Helen Hayes: A Bio-Bibliography

(Hardback)

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Description

This reference traces in fascinating detail the exceptionally long career of Helen Hayes, the First Lady of the American Theatre. In addition to a biography of the actress, which charts the development of her unique talent and the successes and tragedies of her personal life, the book supplies a chronology which provides quick access to the major events which shaped both her character and her career. In sections devoted individually to Stage, Film, Television, and Radio, the actress' work in each of these media is charted. Cast lists, plot synopses, reviews, and commentary bring vivid immediacy to these records. Additional material in the Appendices provides information on her aural/video recordings as well as her stunning list of Awards and Honors. Included is the program from a gala salute to her 50th Anniversary on the stage. A detailed index concludes the work.

Reviews

"Confronted with the manuscript of this detailed record of her unique career, Helen Hayes sighed: 'You boys know more about me than I do.' In their massed details of playwrights and players, news stories, and reviews, movies and TV, playhouses and charities, Messrs. Moore and Murphy literally reflect, through her singular character, our 20th century's theatrical history."-Richard L. Coe Critic Emeritus The Washington Post
"Helen Hayes' life and career shine like a beacon from a barren shore---an inspiration to anyone, in any profession, who believes that integrity does not have to be sacrificed for success."-Dean Jones
"Of course I have much pleasure in endorsing your publication of the bio-bibliography of Helen Hayes, whom I first saw acting in Coquette in 1928. I have followed her career with the greatest admiration, and was lucky enough to see her in Victoria Regina in 1937, when I also met her for the first time, and have cherished her friendship ever since. I only once worked with her when I directed her in The Glass Menagerie at the Haymaker Theatre in London. (She is) a great artist and a cherished friend."-Sir John Gielgud
It is unfortunate that the first lady of the American theatre died prior to publication of this book. Along with all theatre scholars, she would have been delighted with the depth and detail of its coverage; and, as she points out in her brief foreword, the book rectifies her failure to keep any scrapbooks or clippings similar to other volumes in the series, but at the same time, it is, undoubtedly, one of the best.-Classic Images
Stimulating reading . . . it is fascinating to leaf through for its insights into the life and career of this formidable five-foot giant of the American stage.-Choice, December 1993
"Stimulating reading . . . it is fascinating to leaf through for its insights into the life and career of this formidable five-foot giant of the American stage."-Choice, December 1993
"It is unfortunate that the first lady of the American theatre died prior to publication of this book. Along with all theatre scholars, she would have been delighted with the depth and detail of its coverage; and, as she points out in her brief foreword, the book rectifies her failure to keep any scrapbooks or clippings similar to other volumes in the series, but at the same time, it is, undoubtedly, one of the best."-Classic Images

Author Bio

DONN B. MURPHY is Professor of Theatre at Georgetown University and President and Executive Director of the National Theatre in Washington, DC. His previous books include Stage For a Nation: The National Theatre-150 Years (1985), and A Director's Guide to Good Theatre (1968). STEPHEN MOORE is Director of Computer and Laboratory Services at Georgetown University. In addition to his interest in the performing arts, he is an authority on relational database software development.