Hollywood Memoirs Not to Miss
These Four Memoirs Take Readers Back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Apr 1, 2008
Memoirs of actors and actresses are often best-sellers – the name recognition is enough to sell copies. But although it seems like everyone and their brother has a memoir these days (do 20-year-olds really have a “life story” to share yet?), don’t discount the ones that are humorous, moving and well written. Here are four “Hollywood” memoirs that are impossible to put down.
Lauren Bacall By Myself
by Lauren Bacall
Talk about Hollywood romance -- Bacall’s telling of her first meeting, subsequent courtship and marriage to Humphrey Bogart is better than fiction. It leaves readers sighing – or swooning – to read of their true love. But although her relationship with Bogie may be the most enthralling part of Bacall’s memoir, the interest doesn’t end (or begin) there. Bacall discusses her childhood, early stage performances in New York City and, after Bogie’s death, subsequent relationships and marriage. It’s also a fascinating read for Bacall’s observations about fellow performers and celebrities of the time – she literally knew everyone. First published in the 1970s, Bacall later added a second volume about her later years, which can often be found as an addendum to By Myself.
One More Time
by Carol Burnett
Burnett’s humor flies off the page in her memoir – most chapters are hilarious, though some are very moving. Burnett writes about her complicated parents and her grandmother, “Nanny,” who really raised her, with such affection and description that readers feel as if they know both them and Burnett. Primarily about her childhood in Hollywood, it’s also a fascinating look at the era. The memoir also covers Burnett’s move to New York City and early successes.
The Other Side of Me
by Sidney Sheldon
Sheldon, best known for novels such as The Other Side of Midnight and creating television shows like I Dream of Jeannie, was a man of many talents. In his memoir, readers discover that he’s not only a fiction writer and television creator, but a playwright and screenwriter as well. Sheldon’s experiences with fellow actors are entertaining to read, but some of the most interesting – and humorous – moments are his early struggles at trying to make a name – or simply secure a job – for himself. But not all is light and airy. Sheldon struggled with bipolar disorder his entire life, and experienced other tragedies as well.
The Other Side of Oz
by Buddy Ebsen
If readers only associate Ebsen with The Beverly Hillbillies, his memoir will paint a broader portrait of the actor and man. A quick read, Ebsen covers his childhood, early time in New York City and radio and movie career. The memoir’s title comes from the fact that Ebsen was originally cast as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, but had to drop out due to illness from lead face paint. Ebsen’s memoir isn’t as thorough as others, such as Bacall’s, but rather tells individual stories about different experiences in his life.
All memoirs can be found on www.amazon.com
For more information about Old Hollywood, read the review of George Stevens: Interviews. Stevens directed classic films such as Woman of the Year, A Place in the Sun and Shane.
