Biography Season 7 Episode 1 Deborah Kerr: Getting to Know Her

Deborah Kerr: Getting to Know Her is the first episode of the seventh season of the Biography show. The episode pays tribute to one of the most iconic and gifted actresses of the 20th century, Deborah Kerr, revealing a glimpse into her personal and professional life.

The episode starts with Kerr's childhood and upbringing in Scotland, where she was born in 1921. The viewers get to know how her early life experiences inspired her to pursue a career in acting while also highlighting her academic and artistic education. Kerr's love for dance and her early stage experiences are shown, as is her collaboration with a talented producer, Gabriel Pascal.

The show reveals how Kerr's big break was the role of Karen Holmes in the movie From Here to Eternity. The episode details how Kerr had been selected for the role of Karen, a sexually frustrated army wife, despite her image as a virginal and wholesome actress. Her co-star, Burt Lancaster, and the director, Fred Zinnemann, reveal their thoughts on working with Kerr and her professionalism throughout the filming.

The episode goes on to cover Kerr's other most notable films, including The End of the Affair, The King and I, An Affair to Remember, and The Innocents. Her performance in An Affair to Remember, alongside Cary Grant, is highlighted as one of her most significant accomplishments. The film's romantic storyline and ballroom dance scene have made it a timeless classic.

Kerr's life outside of the cinema is also explored. Viewers learn about her marriage to screenwriter Peter Viertel and her decision to semi-retire from acting to be a full-time mother. Interviews with her friends and family reveal the depth of her character and the love she had for her children.

The show also highlights her work in drama productions, such as Saint Joan and The Day After the Fair. Her stage career spanned from the London theatre to Broadway, and the episode shows how Kerr's exceptional acting abilities made her an icon in both film and theatre.

Kerr's personal life is also touched upon. Her views on politics and her beliefs during the studio era are exemplified. The show discusses how Kerr strived to make her female characters portray a more empowered vision of womanhood, while giving an insight into how Hollywood studios influenced actors and actresses' images.

The episode concludes with Kerr's retirement from acting and her life in Switzerland, where she lived her life in tranquillity. The viewers are provided with an intimate insight into her private world, where she loved to paint, cook, and be surrounded by her family.

Overall, Deborah Kerr: Getting to Know Her is an insightful and captivating tribute to an exceptional actress, covering her life from childhood to retirement. It offers a glimpse into her personal life and acting career, portraying a woman who is both inspiring and relatable. The episode takes a comprehensive look at her life, giving the audience a deeper understanding of her persona, her works, and her impact on the entertainment industry.