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Overview
For countless millions, Humphrey Bogart's screen performances and real-life persona merged to make him one of the world's most fabled figures - a legend of mythic proportions. Or, as his Sam Spade would have put it - the stuff that dreams are made of. But for his only son, Stephen, eight years old in 1957 when his father died of lung cancer, Humphrey Bogart's giant shadow was a burden he carried until he finally came to understand the private man behind his father's public face. And now, in this candid and insightful biography, Stephen Bogart explores and illuminates Humphrey Bogart's life, work, and relationships as they never have been before. Writing with the encouragement of his famous mother, Lauren Bacall, Stephen calls on his memories, and takes full advantage of the extraordinary access he has had to friends and colleagues of his father. The result is an intimate and personal profile of an enigmatic man whose tough image contrasted with very human ambitions and vulnerabilities. It is also a vastly entertaining book, filled with fascinating stories involving Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn, "Swifty" Lazar, John Huston, Stephen Bogart's stepfather, Jason Robards, and many others.For Stephen Bogart, making sense of and peace with the father he lost at an early age has led him down a path of understanding that he now reveals to readers. This candid, wise biography explores Humphrey Bogart's history as actor, man, husband, and father. From its pages emerges a character who is both keenly human and bigger than life. 32 pages of photos.
Editorials
Library Journal
It was probably inevitable that Bogart, who recently broke into the fiction ranks with Play It Again (Prepub Alert, LJ 12/94), would profile his legendary father. In Bogart, he draws upon interviews with Lauren Bacall, Katharine Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, and other Hollywood luminaries.Donna Seaman
Stephen, the son of Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart, a television producer, and the author of the mystery "Play It Again" , decided to try to resolve some of his anger toward his father by writing this somewhat clunky but nonetheless revealing memoir. He tries to convey how heavy a burden it is to be the child of celebrities and we believe him, but obviously that's the only reason anyone would read this book. Another problem is the fact that Bogart died when his son was only eight years old. But Stephen has augmented his few memories with a number of touching and often amusing stories he elicited from Bogart's friends and associates. A "world-class needler," Bogart adored Bacall, sailing, and alcohol. He came to fatherhood rather late in life, after three previous marriages, and, his friends report, was genuinely puzzled by his son and daughter, much as he loved them. Stephen's portrait of his father does grow vivid by the book's conclusion, making this an easy read that will please movie buffs.Book Details
Published
December 31, 1995
Publisher
Thorndike, Me., USA : G.K. Hall ; 1996, c1995.
Pages
385
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780783814827