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Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography
Vincent Price is a true Hollywood legend, whose vast and distinguished career-as the voice of The Saint on the radio, in such unforgettable films as House of Wax and The Fly, and on the Broadway stage-spanned more than a half-century. In addition to being an icon of stage and screen large and small, Price was also an avid art collector, a gourmand, a dashing and relentless charmer, and a loving father. His daughter Victoria was born shortly before Price turned 51, at the height of his popularity. Though the star's busy film schedule took him in and out of his young daughter's life, he was always a larger-than-life presence and, simply, her father.
Victoria adored him, and despite his harrowing schedule, their relationship was close. That is, until Price married his third wife, the headstrong and independent actress, Coral Browne. Victoria was a girl of twelve, and her new stepmother resented the strong relationship between father and daughter, and consequently did much to keep the two apart. Late in Price's life, however, he and his daughter were brought together again for some of their most memorable time together.
In this elegant biography-cum-memoir, Victoria Price reveals a man both complex and human. An actor of range, he starred in both the film noir milestone Laura and the Biblical classic The Ten Commandments. As a "pre-war anti Nazi sympathizer," he was greylisted during the Red Scare of the 1950s-until, in a desperate gesture, he signed a secret oath that saved his career. And his passion for the arts gave him a second life as an erudite columnist and collector, even as his films graced drive-ins nationwide. Victoria Price's account life of her father is full and candid; both his passionate and charismatic public persona and his conflicted inner life are treated with curiosity and understanding.
Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography is, in short, the thorough-and uniquely intimate-life of a legend.
Victoria adored him, and despite his harrowing schedule, their relationship was close. That is, until Price married his third wife, the headstrong and independent actress, Coral Browne. Victoria was a girl of twelve, and her new stepmother resented the strong relationship between father and daughter, and consequently did much to keep the two apart. Late in Price's life, however, he and his daughter were brought together again for some of their most memorable time together.
In this elegant biography-cum-memoir, Victoria Price reveals a man both complex and human. An actor of range, he starred in both the film noir milestone Laura and the Biblical classic The Ten Commandments. As a "pre-war anti Nazi sympathizer," he was greylisted during the Red Scare of the 1950s-until, in a desperate gesture, he signed a secret oath that saved his career. And his passion for the arts gave him a second life as an erudite columnist and collector, even as his films graced drive-ins nationwide. Victoria Price's account life of her father is full and candid; both his passionate and charismatic public persona and his conflicted inner life are treated with curiosity and understanding.
Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography is, in short, the thorough-and uniquely intimate-life of a legend.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
86 people are currently reading
1600 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Price
10 books19 followersVictoria Price brings her unique story to the national and international stage as an author, inspirational speaker, blogger, designer, artist & art consultant, and interspiritual & interfaith minister.
Victoria's popular blog, Daily Practice of Joy, chronicles the journey back to joy which began in 2011 -- the year in which the world celebrated the 100th birthday of her father, Vincent Price, with Vincentennial celebrations around the globe.
In 2016, after living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a quarter century, Victoria embarked on an ongoing journey of intentional homelessness, chronicled in her new inspirational memoir from Ixia Press/Dover Publication -- The Way of Being Lost: A Road Trip to My Truest Self}(Ixia Press/Dover 2018). Her critically-acclaimed biography of her father -- [Vincent Price: A Daughter’s Biography -- was published in 1999 by St Martin’s Press and 2014 by Open Road Media.
Victoria's popular blog, Daily Practice of Joy, chronicles the journey back to joy which began in 2011 -- the year in which the world celebrated the 100th birthday of her father, Vincent Price, with Vincentennial celebrations around the globe.
In 2016, after living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a quarter century, Victoria embarked on an ongoing journey of intentional homelessness, chronicled in her new inspirational memoir from Ixia Press/Dover Publication -- The Way of Being Lost: A Road Trip to My Truest Self}(Ixia Press/Dover 2018). Her critically-acclaimed biography of her father -- [Vincent Price: A Daughter’s Biography -- was published in 1999 by St Martin’s Press and 2014 by Open Road Media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 10, 2020
When I was little and went to the movies for the very first time, I went to go see Disney's Great Mouse Detective Starring Vincent Price as Rattigan, Basil Rathbone and more. It was a pretty good film and one of his final voiceover roles before he passed away in 1993. I didn't discover Vincent Price until I was much older but everyone knows him as one of the original Horror icons besides hosting the PBS show Mystery and more.
Vincent Price was so much more. Reading his biography written by his daughter Victoria we find out about how he discovered his love for artwork, how his love for the theater made him want to become an actor, and more as well as Victoria's relationship with her father.
I learned so much interesting things about Mr. Price while reading this book but if you want to know more, be sure to read this book. It is available at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.
Vincent Price was so much more. Reading his biography written by his daughter Victoria we find out about how he discovered his love for artwork, how his love for the theater made him want to become an actor, and more as well as Victoria's relationship with her father.
