Disappointingly short book on Hayward, a quasi-well known star of the 30s through to 50s whose career, while not legendary, was very interesting, and deserved better treatment.
Hayward was born in South Africa and educated in England; he wanted to act and his good looks and charm saw him get work on the English stage. He was a protege and lover of Noel Coward, who cast Hayward in one of his plays, Point Valaine. He got work in British films of the early 30s but found more success over in Hollywood, starting with a juicy part in Anthony Adverse. He was the first cinematic incantation of The Saint and was a favourite of producer Edward Small who cast Hayward in The Man in the Iron Mask. This kicked off a career for the actor as a swashbuckler star - he suited period films, and could act; while he only made a few top rank swashbucklers (Son of Monte Cristo), they kept him steadily employed in the 40s and 50s.
Hayward's career was interrupted by war service - and it was impressive service, risking life and limb as head of the photography unit at the Battle of Tarawa. He never recovered his earlier momentum - maybe he wouldn't have even if he hadn't joined the army, who knows, but at least when he came out he had the odd good part (eg And Then There Were None) and was lucky to get regular work in low budget swashbucklers.
Despite the fling with Coward, Hayward had a number of marriages to women, notably Ida Lupino. His career went into gentle decline - there seemed to be plenty of TV and stage work, and the odd film (such as in Chuka with Rod Taylor) before his cigarette habit killed him.
The book isn't a bad rough overview of Hayward's life and there are some good photos but I kept wanting more - more about his films, acting style, personal life, working with Edward Small, etc. There's not enough.
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