From Publishers Weekly
Winning a dance contest in Texas launched the 14-year-old Virginia Katherine McMath on her acting career and eventful personal life, episodes, emotions and dialogue from which she recreates here in exhaustive detail. Now 79, this devout Christian Scientist recalls her early vaudeville days in a determinedly upbeat tone, as well as her stage and film hits, including the 10 musicals-- Top Hat , Swing Time , etc.--in which she and Fred Astaire co-starred. Also discussed is Rogers's Oscar-winning Kitty Foyle and acclaimed roles in Hello Dolly and Mame . The author brightens an uninspired narrative style with backstage and Hollywood anecdotes and names, and tells of her five husbands--and of her romances with the likes of Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Howard Hughes. She also encountered political figures--from U.S. presidents to the shah of Iran and Juan Peron. Recommended for fans who cherish every scrap of trivia about their idol. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Rogers is a consummate storyteller in addition to being an entertainment legend. In this autobiography, she chronicles her rise to stardom and describes her various dramatic and musical film roles. She also reviews her five marriages and various romances, while charmingly setting the record straight on her partnership with Fred Astaire. Although candid in her revelations, she respects the people and events that touched her--there is no tabloid gossip here. The positive influence of her mother, Lela, and open testimony to a deep religious faith figure strongly in her life's story, which is rich in detail and humor. Rogers shines through as a vivacious, talented, and self-confident individual with an earthy response to her amazing career. This delightful chronicle of 50 years in entertainment is refined, well-written fun. Recommended for circulating libraries. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/91.
- Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, N.J.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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