Rita Hayworth dancing by candlelight; Elizabeth Taylor tenderly wrapping him in her Pashmina scarf; streaking for Sir Laurence Olivier in a drafty English castle; terrifying a dozing Jackie Onassis; carrying an unconscious Montgomery Clift to safety on a dark New York street…Captured forever in a unique memoir, Frank Langella’s myriad encounters with some of the past century’s most famous human … famous human beings are profoundly affecting, funny, wicked, sometimes shocking, and utterly irresistible. With sharp wit and a perceptive eye, Mr. Langella takes us with him into the private worlds and privileged lives of movie stars, presidents, royalty, literary lions, the social elite, and the greats of the Broadway stage. We learn something, too, of Mr. Langella’s personal journey from the age of fifteen to the present day. Dropped Names is, like its subjects, riveting and unforgettable.
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Shows a side of Hollywood life rarely seen. Very well written.
This book is boring.
One of the best entertainment memoirs I have read! Insightful and delightful. It confirms my long term enjoyment of Mr. Langella’s fabulous acting abilities.
The reactions to famous people from one personal view point. Interesting although biased view. Fun to read about the older famous actors
Interesting stories about interesting people
Interesting vignettes of stars the author knew during his long career. Other reviewers have called this mean-spirited, but I think it’s more complete self- absorption and a lack of an internal editor. Still, the book is interesting if you take it at it’s own description “famous men and women as I knew them.”
This was a delightful look into Mr. Langella’s life in show business. He’s a great writer, too!
I enjoyed it but so many ended up sadly.
Some very interesting moments in the lives of many stars. I couldn’t stop reading it!
I have read several of these Hollywood memoirs and as the genre goes this one was just OK, not all that informative or revealing or interesting . Possibly this actor is not necessarily one of my favorites, but I do enjoy some of his work.
I am in the middle of this book and do not want it to ever end!!!!!!
Repetitive, constantly talking about how he was so wonderful to older actors, (which I don’t think he should have shared those private moments.) Plus constantly saying how he kissed this one and that on the forehead. Talked about his sexuality, which I could care less about, I just kept wondering, where was he getting all this time to CARETAKE, …
I hated this book. I am glad I never met Mr. Langella. He seems to delight in criticizing people, focusing only on their faults. He seldom has a positive word to say about anyone, but he definitely delights in pointing out their shortcomings. Avoid this book, unless you need a downer in your life.
Still not finished, but I lpve it. I akways was a fan of Frank Langella… like him more now.
A must read for serious theater/movie followers. Not just a gossip book, but a first-hand, honest opinion of many famous and infamous people. Mr. Langella has had quite a life.