Paul Newman, The Man Behind the Baby Blues: His Secret Life Exposed [Hardcover]

Darwin Porter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2009

This is a pioneering and posthumous biography of a charismatic icon of Tinseltown whose rule over the hearts of American moviegoers lasted for more than half a century. It's loaded with never-before-published revelations that look behind the innocent-looking baby blues that enthralled the movie-going public. He became one of the most potent, desirable, and ambiguous sex symbols in America, a former sailor from Shaker Heights, Ohio, who parlayed his ambisexual charm and extraordinary good looks into one of the most successful careers in Hollywood. It's all here, as recorded by celebrity chronicler Darwin Porter--the dirt and the glory, the bad and the beautiful, the giddy highs and the agonizing lows of a great American star. This title won an honorable mention for biography from the NEW ENGLAND BOOK FESTIVAL in 2010

Product Details

• Hardcover: 550 pages
• Publisher: Blood Moon Productions; Ill edition (September 25, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978646517
• ISBN-13: 978-0978646516
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #510,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Sensational but no proof, September 4, 2009

By 

Alan Light (Iowa City, IA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paul Newman, The Man Behind the Baby Blues: His Secret Life Exposed (Hardcover)

I didn't realize this book was written by Darwin Porter when I ordered it. As Wikipedia says, Porter is known for writing celebrity biographis with outrageous allegations and no proof or evidence, all conveniently published after they die. I have a feeling the only thing true about Paul Newman in this book is the spelling of his name. It reads like Porter just sits down and types whatever he imagines.

40 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Salacious, fictionalized trash of Paul Newman's life, November 21, 2009

By 

Dennis W. Wong - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paul Newman, The Man Behind the Baby Blues: His Secret Life Exposed (Hardcover)

I found myself thumbing through this fictional, trashy expose of the late, great actor Paul Newman's life. How much of it is factual? Perhaps maybe 2% or less, since Porter has invented situations and dialogue to match that border on the absurd. Never once does he really comment on Newman's art or preparation in his numerous roles. Rather he focuses more on the sexual escapades that Newman purportedly iniates with his co-stars, be they male or female. One outrageous comment he states in the book is that both Henry Fonda and James Stewart were both serviced by the same agent!! I bet Hank and Jimmy would be cracking up at this in their graves at this outrageous comment. Actually I think the book really gives you more about Porter's cynicism about Hollywood and himself than about Newman. His belief is that in order to rise to the top, you either have to had sex with someone at the top or know an executive who is gay. Most of the time Porter delights in outing various actors like George Peppard, Marlon Brando, etc. After thumbing thru this trashy book, I conclude that Porter himself is gay and reminscent of one of the characters in the play, "The Boys in the Band". Only recommended to those who read trash like The National Enquirer.

41 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Swill, September 8, 2009

By 

Robert Gallagher "MJB Fan" (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paul Newman, The Man Behind the Baby Blues: His Secret Life Exposed (Hardcover)

I tried to give zero stars but one is as low as I can go. I wish I could say the same for the author. Salacious speculation, invented conversations (was he there in the room with Susan Hayward and Newman?). This reminds me of the hatchet job that Irving Shulman did on Jean Harlow in 1964. Spare yourself from wallowing in this trough. If you care at all about Paul Newman, go watch "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" or "Hud" or contribute to his charities by buying some of his excellent products. This book is absolute garbage.