Kirk Douglas (1916–2020)

Another hidden treasure found at the semi-annual "Friends of the Library" book sale. I didn't know until I came across this novel, that Kirk Douglas was also an author. I wasn't sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. "Last Tango in Brooklyn" was a well-written novel. The characters were engaging, yet those of ordinary people, the plot was original, and the settings were well described. The ending left me wanting more. However, it worked for the storyline. I'll definitely look show more for more of Mr. Douglas' novels. show less

I read this book purely for the novelty of it - a famous actor writing poetry? Who doesn't want to know what THAT sounds like? And let's be honest - I don't expect him to be a contender for Poet Laureate any time soon. But the poems are sweet and heartfelt, and each carries with it a snapshot of what has been a fantastically complex and interesting life. My only real complaint is that I wish the book had been longer - Douglas comes across as warm and funny, and I would have enjoyed hearing show more more stories from his 97 years. Recommended for Kirk Douglas fans or Hollywood fans.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.) show less

I really enjoyed this candid memoir. Kirk recalls his movies (Paths to Glory, Lust for Life being among his faves) and striving for artistic success. Stage (playacting) seems to have been at his heart and beyond his reach. Promiscuity, poor business decisions (trusting the wrong accountant) and dysfunctional relationship with his father are among the personal details he reveals. Coming around through the interesting filming details (no fear in doing his own stunts, John Wayne's fragile show more masculinity) he lands where he long wanted: a better father than he had and proud of his sons he is on good terms with.

There is a lot hear about the McCarthy-era blacklisting "The Unfriendly Ten" and Dalton Trumbo. Reading of this red-baiting, feels similar to today's what, woke-baiting? Antifa-baiting?

This is one of the memoirs of this era that points out there was a Communist and non-Communist Left, generally at war with each other. show less

This couple’s book chronicles the ardent, if sometimes stormy, relationship between two strong personalities. Kirk is the son of a hard-drinking Jewish immigrant ragman and junk collector, Anne is the daughter of a prosperous German family. During his 60- year film career, Kirk was frequently away for long periods on location shoots and they wrote to each other constantly. Anne kept every letter, both ways, and preserved them in their wine cellar. Letters include facts about Kirk’s show more infidelities with various movie queens as well as affairs of fellow stars, sparing few graphic details. The couple also wrote about their friendship with U.S. presidents and their wives – from The Kennedy’s and Johnson’s to the Reagan’s and the Obama’s.
After 49 years of marriage, Anne decided on her own, to convert to Judaism. At their 50th wedding anniversary celebration, she announced, “Kirk has been married to two shiksas. It’s time he got a nice Jewish girl.”
The couple takes particular pride in their Douglas Foundation which has contributed some $120 million for charitable projects, among them numerous playgrounds in the U.S. and Israel. show less