Ramon Novarro: A Biography of the Silent Film Idol, 1899-1968; With a Filmography [Hardcover]

Allan R. Ellenberger (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786400994 | ISBN-13: 978-0786400997 | Publication Date: October 2000

Ramon Novarro was Ben-Hur to moviegoers long before Charlton Heston. The 1926 film of Lew Wallace's epic novel made Novarro-known as "Ravishing Ramon"-one of Hollywood's most beloved silent film idols. His bright and varied career, spanning silents, talkies, the concert stage, theater, and television, came to a dark conclusion with his murder in 1968.

Ellenberger's comprehensive presentation of Novarro's life chronicles his days in Mexico during the Huerta Revolution, as well as his reign as one of Hollywood's leading romantic actors, working with stars like Greta Garbo, Myrna Loy, and Helen Hayes. This biography covers Novarro's descent into alcoholism and despair over his homosexuality and his waning career, finally culminating in a grisly murder that has caused Novarro to be remembered more as a victim than as a star. The author has researched both the private and public aspects of Novarro's life to return him to his rightful place in film history. The text includes a complete filmography, and photographs from Novarro's life and work.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Novarro, one of the great silent film stars, is still remembered for his evocative portrayal of Ben Hur in the 1926 screen version of the classic novel. Born in Durango, Mexico, the second son of a wealthy dentist, Novarro (his stage name) journeyed to Los Angeles as a young man to pursue a career in the burgeoning entertainment industry. After some disappointments, his acting ability and striking looks paid off. He became the new "Latin heartthrob," succeeding Valentino in that role. But at the same time, Novarro had to be careful to hide his homosexuality from his adoring public. This strain led to increased alcohol use, and in time his career faded to nonexistence. Novarro's name again made headlines at his death but not headlines he would have been proud of: he was murdered in unsavory circumstances. This well-illustrated biography may last as the definitive one for some time to come, and libraries with active film collections should consider its purchase. Brad Hooper

Review

"Ellenberger tells the story well" -- Frontiers Newsmagazine

"Ramon Novarro is...[an] example of our 'Gente' who [has] survived and triumphed against adversity" -- La Prensa San Diego

"comprehensive" -- Edge

"comprehensive, frank, and long-overdue.... Ellenberger's fine biography should at last shift the focus from the gruesome details of Novarro's death to the remarkable life of Hollywood's first and only known gay Mexican movie star" -- The San Francisco Bay Guardian

"finally, and gratefully, Allan R. Ellenberger has written a well-researched biography.... A Silents Majority Must Read" -- Silents Majority On-Line Journal

"pieces together Novarro's last moments in blood-stopping detail...captivating read...Ellenberger provides an exhaustive filmography...and makes a case for Novarro as a fascinating, frightening casualty of intolerance, self-destruction and fleeting stardom" -- Bay Area Reporter

"this well-illustrated biography may last as the definitve one for some time to come" -- Booklist/RBB

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786400994
• ISBN-13: 978-0786400997
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,231,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good read, but not a great read. I longed for more., July 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ramon Novarro: A Biography of the Silent Film Idol, 1899-1968; With a Filmography (Hardcover)

Being a Ramon Novarro fan, I was elated that a biography was finally written on this legendary film star. I give a tremendous amount of credit to the author. His extensive research has paid off. The filmography at the end especially stands out; very detailed. The only drawback that I saw with the book, is that the sentence structure was simplistic for the most part. It read more like a news report than a story. I did notice that the last few chapters, beginning with the Murder, were especially riveting. I couldn't put the book down. His writing style changed (not sure if his editor had anything to do with it)for the better. Once completed, I felt I wanted more. More of what? Personality content as well as understanding his family dynamics. What was it like having a famous brother? How was it living with Ramon for so many years? It missed a "personal touch." Which I am amazed at, because the author did interview several family members. All in all, it was a good read but not a great read but essential (compliation of the material in one book) for any Ramon Novarro fan.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I now know the career, but who was the man., June 19, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ramon Novarro: A Biography of the Silent Film Idol, 1899-1968; With a Filmography (Hardcover)

Having recently read the biography of William Haines, another MGM silent superstar, I became very interested in the story of Ramon Novarro.This biography however reads like a school report. We are given names and dates, reviews and grosses of Novarro's films.But no insight to who the man was.The book is great as a reference guidebut not as a study of an actor, and certainly nota study of the man.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last a biography of a one time great silent star, June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ramon Novarro: A Biography of the Silent Film Idol, 1899-1968; With a Filmography (Hardcover)

It is truly a shame that it has taken so long for a biography on Ramon Novarro to be written. After more than 30 years after his death, this book not only sets the record straight about his gruesome death, but also enlightens the reader about his turbulent life. Unlike another reviewer, I feel that the author has told us about who Novarro was. We are not only told about his great career, but also about his loves, his fears,and his weaknesses. If you a lover of film history or have any interest at all in Novarro, read this book.