Curtain

by Michael Korda

An Oscar-winning actress and the greatest actor of the English theater engage in a fairy-tale romance, until secrets of the past and crippling ambition threaten to destroy their legendary love in this passionate and scandalous international bestseller from the author of Horse People.

Filled with scandal, gossip, passion, and romance, Curtain is the story of Robert Vane, a famous actor of the English theater, and Felicia Lisle, an award winning actress from Hollywood’s biggest film, as they ignite in a romance that burns through the pages.

But as their relationship deepens, truths reveal themselves that might push the couple to their breaking point. Secrets about Robert’s involvement with another actor from the theater and Felicia’s darkening mental madness begin to rip the couple apart, shaking their careers and relationship to the core.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published November 15, 1990

About the author

is an English-born writer and novelist who was editor-in-Chief of Simon & Schuster in New York City.

Reviews

[jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scaaaaaaaaandalous. I picked this one up because of its subject matter - roman a clef about Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, and it did not disappoint. Michael Korda really has a gift, because Curtain reads like a good novel and feels like trash. The characters are oddly sympathetic, though I got really distracted trying to figure out who was who in Hollywood and British theatre circles, and it's obvious that the author actually knew something about these worlds. Contrast the scenes showing Robby/Olivier's obsession with makeup with, say, a book or four full of made-up shit about vampires, and it will strike you - ANYTHING can be written well. Sort of like how Fred Astaire said in his autobiography that there's even an artistic way to lift a garbage can. Curtain is sort of the literary equivalent of that.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love it. Not a bad story, but the characters aren't lovable. On the other hand, a nice look into a forgotten generation of actors.

[Wurtsboroboy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thinly disguised roman clef about Vivien leigh & Laurence Olivier. It's interesting for inside gossip, but neither character is very likable.

[Ema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really good review from other readers I can see. But for me, it's an okay reading. I love the scenes, the characters and the ending( the intro also). I can see why Felicia always on the nerves and why Robby still love her. I have to read other Korla's work.

[Madeline · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not stay interested in this book. I only read to page 85 and put it down never to pick it up again.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Curtain" did not hold my interest. There were times I wanted to give up and not continue but I was able to finish it last night.

[Adair · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of the three books of his I have read this one ranks in the middle It was ok not total trash but close and pretty much predictable

[Kerstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I like to read books that takes place in the 1920-50's, and I like to read about Hollywood during the sutudio system. I also ike to read about stage actors. This book was a disapointment.
The characters are who are supposed to be Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh and Danny Kaye are typecasted.
To many details about preparations in theatre work. I usually like Michael Korda´s books, but this was a disapointment.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

For 20 years, as the world was swept into war, Felicia Lisle and Robert Vane (both British actors) played out a public love affair and separate stormy careers. Underneath it all was secret deals made and broken, Hollywood power plays, betrayals, sins, madness and murder. Okay.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable book about a famous couple in theater and film and their friends. It is written by someone who knew them well.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely his weakest book. Rather stuffy and boring.

[Jackie Simons]

No date

[Monica Lauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda dramatic but I liked it because of my past in theatre.