Brando Pa

The author of photo biographies of Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor and Natalie Wood, Nickens here focuses on Marlon Brando, offering 160 shots of the actor, some published for the first time, accompanied by lengthy captions that summarize events surrounding the photo. Arranged chronologically, the pictures trace the actor's life and career from childhood to his arrival on Broadway (I Remember Mama) through his film debut (The Men) and sole directorial effort (One-Eyed Jacks) to the present. Several shots show Brando's participation in the Civil Rights movement and his work on behalf of American Indians. While the choices provide an absorbing overview of Brando as a person and performer, the picture material is presented blandly. (November)