I learned so much interesting things about Mr. Price while reading this book but if you want to know more, be sure to read this book. It is available at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.
August 15, 2014
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of sitting at a nearby booth to Ms. Price at World Horror Convention. She's a lovely lady and so when my husband surprised me with an autographed copy of this book for my birthday, I was thrilled.
I have to confess I had a difficult time reading this while on a trip because everywhere I went, people saw the cover and wanted to talk about the book. I had to wait until I got home to really dive in.
Not only is this biography about the accomplishments of the incredible actor, Vincent Price, but it tells a lot about some earlier American history. I found that fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and wish Victoria Price all the best.
I have to confess I had a difficult time reading this while on a trip because everywhere I went, people saw the cover and wanted to talk about the book. I had to wait until I got home to really dive in.
Not only is this biography about the accomplishments of the incredible actor, Vincent Price, but it tells a lot about some earlier American history. I found that fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and wish Victoria Price all the best.
November 10, 2021
I closed out the month of October by reading this gem of a book. I like to think that while this is a biography it is also a memoir of sorts too.
Victoria Price is a really amazing person. Not only to forgive her father for his misdeeds, but also write a very well written biography about his life.
I have not watched many Vincent Price films, and I have not read any of his many books. After reading this memoir I want to watch more of his films and read his books about art. Victoria really captured a very well painted picture of her father, and with his words sprinkled throughout (from diaries and unpublished memoirs) it gives you quite the embellishment.
Vincent Price is known to be the master of horror but the title is not something that he sought out. More or less the actor fell into it when wanting to do a film about Edgar Allen Poe. From then on it was horror movie after horror movie, with his rich voice and tall stature.
I think that what really surprised me the most is how much of a thespian Vincent was and what his life would have been if he remained solely on the stage. It seems that while he was good at both, the roles he played on stage sounded just as exciting as those he played in film. I wish that there was a video capture or archive footage of him.
I liked his second wife Mary, she was the best and I was heartbroken that he cheated on her with a downright horrid woman. Apparently this woman he met while doing Theatre of Blood. She was an absolute terror and in the last 20 years of his life she truly made his life (willingly) into a shit one and lashed out against Victoria and her father's friends.
Some might have issues with the book, for me who knew very little about him beyond the horror moniker, this was a perfect read.
Victoria Price is a really amazing person. Not only to forgive her father for his misdeeds, but also write a very well written biography about his life.
I have not watched many Vincent Price films, and I have not read any of his many books. After reading this memoir I want to watch more of his films and read his books about art. Victoria really captured a very well painted picture of her father, and with his words sprinkled throughout (from diaries and unpublished memoirs) it gives you quite the embellishment.
Vincent Price is known to be the master of horror but the title is not something that he sought out. More or less the actor fell into it when wanting to do a film about Edgar Allen Poe. From then on it was horror movie after horror movie, with his rich voice and tall stature.
I think that what really surprised me the most is how much of a thespian Vincent was and what his life would have been if he remained solely on the stage. It seems that while he was good at both, the roles he played on stage sounded just as exciting as those he played in film. I wish that there was a video capture or archive footage of him.
I liked his second wife Mary, she was the best and I was heartbroken that he cheated on her with a downright horrid woman. Apparently this woman he met while doing Theatre of Blood. She was an absolute terror and in the last 20 years of his life she truly made his life (willingly) into a shit one and lashed out against Victoria and her father's friends.
Some might have issues with the book, for me who knew very little about him beyond the horror moniker, this was a perfect read.
March 20, 2019
Price was high-class as shit in the worst ways (basically none of the achievements and experiences of his early life would have been possible without lots and lots of financial backing from family, the sections on art appreciation are the most tedious of the whole book, and his constantly complaining about money while buying huge houses and expensive art is infuriating), but this book is at its best when it works as a means to tell significant pieces of Hollywood history. You get bits from the golden age of the studio system, from the Blacklist era, from the Roger Corman-fueled schlock horror boom, even some insights into the Western stage theater scene, etc., with Price acting as a sort of anchor to the array of interesting context. Very good writing altogether--reads basically like a real life F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. With all the good and bad connotations that come with it.
August 11, 2022
This is THE book on Vincent Price! It has everything you would want to know about him, from his family before and when he was born, all the way up until his death.
He lived one hell of an amazing life. And for those who’re cinephiles like me, this has a tremendous wealth of knowledge when it comes to his movies and what went on behind the scenes. Even theatre buffs will have lots to enjoy here. There’s a wealth of knowledge of that aspect of his life too.
Even those into art will have much to enjoy here. His daughter has written this with care and love. It’s one hell of a fitting tribute as well. And getting to meet her was truly one hell of a dream come true.
He lived one hell of an amazing life. And for those who’re cinephiles like me, this has a tremendous wealth of knowledge when it comes to his movies and what went on behind the scenes. Even theatre buffs will have lots to enjoy here. There’s a wealth of knowledge of that aspect of his life too.
