Life Is Too Short

Mickey Rooney's 1993 autobiography is equally divided between his show biz memories and tales of his romantic exploits. He love of performing began when he first performed in vaudeville at the age of two. On to Hollywood, where he found steady work in silent pictures and became a box-office hit with the Andy Hardy movies and his musicals with Judy Garland. In the fifties, his star dimmed, but he has kept working and says he'll never retire. Rooney writes with surprisingly little hubris and is honest about his addictions to drugs, gambling, and women. He married eight times but also romanced just about every beautiful woman he met. The book is chatty and energetic and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. There are many movie and personal photos. Fans of Mickey and those interested in the golden age of Hollywood will enjoy this upbeat memoir.

For any fan of Hollywood's Golden Age, Mickey Rooney's LIFE IS TOO SHORT is a good read. As expected, Mickey covers in detail his relationships with Judy Garland, Louis B. Mayer and his eight wives. Every so often though, Rooney goes a bit too far. His detailed description of first wife Ava Gardner's privates and how she used them in bed were tasteless, as are the stories of teenaged Mick's first trip to a Hollywood bordello in the company of Milton Berle and his chance encounter with a naked Tallulah Bankhead doing something to her girlfriend. Also unnecessary was a mention of Judy Garland's brief affair with another woman. Less-prurient tabloid-type info concerns the agent who bilked Rooney out of a few million dollars, the woefully underpaid actor's battles with MGM for equitable compensation (a struggle he never did win), his abuse of alcohol and pills, and the murder of Mickey's fifth wife at the hands of an illicit lover. Put together, all of the above tantalizing tidbits wouldn't fill a single chapter in this 340 page* story of a most remarkable life. The general tone is upbeat-- one of perseverence and personal triumph. Rooney's advice to one and all in this book's last few paragraphs is both simple yet sage and is clearly gained from a long, eventful and occasionally painful life. The FOREVER YOUNG: Mickey Rooney 4 Movie Pack offers up an Andy Hardy film, a western, a crime drama and a racecar film, all starring this cinematic giant. *hardcover

I enjoy this book on Mickey ROoney's life. Sure, he wasn't and isn't perfect, but who is? He truly is a wonderful man and living legend. He truly has seen and done it all and is still doing it. This book tells all about his career and life in Mickey's own way. He truly is a jewel. An american treasure. We love you Mick!

Mickey Rooney is a force to be reckoned with. He began his career on the stage; both of his parents were performers. As a toddler, he looked more like a midget than a baby, so he was cast in various roles as such. Hal Roach's Little Rascals series' popularity gave reason for Rooney to star in his own series as a kid as Mickey McGuire. Later, he moved his way into the "in" crowd, rubbing elbows with some of the most famous names in classic Hollywood. A B-picture that took America by storm, however, cemented his fame as the mischievious son of a judge with a heart of gold. Mickey Rooney became Andy Hardy in the hearts and minds of millions and also began his long companionship with Judy Garland. When WWII came, Rooney joined up to entertain the troops. Afterward, he juggled his way through eight wives and a downward spiral that left him struggling to revive his career. This book has certain elements that make it seem like a tell-all biography, but it is also good at covering the areas that most readers are interested in. Rooney's vibrant personality shines through the entire book and really helps it flow. The chapters are short too. It is obvious that Rooney is a conflicted person, but also that he truly loves performing and the people he was associated with through his life. His love for Garland shines brightly and makes one wonder if she was the love of his life only he didn't notice until it was too late. Rooney is not bitter about his many wives; he never says anything to tarnish their names and he accepts blame for the failure of the relationships. Overall, this is an honest, entertaining, and enjoyable book.

This book is wonderfully written and there isn't a boring moment. You will discover facts about this legendary actor that will make your mouth drop open. If you are a die hard Mickey Rooney fan, you will be undoubtedly entertained.