A Private View (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Looking back at her 1924 diary, Irene Mayer Selznick - daughter of Louis B., wife of David O. - feels "sorry for that girl. My family gave me everything except privacy and a sense of my own worth." But if there are traces of regret or anger in this crisp, candid memoir, they are firmly overshadowed by the voice (and actions) of a no-nonsense woman who enjoyed the good things while they lasted - and specialized in "quitting while I was ahead." Irene was the younger, less glamorous of Mayer's two overprotected daughters: their Hollywood lifestyle was modest, "wholesome" above all; young men were unwelcome (even when Mayer's beloved Irving Thalberg came to dinner, the girls were "constantly admonished" to take no romantic interest whatsoever); Irene got a Hollywood education from previews and post-mortems - but Hollywood glamour was oddly absent (though she helped "Uncle William" Hearst build his beach-house) and the risks of college were off-limits. Then, however, enter buoyant suitor David O. Selznick: "poet and promoter," a brief wonder-boy at studio after studio, in his way as family-bound as Irene. ("Until David got married, his father put him to bed every night.") Friendship grew into unlikely, non-whirlwind romance - between "the girl most disciplined and the man least constrained." And, after a grand Selznick/Mayer battle over David's independence (the Romeo-and-Juliet aspects have been exaggerated, however, says Irene), the magnate's daughter became the wife of the most ambitious young hotshot in town. "I can't think of a more complicated life-work than keeping the engines running and wheels greased for a man like David" - a workaholic oblivious to time, a compulsive gambler, an erratic father. ("Children were an ornament and a pleasure - at his convenience"; after two sons, a third pregnancy was aborted.) Still, Irene fully, intensely shared in the early great triumphs - Gone With the Wind (weeping over George Cukor's dismissal), Rebecca (backing Joan Fontaine for the lead). And it was only when success-struck David became increasingly over-extended, wild, and thoughtless (leaving Irene behind on Oscar night), that she turned to psychoanalysis, sought non-movie work. . . and finally walked out. (She learned of the Jennifer Jones affair after asking for the separation - and "Jennifer hadn't caused our situation. . . there was something deeply wrong with the marriage.") So then Irene went to New York, largely freed of her "Girl Scout" complex to take care of everyone's problems; encouraged by Moss Hart, she became a Broadway producer - with solid backstage tales of N.Y./London productions of Streetcar Named Desire. (But her own most personal contributions were a curtain moment for Rex Harrison in Bell, Book and Candle and helping Enid Bagnold to rewrite The Chalk Garden.) And again she quit while ahead - devoting much of the time thereafter to firmly sketched friendships. Throughout, in fact, Selznick is a gifted, shrewd-yet-tender portrait artist - with the vivid David O. (seen in later years, too, compassionately) joined by fine cameos of Paulette Goddard, Ingrid Bergman, Katharine Hepburn, and Henry Luce (a fellow stutterer). And while her own story may lack the shape, depth, and drama of great autobiography, there's an alluring balance here between soul-journey and objective observation - making this one of the richest and wisest of Hollywood memoirs. (Kirkus Reviews) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Irene Mayer came to Hollywood when she was ten. Her childhood was populated with legendary names as her father, Louis B., practically created the movie industry. But life at the Mayers' was not lived in the typical Hollywood style. They believed in family, in strict hours, tiny allowances, no boys, no going away to college, and no socializing with actors. She didn't marry an actor. She married David O. Selznick, a wildly energized, and ambitious man who would go on to make some of the greatest movies Hollywood would ever see. Irene eventually left him, and Hollywood, for New York where she became a Broadway producer. Here she tells her story: about being her father's daughter, her husband's wife, and, finally, herself.

"Irene Mayer Selznick offers us a front-row seat at the Hollywood spectacle and we enjoy every moment of it." (Variety) --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Knopf; 1st edition (May 12, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394401921
• ISBN-13: 978-0394401928
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #744,893 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating account of a life in the hayday of Hollywood, February 16, 2000

By	Oliver P. Henzler (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed Irene Selznick's autobiography. I found it to be a very honest, non-judgmental, and soul-searching account of her life. It was fascinating to read about her upbringing as the daughter of one of THE tycons in Hollywood, then her marriage to another and then her life independent from both of them. Impressive how she found her path to her own artistic voice and came to produce world-renowned theater productions on Broadway (including Streetcar w/ Brando.) Above all, I got a sense of the courage this woman must have had on her life's path. Courage that is inspiring and contagious. I can only recommend this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Hollywood, June 20, 2007

By	Carolyn Kingsley - See all my reviews

Irene Mayer Selznick's memoir is told with candor, humor and insight. It's a delightful trip as she takes you behind the scenes for a 'private view' of Hollywood's royal families. This was a time when the old Hollywood foundation was being laid, and it became almost another world power, with Louis B. Mayer as its undisputed demigod.

Carolyn Kingsley, author

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The story of movies and Broadway in the 20th century, January 27, 2007

By	D. Willard "D. Willard" (Catonsville, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Irene Mayer Selznick was born in the right place and at the right time. She saw her father, Louis B. Mayer, rise from New England film exhibitor during the silent era to studio boss at MGM. She was there for the rise, and eventual fall, of her husband, David Selznick. She produced plays on Broadway, including working with Elia Kazan while he was naming names for HUAC. And through it all she kept her eyes opened and brings us along with her. This book is a gem!