Kevin Brownlow es un cineasta e historiador del cine que ha dedicado su carrera a documentar y restaurar el cine, con un enfoque particular en la era del cine mudo. Su profundo interés en el cine mudo, despertado en su juventud, lo llevó a rescatar numerosas obras olvidadas y sus historias. A través de extensas entrevistas con pioneros del cine ancianos y en gran parte olvidados en las décadas de 1960 y 1970, preservó un legado invaluable del arte cinematográfico. Los esfuerzos de Brownlow ofrecen una ventana crucial a los años formativos de la cinematografía, salvaguardando un contexto histórico vital para la apreciación futura.
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.