A Front Row Seat

Nancy Olson Livingston is an Academy Award-nominated actress who appeared in numerous well-known films, including Sunset Boulevard (1950), The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), and many others. Her autobiography, A Front Row Seat: An Intimate Look at Broadway, Hollywood, and the Age of Glamour delivers her story exceptionally.

As is indicated by the title, the story begins with intimate recollections, though they are not relegated to the start of the text. Rather, the whole autobiography is one that has been constructed beautifully by Olson and her memories, not shying away from discussion difficult and personal moments. Olson’s story is engaging and inviting, shaped by numerous short chapters that carefully and concisely reflect upon key moments in her life.

Olson discusses growing up in the Midwest, her professional journey, as well as her relationships, friendships, and family life to thoroughly document her life and career. The book also includes a variety of photographs depicting Olson as well as her friends and family members throughout different moments of her life.

A Front Row Seat: An Intimate Look at Broadway, Hollywood, and the Age of Glamour is not to be missed by fans of classic film–particularly those who have enjoyed Olson’s performances.


A Front Row Seat: An Intimate Look at Broadway, Hollywood, and the Age of Glamour is available for purchase via the University Press of Kentucky.

About Annette Bochenek

Dr. Annette Bochenek of Chicago, Illinois, is an avid scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She manages the Hometowns to Hollywood blog, in which she writes about her trips exploring the legacies and hometowns of Golden Age stars. Annette also hosts the “Hometowns to Hollywood” film series throughout the Chicago area. She has been featured on Turner Classic Movies and is the president of TCM Backlot’s Chicago chapter. In addition to writing for TCM Backlot, she also writes for Classic Movie Hub, Silent Film Quarterly, Nostalgia Digest, and Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

1 Response to A Front Row Seat

  1. I started this book a couple of days ago, and am looking very much forward to getting into it. I’m already engaged by the story of her mother and grandmother.

Leave a comment