Cary Grant A Biography, Marc Eliot. (Hardcover 140005026X) Used Book available for Swap

Search - Cary Grant : A Biography

Cary Grant A Biography
Author: Marc Eliot

“Everybody wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant.” — —Cary Grant — He is Hollywood’s most fascinating and timeless star. Although he came to personify the debonair American, Cary Grant was born Archibald Leach on January 18, 1904, in the seaport village of Bristol, England. Combining the captivating beauty of... more » silent-screen legend Rudolph Valentino with the masculine irresistibility of Clark Gable, Grant emerged as Hollywood’s quintessential leading man. Today, “the man from dream city,” as critic Pauline Kael once described him, remains forever young, an icon of quick wit, romantic charm, and urbane sophistication, the epitome of male physical perfection. Yet beneath this idealized movie image was a conflicted man struggling to balance fame with a desire for an intensely private life separate from the “Cary Grant” persona celebrated by directors and movie studios.

Exploring Grant’s troubled childhood, ambiguous sexuality, and lifelong insecurities as well as the magical amalgam of characteristics that allowed him to remain Hollywood’s favorite romantic lead for more than thirty-five years, Cary Grant is the definitive examination of every aspect of Grant’s professional and private life, and the first to reveal the man behind the movie star.

Working with the most talented directors of his time, Grant starred in an astonishing seventy-two films, ranging from his groundbreaking comedic roles in such classics as Bringing Up Baby (Howard Hawks) and The Philadelphia Story (George Cukor) to the darker, unforgettable characters of Alfred Hitchcock’s Suspicion and Notorious, culminating in the consummate sophisticates of An Affair to Remember (Leo McCarey), North by Northwest (Hitchcock), and Charade (Stanley Donen). The camera loved Grant, and his magnetism helped illuminate his leading ladies, some of the most glamorous women ever to grace the silver screen: Mae West, Irene Dunne, Katharine Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, and Sophia Loren, among others. Yet, because of his pioneering role as an independent player, Grant was repeatedly denied the Oscar he coveted—a snub from the Academy that would last until 1970, when he graciously accepted a special lifetime achievement award.

Grant’s sparkling image on-screen hid a tumultuous personal life that he tried desperately to keep out of the public eye, including his controversial eleven-year relationship with Randolph Scott, five marriages, and numerous affairs.

Rigorously researched and elegantly written, Cary Grant: A Biography is a complete, nuanced portrait of the greatest Hollywood star in cinema history.

ISBN-13: 9781400050260
ISBN-10: 140005026X
Publication Date: 9/21/2004
Pages: 448
Rating:

Currently 3.6/5 Stars.

3.6 stars, based on 10 ratings

Publisher: Harmony
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

April W. reviewed Cary Grant : A Biography on 4/28/2007 + 15 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

I love Cary Grant's films and personna, so I passed this book over a few times preferring to not know and keep my ideas to myself. However, curiosity got me and I bought it. It was valuable to learn about his upbringing and how he got to be who he ws, but his confused sexuality is only approached by what the author could glean from others. i woudl have really loved to hear what grat actually thought since he appears truly confused and delusional. I still love his work and watch my favorite films over & over. His charm can't be denied.

Share/Like this Review?

Genny S. reviewed Cary Grant : A Biography on 5/4/2007 + 141 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Thoroughly enjoyable biography about one of Hollywood's most revered actors and his hidden demons of personality.

Share/Like this Review?

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

Beth G. reviewed Cary Grant : A Biography on 2/14/2013 + 72 more book reviews

I was disappointed in this book. Lots and lots of gossip and rumors but weak on facts. No interviews, etc. yet Mr. Eliot interprets the thoughts and actions of the people he is writing about. It's an easy read and is interesting; just too much unfounded gossip for me.

Share/Like this Review?

Amy G. reviewed Cary Grant : A Biography on 6/11/2006 + 15 more book reviews

I loved learning about one of the worlds greatest actors. Fascinating life story!!

Share/Like this Review?

Read All Book Reviews of "Cary Grant A Biography"

Genres:

Search - Cary Grant : A Biography

Top Member Book Reviews

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

Loading...