Jean Simmons
Her Life and Career
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About the Book
Arriving in Hollywood in 1950 to launch her American film career, Jean Simmons (1929-2010) had already appeared in 18 British films and was best known for her portrayal of Ophelia in Laurence Olivier’s Hamlet. She soon became a favorite female face working with some of filmmaking’s greats and acted opposite many Hollywood A-listers. Two of her most popular films—Guys and Dolls (1955) and Spartacus (1960)—were international box-office hits, and in her seven decades-long career she collected numerous awards and honors including a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and two Oscar nominations as Best Actress.
Despite the accomplishments and accolades, radiant beauty, and stunning versatility, Simmons is considered by many to be an underrated artist, too often handed more comfortable leading female roles than those that could’ve elevated her to the level of super stardom experienced by some of her peers. This, the first full-length biography of Simmons, fills a gap in film and performing arts studies, and includes extensive notes and photographs.
About the Author(s)
Bibliographic Details
Michelangelo Capua
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 297
Bibliographic Info: 59 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2022
pISBN: 978-1-4766-8224-2
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4535-3
Imprint: McFarland
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
1. A Cockney Kid from Cricklewood 3
2. Estella 14
3. Ophelia 21
4. Road to Stardom 29
5. Granger 35
6. A Gilded Cage 43
7. Howard Hughes and RKO 49
8. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 62
9. Marlon 73
10. What a Doll! 81
11. Wise’s Choices 90
12. Ups and Downs and Ups 100
13. Richard Brooks 111
14. A Tough Comeback 120
15. The Heidi Game 131
16. A Little Night of Music 139
17. TV, Flirts and Booze 147
18. Greater Expectations 157
Filmography and Career Record 171
Chapter Notes 273
Bibliography 281
Index 283
