Leslie Howard: The Man Who Gave a Damn (2015)

• 78%
• 2015
• Documentary
• Thomas Hamilton
• Norman Spencer
• Matthew Sweet
• Nick Cull

Turning a spotlight on an actor who is sometimes eclipsed by his role in Gone with the Wind. The irony of Howard's involvement in the ultimate Hollywood blockbuster is that in his time, Leslie carved one of the most unique careers in 1930's Hollywood, taking control of his films in a way few of his contemporaries would dream of. A man of strong principals despite an outward appearance of vagueness, he took a stand for other actors, most famously Humphrey Bogart in The Petrified Forest, less famously William Gargan and Ilka Chase on The Animal Kingdom. Later he insisted on returning to England as World War 2 began, so he could contribute to the war effort - a role which made him an enemy and possible target of the Nazis. A compelling, intimate documentary, boasting much unseen footage of Howard and those he knew.