Even those into art will have much to enjoy here. His daughter has written this with care and love. It’s one hell of a fitting tribute as well. And getting to meet her was truly one hell of a dream come true.
January 7, 2013
this exquisitely detailed book floats on the undercurrent of a daughter's love and grief for her famous father's amazing life and mistakes.
Any fan of Vincent Price must read this. I marvel that Mr Price made such an egregious error in mid-life, having an affair with and marrying the greedy grasping Coral Browne.
Any fan of Vincent Price must read this. I marvel that Mr Price made such an egregious error in mid-life, having an affair with and marrying the greedy grasping Coral Browne.
August 11, 2011
This is a wonderful biography! I loved watching Vincent Price movies as I grew up and picked this book up at the library out of nostalgia more than anything. But this has now become one of my all-time favorite biographies. Four and a half stars.
March 25, 2017
What was up with the font? It was like a 5pt. Very small. Great info on the man and life. Would've like to have read more about his films but I suspect that would be another book.
January 12, 2019
I found this a very engrossing read of the life of actor Vincent Price.
February 21, 2023
2023 - 12 Months of Biographies
February
The corollary to the current vogue of the horror genre, and the second reason for my father’s lasting fame, is that horror movie fans are an extraordinary group. They are loyal and loving—they are passionate about horror films and horror stars—and they have done everything in their power to preserve and promote the legacies of the stars they refer to as “horror royalty.”
So, I never understood the appeal of horror movies. He did. He said that people need catharsis as a release from the horrors that we see on the news, from the stresses of our daily lives. ~ Still true as the pandemic proved.
“In one family photograph taken on the lawn of their summer home in Amherstburg, Ontario, overlooking the Detroit River, a smiling, blond, nine-year-old Bink sits cross-legged on the ground next to his thirteen-year-old sister, Lollie.” ~ If “Bink” (Vincent) was nine, then Lollie was 16, not 13. She was born in 1904, he in 1911 and the previous page stated, correctly, that his closest sibling was seven years older. Very bad editing not to catch this mistake.
“I was launched as a villain—a sadistic heavy, a suave killer, a wife-beater, a sexy extrovert, a diabolical introvert—take your pick!”
“In April 1947, Bink flew to St. Louis to help his father close up the house. His niece Sara Santschi recalled his visit. “Uncle Bink had just finished doing a film and he called and said he was coming out to see his father. His mother had just died and his father was alone in the big house. He flew out still wearing the suit and makeup from the set. That’s the kind of thing he would do. He was a real bohemian. He just didn’t care. He didn’t have any agenda and he didn’t follow any rules and he certainly didn’t want anyone to lay any on him. He was very, very anti-agenda. I went to Mary Institute and it was the time of my junior prom. And I had a date with a guy. But Uncle Bink said, ‘I’m going to take Sally to her dance.’ “So, my mother got me a forest-green dress and it was strapless with netting over taffeta or something. It was perfectly plain and very attractive. I went to my grandfather’s house and Uncle Bink put me up on this stool and he said, ‘Don’t move a muscle until I tell you to.’ And so I stood there and I thought I was going to faint. He had ordered from the florist a huge box of gardenias and camellias and daisies, all white. And he carefully pinned all of these over the whole dress, underneath the lace, and he designed this being and then got the big car that the chauffeur drove, the Packard, and drove me out to the country to Mary Institute. And when we walked in all my girlfriends just died because they didn’t know that was going to happen. And I was shaking like a leaf and he was shaking like a leaf. He said, ‘I feel like I have stage fright.’ And all my girlfriends fell madly in love with him and all the boys were furious because he was so handsome. And that was the turning point in my life. “I knew that I couldn’t stay in St. Louis. I had to go where he went. I knew I wasn’t him, but I had to go out there, go out to California and find gold.” ~ This is the kind of uncle I wish I could be.
“Vincent said of Lee, “We find each other hysterically funny. We spend our lives screaming and laughing at each other, and having a wonderful time. I’m really devoted to him. I think he’s one of my very few good friends in the business.” Christopher felt the same. “Vincent had a wicked sense of humor combined with an appreciation of the ridiculous. He always saw the humor in everything.” ~ My one, true wish for a “dinner party” would be these two with Peter Cushing. I can never decide on a fourth. Either Poe, John Carradine, Boris Karloff or Stephen King.
“My father also looked ahead to a century he knew he would never see. His vision was somewhat apocalyptic. “Tell me how you imagine the twenty-first century,” I asked. “Well, I think the world is in for a terrible bath of fire because of over-population and lack of concern for the ecology—for the air and water and everything else. I think there’s going to be a sort of dying off, as there was of the dinosaurs. You know, it wouldn’t be the first time that a whole civilization or species has stopped. Because whenever it was that the dinosaurs were here, they were as populous as we are in their own way. And they just disappeared. Eventually, we’ll do the same thing.” ~ Ever prescient.
