Elsa Lanchester lived an extraordinary life - both on and off the screen. In this definitive biography, twenty years in the making, her personal and professional lives are fully explored for the first time. Striking out on her own early in life, Elsa became the darling of London Bohemian society through her nightclub, the Cave of Harmony. By 1927 she was one of the most famous women in Britain: starring in two hit revues, broadcasting on radio, fronting advertising campaigns and acting in movies. She married The Hunchback of Notre Dame star Charles Laughton in 1929; two years later he admitted his sexuality to her but they stayed together for the rest of his life. The couple eventually settled in Hollywood, and by then Elsa had created her iconic role as the Bride of Frankenstein. Elsa established herself as one of Hollywood's finest character actresses in classic pictures such as Bell, Book and Candle, The Bishop's Wife, Witness for the Prosecution, Murder By Death and Mary Poppins. She also appeared on dozens of TV shows from I Love Lucy to The Man from U.N.C.L.E. But Elsa s first love was vaudeville, which led to an incredible 13-year engagement as permanent 'Guest Artist' at L.A.'s Turnabout Theatre, where satirical puppet shows were combined with witty cabaret. Much has been written about Charles Laughton but Elsa Lanchester's own story has never before been fully documented. And what a story it is: in her 83 years Elsa crossed paths with everyone from H.G. Wells to W.C. Fields, from Aleister Crowley to Elvis Presley. Often at the forefront of changing tastes and technology in the entertainment industry, Elsa Lanchester lived the 20th century, from her remarkable childhood to her lonely death. Drawing on global archives and exclusive interviews with key figures now deceased, ELSA LANCHESTER: BRIDE OF THE HUNCHBACK examines every aspect of this fascinating woman's life and career, finally giving her the acclaim and attention she truly deserves.
