ROCKET IN THE NIGHT

by Frances Clippinger ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 25, 1954

The making and the breaking- of a theatrical talent follows the unsteady course of young Darwin Hayes from a stock company to Broadway to Hollywood, and describes an inconstant, ingrate world where ambition is dogged by fear and success flickers in the remembrance of failure. Hayes, restless, vain, brilliant, has a basic education in a small theatrical group in Massachusetts, and takes with him- to New York- Helen who offers little not even faith. There are three unsuccessful years in which his loveless marriage comes to a sudden end. A chance to revive a dying show- for a bankrupt producer- brings him fame as a comic genius and a Hollywood contract for Vanity Pictures under Solomon, whose immediate dislike is as much resentment. He produces an unusual picture which Solomon shelves, arbitrarily, then finishes him off in a bit part. Hayes retaliates by marrying Lassie, Solomon's girl- and a box office sensation- but he falls in love with too accomodating, calculating Lisa. And so it is, his second marriage shot along with his career- and Lisa- that he heads back to New York to hear that Solomon is through, and that his picture will be released.... More likable than her earlier The Satellite, this is still a ferment of careening careers and variable emotions- with a little of the aura of Long- street's The Beach House, no more literary, but possibly as commercial.

Pub Date: March 25, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1954

Categories: FICTION