To date, Charles Boyer remains one of cinema’s greatest romantic leads. Starring in a range of film genres, Boyer proved to be an influential talent, shining in many leading and supporting roles.

Though Boyer maintained a strong presence in films, he remains a tragic figure who is often overlooked. Thanks to John Baxter’s Charles Boyer: The French Lover, Boyer receives worthy attention in this biography. Baxter’s biography of Boyer is the first biography of Boyer to exist in English in nearly forty years, highlighting the highs and lows of this impactful French actor.

Baxter discusses Boyer’s triumphs in performing in films and television, in addition to Boyer’s seamless ability to take on postwar character roles. While Boyer got his start in serious dramas, Boyer also worked as a producer before ultimately reinventing himself as a comedic actor.

In addition, Baxter also explores the significance of Boyer’s French accent as well as the roles he chose; embracing and subverting his identity as an outsider who was particularly judicious in selecting his film roles.

Baxter’s Charles Boyer: The French Lover is not to be missed by fans of Boyer and classic film.

Charles Boyer: The French Lover is available for purchase via the University Press of Kentucky.