José Ferrer : success and survival / Mike Peros.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Peros, Mike, author.

Series:

Hollywood legends series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ferrer, José, 1912-1992.

Ferrer, José.

Motion picture actors and actresses--United States--Biography.

Motion picture actors and actresses.

United States.

Motion picture actors and actresses--Biography.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

xiv, 275 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Jackson : University Press of Mississippi, [2020]

Summary:

"José¹ Ferrer (1912-1992) became the first Puerto Rican actor to win the Best Actor Academy Award for the 1950 film version of Cyrano de Bergerac. His iconic portrayal of the lovelorn poet/swordsman had already won him the Tony in 1947-and he would be identified with Cyrano for the rest of his life. Ferrer was a theatrical dynamo with limitless energy; in 1952 he directed Stalag 17, The Fourposter, and The Shrike (which he starred in) on Broadway, while New York City movie marquees were heralding his appearance in Anything Can Happen. At his apex in the 1950s, Ferrer was in constant demand both in theater and movies. He capitalized on his Oscar with such triumphs as Moulin Rouge and The Caine Mutiny. Not content with merely acting, Ferrer soon became a force behind the camera, acting and directing such critically well-received films as The Shrike and The Great Man. Success proved difficult to sustain. In the late 1950s, ambitious theatrical productions such as Edwin Booth and Juno were critical and commercial flops, while film studios also lost their patience with him. By the mid-1960s, Ferrer took whatever roles he could get in films, television, or regional theater. In addition, Ferrer had a turbulent personal life. His first marriage to actress Uta Hagen ended in divorce and scandal. His personal and professional relationship with his Othello costar Paul Robeson landed him before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Ferrer's marriage to actress/dancer Phyllis Hill was marred by his infidelity, while his initial wedded bliss with singer Rosemary Clooney eroded as his career began to ebb while hers started to peak. In spite of everything, Ferrer managed to endure and was working practically right up to his death. Ferrer maintained his pride in his Puerto Rican heritage, donating his Oscar to the University of Puerto Rico while championing the work of Latino poets and playwrights. He continuously evolved, striving to remain relevant, stretching his talents (including cabaret, operas, musicals, and yes, ballet!), and writing the occasional guest column for major newspapers. Ferrer's life is an American success story a testament to reinvention and resilience"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: ch. 1 The Many Sides Of Jose Ferrer

ch. 2 From Puerto Rico To Princeton And Performance

ch. 3 Othello: Paul, Uta, And Jose

ch. 4 Strange Fruit

-Then Cyrano

ch. 5 Screen And Stage

ch. 6 Cyrano

-The Movie

ch. 7 Left, Right, Oscar, And Clooney

ch. 8 He's Everywhere

ch. 9 Film Star, City Center Savior, And Newlywed

ch. 10 Life Is Rosie

ch. 11 He Directs Movies, Too

ch. 12 The Great Man And Married Life

ch. 13 Dark And Light, In Theater And Film

ch. 14 Taking The Jobs And Keeping Up Appearances

ch. 15 Once More Into The Breach

ch. 16 Paying The Bills

-The Movies, 1967

92

ch. 17 Cashing The Checks

-Television, 1967

ch. 18 Final Bows, 1967

92.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Peros, Mike, Jose̹ ferrer

ISBN:

9781496816627

1496816625

OCLC:

1154135467