David Niven recalls his time in Hollywood during its heyday. He recounts stories and anecdotes of the stars, producers, directors, tycoons and oddballs, many of whom were his friends. This description may be from another edition of this product.
There is something about the way in which David Niven writes about other people where you just know they would approve. David Niven always seemed to play the good guy, the hero, the sort of person to whom we would all wish to aspire. Writing about those people with whom he worked and came into contact was, however, a serious departure from acting - and could easily have gone so horribly wrong. In this book, however, he confirms his credentials as a writer and pours his own brand of humour onto each and every encounter he describes. Not once does he stoop to the level of gossip monger, not once does attack another person. Instead, we have a first hand account of that golden age of Hollywood written by a master wordsmith who has also mastered the art of writing humour. Was it me, or did I detect a certain disappointment from within his own relationship?, or was it that David Niven was far too much the perfect gentleman to describe such things. If you are a fan of the olden days - the golden days of Hollywood, you will enjoy this book. If you simply want a damned good read, you will enjoy this book. In fact, I cannot think of anyone who would not enjoy such an excellent product. NM
The Man could act & write!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
One of the better books to come out about the "Golden Age of Hollywood". Niven gives a good and funny look at his career and the life back in those days. (The Sad part was that a lot of pain & sadness also followed him with the death of his 1st wife in a tragic accident & then marrying the wrong 2nd wife.He also sadly worked himself to death because of his fear of poverty.) None the less a 1st rate book about a real life of the party Man & great Actor. I think that Sandhurst must be proud of him!
TERRIFIC READING
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I NEED TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. I HAVE READ THIS BOOK AND THE MOON'S A BALLOON. I got my stories mixed up in reference to the Gloria Swanson story, this was actually in The Moon's a Balloon. Bring on the Empty Horses is the book to read for hilarious stories. I know you won't be disappointed.
Find this book and you'll read it more than once!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This book and the one preceding it("The Moon's a Balloon") just might be my two favorite books, EVER. I practically insist every friend I make read them. Niven had a very unique life, and had a rare gift for story-telling that makes these books real treasures. They are laugh-out-loud, effortlessly funny stories that tell us of his entry into Hollywood (an unusual career path, it involved prohibition, fish and polo) as well as his checkered career in the military in England. I guarantee you'll read these two books over and over again. I just wish he'd written more of them!
laughter,sadness & tears this book has it all
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I READ THIS BOOK WHILE ON HOLIDAY IN MADERIA AND COULD'NT PUT IT DOWN. IT TELLS THE TRUE STORY OF HOLLYWOOD.YOU WILL LAUGH & CRY .YOU WILL FEEL SADNESS FOR PEOPLE YOU THOUGHT HAD IT ALL. THE WRITER TELLS IT AS IT IS. IF YOU LIKED THE MOONS A BALLOON YOU WILL LOVE THIS.DAVID NIVEN WILL BE REMBERED FOR HIS ACTING,WRITING & MOST OF ALL HIS COMPASSION .AN OLD BOOK BUT A MUST READ.
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