Marlon Brando (1924–2004)

Excellent insights on life, acting, and NYC from the actor regarded as making a quantum leap in the craft. He regarded Stella Adler and Elia Kazan as his best teachers, and derided Lee Strasberg as an ambitious man who far overstated his influence on the craft.

One story: While attending military academy (he was always getting kicked out of schools, and his family was not poor) he got upset at the quarter-hourly ringing of the school's bell. One night he climbed the bell tower determined to break it. All he could figure to do though was to take out the clapper, which weighed 150 lbs. He carried it down and buried it in the lawn outside. The next day the administration was furious, and told all the cadets that there would be no priviliges for anyone until someone turned the culprit in. Brando joined in on the exasperation and volunteered to lead a council to investigate and find the culprit. The administrators were thoroughly impressed and congratulated him for his loyalty and bravery.

He never told anyone it was him until this book was published (1994). He said the clapper is still there in the lawn and could easily be found by anyone with a metal detector.… (more)

The author Lindsey created an autobiography for Brando through interviews, manuscripts, and revision by the subject. There are excellent photographs from Brando's private collection. Who would have thought he was so close to his siblings, mother and father. He makes the point that acting was a job, and his true love was his island which he purchased but was also responsible for. For ten years he was able to enjoy it. No mention of specific lives, and children just called "children".

Information about the individual films is excellent. He seems to have not only acting but did quite a bit of work on scripts.

A short book, a quick read.… (more)