Dennis Price - A Tribute: The Life and Death of Dennis Price

by Elliot J. Huntley

Biography of the late British actor, Dennis Price

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ghym]

I am probably the only person who is ever going to write a review for this book, as so few people even know who Denis Price is. I discovered his work through Kind Hearts and Coronets, a movie I discovered quite by accident when PBS played it one night. I didn't love it when I first saw it, but over time, it grew on me, until I became borderline obsessed with it. It is just so goddamned funny, full of witty one-liners in the style of Noel Coward. The plot revolves around a man who kills his family members to become Duke. Doesn't sound funny but it is. Very black conrdy, just genius stuff. And I am not alone in my thinking. It is largely recognized as Britain's best comedy. In the lead role, Price was a huge reason why the movie worked as well as it did, though one can't ignore Alec Guiness' eight roles. Anyway, based on this role, Price should have had the world at his feet. What happened instead was he became a gambler, an alcoholic, an almost suicide, and ultimately wound up in Jess Franco exploitation films, a fate no one deserves. A fascinating, thoroughly researched story about an actor who deserved better roles, and a better life. Only complaint is Huntley leaves a lot out about Price's personal life, and that would have been interesting to read as I do believe he was closeted. Worth a read if you've ever watched Kind Hearts and Coronets or have any interest in uk film.