My only issue with this, as with other biographies, is the constant name dropping. Even though it was written by his daughter, every page still contains one paragraph of nothing but a list of names. I get that this is the norm but I have a feeling that Vincent himself would have been a little less bombastic with the names of his friends.
February
The corollary to the current vogue of the horror genre, and the second reason for my father’s lasting fame, is that horror movie fans are an extraordinary group. They are loyal and loving—they are passionate about horror films and horror stars—and they have done everything in their power to preserve and promote the legacies of the stars they refer to as “horror royalty.”
So, I never understood the appeal of horror movies. He did. He said that people need catharsis as a release from the horrors that we see on the news, from the stresses of our daily lives. ~ Still true as the pandemic proved.
“In one family photograph taken on the lawn of their summer home in Amherstburg, Ontario, overlooking the Detroit River, a smiling, blond, nine-year-old Bink sits cross-legged on the ground next to his thirteen-year-old sister, Lollie.” ~ If “Bink” (Vincent) was nine, then Lollie was 16, not 13. She was born in 1904, he in 1911 and the previous page stated, correctly, that his closest sibling was seven years older. Very bad editing not to catch this mistake.
“I was launched as a villain—a sadistic heavy, a suave killer, a wife-beater, a sexy extrovert, a diabolical introvert—take your pick!”
“In April 1947, Bink flew to St. Louis to help his father close up the house. His niece Sara Santschi recalled his visit. “Uncle Bink had just finished doing a film and he called and said he was coming out to see his father. His mother had just died and his father was alone in the big house. He flew out still wearing the suit and makeup from the set. That’s the kind of thing he would do. He was a real bohemian. He just didn’t care. He didn’t have any agenda and he didn’t follow any rules and he certainly didn’t want anyone to lay any on him. He was very, very anti-agenda. I went to Mary Institute and it was the time of my junior prom. And I had a date with a guy. But Uncle Bink said, ‘I’m going to take Sally to her dance.’ “So, my mother got me a forest-green dress and it was strapless with netting over taffeta or something. It was perfectly plain and very attractive. I went to my grandfather’s house and Uncle Bink put me up on this stool and he said, ‘Don’t move a muscle until I tell you to.’ And so I stood there and I thought I was going to faint. He had ordered from the florist a huge box of gardenias and camellias and daisies, all white. And he carefully pinned all of these over the whole dress, underneath the lace, and he designed this being and then got the big car that the chauffeur drove, the Packard, and drove me out to the country to Mary Institute. And when we walked in all my girlfriends just died because they didn’t know that was going to happen. And I was shaking like a leaf and he was shaking like a leaf. He said, ‘I feel like I have stage fright.’ And all my girlfriends fell madly in love with him and all the boys were furious because he was so handsome. And that was the turning point in my life. “I knew that I couldn’t stay in St. Louis. I had to go where he went. I knew I wasn’t him, but I had to go out there, go out to California and find gold.” ~ This is the kind of uncle I wish I could be.
“Vincent said of Lee, “We find each other hysterically funny. We spend our lives screaming and laughing at each other, and having a wonderful time. I’m really devoted to him. I think he’s one of my very few good friends in the business.” Christopher felt the same. “Vincent had a wicked sense of humor combined with an appreciation of the ridiculous. He always saw the humor in everything.” ~ My one, true wish for a “dinner party” would be these two with Peter Cushing. I can never decide on a fourth. Either Poe, John Carradine, Boris Karloff or Stephen King.
“My father also looked ahead to a century he knew he would never see. His vision was somewhat apocalyptic. “Tell me how you imagine the twenty-first century,” I asked. “Well, I think the world is in for a terrible bath of fire because of over-population and lack of concern for the ecology—for the air and water and everything else. I think there’s going to be a sort of dying off, as there was of the dinosaurs. You know, it wouldn’t be the first time that a whole civilization or species has stopped. Because whenever it was that the dinosaurs were here, they were as populous as we are in their own way. And they just disappeared. Eventually, we’ll do the same thing.” ~ Ever prescient.
My only issue with this, as with other biographies, is the constant name dropping. Even though it was written by his daughter, every page still contains one paragraph of nothing but a list of names. I get that this is the norm but I have a feeling that Vincent himself would have been a little less bombastic with the names of his friends.
March 26, 2025
Une superbe biographie de mon acteur préféré par sa fille, qui va dans le détail, dans la nuance, qui n'hésite pas à adresser les problèmes de Price (en les mettant en contexte, plus que dans le but de l'excuser), donne des tas d'informations super intéressantes sur ses relations, ses ami·es, sa famille, les milieux dans lesquels il évolue et les hauts et les bas du cinéma. Sa fille aborde légèrement, vers la fin, l'aspect camp qu'il incarnera beaucoup avec les films d'horreurs (qui n'est qu'une partie de son œuvre, loin de la moitié de ses rôles au cinéma et au théâtre) et sa relation avec une certaine forme de masculinité et d'intimité.
