I Was Interrupted: Nicholas Ray on Making Movies

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.)