The popular screen and stage star Laurence Harvey (1928-1973) is best remembered for his stellar performance in the film
The Manchurian Candidate
—a 20th century classic. Of his 50 films,
Room At the Top
not only brought sexual permissiveness to American and British screens and an 'scar nomination, but it also branded him a heartthrob sensation.For all his fame and fortune, Harvey's short life was riddled with controversy, demonized by critics, and fraught with tragedy. In this revealing biography by Harvey's sister-in-law, readers are provided a close-up view of his career, his three marriages and his longtime sexual affair with one of his male producers. It also details his battle with cancer and his failure to acknowledge its seriousness.Packed with personal anecdotes, more than twenty black and white photographs, and a filmography,
Reach for the Top: The Turbulent Life of Laurence Harvey
will fascinate film students, scholars, and fans of the actor.