Peter Sellers: A Film History

by Michael Seth Starr

Overview

Peter Sellers left behind a rich legacy of film work, some of which is only belatedly recognized for its genius. Especially notable were his numerous crazy accents. Though most widely known as the slapstick Inspector Clouseau of the "Pink Panther" series (from 1964 on), he is recalled by many for such earlier efforts as his triple role in The Mouse That Roared (1959) and his masterly breakthrough to the mainstream American market in I'm All Right, Jack (1959).

This book analyzes each Sellers film from 1951, not least his Oscar-nominated triple-role stint in Dr. Strangelove. He also turned in a brilliant performance as the slyly sinister Clare Quilty in Lolita. Interesting anecdotes, behind-the-scenes information, a detailed plot summary, contemporary criticism and the author's own analysis are given for each film. Complete filmographies and index.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786473892
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	10/15/2012
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.54(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Michael Seth Starr has covered television as a reporter and columnist at The New York Post since 1995. He has written biographies of Art Carney, Joey Bishop, Bobby Darin, Raymond Burr, Redd Foxx and his biography of Ringo Starr will be published in 2015. He has made frequent appearances on television including The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Entertainment Tonight and Tavis Smiley.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Prologue     

Part I: The Road to Stardom (1951–1959)

1. Down Among the Z Men     
2. The Ladykillers     
3. The Smallest Show on Earth     
4. The Naked Truth     
5. tom thumb     
6. Up the Creek     
7. Carlton-Browne of the F.0.     
8. The Mouse That Roared     
9. I’m All Right, Jack     
10. The Battle of the Sexes     

Part 11: The Best Sellers List (1960–1964)

11. Two-Way Stretch     
12. Never Let Go     
13. The Millionairess     
14. Only Two Can Play     
15. Waltz of the Toreadors     
16. Lolita     
17. The Wrong Am of the Law     
18. Heavens Above!     
19. The Pink Panther     
20. Dr. Strangelove     
21. The World of Henry Orient     
22. A Shot in the Dark     

Part 111: The Lost Decade (1965–1974)

23. What's New, Pussycat?     
24. The Wrong Box     
25. After the Fox     
26. Casino Royale     
27. The Bobo     
28. The Party     
29. I Love You, Alice B. Toklas     
30. The Magic Christian     
31. Hojhan     
32. There’s a Girl in My Soup     
33. Where Does It Hurt?     
34. The Blockhouse     
35. The Optimists of Nine Elms     
36. Ghost in the Noonday Sun     

Part IV: A Sellers Market (1975–1980)

37. The Return of the Pink Panther     
38. Murder by Death     
39. The Pink Panther Strikes Again     
40. The Revenge of the Pink Panther     
41. The Prisoner of Zenda     
42. Being There     
43. The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu     
44. Epilogue     

Part V: Interview with Blake Edwards     

Notes     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

the first book length study of Sellers film career...readable and informative”—Classic Images; “very well illustrated, and of importance to all those interested in the controversial star’s unique personality”—Virgin Publishers; “are for moviegoers as well as stargazers, with film-by-film analyses of their subject’s work”—Romeike & Curtice; “a professional record combined with an extensive reference work”—Back Stage Shoot; “thoroughly agreeable read”—Film Review.

From the Publisher

are for moviegoers as well as stargazers, with film-by-film analyses of their subject's work

Romeike & Curtice

very well illustrated, and of importance to all those interested in the controversial star's unique personality

Virgin Publishers

the first book length study of Sellers film career...readable and informative

Classic Images

A survey of the late Sellers' (1925-1980) more than 50 films. Interesting anecdotes, behind-the-scenes information, a detailed plot summary, contemporary criticism and the author's own analysis are given for each film. Complete filmographies, b&w photographs, and index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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