Stanley Baker: A Life in Film

by Robert Shail

For a small nation, Wales has produced a unique roster of acting talent. Few, however, could equal the level of film stardom experienced by Stanley Baker. His remarkable rise to fame took him from an impoverished childhood in the Rhondda Valley of South Wales to international stardom and acclaim in films such as Zulu and Accident . As well as being an important figure in front of the camera, he became a producer and studio executive, while never losing his connection to his Welsh background.  Over the years, the world’s press and his fans have been attracted to the "rags to riches" story of a poor boy making good, and to how the on-screen tough guy was in private a tender, loyal family man. This biography is the first in-depth examination of the  life and career of a "boy from the valley" who managed to avoid a life working in the mines and instead became an international star. Robert Shail’s fascinating portrayal sheds considerable light on the image of Welsh national identity and masculinity that Stanley Baker projected.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published December 10, 2008

Reviews

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a small nation, Wales has produced a unique roster of acting talent. Few, however, could equal the level of film stardom experienced by Stanley Baker. His remarkable rise to fame took him from an impoverished childhood in the Rhondda Valley of South Wales to international stardom and acclaim in films such as Zulu and Accident. As well as being an important figure in front of the camera, he became a producer and studio executive, whilst never losing his links with his Welsh background. Down the years, the world s press and his fans have been attracted to his rags to riches story of a poor boy making good, and how the on-screen tough guy was in private a tender, loyal family man. This biography is the first in-depth examination of the life and career of a boy from the valley who managed to avoid the colliery and became an international star.

Robert Shails fascinating portrayal sheds considerable light on the image of Welsh national identity and masculinity which Stanley Baker projected, his fight to gain success as a leading man, better supporting roles, a respected producer.

A great biography, such great details of the films he made, the friendships he made, the battle to achieve success and of course sometimes how long it takes.. His private battles, his battle will drinking, smoking heavily.

A story of a working class actor, to tough leading man, to producer, to a sad ending in low budget forgettable films, a full circle told very well by this author.

Brought memories back of some great classics, Hell Drivers, Zulu, Sands Of The Kalahari, Robbery, Accident.

A life that ended so young.

[Barry Hammond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cinema-goers of the 1950's, 60's and 70's remember Stanley Baker as a strong British actor from his roles in Zulu, Peter Yate's Robbery, or Joseph Losey's The Criminal, but an early death has all but erased him from the minds of most people today. Robert Shail covers the career and life of this popular Wales-born actor in a fitting tribute to his talent. - BH.