Dropped Names

Famous Men and Women As I Knew Them

By: Frank Langella

Narrated by: Frank Langella

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Rita Hayworth dancing by candlelight in a small Mexican village; Elizabeth Taylor devouring homemade pasta and tenderly wrapping him in her pashmina scarf; streaking for Sir Laurence Olivier in a drafty English castle; terrifying a dozing Jackie Onassis; carrying an unconscious Montgomery Clift to safety on a dark New York City street.

Captured forever in a unique memoir, Frank Langella's myriad encounters with some of the past century's most famous human beings are profoundly affecting, funny, wicked, sometimes shocking, and utterly irresistible. With sharp wit and a perceptive eye, Mr. Langella takes us with him into the private worlds and privileged lives of movie stars, presidents, royalty, literary lions, the social elite, and the greats of the Broadway stage.

What, for instance, was Jack Kennedy doing on that coffee table? Why did the Queen Mother need Mr. Langella's help? When was Paul Mellon going to pay him money owed? How did Brooke Astor lose her virginity? Why was Robert Mitchum singing Gilbert & Sullivan patter songs at top volume, and what did Marilyn Monroe say to him that helped change the course of his life? Through these shared experiences, we learn something, too, of Mr. Langella's personal journey from the age of 15 to the present.

Dropped Names is, like its subjects, riveting and unforgettable.

©2012 Frank Langella (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

"Engaging.... Not just Langella’s "famous people I have known," but a heartfelt love letter to the theater and to the days when stars were stars, not merely celebrities." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Rarely have I read a book about celebrities that is as insightful, candid, revealing, and as well-written as this one. Frank Langella’s memoir is not the usual author's ego trip, but rather his remembrances of the many accomplished men and women that he has come to know." (Gay Talese)

"A delightfully unabashed page-turner about people we wish we had known in the throes of work, love, and growing old." (A. R. Gurney, award-winning playwright)

Gossip and Innuendo

I love Frank as an actor. This reading gives insight into his personality. He comes across as witty, and at times spiteful, which makes it fun to listen and use your imagination. At times it feels that so voyeuristic. Enjoy this guilty pleasure on a rainy day!

Wonderful memoir

If you like saucy Hollywood gossip, this is as good a memoir as you’ll ever find. Langella does play a bit “did I or don’t I?” about his gay encounters, but otherwise this is flawless and he is such a charmer with a beautiful speaking voice.

If you want an insight into the man himself or his work, you’ll find almost none of that. These are stories about other people.

Wonderful

What about Frank Langella’s performance did you like?

Frank Langella reads his own work expertly. I doubt I would have enjoyed this as much if I read it myself.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are funny, interesting, absorbing chapters in this well written series of observations of famous people Langella has met or known over his long career. This may be too gossipy for some but it is well written, thoughtful and expertly performed. Some very funny and very sad recollections.

Dishy, Dishy, and so Dishy!

What did you love best about Dropped Names?

All the gossip, beautiful writing, and Mr. Langella's mellifluous voice. I am still thinking about episodes in this book.

What did you like best about this story?

All the chapters and the people were captivating. What a life this man has had!

Which character – as performed by Frank Langella – was your favorite?

HIM, of course!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Beautifully told stories that make up a remarkable life.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait until he writes another one!

Probably the first book that I will read again!!!

I don’t know when I have enjoyed a non-fiction book as much. Frank Langella Has written so beautifully about so many people he knew so well in his beautiful sonorous voice. How I wish I could know him!!!

Ok

Good Dishing

Langella is a masterful narrator, to be expected of an actor I suppose, but still this is first rate. The writing is clever and smart and, necessarily, catty, mean, score-settling but...revealing of the actors craft: skill, rehearsals, the ruined family life, the travel, the rarified circle of friends and acquaintances. And the detailed memories of well-know people! This audiobook doesn't sound like People magazine, more like Insecure People magazine. George C. Scott, Liz Taylor, Paul Newman mix pathos with talent. Langella spares no one and certainly not himself. He sounds like he was a horse's ass of a young talent. Richard Burton comes off as a total ass no matter his age. Loved this audiobook.

Fun Behind the Scenes

Would you listen to Dropped Names again? Why?

Great read, well written and a fun behind the scenes look at an actor's life and the myriad of personalities he encountered on an interesting life''s journey.

Loved it!

This glimpse into Mr. Langella only makes me admire him more. I truly loved hearing about his experiences with all these people...and his voice! Well really...it just melts me. I wasn't sure what to expect but I am so glad I downloaded this book.

Dropping Names...and so much more!!!!

If you could sum up Dropped Names in three words, what would they be?

Edgy, intelligent, and fun!

What other book might you compare Dropped Names to and why?

That's hard to say. I gues any other biography or autobiography. There is a lot to like in this book.

Have you listened to any of Frank Langella’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never heard any of Frank Langella's other "reads" for Audible but I am a huge fan and I've seen him on Broadway. This is a phenomenal actor!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely! If I had time to do so, I would have taken the entire day to get through it in one sitting. I have very little time and as it was I got through it in three days. I couldn't put it down.

Any additional comments?

This is a great book about famous people Frank Langella met and knew well. This was a forthright telling of famous people and their good and not-so-good qualities. It just goes to show you that it doesn't matter how much money you make or how famous you are, we are all only human.

Being at the place at the time

Left out "right". The lucky, privileged few are already there. Born in NY, beautiful, talented, smart, driven, Mr. Langella is our Photoplay Magazine come to life. Loved this dishy book.