J'ai été vraiment très agréablement surpris de découvrir sa fascination et son amour pour l'art à travers l'ouvrage qui parcours la biographie, du jeune adulte Price jusqu'à la fin de sa vie. Son amour de l'art est passé autant à travers les propres collections qu'il montera, les nombreux dons aux musées, des livres, les émissions de concours et talk-show dans lequel il vulgarisera l'art pour un large public et le fera découvrir, mais aussi à travers un programme de ventes d'œuvres d'art pour l'entreprise Zellers!!! Pendant des dizaines d'années, il sélectionnera plusieurs milliers d'œuvres pour les rendre vendre au grand public à travers une centaine de succursales, à travers des coûts relativement abordable (la plupart des pièces coûtaient environ 50$, elles débutaient à 20$). Et c'était vraiment de tout, des tableaux de Pollock à des vases ou de l'art européen. Honnêtement, la manière dont sa fille parlait du rapport de son père à l'art me donnait vraiment très très envie de lire le dernier essai qu'il a écrit sur l'art ou d'essayer de retrouver des émissions dans lequel il en parle.
C'est un ouvrage très riche en contenu (et en nombre de pages), qui donne encore plus envie d'en lire sur l'acteur et de voir (encore) ses films avec de nouveaux regards sur sa démarche ou sur que le film a apporté pour Vincent Price. Gros coup de cœur de lecture sur un des mes artistes préférés.
J'ai été vraiment très agréablement surpris de découvrir sa fascination et son amour pour l'art à travers l'ouvrage qui parcours la biographie, du jeune adulte Price jusqu'à la fin de sa vie. Son amour de l'art est passé autant à travers les propres collections qu'il montera, les nombreux dons aux musées, des livres, les émissions de concours et talk-show dans lequel il vulgarisera l'art pour un large public et le fera découvrir, mais aussi à travers un programme de ventes d'œuvres d'art pour l'entreprise Zellers!!! Pendant des dizaines d'années, il sélectionnera plusieurs milliers d'œuvres pour les rendre vendre au grand public à travers une centaine de succursales, à travers des coûts relativement abordable (la plupart des pièces coûtaient environ 50$, elles débutaient à 20$). Et c'était vraiment de tout, des tableaux de Pollock à des vases ou de l'art européen. Honnêtement, la manière dont sa fille parlait du rapport de son père à l'art me donnait vraiment très très envie de lire le dernier essai qu'il a écrit sur l'art ou d'essayer de retrouver des émissions dans lequel il en parle.
C'est un ouvrage très riche en contenu (et en nombre de pages), qui donne encore plus envie d'en lire sur l'acteur et de voir (encore) ses films avec de nouveaux regards sur sa démarche ou sur que le film a apporté pour Vincent Price. Gros coup de cœur de lecture sur un des mes artistes préférés.
March 2, 2021
I've been a huge Price fan for most of my life, and I love that I was still able to learn new things about the man from this book.
For fans of his horror movie, know up front that you won't get a ton of info on the horror movies. It's about halfway through the book before House of Wax is brought up. There are plenty of details about this part of his career, but the book deals more with his love of art, relationships, and his many, many other acting endeavors. That being said, if you're a fan of the man, I think you'll enjoy the book quite a bit.
For fans of his horror movie, know up front that you won't get a ton of info on the horror movies. It's about halfway through the book before House of Wax is brought up. There are plenty of details about this part of his career, but the book deals more with his love of art, relationships, and his many, many other acting endeavors. That being said, if you're a fan of the man, I think you'll enjoy the book quite a bit.
September 23, 2020
A dense, exhaustive and fascinating biography. If you want to know about the life, films and passions of Vincent Price, this is the book to read. Written by his daughter, this is an unflinching look at Price's life, with numerous quotes from those close to him and exhaustive details from his personal papers. It's a great book, one that does justice to an iconic actor.
August 1, 2025
Full of the kind of intimacy and interrogation you can only dream of in a project like this. Price’s reflection on her father’s brilliance and flaws make for a wonderful read that wraps itself around a more traditional biography. I found this so inspiring and so wonderful. What a man and what an inspiration.
January 21, 2024
This is an excellent biography of Vincent Price, meticulously detailed and written with love by his daughter. I highly recommend.
May 18, 2017
This is a loving memoir of the actor's life written be a daughter after some years of separation caused by his third marriage. Very detailed in exploring all aspects of his life, from ancestors through childhood, education and eventual interests in theater, film, art and fine cuisine.
The focus is not on the horror films, but they are certainly an important part of his fame. This is for people who want to know the man, too. I've met both Vincent and Victoria, and found them both friendly and fascinating.
