Ernst Lubitsch: Laughter in Paradise
Category: Books,Arts & Photography,Performing Arts
Ernst Lubitsch: Laughter in Paradise Details
Review "Written with the kind of intuitiveness that's rooted in knowledge and affection. Eyman's scholarship gives the reader pleasure." Author: Pauline Kael"A resoundingly wonderful, first-ever full-dress biography of the inspired filmmaker . . . Eyman writes with steady brilliance throughout but takes on extra luster when describing the making of Lubitsch's greatest works." Source: Hollywood Reporter"In an entrancing, revealing biography that illuminates the unique chemistry behind 'the Lubitsch touch,' Eyman limns a single-minded director, despised by Hitler, who embodied the classic immigrant experience in Hollywood by giving a European twist to American genres." Source: Publishers Weekly (starred review)“A resoundingly wonderful, first-ever full-dress biography of the inspired filmmaker. . . . Eyman writes with steady brilliance throughout.” Source: Hollywood Reporter“I have always revered Lubitsch the artist. Scott Eyman now reveals Lubitsch as a human being, as charming—and as frail—as one of his own characters.” Author: Kevin Brownlow, author of The Parade's Gone By... Read more About the Author Scott Eyman has written fifteen books, three of them New York Times bestsellers, including John Wayne: The Life and Legend. His most recent book is Hank and Jim. He has been awarded the William K. Everson Award for Film History by the National Board of Review. He teaches film history at the University of Miami and lives in West Palm Beach with his wife, Lynn. Read more
Reviews
Ernst Lubitsch was born into middle class Berlin Jewish culture in 1892. His father was a tailor but young Ernst enjoyed the theatre much more than the thread! He became an apprentice with the acting company of the great Max Reinhart morphing into comedy. Lubitsch did his share of acting on the stage and screen becoming well known in Germany. In the early 1920s his talent took him to Hollywood when he was asked to direct a Mary Pickford vehicle. He became one of Paramount's outstanding directors. Eventually he would direct such hits as Greta Garbo's Ninotchka, her only comedy, The Shop Around the Corner with Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, Trouble in Paradise and many other fine films. He collaborated on screenwriting with Samuel Raphaelson. Lubitsch had an eye for the ladies marrying and divorcing twice; he had one child a daughter. Lubitsch had several mistresses. He was a pleasant man and was well loved by those actors and technical staff with whom he labored on his movies. He won an Oscar in 1947 but died of a heart attack later that year. I have read many Scott Eyman entertainment biographies of such luminaries as John Ford, John Wayne, Cecil B. DeMille and others. His books are readable and informative. This is a good book with which to relax and learn movie history and the works of a great director of the Golden Era of Cinema. The book is lavishly illustrated with period photos. Recommended.
