Many of the stars of the silver screen in twentieth-century Hollywood became national icons, larger-than-life figures held up as paragons of American virtues. Unfortunately, the private lives of actors such as John Wayne, Henry Fonda, and Errol Flynn rarely lived up to the idealistic roles they portrayed. However, James Stewart was known as the underdog fighter in many of his films and in real … life. He was highly decorated for his bravery during his time as a bomber pilot during World War II and was adored for his earnest and kindly persona.
Here many unknown sides of Stewart are revealed: his explosive temper, his complex love affairs, his service as a secret agent for the FBI, his innate shyness, and his passionate patriotism. Munn’s personal touch shines through his writing, as he was a friend of Stewart and his wife, Gloria, and interviewed them as well as their colleagues and friends. This definitive biography reveals the childhood ups and downs that formed this cinema hero, explores the legendary Fonda–Stewart relationship, and recounts Stewart’s experiences making acclaimed films that include The Philadelphia Story, Rear Window, Anatomy of a Murder, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
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I loved this book, it’s well written and I believe shows the complete picture of a very good man I have always admired. I’ve seen and enjoyed many of his movies. And have loved reading about him as a person with a deep unwavering faith in God and love for others.
James Stewart was one of my favorite actors of all time.
Jimmy Stewart was a complex man, raised on solid midwestern values but finding himself immersed in the foreign culture of Hollywood. This is his story of maintaining his honesty and integrity while becoming one of America’s favorites on the screen,
Provides a different look at this Hollywood icon.
I liked it because I could lay it down and pick it up multi times. Sometimes I read 20 pages, sometimes 2 so it took a while to read it through, but I really enjoyed it!
Gave me insight into Jimmy Stewarts life.
Great story about a great American
This was a very well written, easy to read book with interesting insights to James Stewart the man as well as the actor.
Enjoyed it about a very interesting man.
As a senior citizen, I remember Jimmy Stewart’s fine movies from the 1950s-1970s! I loved HARVEY and all the fabulous Westerns plus ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE and many more! The author of this biography interviewed Jimmy and wife Gloria over many years. He had really insightful observations about Jimmy’s long career and lifelong friendships with many actors & actresses in addition to famous directors! The story flows beautifully and kept my interest throughout! I give this book 5 stars!
Bonnie Rorrer
A behind the scenes look at one of the great actors of our time. You may be surprised at some of the revelations in this book.
Really informative biography! Lots of new information about Jimmy Stewart’s involvement with the FBI. I really enjoyed this book.
I learned a lot of information on Jimmy Stewart that I did not know. Very interesting life story.
Good biography of a complex person
While the flow of this book is sometimes slow the information held within the stories are an eye-opener to the life, true hero Jimmy Stewart became as a result of his beliefs. He served with distinction and WWII. He stayed as a reserve and was promoted to the upper ranks for his service. He worked for the FBI in the investigation of the Mafia during the late 40’s, 50’s, 60’s. He knew the players, entertainers, and all the secrets. Hoover never moved on much of the information because the Mob had enough information that would have outed Hoover and ruined his career. But the connections of the mob to many key figures including those close to John Kennedy are interesting. Well worth mining this read for the gold buried within its pages.
Have always been a big fan of Kimmy Stewart.
Was great to get to know him as a person.
Genuinely enjoyed it!
Interesting insights into James Stewart’s personality and character and the Hollywood era of the 50s and 60s.
I’ve always liked James Stewart’s movies and I was glad to know that he was a nice person too!
Interesting insights into the man. Some unexpected turns including colluding with Hoover during the McCarthy years.
One3 of my favorites of the old Hollywood guys and I loved his WWII experience.