There's, naturally, a lot of name dropping, because he moved in the highest circles of arts and culture, both here and abroad. But it's never overly effusive. We'll likely never see another book as thorough, understanding or loving about this fine actor. Very highly recommended.
The focus is not on the horror films, but they are certainly an important part of his fame. This is for people who want to know the man, too. I've met both Vincent and Victoria, and found them both friendly and fascinating.
There's, naturally, a lot of name dropping, because he moved in the highest circles of arts and culture, both here and abroad. But it's never overly effusive. We'll likely never see another book as thorough, understanding or loving about this fine actor. Very highly recommended.
September 1, 2015
There are several other excellent biographies on Price, but this masterful book will be THE definative biography that current and future fans will go back to to understand and appreciate the man. Price's daughter is a wonderful writer and superb historian. With access to two nearly-completed (but never published) memoirs penned by her father, her book brings her father's eloquent voice alive with his own words. But she also talks to numerous contemporaries so the book is an objective biography and not just one by an adoring daughter. Certainly one of the best biographies of the year.
A legendary screen villain, Vincent Price (1911- 1993) was also a gourmet chef, a bestselling author, an enthusiastic art expert and collector and a general all-around good guy, according to this vivid biography. Written by his daughter Victoria, the book takes us from Price's early acting career, where one of his first jobs was as Helen Hayes's leading man on Broadway, to his days, starting in 1938, under a Hollywood contract, beginning with supporting film roles (Laura; Song of Bernadette). By the 1950s, he had patented his suavely villainous screen persona in The Fly, House of Wax and The Ten Commandments. By the time Victoria was born to Price and his second wife, Mary, in 1962, he was enjoying his greatest success in film, his low-budget but highly profitable collaborations with Roger Corman (The Pit & the Pendulum, Masque of Red Death).
Victoria Price explores her father's life as if unraveling a mystery, never ignoring his failings (his secret signing of a loyalty oath during the blacklisting era; an affair that destroyed his 24-year marriage) or secrets (including his bisexuality).
Definitive, exhaustively researched and superbly written, the book contains none of the sentimentality the subtitle may suggest--in part because of the vast material the author had access to, including over 200 pages of transcribed conversations during her father's final years, two nearly completed memoirs by him, a lifetime of preserved correspondence and the firsthand recollections of dozens of contemporaries. Victoria Price tells Vincent's tale with such clear-eyed pride that the reader cannot help being won over.
A legendary screen villain, Vincent Price (1911- 1993) was also a gourmet chef, a bestselling author, an enthusiastic art expert and collector and a general all-around good guy, according to this vivid biography. Written by his daughter Victoria, the book takes us from Price's early acting career, where one of his first jobs was as Helen Hayes's leading man on Broadway, to his days, starting in 1938, under a Hollywood contract, beginning with supporting film roles (Laura; Song of Bernadette). By the 1950s, he had patented his suavely villainous screen persona in The Fly, House of Wax and The Ten Commandments. By the time Victoria was born to Price and his second wife, Mary, in 1962, he was enjoying his greatest success in film, his low-budget but highly profitable collaborations with Roger Corman (The Pit & the Pendulum, Masque of Red Death).
Victoria Price explores her father's life as if unraveling a mystery, never ignoring his failings (his secret signing of a loyalty oath during the blacklisting era; an affair that destroyed his 24-year marriage) or secrets (including his bisexuality).
Definitive, exhaustively researched and superbly written, the book contains none of the sentimentality the subtitle may suggest--in part because of the vast material the author had access to, including over 200 pages of transcribed conversations during her father's final years, two nearly completed memoirs by him, a lifetime of preserved correspondence and the firsthand recollections of dozens of contemporaries. Victoria Price tells Vincent's tale with such clear-eyed pride that the reader cannot help being won over.
November 2, 2023
Illuminating, I always knew Vincent was a complex individual but I never realized just how complex. A liberal from a conservative household, a protestant that turned catholic, a philanthropist to a fault and chef, art collector, jet-setter, lecturer, writer, actor, spokesperson, and… a father.
He lived a very busy life and yet his life was tinged by sadness at the end that all pointed to one single and very ugly mistake. One he spent the very end of his life trying to make up for. This book really humanizes “The King of Horror” the man was an actor, but he was so, so much more. He was flawed like everyone else, but he was brilliant and clearly had a lot of love in his heart. I’m glad to have read this, it is a moving book especially if you love Vincent.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your story and his with the world, Victoria Price.
He lived a very busy life and yet his life was tinged by sadness at the end that all pointed to one single and very ugly mistake. One he spent the very end of his life trying to make up for. This book really humanizes “The King of Horror” the man was an actor, but he was so, so much more. He was flawed like everyone else, but he was brilliant and clearly had a lot of love in his heart. I’m glad to have read this, it is a moving book especially if you love Vincent.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your story and his with the world, Victoria Price.
