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)

Enchanting, Lots of unexpected bursts of laughter.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was a wonderful account of Mr. Langella's life in movies & theater. Laced with stories of his celebrity friendships. It was truly a great read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dropped Names?

I enjoyed his account of Jackie Kennedy & Bunny Mellon.

Which scene was your favorite?

Its hard to say which scene was my favorite. I can say that I laughed out loud...a lot.

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

Yes this is a book I wanted to listen to in one sitting. I tried but...daily life pulled me away.

Any additional comments?

I have a friend who is an actress (Broadway/off Broadway) who has done a few things with Mr. Langella. I adored her stories and impersonations she did of him. I have long since been curious of who he really is and what is life is like.

highly entertaining stories from Broadway and film

It’s a little surprising how many people Frank Langella has run into in his not particularly mainstream film career. He is probably better known in Broadway circles, but mostly it seems he has had the most incredible luck when it comes to chance encounters that lead to lifelong friendships, that is, if his narrative is to be believed, and I think it probably is. Mostly.
I always liked him, always enjoyed his work, and if I now feel a little less drawn to him, due to the necessarily egocentric narrative of this memoir, oh well... after all, he has apparently plenty of people who adore him without the adoration of fans!

Good dish, bad delivery

Would you listen to Dropped Names again? Why?

Doubtful. I don't think I could tolerate Frank Langella's monotone droning on and on for another 10+ hours. He has some good stuff to say about people who are well known but dead (so he's safe that they won't dispute what he says about them). He is tough on alot of people and outs more than a few. Remarkably, he always comes out as being the one everyone turns to - from Elizabeth Taylor to Bunny Mellon - for comfort. He's always "Frankie" or "Baby" and it wears thin after a while.

Would you be willing to try another book from Frank Langella? Why or why not?

No. I think he's said all he has to say that's interesting.

What didn’t you like about Frank Langella’s performance?

His ever present droning monotone. He's an actor, for Heaven's sake! The only time his tone changed was when he was portraying a female.

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

From "Dropping Names" to throwing names in the gutter.

Any additional comments?

I've heard worse.

Luscious and lascivious

The combination of funny and poignant stories of the rich and famous with Mr. Langella's soothing voice adds up to an audio book you don't want to end and will never forget...If you like it bawdy.

DROPPED NAMES

Would you listen to Dropped Names again? Why?

No, I was disappointed that the book mainly centered around his sexuality, and time at the beach. Don't get me wrong, I could care less, but give a break, I don't need to hear it every chapter.

Would you recommend Dropped Names to your friends? Why or why not?

No, see above 🔝

Which scene was your favorite?

His quiet time with Jackie...

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

I did..

Any additional comments?

I thought it was interesting about the comments on Cary Grant and Richard Burton. As I get older the stories he tells about Liz and others etc. being alone at the end should not be published to show how wonderful he was!!! 😠

Very Enjoyable

Not as "sexy" as its billing--or, rather, it was more discreet than I expected. Which I actually appreciated. Made it seem much classier.

I felt the author was being honest and sincere, no more and no less. He evaluated everyone for their good and bad traits alike. As a professional (technical and business) writer I am sensitive to bias and loaded language. Mr. Langella seemed quite straightforward.

I was never a fan, although the latest movie I saw him in gave him a very full-blooded part that caught my interest. His voice, of course, is among the finest speaking voices recorded.

His subjects are just about all dead. Besides avoiding libel problems, this allows for stories that are complete with endings. Beyond that, there are moments of poignant memory that are very touching. A couple of passages made me catch my breath.

A good read, and not especially scandalous. Told with considerable dry humor. What more could you want?

Highly Entertaining Fun Gossip

Where does Dropped Names rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

Langella has written a good entertaining book. Mr Langella does a good job presenting a positive presentation of the many celebrities he has met in his life. A really good celebrity memoir more interested in the people Mr Langella has met in his life.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed Frank's celebrity chapters as opposed to chapter and boring chapter on the writer's point of view as an actor and celebrity.

What does Frank Langella bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Mr Langella brings his personal interest and confident voice in reading his own book.

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

Yes, this is a book I wanted to listen entirely in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Frank Langella's personal stories and commentaries regarding Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlton Heston, Jackie Kennedy, and Raul Julia were particularly fascinating. Very nice of Mr Langella's admission of Raul Julia as his boyfriend. His commentaries were so honest and enjoyable. I feel as if Mr Langella has been a life long friend.

good hollywood story

While Frank Langella is best known for his movie work, he was first and foremost a stage actor. He knew everyone, befriended most of them and has a lifetime of stories to tell about them all. I enjoyed this very much.

A WONDERFUL BOOK FOR TEARS

Any additional comments?

As I listened to this book, I welled up with tears many times. I guess I really needed to feel some emotion because once completed, I felt rejuvenated, like I had revisited every wonderful moment I have ever seen on screen. I was very surprised by my reaction. I highly recommend this book. Frank Langella's writing is so humble, as is his soft voice. I could hear the emotion in some of the recollections. I loved this book.

Thank you Mr Langella

If you grew up in the 50’s,60’s and 70’s you will recognize these men and women who graced his life. And to hear him read his wonderful life experiences makes this book even more spellbinding! I loved it! Beautifully written!