Review of "Gielgud: A Theatrical Life 1904-2000" by Jonathan Croall

English actors are quite revered by Americans. They train much harder than thespians of any other nationality. They take many parts that Hollywood actors would deem beneath them. The joke in our house is that there are only 36 prominent actors in Britain and we see them again and again. Sir John Gielgud was an example of the greatest of the great well-trained British actors. This is his history.

Gielgud was born in 1904 and passed away in 2000. His fans acclaimed him as the greatest classical actor of the twentieth century (although fans of the great Olivier would naturally disagree). His full career was astonishing in the breadth of his successes: in films, radio, television as well as the theater.

It's a heavy book in more ways than one. Five hundred plus pages in which a true fan could get lost. The author captures Gielgud's childhood and his early struggles to become an actor. His life at the "Old Vic" is part of one of the most interesting chapters. His rivalry with Sir Laurence Olivier and his deep friendship with Sir Ralph Richardson are covered well and make for good reading.

John Gielgud was a fantastic actor, and he richly deserves this comprehensive tribute.