Book Review: "Peter Cushing: A Life in Film" by David Miller
How do you review or recommend a book about a person’s life, especially somebody as accomplished and talented as Cushing? Well, perhaps a good way to go about it is to say a few things about Peter Cushing himself, and mention a few great stories about him, found within Miller’s book.
Cushing is perhaps most well known from the Hammer Films horror movies, especially the ones he starred in with his friend Christopher Lee (who most famously played Dracula to Cushing's Van Helsing and the creature to his Dr. Frankenstein). He brought stellar performances to every movie he starred in, but the horror genre is where he became a true icon.
1956’s “The Curse of Frankenstein” was the first time Cushing and Christopher Lee met. The two went on to work on numerous movies together and became best friends. There are many great “fun behind the scenes” stories from the movies the actors worked together on, from impromptu dance numbers in full-on horror make-up and costumes, to this reccuring gag by Lee:
Action figures collectors will find a kindred soul in Cushing, as the man was well known for collection of toy soldiers. He was very often praising the hobby, and promoting it as much more than just a thing for children. He had his own theory for it:
Cushing was truly a very interesting personality both on and off screen. He was a true gentleman, always had praise for his co-stars, and was apparently the most charming man one could imagine. Star Wars fans won’t find that much behind the scenes stories in “A Life in Film”, but there certainly are some interesting bits. Cushing’s feet are only seen once in “Star Wars” and every other scene showed him knees up. The reason for that was that Cushing, being six feet tall had absolutely enormous feet. So big in fact that the crew wasn't able to find "dictator-style" boots for him, which means that whenever you see Tarkin on screen he's actually wearing his "comfy plimsolls"! Miller gives a really great and full portrait of Cushing in his book. From detailed descriptions of Cushing's acting techniques and his life on set on all of the major movies, to how he really was in his day to day life. The book has very sad moments, particularly the story of Cushing's great love to his wife Helen, whose death forever changed the actor. But there's also stories about overcoming great problems and those are very inspirational. There's also loads of great things to look at. Plenty of great pictures, Cushing's notes regarding roles, photos from sets, movie posters, promotional materials and more than a Cushing fan could ask for. If you're a fan and you don't have it yet, then you should definitely buy "A Life in Film". We recommend it. So Happy 100th Birthday, Peter Cushing! And thank you for all the work you gave us! Are you a fan of Peter Cushing or the films he starred in? Leave your thoughts below, in the comments section! |
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