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 liked the factual and honest biography of one of our best patriotic actors l.
Wonderful story about the great Jimmy Stewart. Some stuff I new but lots of new information. Enjoyed it very much!
This was a great book about a good man. In every aspect of his life.
So many facts about Jimmy Stewart and the people around him come out in this book that it will amaze you. The friendship between Stewart (a conservative Republican) and Henry Fonda (a liberal Democrat) is one of the most important stories of the book. It is especially relevant in today’s polarized political world. This is a must read Republicans, Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives.
A wonderful biography of one of my favorite actors. My only regret is that it contained no photos
I like Jimmy Stewart and knew nothing about his private life. This book filled in all those open spaces.
Truly entertaing.
Tells me things I’d rather not know about Jimmy.
Having always enjoyed Jimmy Stewart movies, I always wondered if the man he portrayed was like the real man. This book satisfied my curiosity with interviews of people who knew and worked with him as well as with his wife.
There were several surprises and many humorous stories by Mr. Stewart and others. Very goo read.
Very interesting seeing the inside of the movie houses.
A major part of the book was plot summaries of Stewart’s movies. His change of heart about Hoover and his friendship with Fonda are just superficial descriptions. I never felt that I understood the real Jimmy Stewart.
Very disappointing. I’m a huge fan of Stewart, but found the book rambling and could not finish it.
There was a lot of repetition.
I liked the beginning of the book which described his life in his early years through marriage. I enjoyed understanding his personality and the slow way he talked. I got bored a third of the way through and didn’t finish it. It just didn’t resonate with me. I can barely remember what I read.
Very interesting to see the other side of a well liked Movie Star’s life.
Too Hollywoodish.
I liked it. Learned a lot about an Icon if the movie business. The book portrays him as a somewhat insecure introvert. A ladies man till his marriage. A God fearing conservative, his best friend was the very liberal Henry Fonda. His efforts to aid J Edgar Hoover will not be welcomed by some. On balance and in total, he is a giant of The Greatest Generation.
I love Jimmy Stewart, so anything about him is of interest to me. I haven’t finished it quite yet, but some of the descriptions of his movies are a little off. But otherwise, I am enjoying learning a little more about one of my favorites.
It’s a very nice book about Jimmy Stewart. But it’s kind of slow reading. It’s not the kind of book that run run back to read. Sometimes it’s even tedious to read.
This was an interesting book about Jimmy Stewart, but there was too much unverified gossip for my taste.