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Jack Hawkins was the living embodiment of British ruggedness, resilience, humor, uprightness, and compassion on and off the screen. 'The Cruel Sea', 'Bridge on the River Kwai', 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'Zulu', 'Mandy' and 'Ben-Hur' were just a few of the scores of films which made him a top star. He built his fame not only on his acting ability, but also on his image as a symbol of British pluck and determination. His voice was unmistakable, with its whisky resonance, and deep reserve of authority. As Sir Michael Parkinson remarked, 'He was a formidable presence in the British film industry and later became one of those trustworthy film stars who an audience loved because he made them believe that everyone was as decent and brave as Jack Hawkins.' He fought some courageous screen battles, but his bravest fight came when throat cancer threatened his career. This is the definitive biography of one of the most iconic and enduring legends of British cinema, whose major presence in film, television, and theatre lasted throughout the twentieth century. With contributions from Virginia MacKenna, Peter McEnery, Derren Nesbitt, Michael Jayston and many others.
About the author
Nathan Morley was born in Lincolnshire in 1974 and raised in West Germany. As a journalist, he has reported for Deutsche Welle, ORF Österreichischer Rundfunk, Vatican Radio, The Voice of America and CBC. In 2001 he was the recipient of a 'New York Festivals Radio Award'.
His other books include the critically acclaimed Radio Hitler: Nazi Airwaves in the Second World War and Disney's British Gentleman: The Life and career of David Tomlinson.
He divides his time between Nicosia and Berlin.
Summary
The first ever biography of legendary British film actor Jack Hawkins. From cult classics 'The Cruel Sea' and 'Lawrence of Arabia', to 'Bridge on the River Kwai', Hawkins became one of the most bankable stars of the 1950s. This gripping story of a true cinema great tells his tale and his long brave fight against throat cancer.
