if you want to learn more about Laurence Olivier - probably the greatest actor of the last century.
This book is worth reading to appreciate Olivier's greatness and achievements. Some understanding of the actors and events of the 1930s to 1970s period is helpful to fully understand it.
My only criticism is that Bragg on occasions tries to be too clever in his writing in an attempt to be intellectual and 'arty'.
This book is highly recommended if you want to learn more about Laurence Olivier - probably the greatest actor of the last century.
April 11, 2017
Bragg trying to understand an enigma I think.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews