Michael Allen's insightful study explores the long and diverse career of
the actor and director Robert Redford, from his early work in theatre
and TV to his contemporary status as an iconic and enduring star. Allen
assesses Redford's importance to the American film industry during a
period of great transformation: as an influential industry player, an
award-winning director and a committed political activist. Allen
considers Redford's individual achievements in the context of shifts and
changes in the industry as a whole: some of which benefited Redford's
own progress and development; some which he engineered himself, as well
as discussing Redford's star persona in relation to ageing and
masculinity.