Product Description

For a small nation, Wales has produced a unique roster of acting talent. Few, however, could equal the level of film stardom experienced by Stanley Baker. His remarkable rise to fame took him from an impoverished childhood in the Rhondda Valley of South Wales to international stardom and acclaim in films such as Zulu and Accident. As well as being an important figure in front of the camera, he became a producer and studio executive, whilst never losing his links with his Welsh background. Down the years, the world s press and his fans have been attracted to his rags to riches story of a poor boy making good, and how the on-screen tough guy was in private a tender, loyal family man. This biography is the first in-depth examination of the life and career of a boy from the valley who managed to avoid the colliery and became an international star. Robert Shail s fascinating portrayal sheds considerable light on the image of Welsh national identity and masculinity which Stanley Baker projected.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #402684 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

About the Author
Robert Shail is the Head of the Department of Film and Media at the University of Wales Lampeter.

Customer Reviews

Quality biography of 'forgotton' Brit star actor of 1950's and 1960's
I must admit I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library rather than buy it; the buying books' budget has been stretched overly lately.
I have been interested in reading about British cinema (Andrew Spicer/G MacNab/ P Warren/Charles Barr) for some years now and I have long enjoyed Stanley Baker's films especially his British period before Zulu (ie 1963ish). I have thought myself he was overlooked, and a biography of him is most welcome. There is extant only Anthony Storey's 'portrait' of the man in his last few cancer- ridden months published in the 1970's and hard to get hold of.
Shail's rather slim it must be said biography had the benefit of cooperation from Baker's widow and other friends. It focusses mainly on his early life and career, both as an actor and producer and how Baker defined his own Welshness in his roles and creative life. This is not the book for much personal information on his private life, though the occasional remark from his widow creeps through despite this.
Shail assesses all Baker's films and his work in them, from the minor to the major ( Losey's The Criminal) but I would have liked more detail again;on his relationship with Losey for instance; though there are some worthwhile anecdotes about how Baker dealt with his colleagues and film crews.
Some of his major roles in films like The Criminal felt a bit rushed over; they could bear more analysis.
But an essence of the man's character, allegiance to his roots, family and friends,creative ambitions and sheer hard grit that got him to the top in the business against some odds comes over.
Recommended read.