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Cary Grant

A Class Apart

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Cary Grant

Written by: Graham McCann
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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About this listen

For two moviegoing generations, Cary Grant was class—an effortless embodiment of gentlemanly grace and humor. But Cary Grant’s greatest achievement was in creating himself and the irresistible character he became. In this savvy, fascinating portrait, McCann tracks the transformation of a life and looks closely at the sources of Cary Grant’s charms, which did not come easily. Generously filled with anecdotes about fellow actors and directors, a realistic portrait of a complicated man emerges. And although Grant was criticized for remaining in Hollywood during World War II, it now seems that he may have worked as a special agent for British Intelligence: in 1947, Grant was awarded the King’s Medal for Service in the Cause for Freedom, an honor that was not made public at the time.

One of classic Hollywood’s definitive leading men, Cary Grant was named one of the greatest male stars of all time by the American Film Institute. This biography yields a new appreciation of his work and his persona, which was at once familiar, yet always enigmatic, even to those who knew him best.

Graham McCann was educated at King’s College, Cambridge. His books include Marilyn Monroe: The Body in the Library, Woody Allen: New Yorker, and Rebel Males: Clift, Brando, and Dean. A fellow and lecturer at Cambridge for twelve years, he now writes full time.

©1996 Graham McCann (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Celebrity King Witty Royalty Comedy Celebrity Bio

What the critics say

“A terrific biography that explores the origins and dazzle of Grant’s class act.” ( Elle)
“McCann’s outstanding achievement is his analysis of Grant’s singular and lasting appeal as a classy but classless star.” ( Booklist)
“A delightful appreciation of the archetypal movie star…In a pleasing mix of life story and film analysis, [McCann] meditates on the idea of Cary Grant and the actual person…Neat, well researched, and witty, the book earns respect for the author and a familiar wry smile at its reincarnation of Cary Grant.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

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Creditable Retrospective

Do not download this book looking for sensational revelations, roiling controversies, or even unusually effective writing. What you will get is an enjoyable competent Biography about the efforts of a handsome, talented, working class Bristol kid (Archibald Alec Leach) inventing a Hollywood icon: 'Cary Grant'.
Author Graham McCann does a nice job making it clear that the 'Grant' character evolved throughout his on-screen career.. mainly by using excerpted dialogue from films (including Leach's often brilliant ad-libbing). He also admirably attempts to balance the thesis by looking at Leach's personal life to pick out seminal events that may have informed the character (e.g. struggles on the Vaudeville circuit, divorces, and dabbling with LSD in the 60s). Unfortunately, Grant/Leach's personal life is both fiercely secretive and *largely* mundane - we are consequently left with the on-screen persona to draw conclusions.
The book is well-researched, well-written, and reasonably insightful - I think I "know" Grant/Leach better having read/listened to the book. It's an undeniably effective Biography.. but McCann overuses the script excerpts (there are DOZENS of them) to the point that the book too often feels repetitive.

Reader Grover Gardner turns in a typical professional performance - exhibiting exemplary diction & pacing, comfortable timbre & cadence, and an interested tone. Blackstone Audio also generally contributes great technical support - but fail to cut out prompts like "End of Side One. Flip Cassette to Side Two.." once or twice. The editing is straight-up lazy.
Altogether, the audio quality is "passable".

Given the pedestrian content, occasionally tiresome execution, and indifferent production standards, this iteration of 'Cary Grant: A Class Apart' is appropriately offered as a 'Plus' selection. The recording is worth a listen, but if Audible asks for a Credit, you could find better than this 7/10 star offering.

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