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"Impeccably presented, the book features many rare stills from the archives, among them the fabled topless shot for the 'continental' version of The Man Who Could Cheat Death (extremely daring for 1959!)." -- Howard Maxford, Film Review, 2008. "...a wonderful personal trip down memory lane by a very special lady...highly entertaining..." -- Cinema Retro, 2008. "An absolute joy from start to finish..." Movie Memories Summer 2008
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International star Hazel Court has starred in countless films, both in England and the United States. However, she is best known for her work in horror films, starting with Hammer in the 1950's and going on to work with Roger Corman in Hollywood. She has been described as the 'Ultimate Scream Queen'. This is her autobiography, in which she traces her career from being a 'Gainsborough Girl' through to her current status as internationally recognised sculptor and author. Hazel provides intimate portraits of Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Jack Nicholson, as well as her late husband, actor/director Don Taylor. An English womans view of a life in Hollywood, 'Hazel Court -- Horror Queen' is eagerly anticipated by Hazel's fans throughout the world. Lavishly illustrated with rare photos -- including some that you never thought youd see!
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is nothing less than superb. Hazel Court tells her own story in the warmest, most charming way, as if she were sitting right next to you, chatting about her life and times. Never gooey or overly sentimental but always with an eye to the best in others and to her own good fortune in having lived such a wonderful and exciting life. The bad times are not glossed over but Hazel is such an optimistic and positive-minded person that this autobiography simply overflows with the warmth of her personality.
Her claim to be the cinema's greatest `Scream Queen' is well deserved, not least for her unique record of having worked with all the giants of the genre - Karloff, Cushing, Lee, Price, Milland and Lorre - but also for the sheer breadth and vitality she brought to each of her roles. Clearly, though, she was much more than just a horror film actress - she was a star with none of the shallowness and overstated ego of others of that ilk, and her talent illuminated everything she touched. Just watch "Devil Girl From Mars" for proof of how she could elevate `tosh' to something of considerable merit.
From her early family history in the West Midlands, through her beginnings in the movie business, through her friendships and relationships, to her latter-day success and fulfilment as an acclaimed sculptress, this is a truly moving and fascinating account of one of Britain's best exports.
The book is a feast for the eye, too, with some of the most astonishing pictures ever collected in one volume. Beautifully designed, expertly produced, this is - as the blurb accurately says - "a book to cherish!" Its publication was also one of the last things to give Miss Court genuine satisfaction just prior to her untimely passing in April, now not so much an autobiography so much as a tribute. Not just for buffs and aficionados, "Hazel Court - Horror Queen" will appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in biography and popular culture.
Her claim to be the cinema's greatest `Scream Queen' is well deserved, not least for her unique record of having worked with all the giants of the genre - Karloff, Cushing, Lee, Price, Milland and Lorre - but also for the sheer breadth and vitality she brought to each of her roles. Clearly, though, she was much more than just a horror film actress - she was a star with none of the shallowness and overstated ego of others of that ilk, and her talent illuminated everything she touched. Just watch "Devil Girl From Mars" for proof of how she could elevate `tosh' to something of considerable merit.
From her early family history in the West Midlands, through her beginnings in the movie business, through her friendships and relationships, to her latter-day success and fulfilment as an acclaimed sculptress, this is a truly moving and fascinating account of one of Britain's best exports.
The book is a feast for the eye, too, with some of the most astonishing pictures ever collected in one volume. Beautifully designed, expertly produced, this is - as the blurb accurately says - "a book to cherish!" Its publication was also one of the last things to give Miss Court genuine satisfaction just prior to her untimely passing in April, now not so much an autobiography so much as a tribute. Not just for buffs and aficionados, "Hazel Court - Horror Queen" will appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in biography and popular culture.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Hazel Court was a product of the Rank Charm School which was set up in the 1940s to produce actors who might be of use to the producers.Hazel Court graduated from bit parts to leading roles in many B pictures in the 1950s and then on to become the Horror Queen in Cormans British films made in the UK in the 1960s.Unlike many autobiogs this is written in a very disarming and self deprecatory manner which is very refreshing.There are many photos including one topless.In the 1950s British film makers would make 2 versions.One for the rather staid British censor the other "continental" version where everything was on show.My only slight problem with the book is the size in whichn it has been printed.It is not a book that one can easily take around with you or read on holiday.However the content is first class
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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8 reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
LIFE/CAREER REFLECTIONS OF A BOSOMY BEAUTY
21 Oct 2009
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Hazel Court was a stunning British actress. She was a red-haired beauty with a gorgeous body and charm to match. She added that touch of class and glamour to each project she participated in. As the title of the book suggests, she was mostly associated with product of the horrific kind and was probably, and unfortunately, underrated as a very fine actress. This memoir of hers comes highly recommended (especially to those of us who grew up with a huge crush on her). She is very candid and informative about her life and career. It's a quick read and loaded with lots of photos (many of them being of the pinup variety). Back in the fifties and sixties Ms. Court was among the pantheon of actresses that triggered the libidos of many young baby-boomer males. Most guys zeroed in on her ample bosom displayed in films like Roger Corman's THE RAVEN and MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (what guy can forget her dream sequence in that film bouncing around in a diaphanous gown!?). In the introduction to this book, Ms. Court's daughter mentions the fascination her mother's boobs elicited and says they were known as 'The Hazel Courts'. Ms. Court appeared topless in the European version of Hammer Studio's 1959 Film, THE MAN WHO COULD CHEAT DEATH. The European version appears to be lost to the ages - but, Ms. Court herself includes in the book a small colour photo of herself posing naked from the waist up - thereby satisfying the curiosity of all her male admirers who longed for a peek under her blouse. This book is a must for all Hazel Court fans, Cinema buffs and anyone who enjoys a fascinating glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
a wonderful life story by one of the world's great beauties
13 April 2008
Format:Paperback
Hazel Court documents her diverse life story, from childhood to present. This is a beautiful book with over 300 pictures including many in color. So much more than a story about a star, Hazel was a traveller, actor, sculpture and naturlist. An enchanting book.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Great book!
2 Sep 2008
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've loved Hazel Court since seeing her in "The Curse of Frankenstein" and "Masque of the Red Death" so it was wonderful to find her autobiography. Lots of great photos and it sounds truly written from the heart. A beautiful gracious lady and wonderful actress.
As an aside, my copy came with the whole first chapter inserted upside down but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book, just wondering if other copies were this way, too.
And, to Barbara Shelley: please write your book!!
As an aside, my copy came with the whole first chapter inserted upside down but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book, just wondering if other copies were this way, too.
And, to Barbara Shelley: please write your book!!
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