Glenn Ford: A Life [Paperback]

Glenn Ford was one of Hollywood's most popular stars and one of its most versatile and underrated actors. He was also an admirable person. He was a loving husband and father. He was kind to his friends and generous to charities. At various times, he served in the Coast Guard, the Marines and the Naval Reserve; in fact, he nearly lost his life from enemy action in Vietnam. However, he was also a serial adulterer and a distant father who could be moody, arrogant, and volatile.

Peter Ford, Glenn's son, tells this entire story in his candid biography of his famous father. Though Peter doesn't pull any punches, this is not a trashy-type memoir but a thoroughly researched and well-documented account that covers the actor's complete life, from his birth in Canada in 1916 to his death in Beverly Hills in 2006.

Within those 90 years is a continually fascinating story of a genuine movie star. Along the way, Peter gives a comprehensive account of all of his father's films and provides interesting anecdotes on the production of his most famous movies. Numerous co-stars, such as Jack Lemmon, Sidney Poitier, Debbie Reynolds, Shirley Jones and Ernest Borgnine recall working with Glenn. From such interviews as well as from contemporary reviews, the actor's extraordinary and unappreciated talent becomes clear.

Glenn's difficult relationships with personalities such as Harry Cohn, Frank Capra and Marlon Brando provide interesting reading. He remained a devoted friend to Rita Hayworth during her troubled years, when everyone else in Hollywood had deserted her. The book naturally provides intimate details on his marriage to Peter's mother, Eleanor Powell, as well as on the author's life with this famous couple, before and after their divorce. Glenn's three additional--and increasingly disastrous--marriages are also detailed. Also revealed are his affairs with numerous actresses, including--in addition to Hayworth--Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Maria Schell and a host of others. But the author never resorts to salaciousness; this isn't that kind of book.

Ironically, this famous Hollywood star who had everything was always looking for love, or something resembling it. In actuality, he had true love from Eleanor Powell but he threw it away. Eleanor gave up her successful career for Glenn but he didn't appreciate this sacrifice. He had a selfish streak that he displayed toward those closest to him while he became increasingly vulnerable to younger women who left him emotionally and financially bankrupt. Depression and alcoholism marked the slow decline of Glenn Ford's life but, fortunately, his son and daughter-in-law never deserted him.

As an author, Peter Ford displays remarkable objectivity in his descriptions of his often-difficult childhood and his fluctuating relationship with his father. He has a relaxed way of writing which makes the book a very satisfying read. He has the advantage of being a significant part of his subject's life but yet he still maintains a careful balance between emotion and reality. He avoids speculation and gossip and concentrates on factual detail. He details his father's faults as well as his virtues with compassion, understanding and honesty. This is a revealing, truthful and insightful biography of a Hollywood legend.

This is an extraordinary book and far exceeds the standards of the "movie star biography" genre. It is simply superb and an exemplary tribute to an actor who had been a "constant" of the American screen for decades. Well-written, interesting, honest, filled with delightful anecdotes and characters, this book is just wonderful reading.

As long as I can remember, Glenn Ford has been a "constant" of the American film. I admit I've always been a "fan," but I got that from my parents! I recall, back in the late 1940's, my parents would go to any film starring Glenn Ford because, they said, they knew it would be good. After reading this book, I realize that many of Mr. Ford's films would NOT have been considered good - except for HIS being a part of them! In truth, Glenn Ford never gave a bad performance, and he made it look easy, through seven decades of his career.

Mr. Ford's son Peter has filled his pages with the stories behind the dreams that Glenn Ford brought to the screen. He has given us a perfect portrayal of a true film icon. It is a candid and honest biography, so YES, we do see the good and the bad. And along the way, we get a sweeping and entertaining vista of the American film industry. The author's voice is natural; it's as if he were sitting in our living room and sharing stories with us. And through the author, we get to "see" the many faces of the private Glenn Ford.

It's been said that Glenn Ford was the only actor who'd be able to hold his own on the screen in "Gilda" with Rita Hayworth - and I agree. Over the years, I have come to favor film noir, and I have watched (and re-watched) many of Mr. Ford's performances - and always, I'm impressed by the "actor-chameleon" who seemed to blend effortlessly into each role. (And anyone who has ever watched "Gilda" and been intrigued by Glenn Ford's cold-sizzle glare should buy this book! The chapter entitled "Amado Mio" will be a special treat.)

Although Glenn Ford was an exceptional actor, his personality seemed to steer him sadly toward the pain of loneliness (and seeking the company of women to alleviate that loneliness). It is unfortunate that Glenn Ford, movie star, actually missed the best part of his life and true potential for happiness by not looking around him and appreciating his wonderful wife and son.

The author also does something pretty special: we get a little synopsis of many of his father's films, skillfully woven into the narrative. I now have a new list of must-see films to further enjoy the talents of a truly remarkable actor. As son and author Peter says: "A movie star never really dies ...." as long as his work remains.

To everyone - film buff - fan - or not: I say, get this book and ENJOY!

I enjoy the way this book is written. Unlike some I have read recently it does not present like a day to day diary.

A fascinating story which may surprise some, extremely readable and actually quite hard to put down. His serial womanising, his son Peter Ford does not try to paint a rosey image of the actor. He was a womaniser of olympian standars; he was hard to get to know but once you entered his inner sanctum he was a friend for life regardless. This is underlined with his treatment of Rita Hayworth in understanding the illness that eventually took her, that everyone else hardly understood or tolerated. From my own scant knowledge the story appears accurate. The only this that bothers me is his treatment of the elegant and charming dancing queen Eleanor Powell. She certainly deserved a man who was loyal and faithful and he did not even come close. For me, rather like beating up on my sister. Certainly man of many faults but considerable talent.

One of the better recent biographies. This man had a life and it is there for you to examine.