December 19, 2018
I'm a fan of Vincent Price's horror movies (and some of his earlier performances, like the heel in Laura) so I was looking forward to this book. My parents were from St. Louis, like he was, and my mother's family experienced similar financial downturns despite having a good "name", similar to what he experienced, so I almost felt like I was reading about a cousin. This is a comprehensive, thoroughly detailed (maybe too detailed ) book, but I had a hard time finishing because I was so disappointed in him as a person for dumping his wife for a hag and abandoning his child. Also, I took a point off because the font was so miniscule it was literally hard to read, and I don't have vision problems.
July 12, 2018
I learned a lot from this book, but there were definite issues. What was with all the name dropping? Vincent Price was famous, so he's going to hang out with famous people; we don't need to see the same names listed over and over again in extensive list. I appreciated that Victoria mentioned his bisexuality a couple of times, even if she didn't go into it. But then, and I can't remember who she was talking about, but she said that someone was homosexual until he got married. I really don't think that's how it works.
November 29, 2021
I was skeptical of reading a biography written by the subject’s own child, but I had little choice for Vincent Price, one of my favorite actors. I was pleasantly surprised to find this comprehensive, exceptionally well-written, and besides the requisite early chapters on Price’s rather privileged upbringing and education, pretty fascinating. I loved learning not only about Price’s path to becoming a horror icon but also about the evolution of cinema itself over Price’s long career from the 1940s to the 1990s.
September 12, 2019
A pretty fascinating and incredibly detailed portrait of this extraordinary man. The first two thirds, up until about the mid-1960s is mostly chronological. The last third is a bit more scattered as it tackles all the various strands of Vincent's life in ways that can't be worked through in a chronology.
Read
November 21, 2019Can't figure out what star rating to give this one. Sometimes I enjoyed it, sometimes I didn't.
June 20, 2024
Informative but a VP bio shouldn't be this dull imo.
October 8, 2024
Felt a bit sterile and like it was whitewashing a lot of his life. I wasn't there, so I don't know, obviously. But I'd hoped for more. Others may like it though.
October 30, 2024
A bit dry in my opinion
October 12, 2021
Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography is a biography of Vincent Price, an American actor. Victoria Price, a public speaker and author wrote this biography.
Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was an American actor best known for his performances in horror films, although his career spanned other genres. He appeared on stage, television, and radio, and in more than 100 films. He has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for motion pictures and one for television.
A legendary screen villain and host of PBS's Mystery, Vincent Price was also a gourmet chef, a bestselling author, an enthusiastic art expert and collector and a general all-around good guy, according to this vivid biography.
Written by his daughter, who writes for television, the biography takes readers from Price's early acting career, where one of his first jobs was as Helen Hayes's leading man on Broadway, to his days, starting in 1938, under a Hollywood contract, beginning with supporting film roles.
By the 1950s, he had patented his suavely villainous screen persona. By the time his daughter was born to Price and his second wife, Mary, in 1962, he was enjoying his greatest success in film, his low-budget but highly profitable collaborations with Roger Corman.
Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography is written rather well. Victoria Price explores her father's life as if unraveling a mystery, never ignoring his failings or secrets. Definitive, exhaustively researched and superbly written, the book contains none of the sentimentality the subtitle may suggest. This is due in part because of the vast material the author had access to, including over 200 pages of transcribed conversations during her father's final years, two nearly completed memoirs by him, a lifetime of preserved correspondence and the firsthand recollections of dozens of contemporaries.
All in all, Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography is a wonderful biography that is neither a hagiography or a tell-all, but a nice medium in-between of an actor that is famous for his villainous roles.
Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was an American actor best known for his performances in horror films, although his career spanned other genres. He appeared on stage, television, and radio, and in more than 100 films. He has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for motion pictures and one for television.
A legendary screen villain and host of PBS's Mystery, Vincent Price was also a gourmet chef, a bestselling author, an enthusiastic art expert and collector and a general all-around good guy, according to this vivid biography.
Written by his daughter, who writes for television, the biography takes readers from Price's early acting career, where one of his first jobs was as Helen Hayes's leading man on Broadway, to his days, starting in 1938, under a Hollywood contract, beginning with supporting film roles.
By the 1950s, he had patented his suavely villainous screen persona. By the time his daughter was born to Price and his second wife, Mary, in 1962, he was enjoying his greatest success in film, his low-budget but highly profitable collaborations with Roger Corman.
Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography is written rather well. Victoria Price explores her father's life as if unraveling a mystery, never ignoring his failings or secrets. Definitive, exhaustively researched and superbly written, the book contains none of the sentimentality the subtitle may suggest. This is due in part because of the vast material the author had access to, including over 200 pages of transcribed conversations during her father's final years, two nearly completed memoirs by him, a lifetime of preserved correspondence and the firsthand recollections of dozens of contemporaries.
All in all, Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography is a wonderful biography that is neither a hagiography or a tell-all, but a nice medium in-between of an actor that is famous for his villainous roles.
