Peter Glenville: The Elusive Director Who Charmed Hollywood and Triumphed on Broadway

Peter Glenville achieved worldwide fame as a theater and film director on two continents, minting Broadway gold and working with his generation s finest actors. Yet he has largely faded from public memory. Why? Carol King and Richard Havers probe Glenville's life and critical reception in 'Peter Glenville: The Elusive Director Who Charmed Hollywood and Triumphed on Broadway.' Born to wildly successful actors, Glenville studied at Oxford and became president of OUDS (Oxford University Dramatic Society). His career began as a popular actor and director in British theater, where he even took the helm at the renowned Old Vic. Invading Broadway, he directed hit after hit with actors like Angela Lansbury, Jackie Gleason, Laurence Olivier, Alec Guinness, Vivien Leigh and Tommy Lee Jones. He also directed Hollywood films such as 'Me and the Colonel' with Danny Kaye, the Oscar-winning 'Becket' with Richard Burton and Peter O Toole, and 'The Comedians' with Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Earl Jones. What's more, Glenville's notable charisma and charm made him a pillar in high society on two continents. His passion for excellence and fastidious work ethic also crossed over into his political convictions, and helped create lasting friendships with heads of state, British royalty and American presidents. At the same time, this deeply Catholic man was devoted to his inner circle of friends and confidantes, and carefully protected his personal privacy. As 'Peter Glenville' makes clear, it is high time we turn a spotlight onto this unique, fascinating and complex man.