Kevin Brownlow is a filmmaker and film historian who has dedicated his career to documenting and restoring cinema, with a particular focus on the silent era. His profound interest in silent film, sparked in his youth, led him to rescue numerous forgotten works and their histories. Through extensive interviews with elderly, largely forgotten film pioneers in the 1960s and 1970s, he preserved an invaluable legacy of cinematic art. Brownlow's efforts offer a crucial window into the formative years of filmmaking, safeguarding vital historical context for future appreciation.
In discussions with the author, film director David Lean talks about his cinema career, which spanned more than half a century and encompassed films such as Brief Encounter, Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia. There are also contributions from family and friends.
The biography delves into the life of Clarence Brown, an influential yet often overlooked director in Hollywood history. Known as the "star maker," he directed over fifty films featuring iconic actors like Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor, earning five Academy Award nominations. The narrative highlights Brown's unique talent for eliciting powerful performances and his innovative techniques in lighting and composition. Gwenda Young examines his humble beginnings, career transitions, and the lasting impact he had on classic cinema, revealing a multifaceted individual who shaped the film industry.