Customer Reviews

Life Is a Banquet

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There are two things I love when it comes to entertainment; reading a good biography and watching my favourite actress Rosalind Russell. With this fabulous autobiography I get the best of both worlds as the legendary Roz tells her story. This book remains one of the most entertaining books I've ever read, one to which I return time and time again.

Why do I enjoy reading a true life story? I think it's because it's fascinating to learn how a person came from obscurity and became someone influential and beloved by millions of people the world over, to learn about the good times, the struggles and the triumphs.

Why do I love Rosalind Russell? Well, that's harder to put into words. But I'll try. I think it's because she was such a versatile actress who was adept at comedy ("The Women", "His Girl Friday", "This Thing Called Love", "My Sister Eileen", "A Woman Of Distinction" and "Auntie Mame"), powerful in drama ("Sister Kenny", "Mourning Becomes Electra" and "A Majority Of One") and expert in musicals ("The Girl Rush" and "Gypsy"). How many actresses could do all that? Whatever she did on screen she did as a true professional. But, in real life she was also a tireless worker for charity and a devoted wife and mother. Rosalind Russell was a greatly respected woman among her peers.

In telling her story, Miss Russell brings her delightful sense of fun to the fore. From the opening anecdote about winning a prize in a horse riding contest, to the way she got out of her first movie contract when a better offer came her way, to her ploy to get over the title billing in "The Women", Miss Russell spices her life story with wonderful humour that makes this book irresistible. She also includes some of the more tragic events of her life without remorse or self pity but with the strength of character that saw her battle breast cancer and crippling arthritis. It's all presented here in an endearing portrait of a true Hollywood survivor.

What is also fascinating is the foreword by her husband Frederick Brisson. What Miss Russell does not include in the book is presented by her husband, rounding out this multifaceted portrait of a great lady. For example, her breast cancer and mastectomy are not discussed by Miss Russell but by her husband. Miss Russell lived in an era where revealing such a health crisis would have effectively killed her career. But, she lived through this traumatic time and continued to give the powerhouse performances she was famous for. Also recounted are her nervous breakdown, the heartbreak at only having one child and the deaths of those close to her.

This is a wonderful book, one that I can not recommend highly enough. Although currently out of print, hopefully it will be back in print where it belongs in the not too distant future. My advice: do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of this fabulous book, even in a used copy. It will certainly provide you with a banquet of wonderful stories from a wonderful actress and woman, Rosalind Russell.

From the forward written by her husband, Frederick Brisson, the reader is drawn into the dynamic life of Rosalind Russell. This book is full of delightful escapades of her childhood and shows an honest glimpse of a movie star (the best man at her wedding was Cary Grant) and the consummate professional she was. Gifted as an actress, no doubt, but Russell, shows the reader that it's the age old Thomas Edison adage - Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. Talk about a persistent, creative marketeer of promoting herself, this book is a must-read for anyone needing to be shown a road of how it's done. She once told her only son, Lance, "Flops are part of life's menu and I'm never a girl to miss out on any of the courses." And several times flop she does, always pulling herself up from the boot strings and trying again. Also, the glimpse into Hollywood legends lives - Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, even Coco Chanel, are a satisfying bonus to reading this book.

Funny, poignant (her sister, whom Roz calls "The Duchess" and whom she based the character of Auntie Mame, dies early in the book) and thought-provoking, Russell indeed proves that life is a banquet to be feasted on and enjoyed each and every day. A delectable read, you'll come away from this book with a brighter take on life.

This book is about Rosalind Russell's career. She is funny, and as I stated above, honest. She speaks of rheumatoid arthritis, with which she was afflicted, and her childhood. The book also features a foreword by Frederick Brisson, who was her husband until her death, and he speaks of her truthfully. This is a wonderful book!!!

As a longtime "Auntie Mame" fan, I was anxious to read "Life is A Banquet". I'm thrilled to say that Ms. Russell didn't disappoint. She is a gem ~ authentic and honest and a wicked sense of humor. She maintained her ability, despite her success and life in Hollywood, to laugh at herself and those around her. If you can find a copy of this book, grab it and enjoy the ride. She absolutely lived her life as a banquet. May we be so lucky.

This is funny, poignant, interesting, and delightfully written. Russell begins with her childhood adventures riding horses with her brothers and sisters and also talks about her loveable, eccentric father and too-funny eldest sister, who was nicknamed "the Duchess" before moving on to her stage and then movie career. You feel as if you have come to tea with Miss Russell and she is telling you stories.

I read this biography years ago, but after reading a recent article about Rosalind Russell, decided I just had to have it. She was the real deal - actress, star, no-nonsense dame. I love her.

This book is almost just as funny as one of Rosalind Russell's movies. I learned much I hadn't known before about her early life, as well as her co-stars. The book gives hilarious insights into such projects as His Girl Friday (1940), and The Women (1939), her first comedy.

Roz, the fast-talking dame, will never disappoint in this three-laughs-a-page book. It's also got some great photographs, of her childhood, early acting career, and behind-the-scenes shots of her films. If you are a fan of Rosalind Russell, missing out on this book is your loss!

This paperback was in much better condition than advertised. I will definitely be buying from Mrs. Wiggins at every opportunity!

Rosalind Russell's autobiography is full of stories about her movies and Broadway career and her friendships with Hollywood stars like Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra. She discusses in detail her breakthrough movie, The Women and all of her early MGM films. My favorite Russell movies came later in her career and sadly, she devotes only a few quick sentences to Picnic (never mentioning Kim Novak), Auntie Mame (nothing about her costars), and Gypsy (not a word about Natalie Wood).

Much of the book is a testament to her long marriage to producer Freddie Brisson, who writes a very loving and revealing preface. She was strong and dynamic, a talented and dedicated actress, but her family always came first in her heart. Although she was quite ill at the end, she barely mentions her problems and indeed, spends no time in self-pity. (She was still editing the book at the time of her death.)

It was disappointing that she glossed over her later movies, but her strength of character and humor shine through on every page and the book is quite inspiring. Many personal and professional photos are included.

I could (and have) read this book over and over. Rosalind Russell takes you through her life as a child in Conneticut, her career with MGM, and her marriage to Freddie Brisson. I found each story engrossing, none of it was disinteresting. She tells the story of her life as if she was speaking to you personally. This book is a must read for any Rosalind Russell fan.