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Jimmy Stewart

The Truth Behind the Legend

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Jimmy Stewart

Written by: Michael Munn
Narrated by: Mark Whitten
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In this definitive biography of one of Hollywood's most beloved stars, Michael Munn reveals the truth behind the diffident, earnest and kindly persona of Jimmy Stewart. Drawn from the author's formal interviews and informal meetings with the star and his friendship with Stewart's wife, Gloria, is this portrait of a man who came from the Presbyterian traditions of Pennsylvania to become one of the silver screen's enduring legends.

An openly right-wing Conservative and super-patriot, Stewart worked for the FBI at the behest of J. Edgar Hoover, directing his undercover sleuthing to crack organised crime in Hollywood. But he was unscrupulously manipulated by the president into flushing out Communists from the film industry. Among these revelations, there are also tales of heady love affairs, hookers and hoodlums, and of Stewart's run-in with the most dangerous of all gangsters, Benjamin 'Bugsy' Sigal. Accusations of racism are explored, as is Stewart's notoriously volatile temper. There is a comprehensive account of his experiences as a colonel in the US Air Force in World War Two - and, of course, there are the films: It's a Wonderful Life, The Greatest Show on Earth, Rear Window, the westerns and his Academy Awards.

©2013 Michael Munn (P)2013 Audible, Inc.
Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity US Air Force Air Force
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Basically, A Compilation Of Great Anecdotes

British Entertainment Author Michael Munn doesn't really "write" this book.. rather stringing direct quotes from Jimmy Stewart, wife Gloria Stewart, and close friends like Henry Fonda & Burgess Meredith together into a straight chronological documentary of the legendary actor's life.
Munn touches on some of the more "controversial" elements of Jimmy Stewart's character (e.g. early womanizing; a dangerous temper; confrontations with 'Bugsy' Siegel and Hollywood Mobsters; quasi-racist deep-seated WASP attitudes, and his commie-hunting at the behest of J. Edgar Hoover in the late 40s) - but mainly paints a convincing picture of a fine patriotic American and a unique talent.

Narrator Mark Whitten was an excellent choice of narrator for this project. There is nothing particularly impressive about his diction, timbre, cadence, and tone - but he does an outstanding job of delivering distinctive voices for the quote-heavy text (his impression of Jimmy Stewart's immediately recognizable drawl, for example, is understated and bang-on accurate).

Altogether, this audiobook rates 8.5 stars out of 10. I feel very fortunate to have gotten this book as part of the 'Plus' initiative (part of my subscription) - because this excellent collection of reminiscences about a truly admirable figure would merit a Credit.

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