Traces the life of the great British actor, describes his major roles on the stage and in films, and attempts to depict his complex personality Holden, biographer of Prince Charles and other British royalty, here branches into theatrical royalty. Combining thorough research with interviews, he covers the ups and downs of Olivier's lengthy career, including all his great Skakespearean roles and the string of lucrative film and television roles that have filled his illness-plagued later years. After Olivier's marriage to Vivien Leigh ended in divorce, his subsequent marriage to Joan Plowright gave him stability and purpose. Holden concludes that his difficulty in finding the man behind the mask may indicate that Olivier "has spent his life acting the role of Laurence Olivier." Marcia L. Perry, Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Mass. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. Used Book in Good Condition