David Janssen - My Fugitive (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Michael Phelps (Author, Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This ineptly written tribute to actor David Janssen by his first wife of 12 years (they were divorced in 1970) celebrates his career, centering on the 1963-67 TV series The Fugitive, in which he portrayed Richard Kimble, a doctor who is on the run after being falsely accused of murdering his wife and sentenced to death. Copiously illustrated with photos of his life and with film stills, the book, as told to Florida paralegal Phelps, discusses the actor's heavy drinking and womanizing, as well as Ellie Janssen's stormy marriage to "a great man" who died of an apparent heart attack at age 48 in 1980. One doubts that this minor actor is well enough remembered for his wife's memoir to find an audience.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

With the success of the movie The Fugitive, a biography of the actor who, on TV, first realized the character comes as no surprise. This one promises to be pretty reliable, for its author is Janssen's erstwhile wife, Ellie (Phelps is her as-told-to scribe). In the late 1960s, Janssen left Ellie for a starlet; the tabloid press, much smaller then, had a field day. Ellie kept a low profile thereafter and had to be coaxed to participate in this book. She paints a loving portrait of the man who initially won her from Frank Sinatra and whom millions felt they knew from his starring roles in Richard Diamond, Private Eye, The Fugitive, and Harry-O. Far more famous for those small screen roles, Janssen made movies, too, but his career was marred by frequent unemployment and bouts of heavy drinking. Noteworthy for its subtle and gentle insights into dealing with the benefits and drawbacks of TV fame, this is a warm recollection of a decent and talented man. Mike Tribby

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 150 pages
• Publisher: Blue Line Publishing House, Inc.; Fourth Edition, Hardcover, Photos edition (July 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081190797X
• ISBN-13: 978-0811907972
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #449,665 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An interesting but subjective read..., December 1, 1999

By A Customer

The book title tells it all: Ellie Janssen, the author, tells the story of how former husband David became successful as TV's Dr. Kimble during the 1960s. She highlights the factors contributing to the downfall of their marriage, particularly David's drinking and extramarital affairs. If you are a David Janssen or Fugitive fan, this book lends an interesting perspective, along with several rare photos. However, it is understandably subjective, as Ms. Janssen struggles to explain the tumultuous nature of her relationship with David. The book raises some suspicion as to the circumstances surrounding David's untimely death in 1980.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars His death appears suspicious., December 2, 1998

By A Customer

All 120 episodes of the tv series "The Fugitive" out shine the movie version, although Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones were excellent. This book proves to be an insightful and significant look into the life of David Janssen. He died too young. I would like to hear more about how he REALLY died.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars David Janssen : My Fugitive, April 26, 2001

By	Roxiann D. Hill (Indianapolis,Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: David Janssen: My Fugitive (Paperback)

I have been waiting along time for this book and i really enjoyed it....I feel that Ellie and David made a lovely couple and it really touched my heart to read all the ups and downs that they went thur during their marriage. I hope that Ellie finds some peace in her life..........Sincerely, a true fan....Roxiann D. Hill, Indpls, IN