Myrna Loy: Being and Becoming

by James Kotsilibas-Davis, Myrna Loy

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Myrna Loy is an indelible star of Hollywood's golden era, enjoying an extraordinarily successful film career lasting over fifty years. Her most famous and evergreen role is perhaps as Nora Charles in the long-running Thin Man series of films, gilding her screen persona as 'the perfect wife'. Myrna Loy's early life was, spent in Montana. After relocating to California, her talent for dancing and her personal charm soon brought her to the attention of Hollywood, where she began appearing in show more movies in 1925. In addition to detailing her hard-working acting career, she talks openly of her close friendships with her leading men, as well as stars such as Joan Crawford (whom she met as a youngster in a chorus line). Along the way, we hear personal reminiscences of Myrna from many luminaries, Gary Cooper (a fellow Montanan), William Powell, Loretta Young, Clark Gable, Rosalind Russell and Burt Reynolds among them. An equally important part of Myrna Loy's life was, built around her political passions, supporting the UN and Democratic presidential candidates from Truman onwards. Myrna Loy is a luminous and inspirational twentieth-century figure, a champion of humanity as well as a great film star. If there is one word that sums her up, it is 'exemplary'. This new edition of her memoir features an introduction by film historian Imogen Sara Smith. show less

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Myrna Loy has always been a delight - especially in her role as Nora Charles in the Thin Man films. However, her autobiography shows a lady who, while starring with the likes of Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and William Powell - was an intelligent lady who made a significant contribution in her work for the United Nations. She describes her pioneer predecessors in Montana and how she made the move to California and her early film roles where she was always cast as some Oriental vamp. When she got her contract with MGM - her comedic abilities were taken advantage of in The Thin Man films as well as films with Gable and Grant. She lets us know what it is like working with these gigantic stars and her been known as The Perfect Wife. show more Interestingly, she was married four times and it appears that each husband was intimidated by her stardom and her intelligence. During WWII she became involved in politics, eventually working with the UN and making significant contributions. She eventually became involved in live performances and successfully toured in numerous productions including Barefoot in the Park. It was a good autobiography and I liked hearing about all 3 sides of her life - her film career, her political work, and her stage career.. With her description of the McCarthy Communist hearings, I can't imagine what she would think about today's divisive politics. show less

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Common Knowledge

People/Characters
Myrna Loy
Original language
English

Classifications

Genres
Biography & Memoir, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
791.43Arts & recreationRecreation, sports, and performing artsPublic performancesMotion pictures, radio, television, podcastingMotion pictures
LCC
PN2287 .L67 .K68Language and LiteratureLiterature (General)Literature (General)DramaDramatic representation. The theaterSpecial regions or countries
BISAC

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134
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242,791
Reviews
1
Rating
(4.00)
Languages
English
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
8
ASINs
2