From Publishers Weekly
The author of Gable & Lombard and The Other Marilyn here looks at the ineffable star who died while on tour in 1986. Harris repeats oft-published data on Grant, born Archibald Alexander Leach in England in 1904. There are accounts of his life as a poor child, early struggles in New York during the 1920s and later as a beginner in Hollywood. The inimitable actor rose to the top, starring in Topper, Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story and many other classic comedies and dramas, which Harris details. Also recorded are Grant's personal crises: four failed marriages; wife Dyan Cannon separating him from his daughter, his greatest love. The book is marred by the author's intrusionsfor example, his frequent speculations on whether Grant was secretly gay. Photos not seen by PW. First serial to Good Housekeeping.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Library Journal
Grant was an actor renowned for his charm and sophistication, but Harris portrays a man considerably different from his public image. Grant dropped out of school when he 14. He was often distant, depressed, and parsimonious. He was unable to make a success of marriage until his fifth try. Most controversial is Harris's strong inference that Grant had a long-term homosexual relationship with actor Randolph Scott in the 1930s. True or not, the supposition is nothing new. Better-researched and better-written than the average movie star biography, this is a good choice for most libraries. John Smothers, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Manalapan, N.J.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
