John Wayne: American by Randy Roberts, James S. Olson
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Book Reviews of John Wayne: American
Book Review: A great read about a famous star
Summary: 5 Stars
Olson and Roberts, take the myth of John Wayne and place it (him) into the proper historical context and create a vivid, complete, fascinating and ultimately revealing portrait of one of film's most famous and enduring stars.John Wayne: American, is not only about Marion Micheal Morrison, the gangly Iowa kid who grew up to become an Icon, but also about the American myth machine. Olson and Roberts include intriguing insights into the Hollywood dream factories, politics and the craft of acting.
Wayne comes off here as a suprisingly complex man who not only proved to be a fine actor but an astute business man who willingly allowed himself to be co-opted as a profitable commodity by not only the Hollywood system but by the political arena as well as the American cult of personality. Whether for well or ill, Wayne came to rdefine not only entire generations of men but also a national identity as well.
The book does honestly deal with the fact that Wayne cocooned himself within the sanctity of the manufactured image and took great pains to maintain that carefully constructed product. But what a product it was.
Olson and Roberts are reverant to their subject while managing to lend the critical eye a terrible aspect. This book is refreshing in its honesty. Admirable for its respectful treatment. And thoroughly entertaining and enlightening in its detail. Watch Wayne's films and enjoy this book.
Book Review: Read this book, Pilgrim!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had wanted to read a John Wayne biography for some time, but never got around to it until buying this book. I think I picked the right one. It is chock-full of interesting information regarding 'the Duke'. I was surprised to discover how nasty director John Ford could be to his actors, John Wayne included; and yet the two were good friends. Surely Wayne must have wanted to punch the guy out a time or two. Regarding Wayne's mother; I don't think the writers did an adequate follow through. In the first sections of the book, much was written about the relationship between mother and son, but there was no follow up later in the book. Did his mom ever come around and begin to appreciate him before she passed away, or did she remain cold and aloof until she died? As a reader, I felt like I was left hanging on this one. Otherwise, this was an excellent book, and I highly recommend it. The final sections, covering Wayne's last days were sad and disturbing, but the man left us with quite a legacy on film. There will never be another like him.Book Review: John Wayne: American is the quintessential biography about the "Duke".
Summary: 5 Stars
This is without a doubt the best biography on Duke Wayne I've ever read. The authors did extensive research as well as one-on-one interviews with many of the important people in Duke's life. I discovered a lot of information about his life that I never read in other biographies. The authors don't mince words and write the good, the bad and the ugly about his life. John Wayne: American has been printed in paperback this year, I suppose to commemorate the thirty year anniversary of his death. However, the paperback version costs as much as the hardbound version did back in '95. You should be able to find Duke's bio. at your local library, or possibly at Hamiltonbooks.com at a reasonable price. If you only read one biography about John Wayne; this is the one you should read pilgrim!Book Review: an amazing biography
Summary: 5 Stars
I am French and a huge fan of John Wayne's career.
I've found this book very complete whithout having long movies résumés.
This book is more focused on anecdotes' movies.
Moreover, the life of John Wayne is not depicted only as a pure "American" cowboy (despite the title of the book)and the authors really want to explain the choices of John Wayne in politics or in his own life whithout trying to influence the reader.
That gives us the impression that John Wayne lacked confidence in his own life but barely never in his career.
I've been reading biographies for a very long time and I can say that this biography is really well written and as I was reading it, I watched several movies with John Wayne, just for pleasure!!
Book Review: Couldn't put it down until I was finished
Summary: 5 Stars
I didnt really expect to really like this book. Being a devout John Wayne fan I was taken back by how good it was. I could't put it down until I was finish reading it. It the the best book I have ever read about John Wayne. I have let other people borrow it but I always make sure I get it back. It sits on my bear coffee table in my den along with my movies of John Ford book next to it. I am ready to read it again. It tells about all the people who acted along with John Wayne and how they were in real life, as well as John Waynes life from birth until death.The men who wrote this book spent years getting all their information together and making sure it was correct. I would suggest this book to anyone who loves the Duke. The Title says it all!