Callow begins work on Vol. 4

[Wich2]

I think Callow's work is generally wonderful.

I've thought that since his excellent study of Charles Laughton - a difficult man, well and fairly portrayed. And by a writer who is able to explain the performing arts to civilians, as well as Carl Sagan was able to with cosmic physics.

And I think he's done as good a job with Orson. Both men are lucky to have such a high-caliber chronicler.

Is Simon Callow a human being, with his own perspectives? Is he fallible? Well, duh!

But at least for me, that in no way tarnishes his self-evident gifts.

- Craig

[Le Chiffre]

His books have flaws and mistakes for sure, but he's a wonderful writer, and his research and detailed descriptions concerning Welles's theater productions are second to none. It will be interesting to see how he handles the final years of Welles's life and career, where there were no theater productions; mainly just unfinished or unrealized film projects, completed small films that got little attention, narrating duties, and various TV appearances. I do especially look forward to his take on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND, though.

[Tony]

I've recently been reading Callow's books for the first time (only a 24 year delay for Vol. 1!) and I have to say that I think the It's All True section is the best writing I've ever read on that topic: ruthlessly even-handed and wonderfully intuitive: just wonderful writing. I hope Callow has abandoned the idea of Vol. 4 written as fiction (or whatever it was he announced). I don't know why I've waited so long, as I read his biography of Charles Laughton years ago and it's very good.