I Was Interrupted: Nicholas Ray on Making Movies

One of the most original, rebellious, and idiosyncratic directors in the American cinema, Nicholas Ray lived and worked with an intensity equal to that of his films. Best known for his direction of James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), he is also well regarded for his cult western Johnny Guitar (1954), and such prestigious noir classics as On Dangerous Ground (1951). I Was
Interrupted offers a provocative selection of the filmmaker's writings, lectures, interviews, and more.

"Now, at last, we have a book by and about Nicholas Ray (along with a moving and very beautiful introduction by Susan Ray). If you have any interest in this man, his life and work, filmmaking, or movies and art in general, read I Was
Interrupted."—Jim Jarmusch

Publishers Weekly

Ray (1911-1979), best known for directing Rebel Without A Cause , taught college classes in acting and directing during his last years; the transcripts of those sessions, comprising most of this book, should interest film aficionados, actors and directors. ``You must act so your eyes will be visible to us,'' Ray commands students, delineating the difference between film and theater. The self-destructive Ray--hot-tempered, dependent on drugs and alcohol, fiscally irresponsible--was ``monstrous,'' declares his much-junior perceptive and admiring widow in her powerful introduction. Ray's personality also emerges in his reflections on movies, actors, self and even his relationship with Howard Hughes. Although Ray declares his passion for his art, and for his fellow practitioners, the observations of his sharp-eyed wife are more revealing than his own writing. Photos not seen by PW. (Sept.)

Nicholas Ray (1911-1979) was among the most gifted film directors to work in the postwar Hollywood cinema. His work was championed by the French critics of the Cahiers du cinèma. Susan Ray, the filmmaker's wife and collaborator, lives and writes in New York State.