Fredric March

Fredric March was one of the foremost actors America produced during the 20th century, holding the distinction of winning Best Actor Awards in two films and two Broadway plays. He consciously chose not to shape his career by projecting his own personality, but created a new characterization for each role by becoming the individual he was portraying. Because of this, March is not as well remembered as many of his contemporaries. March was honored 12 years after his death at a tribute in 1987, but by then, many did not even know who he was. In this fascinating biography, Peterson details who March was, and why he was a craftsman first, star second. Yet, Fredric March is not as well remembered as his contemporaries, such as Bogart and Tracy, screen heroes who shaped their careers by projecting their own personalities. Instead March, endeavored to create a new characterization for each role by concealing his own temperament, becoming the individual he was portraying. From 1939 to 1961 he successfully flourished on the Broadway stage as well as on the Hollywood film lot. After 1961 he gracefully grew old in motion pictures, starring at the age of 75 in the 1973 movie version of O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh, two years prior to his death. March was honored posthumously at a joint tribute to the actor from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the American Cinematheque in 1987, 12 years after his death. But, by then, many did not even know who the actor was. In this fascinating biography, Peterson reveals who March was, and why he was a craftsman first, star second. Essential for all researchers interested in film studies and drama.

DEBORAH C. PETERSON is an Adjunct Professor for Cardinal Stritch College and Concordia University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her primary research interests are in film and Civil War history.