Clifton Webb (1889-1966) was a Hollywood star who caused the movie-going public to change its image of a leading man. In a day when leading men were supposed to be strong, virile, and brave, he projected an image of flip, acerbic arrogance. He was able to play everything from a decadent columnist (Laura) to a fertile father (Cheaper by the Dozen and The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker).|David L. Smith is professor emeritus at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Prior to his academic career, he labored a number of years in the Indianapolis television market as a producer/director, production manager, and program manager. He created, wrote, and hosted a weekly thematic movie series entitled When Movies Were Movies, which had a very successful run of ten years. He also has served as executive producer for several nationally syndicated television programs. His writings about the movie industry have been widely published. His first book, Hoosiers in Hollywood, was published in 2006. Visit his website at www.whenmoviesweremovies.com.
"Clifton Webb was the unlikeliest of movie stars, but a movie star
he was, and reading the completed chapters of his autobiography is
a tremendous pleasure. The voice is unmistakably that of Waldo
Lydecker, of Elliott Templeton, of Clifton Webb. David Smith has
performed a heroic feat of archaeology in rescuing and completing
this delightful book about a delightful man."--Scott Eyman, author
of Empire of Dreams: The Epic Life of Cecil B. DeMille and Lion of
Hollywood: The Life of Louis B. Mayer
"David L. Smith's deft melding of memoir and biography does overdue
justice to Twentieth Century-Fox's most unlikely star."--David
Stenn, author of Clara Bow: Runnin' Wild
"I was genuinely delighted to know that a book was being written
about Clifton Webb. What a pleasure it is to read this astounding
account of a man my parents and I considered to be 'family.'"There
has never been a truly proper replacement in movieland after
Clifton left us. He could do everything and did it in a singular
style that could never be repeated."Reading this book, I realized
once again what an important part Clifton and Mabelle played in my
life as a young man. He was a meticulous and devoted friend who
called me a few days before he died to tell me he was going to
leave me his favorite painting, a George Bellows oil portrait of
Clifton as an aristocratic young man. It has always hung in my
home."--Richard D. Zanuck
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