Customer Reviews

Swanson On Swanson

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Gloria Swanson exuded something special from every inch of her tiny frame. Unfortunately if Gloria Swanson is known at all today, it is for her role as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" and too many people assume Gloria was Norma in real-life.

Her very candid autobiography reveals a women who was more than just a clotheshorse. Her formal education was limited but like Joan Crawford who came after her, Gloria never stopped learning. Like many film stars, she endured a string of unhappy marriages and paid the price for her fame and career literally in blood.

But there is much happiness in her life. Swanson was the mother of three children, an avid advocate of natural medicines and healthful living with a keen interest in the arts.

Sadly, Gloria Swanson has passed on and her book is not readily available in the major bookstores. The time taken to obtain a copy for your own is well worth the price.

What a beautiful story about a beautiful women. One of the biggest stars of all time its true that the pictures have gotten smaller. Miss Swanson talks candidley and eloquently about her life and the early days of Hollywood. It is sad that most of these wonderful actors are now almost forgotten. If you can get your hands on a copy of this book, Do So!

This is one of my favorite movie star bios--Swanson was one of the biggest stars of the twenties--and when you see the photos in the book you can see why--what a gorgeous woman! This is someone who had contact with some of the biggest stars of her time--the gossip is fun!

She seems quite intelligent and when her career bombed early due to scandal, she focused on other aspects of her life. Swanson tells her story in a friendly conversational tone. A good, fun read that provides information about Hollywood of the 20's and 30's.

Of all of the movie star autobiographies I've read, this one is my favorite.

Gloria Swanson was a major movie star in the teens and twenties, worked with such greats as Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. DeMille, and Erich von Stroheim. She was married several times, had a famous affair with Joseph Kennedy, and concieved several children (although a few of them she did not have- they are discussed in detail in this book). She failed when the talkies came, but triumphed again in 1950 when she played Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard for which she was nominated for an Oscar. For that reason, she regained her fame, but through it all maintained a level head and a great work ethic.

I personally have never been a great fan of Swanson's films outside of Sunset Boulevard; I find the plots to be contrived and dull. Because she was often used to show off the latest fashions, her roles lack in depth. However, this book made me change my mind about Gloria. As a person, she was wonderful and had more personality than all of her film roles combined. She was no great beauty, but she made up for that with her intelligence and wit.

This is a long book which can be intimidating because of its size, but it is highly entertaining and informative.

This autobiography of screen legend Gloria Swanson is over 500 pages long (hardcover), but it's a surprisingly fast read. It's well-written (with the help of Ms. Swanson's last husband, author William Dufty), interesting, honest, and a window to an era and lifestyle many of us would never peer into otherwise. Not only did I learn a lot about the movie industry in its early days, but I learned a lot of background stories about silver-screen legends - what fun! I've never read an autobiography before (nor do I have much of an interest to), but this was a great recommendation and a wonderful read on one of the most stellar of stars. I'd highly recommend it to friends (already have) and enjoyed every minute of it.

It may seem strange to call a autobiography by a former actress as 'powerful' but this book is. She has a strong and unique voice and she is able to convey that successfully in this intriguing book.

I was completely captivated by this book and couldn't put it down. This is one of those books that stays with you a long time after you finish it. It is too bad that there are no other books on her, I'd love to read more about her life.

I delivered groceries to Gloria as a kid around 1981-1982. She lived on 73rd and 5th (2 east 73rd if I remember correctly). She was just like Norma Desmond then (at least it seemed to me)...she always had a yam boiling in a clear pyrex pot that I could see from the entrance and had this strange younger assistant (I guess) who was bald believe it or not!

She never said a word to me and never tipped me until she married her last husband (must have put her in a better mood) when she would tip me $1. Once I forgot some blueberries on my way to my delivery and the one and only time she ever spoke to me she opened the door, looked at me and said "Shame, shame, shame...isn't that a shame." - I'll never forget it. No explanation, no nothing. Didn't even realize what was going on until I got back to the store.

So long Gloria.

After reading previous reviews on this book, I just had to get it for myself and I thought that the book was wonderful! It is a bit large at about 520 pages, but the story goes by fast since it is so entertaining! Gloria doesn't sugarcoat anything and she tells it like it is. My favorite part was reading about the 1920's and the silent films she made at the peak of her popularity. She describes what it was like to work with various directors and co-stars and she also gives some fascinating behind-the-scenes information regarding her movies (such as the lion scene in her 1919 film, Male and Female). She had 6 husbands throughout her life and describes what each man was like and what contributed to the downfall of her marriages. I think this is the definitive book about any movie star of that era, because Gloria gives such a thorough account of her life that it makes the reader feel as if they personally know her by the time the book is finished.

In 1980, Gloria Swanson came to Dallas,TX. I was,fortunately, the first to purchase her book. She autographed it, and we talked about her advocacy for the Homestead Exemption in behalf of single property owners. At the time, only married couples were granted the exemption. Within a year of her visit to Dallas AND to Austin AND to Washington, D.C. the law was changed. I firmly believe her testimony and influence swayed opinions correctly. Her book is an illuminating peek into a brilliant mind, life and career.
Wishing you simply the best,
DW of Dallas

If you're interested in learning more about this silver screen star, this is probably one of the best books to buy--I mean she wrote it. So, see Swanson's life through Swanson's own eyes. Nice pictures too!