March 28, 2025
I've been a fan of Vincent Price’s films for quite some time, so I’ve been eager to dive into the biography written by his daughter. It was a bit intimidating at first, with it being nearly 500 pages, but I’m really glad I finally started it. I enjoyed discovering details about his early roles and the behind-the-scenes stories from his time on set, along with the relationships he built with other actors. Since I’m such a fan of his horror films, I particularly loved the sections about his Poe adaptations and his collaborations with icons like Peter Lorre, Christopher Lee, Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and more.
That said, while I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Vincent Price, I’ll admit the book was packed with so much information and so many details that it felt almost overwhelming at times. The accounts from other actors and friends definitely added richness to the narrative, and I can see how that contributed to the book’s length. In fact, there’s so much in there that I almost feel like I’d want to read it again.
Of course, with any life, there are going to be hardships and imperfections, and it was a bit sad to read about the darker moments in his life. But ultimately, it only reinforced that he was a man doing his best, like all of us. I think Victoria Price did a fantastic job of blending her personal experiences with her father’s story, making the book both informative and heartfelt.
I would probably give this a 4.5/5 stars. Now I’m eager to rewatch and binge his movies, especially after learning so many interesting facts about the films and the people involved.
That said, while I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Vincent Price, I’ll admit the book was packed with so much information and so many details that it felt almost overwhelming at times. The accounts from other actors and friends definitely added richness to the narrative, and I can see how that contributed to the book’s length. In fact, there’s so much in there that I almost feel like I’d want to read it again.
Of course, with any life, there are going to be hardships and imperfections, and it was a bit sad to read about the darker moments in his life. But ultimately, it only reinforced that he was a man doing his best, like all of us. I think Victoria Price did a fantastic job of blending her personal experiences with her father’s story, making the book both informative and heartfelt.
I would probably give this a 4.5/5 stars. Now I’m eager to rewatch and binge his movies, especially after learning so many interesting facts about the films and the people involved.
July 30, 2023
I read Ms. Price's biography quite a while ago. My first attempt was reading the book as a published book but having difficulty completing it due to the typeface chosen by the publisher - very small. I had better luck reading the book on my Nook e-reader a few years later.
I see that a revised edition of the book was issued in 2018. I read the original version of the biography but suspect that the second published version might be worth checking out.
A very well-written and balanced book which answers any possible questions Vincent Price fans may have of the actor which includes the demise of his second marriage (from which Ms. Price was born) and his third marriage to actress Coral Browne. Ms. Browne was a very talented actress but as a step-parent to Ms. Price an insensitive one to put it kindly. (I must admit that I now look at Ms. Browne's movie appearances with a different perspective.)
Definitely recommended also to people who like to read about classic Hollywood (1940s going forward).
Ms. Price is quite a bit more than being Vincent Price's daughter. I believe she has a very good webpage and other social media. Check them out!
I see that a revised edition of the book was issued in 2018. I read the original version of the biography but suspect that the second published version might be worth checking out.
A very well-written and balanced book which answers any possible questions Vincent Price fans may have of the actor which includes the demise of his second marriage (from which Ms. Price was born) and his third marriage to actress Coral Browne. Ms. Browne was a very talented actress but as a step-parent to Ms. Price an insensitive one to put it kindly. (I must admit that I now look at Ms. Browne's movie appearances with a different perspective.)
Definitely recommended also to people who like to read about classic Hollywood (1940s going forward).
Ms. Price is quite a bit more than being Vincent Price's daughter. I believe she has a very good webpage and other social media. Check them out!
January 14, 2021
Victoria Price has written a wonderful book about her father, one of my favorite actors, Vincent Price. It starts with "Vinnie's" grandparents, his life growing up in Missouri (I always thought he was from England!), college days' adventures at Yale, and his years on Broadway where he worked with the likes of Helen Hayes, who taught him so much about fine-tuning his craft.
If you're a fan of his horror films, you'll enjoy all the anecdotes about Vincent Price with Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Basil Rathbone, and Peter Lorre; but, you'll discover other movies he made outside the horror genre. Readers will learn that Vincent Price was a true Renaissance man and gentleman, who not only acted, but collected and shared his love of art to make it relevant and affordable to everyday people.
Victoria Price doesn't leave anything out of her father's story, including his insecurities, three marriages, and how he, the father she will always love, influenced her to find joy in the world. Truly, Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography is well worth a read!
If you're a fan of his horror films, you'll enjoy all the anecdotes about Vincent Price with Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Basil Rathbone, and Peter Lorre; but, you'll discover other movies he made outside the horror genre. Readers will learn that Vincent Price was a true Renaissance man and gentleman, who not only acted, but collected and shared his love of art to make it relevant and affordable to everyday people.
Victoria Price doesn't leave anything out of her father's story, including his insecurities, three marriages, and how he, the father she will always love, influenced her to find joy in the world. Truly, Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography is well worth a read!
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