Product Description

Grayson Hall was a widely acclaimed New York Theatre actress, 1964 Academy Award nominee, and co-star of the 1960s–70s Gothic television serial, Dark Shadows.

Here for the first time is a survey of her life and career which takes place in the world of New York writers and artists beginning in the early 1950s; a world that revolved around serious intellectual discourse, cocktails, cigarettes and theatre! Grayson’s own story is that of a hugely talented woman, admired by writers, producers, fellow actors, but who did not get the one role that would propel her into the stratosphere. Nevertheless, with the roles she did inhabit, she became an iconic figure.

This book reaches back to Grayson’s earliest stage appearances in 1942 as a teenager on Long Island; her extensive stage work in regional theatre and in New York City; her television and film appearances including three early New York art house films, the avant-garde French film Qui êtes-vous, You Polly Maggoo? and her Oscar nominated turn in The Night of the Iguana. And for Dark Shadows followers, this book answers some lingering questions: who got hired on Shadows first, Grayson or her husband Sam? Was it always happiness and light on the Dark Shadows set? And did she really do much aside from Shadows or Iguana?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #573713 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

About the Author
R J Jamison is a long time enthusiast of the theatre, film and opinionated red heads. The development of this biography has provided an avenue for RJ to utilize a not-so-hidden talent for remembering and sharing arcane information about theatre, films and television. RJ lives in New York City and is presently at work on a novel.

Customer Reviews

RVF - St. Louis, MO.
I only have one complaint about this book and that is that once
you start reading it, you can't put it down! It is an excellently written, incredibly detailed account of the life of
a magnificent woman and a passionate actress! I was very honored to have known Grayson Hall and been the recipient of her many kindnesses and I am amazed at how much I learned about this fascinating woman by reading this book! Kudos to the talented writer and to everyone involved in the project! I highly recommend this book!!

A gutsy, golden-hearted legend
Cult actress Grayson Hall has been best known to students of Tennessee Williams through her larger-than-life performance as the 'butch choir-mistress' in John Huston's film of Night of the Iguana, a role for which she received an Academy Award (tm) nomination. The actress is also fondly recalled for her yeoman work as a scheming gypsy tarot card reader, a French countess, a devious housekeeper and the ever-faithful 'Physician to the Vampire' on television's Dark Shadows. Now independent scholar RJ Jamison reveals the very complex woman behind the legendary, iconic, eyebrow-raising actress. Jamison's diligent spadework and spot-on reporting uncovers a wealth of hitherto unknown detail about Hall's life. The author situates her subject in her various contexts, illuminates her art and life, and most important of all, shows us what fun she had living Off and On Broadway as a 'gutsy broad' who gave her all to the Theatre but who remained powerfully devoted to her family, her kitchen, and those to whom she gave her heart. R J Jamison's book is a riveting read. You won't soon forget Grayson, or this book about her.

The Many Faces (and Facets) of Grayson Hall
In this thoroughly researched biography, author R.J. Jamison chronicles the metamorphosis of young, awkward Shirley Grossman into the eventually sophisticated and elegant Academy Award-nominated actress, Grayson Hall. Revealing never before told stories and secrets (including Shirley's true date of birth), Jamison finally opens the door on the enigma that was Grayson Hall. Who was this woman really? Was she the no-nonsense actress who made young ingénues quake in their shoes? Or was she the kind-hearted friend who doted on her family? It turns out that she was both of these and so much more. Whether you know Grayson from the theatre, movies, or from Dark Shadows, you will "surely" want to read this book about our "Shirley."