Belinda Lee, one of the great lost stars of British and European cinema, travelled a road on which there was no turning back. The road’s many curves were taken at speed, sometimes with a recklessness that stunned critics, publicists and friends. It proved to be a journey that ended prematurely, but as popular singer Jacques Brel maintained, it’s not the length of a life that counts, it’s the intensity.
In this book, Professor of British Cinema Steve Chibnall traces her entire journey; but it will not always be in plain sight. There are few of her companions and fellow travellers left, and no personal journal is known to survive. We must search in other places, notably in the ephemera of the newspaper and magazine press. Hers was the journey of a woman who, for a few short years, captivated the attention of legions of journalists, because she challenged the conventions of both respectability and stardom in the years before ‘respectable’ became a term of abuse and stars lustred down to the duller shine of mere celebrity. It was a journey that began in the sunlight of the English seaside and ended in the moonlight of an American desert. Join us as we explore the life and loves of the unique talent that was Belinda Lee.
REVIEW QUOTES
‘Yesterday I recieved my order of Steve Chibnall’s new book Lost Star: The Life And Loves Of Belinda Lee. As I’ve only just started reading the book, I’ve had a quick perusal and all I can say is “Wow”. ‘The British born Blonde Bombshell, Belinda Lee began in British films, aswell as appearing in a number of Italian films, before her death aged 25 in 1961. Once married to the legendary photographer Cornel Lucas, who’s photographs of her, showcased her absolute beauty. Lost Star benefits from the years of research Steve undertook to tell Belinda’s story, and the numerous photographs charting her childhood, her career, her relationships are outstanding. And perfectly promote her beauty. Often billed in the press as, Britain’s No2 Pinup, after Diana Dors, does a huge disservice to Belinda, as does the quote that Diana Dors was England’s Marilyn Monroe. Belinda Lee was unique, her beauty unrivalled in British Cinema, possessed a good acting talent, which had she lived longer would have seen her making a career in the USA. If your a fan of British film and it’s stars, then Lost Star deserves its place on your book shelf, just as Belinda Lee’s story deserves to be told. Well done to Steve Chibnall, he’s done a mighty job. … an amazing tribute to Belinda Lee. Im very impressed.’ Sean, Diana Dors The Legacy Facebook Group
‘One of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s absolutely packed with photos and information, not just on Belinda Lee, but on the British film industry at that time. It gives a real insight into the Rank Film Organisation, Pinewood Studios and its other stars.‘ Graham Martin, Diana Dors The Legacy Facebook Group
‘It’s a wonderful book, I could hardly believe it when I read it had been published.‘ John Kirkwood, Diana Dors The Legacy Facebook Group
‘Gorgeous and well researched book!!!‘ Richard Koper, Belinda Lee Memorial Facebook Group
‘This new Belinda book is awesome! The text is as great as the many photos! I am Thankful for all the time(14 years!) and effort the writer has put into it.‘ Johhny M Ross, Belinda Lee Memorial Facebook Group
320pp. 11 x 8.5 paperback
ISBN: 978-1-84583-244-5
Published 15 June 2025
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steve Chibnall is believed to be the only Professor of British Cinema in the world, and is one of the UK’s senior film historians. He is director of De Montfort University’s Cinema and Television History Institute’s archives, which include the Hammer Script, Palace and Scala, Peter Whitehead, Andrew Davies, Sir Norman Wisdom, and Indian Cinemas archives. He is also owner of the Steve Chibnall Collection, which consists of tens of thousands of pieces of British film and popular culture memorabilia. He has written or edited over a dozen books, published many articles and book chapters, contributed sleeve notes and commentary moderations to DVD releases from Studio Canal, Odeon Entertainment and the BFI, featured on television and radio, and organised events at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Regent Street Cinema and the Cinema Museum, where he is Visiting Professor.
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