Dropped Names

Famous Men and Women As I Knew Them

De: Frank Langella

Narrado por: Frank Langella

Rita Hayworth dancing by candlelight in a small Mexican village; Elizabeth Taylor devouring homemade pasta and tenderly wrapping him in her pashmina scarf; streaking for Sir Laurence Olivier in a drafty English castle; terrifying a dozing Jackie Onassis; carrying an unconscious Montgomery Clift to safety on a dark New York City street.

Captured forever in a unique memoir, Frank Langella's myriad encounters with some of the past century's most famous human beings are profoundly affecting, funny, wicked, sometimes shocking, and utterly irresistible. With sharp wit and a perceptive eye, Mr. Langella takes us with him into the private worlds and privileged lives of movie stars, presidents, royalty, literary lions, the social elite, and the greats of the Broadway stage.

What, for instance, was Jack Kennedy doing on that coffee table? Why did the Queen Mother need Mr. Langella's help? When was Paul Mellon going to pay him money owed? How did Brooke Astor lose her virginity? Why was Robert Mitchum singing Gilbert & Sullivan patter songs at top volume, and what did Marilyn Monroe say to him that helped change the course of his life?

Through these shared experiences, we learn something, too, of Mr. Langella's personal journey from the age of fifteen to the present day.

Dropped Names is, like its subjects, riveting and unforgettable.

Enchanting, Lots of unexpected bursts of laughter.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was a wonderful account of Mr. Langella's life in movies & theater. Laced with stories of his celebrity friendships. It was truly a great read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dropped Names?

I enjoyed his account of Jackie Kennedy & Bunny Mellon.

Which scene was your favorite?

Its hard to say which scene was my favorite. I can say that I laughed out loud...a lot.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes this is a book I wanted to listen to in one sitting. I tried but...daily life pulled me away.

Any additional comments?

I have a friend who is an actress (Broadway/off Broadway) who has done a few things with Mr. Langella. I adored her stories and impersonations she did of him. I have long since been curious of who he really is and what is life is like.

highly entertaining stories from Broadway and film

It’s a little surprising how many people Frank Langella has run into in his not particularly mainstream film career. He is probably better known in Broadway circles, but mostly it seems he has had the most incredible luck when it comes to chance encounters that lead to lifelong friendships, that is, if his narrative is to be believed, and I think it probably is. Mostly.
I always liked him, always enjoyed his work, and if I now feel a little less drawn to him, due to the necessarily egocentric narrative of this memoir, oh well... after all, he has apparently plenty of people who adore him without the adoration of fans!

Gossip and Innuendo

I love Frank as an actor. This reading gives insight into his personality. He comes across as witty, and at times spiteful, which makes it fun to listen and use your imagination. At times it feels that so voyeuristic. Enjoy this guilty pleasure on a rainy day!

Wonderful memoir

If you like saucy Hollywood gossip, this is as good a memoir as you’ll ever find. Langella does play a bit “did I or don’t I?” about his gay encounters, but otherwise this is flawless and he is such a charmer with a beautiful speaking voice.

If you want an insight into the man himself or his work, you’ll find almost none of that. These are stories about other people.

Wonderful

What about Frank Langella’s performance did you like?

Frank Langella reads his own work expertly. I doubt I would have enjoyed this as much if I read it myself.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are funny, interesting, absorbing chapters in this well written series of observations of famous people Langella has met or known over his long career. This may be too gossipy for some but it is well written, thoughtful and expertly performed. Some very funny and very sad recollections.