Myrna loy biography book
Myrna Loy: Being and Becoming
March 10, 2017
One of the best autobiographies I've read in some time. Although James Kotsilibas-Davis provides the guidance of the narrative., it is Myrna Loy's voice throughout that made this seem as if I was sitting down with her and having a fascinating conversation (in addition to being able to look through her scrapbooks).
Those unfamiliar with Myrna Loy will likely recognize her from many "exotic" roles in the 1930's and as the delectable Nora Charles opposite William Powell in THE THIN MAN movie series. I was also taken with her in one of my favorite comedies, LIBELED LADY. She had a charm and beauty on-screen that was endearing. Decades later, I found myself imagining what married life would be with her!
It was a delight to read her perspective on so many famous people, sometimes in contradiction to the prevailing opinion (such as Joan Crawford). I've read a number of reviews that criticized her for being too nice, and she never turns her comments into a gossip-fest. But, there were people who greatly troubled her (Greta Garbo comes immediately to mind), and she doesn't hesitate to explain her feelings.
Although known as a Hollywood Star, she was very active in social justice issues including the early days of the United Nations. A liberal Democrat, she campaigned for those who she thought could make a difference and refused to remain silent when people with limited power were being abused. Indeed, her outspokenness made her one of the few survivors of the Communist witch-hunt who emerged remarkably unscathed (and, no, she was not a Communist).
Greatly influenced by her heritage, she was a person who went after what she wanted instead of waiting for it to be handed to her. Consequently, she became the first major Hollywood Star to break a studio contract ... and win. Her down-to-earth commentary was a delight, and her appreciation of her audience was sincere.
She knew so many famous people in all walks of life, and she provides glimpses into what they were like in their more unguarded moments. I was enthralled. And the pictures shared were delightful.
Late in the book, she comments on politicians and the public perception of them. "The tragedy is that thinking men, so-called intellectuals, seem to threaten the electorate. We have in his country an anti-intellectual strain that scares the bejesus out of me. Don't we want a bright man? Don't we want a creative man? Must we always have these hacks?"
Wow.
At one point, she bemoans all of the social program advances that new administrations immediately reverse. However, she also points out that these tend to be temporary set-backs and that we eventually return to the course of looking out for each other.
BEING AND BECOMING was like having the opportunity to talk with Myrna Loy. I always looked forward to the next conversation.
Highly recommended.
Those unfamiliar with Myrna Loy will likely recognize her from many "exotic" roles in the 1930's and as the delectable Nora Charles opposite William Powell in THE THIN MAN movie series. I was also taken with her in one of my favorite comedies, LIBELED LADY. She had a charm and beauty on-screen that was endearing. Decades later, I found myself imagining what married life would be with her!
It was a delight to read her perspective on so many famous people, sometimes in contradiction to the prevailing opinion (such as Joan Crawford). I've read a number of reviews that criticized her for being too nice, and she never turns her comments into a gossip-fest. But, there were people who greatly troubled her (Greta Garbo comes immediately to mind), and she doesn't hesitate to explain her feelings.
Although known as a Hollywood Star, she was very active in social justice issues including the early days of the United Nations. A liberal Democrat, she campaigned for those who she thought could make a difference and refused to remain silent when people with limited power were being abused. Indeed, her outspokenness made her one of the few survivors of the Communist witch-hunt who emerged remarkably unscathed (and, no, she was not a Communist).
Greatly influenced by her heritage, she was a person who went after what she wanted instead of waiting for it to be handed to her. Consequently, she became the first major Hollywood Star to break a studio contract ... and win. Her down-to-earth commentary was a delight, and her appreciation of her audience was sincere.
She knew so many famous people in all walks of life, and she provides glimpses into what they were like in their more unguarded moments. I was enthralled. And the pictures shared were delightful.
Late in the book, she comments on politicians and the public perception of them. "The tragedy is that thinking men, so-called intellectuals, seem to threaten the electorate. We have in his country an anti-intellectual strain that scares the bejesus out of me. Don't we want a bright man? Don't we want a creative man? Must we always have these hacks?"
Wow.
At one point, she bemoans all of the social program advances that new administrations immediately reverse. However, she also points out that these tend to be temporary set-backs and that we eventually return to the course of looking out for each other.
BEING AND BECOMING was like having the opportunity to talk with Myrna Loy. I always looked forward to the next conversation.
Highly recommended.
Best seller books biographies 1,597 books based on 2995 votes: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbran Home My Books.