Kevin Brownlow je filmový tvorca a filmový historik, ktorý zasvätil svoj život dokumentovaniu a obnove kinematografie, najmä éry nemého filmu. Jeho hlboký záujem o nemý film, ktorý v ňom vzplanul už v detstve, ho viedol k záchrane mnohých zabudnutých diel a ich histórie. V 60. a 70. rokoch 20. storočia uskutočnil rozhovory s mnohými vtedy už staršími a zabudnutými filmovými priekopníkmi, čím zachoval neoceniteľné dedičstvo filmového umenia. Jeho práca predstavuje zásadný príspevok k pochopeniu a uchovaniu rannej filmovej histórie pre budúce generácie.
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.