Marya E. Gates

Lew Ayres (1908–1996) became known to the public when he portrayed the leading character in the epic war film All Quiet on the Western Front. The role made him a household name, introduced him to his closest friends, brought him to the attention of his first two wives, and would overshadow the rest of his career. To be a movie star was his first and only ambition as a child, but once he found success, he was never fully satisfied in his choice of profession. Although lacking a formal education, Ayres spent the rest of his life pursuing dozens of intellectual studies, interests, and hobbies. He even considered ending his acting career after just a few years to pursue a more "respectable and fulfilling" path as a director. Ayres was given not one but two comeback opportunities in his acting career, in 1938 and 1945. He was cast in the film series Dr. Kildare where he showed his abilities in comedy and his unique strength at bringing a level of sincerity to even the most outlandish or idealist character. But he was willing to give up his star status to follow his moral compass, first as a conscientious objector and ultimately as a noncombat medic during World War II. To everyone’s surprise, he was welcomed back to Hollywood with open arms and new opportunities despite his objector status. Biographer Lesley L. Coffin presents the story of a man of quiet dignity, constantly searching for the right way to live his life and torn between the public world of Hollywood and secluded life of spiritual introspection.

From the birth of cinema in the 1890s to the global box office today, women directors have had to work hard to tell their stories. Although they make up a small percentage of current filmmakers, their contributions to the cinematic arts are both significant and unique. In revelatory conversations with international filmmakers, film critic and historian Gates shines a light on their career-spanning works. From feminist pioneers and maverick independents to Oscar-winning directors, these filmmakers include Jane Campion, Susan Seidelman, and Mira Nair. Through illuminating discussions, the directors take readers on a deep exploration into their filmmaking processes and themes. Each is accompanied by illustrations of the filmmakers on location and vivid film stills. Offering a rare glimpse into the movie business, they share stories of their unique journeys navigating the film industry. In an era when most fans of film rely on the Internet for information, this curated collection of interviews is the ideal reference with insights directly from these trailblazing filmmakers themselves.

Lew Ayres (1908-1996) became known to the public when he portrayed the leading character in the epic war film All Quiet on the Western Front. The role made him a household name, introduced him to his closest friends, brought him to the attention of his first two wives, and would overshadow the rest of his career. To be a movie star was his first and only ambition as a child, but once he found success, he was never fully satisfied in his choice of profession. Although lacking a formal education, Ayres spent the rest of his life pursuing dozens of intellectual studies, interests, and hobbies. He even considered ended his acting career after just a few years to pursue a more ""respectable and fulfilling"" path as a director. Ayres was given not one but two comeback opportunities in his acting career, in 1938 and 1945. He was cast in the film series Dr. Kildare where he showed his abilities in comedy and his unique strength at bringing a level of sincerity to even the most outlandish or idealist character. But he was willing to give up his star status in order to follow his moral compass, first as a conscientious objector and ultimately as a noncombat medic during World War II. To everyone's surprise, he was welcomed back to Hollywood with open arms and new opportunities despite his objector status. Biographer Lesley L. Coffin presents the story of a man of quiet dignity, constantly searching for the right way to live his life and torn between the public world of Hollywood and secluded life of spiritual introspection.