Customer Reviews

Yul: The Man Who Would Be King

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This excellent biography of Yul Brynner, written by his son Rock, is a must-read for all of the King's many fans. It clarifies the often-conflicting stories of Yul Brynner's birth, describes his childhood in Paris (where he spent his time entertaining in gypsy night clubs), and his memorable stint on Broadway in "The King and I" in the 1950s. His film successes, such as "The King and I" and The Ten Commandments, and his many screen flops are discussed, but it is Yul, the family man, who is at the center of the book.

When Rock was young, his father doted on him; even after his parents divorced and Yul moved on through three more marriages, the two were close. But when his son failed to achieved stability or success as a young adult, Yul summarily cut off all ties with him for a while. In the 1980s, out of money (as always), Yul began an eight-year tour of "The King and I" which was hugely successful, but he identified with the role so completely, he became an unreasonable tyrant, alienating himself from those closest to him. He kept doing eight shows a week even after he was diagnosed with cancer, dying just weeks after his 4,633rd performance as the King.

This is a riveting biography about a fascinating man.

Kona

I recently stumbled on this biography. I meant to flip through it to look up some trivia and ended up reading it cover to cover. It's an eye-opening and quite moving account of the actor we've come to associate with The King & I. The book details much of the circumstances around Brynner's films which I found most interesting. It's sad that such a gifted actor with a talent for directing ended up making so many B-movies. I really enjoyed this book. His rocky relationship with his son (no pun intended), adds a new dimension to his personna. The only drawback for me is that some of the events are told out of synch. For a good companion piece, read Yul Brynner: The Inscrutable King by Jhans Robbins. The chronology of events are clearer there. Plus, it has a complete list of Brynner's works.

I recently saw some movies of Yul Brynner and was much impressed by his talents as an actor and his incredible screen presence. I read this book to find out more about the man behind the actor. I felt extremely sad after learning how he would put fame above family and friends. Myself an immigrant twice in two different countries, and having to learn French as a second language and then English a while later, just like Yul had to, I experienced the same exclusion and injustice as he did and I understand his anger against the Fox executives and those who profited from the actors. I wished he did get a chance to become a movie director...and succeed as such because his life probably would have been very different. It is ironic that he would hate his father so much to the point of wanting to kill him for not being there for him but that he, would too, abandon his wives and children. Despite being disappointed in his behavior, he remains the greatest actor to my eyes. Bless his heart and I wish that in his next life, he would be a more forgiving and compassionate person.

This book, written by his son Rock Brynner, is a poignant and revealing look into the life of his famous father, Yul Brynner. Rock unveils "The King," and shows that his father was a flawed, and sometimes wreckless man behind the "King's" facade. Rock uncovers how life was growing up with his famous father, and how he could never live up to the expectations of a King. Rock's literary style mix fact with his own feelings about - The Man Who Would Be King.

I enjoyed the honesty of Son Yul Jr. He tried so hard to please his Dad and follow his footsteps Never could quite live up to SR. expectations.So sad that he dumped so many of wives and children the final blow DISOWNING his children in will.. Sad Sad yet I loved him as a talented actor. Where and how is YUL Jr. today I wish him well. He loved his Dad so much

This book written by Brynner's son is quite different that you'd expect--it's not written about Yul Brynner's career as much as it's the story of a father's impact on a boy who adores him. And what a shocking impact that is.

The book starts out rather traditionally, telling the background of Brynner's ancestry and his early years around the world. For about the first 60 pages, the author writes in the third person except when writing about himself in italics. It's a bit confusing and not that interesting. Then suddenly it all changes when Rock starts writing everything in the first person (mixing "Yul" with "My dad"). The private stories and emotions start to pour out and the book comes alive.

There are plenty of shockers here, the largest being that an adult male parades his affairs with famous women in front of his elementary-school son. The married Yul practically brags about the women he beds to Rock--and the son has to live with keeping some pretty big secrets. There are many big Hollywood names on the list. Most are just mentioned briefly and the book could have fleshed out more details of what exactly happened between Yul and stars like Marilyn Monroe, but chances are the author is only able to give the minimal details shared with him by his dad.

There also aren't enough specifics about the movies Yul Brynner made. Films are often mentioned in passing, with the focus being on the star's private life. Even with The King and I there isn't much more information than you'll find in other books. So once you get used to the idea that this book is really about how a son reacts to his father's larger-than-life persona, the easier it is to read.

The ending is sad and the star seems to have abandoned some of the things he stood for in his early life. Rock handles it with somewhat of a distant objectivity but doesn't psychoanalyze much because he wants to make peace with his father and wants to leave his dad's image intact. The author leaves it up to the reader to draw the conclusions from the star's disturbing life. Even in death Rock admires his father and hungers for the king's blessing.

I always liked Yul however I am very dsappointed in the overall story of his life. FAME WAS MUCH TO IMPORTANT THENPERSONAL LIFE FAMILY AND CHILDREN. My heart goes out to ROCK Yul,Jr. he tried so hard to walk in his father shoes . The price was tremendous.. I am courious how Rock isd doing today? I just read an old copy paperback. Well writtenfrom the heart

Yul Brynner was one of the most charismatic and enigmatic of stars. Easily one of Hollywood's most exotic stars, he thrilled moviegoers on stage and screen with his dynamic portrayal of the King of Siam in THE KING AND I, a role he played 4,000 times on Broadway. His life resembled the King in many ways.

Yul's son, Rock Brynner now reveals the real personality behind the myth. Yul had built his life on the story that he had been born of a Gypsy woman and raised in the wilds of the Siberian taiga. He was actually born in Russia. He grew up in China, smoked opium with Jean Cocteau and caroused with Gypsies before emigrating to America.

Yul Brynner was a new kind of star. With his bald head and larger than life presence, he did not fit the mold of the traditional Hollywood star, and yet he was exciting. He was every bit as mesmerizing as the King, and just as flawed.

His son reveals a man who was just as in love with power as the character he played, a man who acted like a king wherever he went. There are also the tales of Yul's affairs with Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Ingrid Bergman, and Marilyn Monroe, he went through all of them with his usual appetite. But it's as a father that this book really focuses on. Throughout his heartbreaking as well as wonderful recollections, Rock reveals a man who was passionate, egotistical, arrogant, but was also kind hearted, wise and loyal.

Sadly the book does not end well, as Yul became a victim to his passions and ego. It's a tough and haunting book that will stay with the reader the same way his many characterizations did for years.

Rock Brynner is a superior writer. Really hard to put down. It includes sections of numerous photos, many never before or rarely seen. The portrait Rock gives of his father seems respectful,loving, and very honest. Yul is delineated as a true human being with amazing energy, talent, sensuality, and vision. However, his powerful personality, which at times was quite insensitive and arrogant, is a definate theme through much of the book. The first part of the memoir gives historical information on the Brynner family,which ties into the choices Yul made throughout his life. There is plenty of discussion of his interaction with other stars and with his wives and children. His volunteer work with refugees is also adressed, which helps us to see the generosity and passion that Yul possessed. A few characterizations of Mr. Brynner left me in disbelief, particularly how he handled his estate. Nonetheless, it is an inspirational tale of perseverance in a time period that is that is lovingly remembered.