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 love Jimmy Stewart so I was thrilled to find this book.surprising things I never knew about him.a great read
Fluff piece, hero worship writing ..but entertaining
Didn’t really learn much
I confess I did not finish this book. It was well written and obviously well researched but I discovered I did not want to get to know the real Jimmy Stewart after all. He’s an actor who has been safely ensconced on his pedestal all my life and I decided to simply leave him there. This was a completely personal choice and should not prevent anyone from reading this book.
Great book to inspire those fighting their way up the Hollywood ladder.
Boring
Inlearned some new things about J Stewart!
Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite movie stars. Found out more about Mr Stewart than I knew.
Great inside look at the real man as well as the actor.
I loved Jimmy Stewart. Reading about him was interesting
The real Jimmy Stewart is as human as the rest of us. I enjoyed his story.
Unflattering look at Stewart.
The book was refreshing and filled with down to earth humor.
Mr. Stewart was honest, really didn’t take himself seriously but told it like it was!
I didn’t want the book to end!
Although I love Jimmy Stewart and enjoyed reading about his life I do not think not was written well. I also found mself wondering many times if what I was reading was really true.
It was a good read, except for the fact that he was a J. Edgar Hoover supporter, which turned my stomach, and also I thought he and Donna Reed were so good in It’s A Wonderful Life, and the way he treated her after made me very disappointed. Turns out I like him as an actor, but not as a person!!!
As a fan of It’s a Wonderful Life, I enjoyed reading this book on one of my favorite old actors.
It was ok
Thoroughly enjoyed this book as he has always been one of my favorite actors.
I don’t think that anyone who is a regular moviegoer knew exactly what Jimmy Stewart’s life was about. He was a very dynamic individual and a dedicated military man. He served our nation during World War II flying a B 24. He rose to the rank of full Colonel and retired in the United States Air Force reserve as a one star general. Please read the book very carefully because it tends to jump around a bit but very understandable. It’s a great read. L Lee Parmeter Arthor
A must-read for fans of Jimmy Stewart!