sagebrush522 Posted April 16, 2005 Share Posted April 16, 2005 Has anyone read this book? I'm thinking of buying it and would appreciate opinions on it's accuracy and thoroughness. Thanks, Ariel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandykaypax Posted May 6, 2005 Share Posted May 6, 2005 I am about halfway through The Bennetts right now. It is very readable and seems very well-researched. Of course, I am not an expert on the Bennett family, so I can't vouch for the absolute accuracy of the book, but it seems as though the author knows his stuff. I would recommend it. Sandy K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silentfan66 Posted May 7, 2005 Share Posted May 7, 2005 I just finished reading this book a couple of weeks ago and thought it was wonderful. I won't spoil anything for you but...boy that Constance was a whiz banger, wasn't she? Frankly, I came away from the book not caring for her too much. The author also seemed to dwell on Joan quite a bit, I would say the book is at least 40% Joan. If you read it sagebrush522, let us know what you think. I just got ahold of the Gavin Lambert bio of Norma Shearer from eBay - and it's well worth the moolah I shelled out! Though I must say, I got it way cheaper than any other used outlet online. I'm also currently reading a William S Hart bio, an Edmund Goulding bio, and a Peggy Ann Garner bio. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgedrv Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 I liked this book very much. I laugh at one of the stories about Constance Bennett regarding the making of MADAME X. Producer Ross Hunter originally wanted Kay Francis (this would have been great) or Myrna Loy who both turned this down so Hunter selected Bennett to play John Forsythe's mother. Ms. Bennett looked great having just had a face lift. Designer Jean Louis took a look at her and told Hunter we will have to age her a bit and add padding. Bennett refused, more or less saying what you see is what you get. It didn't help that star Lana Turner had gained some weigh over the years. However, it turned out Bennett came off looking years younger than Turner. Turner was furious and the two stars did not get along in the making of this film. I remember first seeing this film at a theatre and the audience gasped as Forsythe introduced Bennett as his mother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
path40a Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 Interesting that Robert Osborne related the same story last night when he introduced "Madame X" at 10:15 PM ET, without the info about Kay Francis or Myrna Loy. Thanks for sharing edge! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhryun Posted May 10, 2005 Share Posted May 10, 2005 Silentfan, I think that you will enjoy the Gavin Lambert bio of Norma Shearer very much. He mixes a healthy dose of compassion blended with perspective for his subject and her times. Could you please tell me the title of the Edmund Goulding biography that you mentioned? I'd like to hunt it down if I could, as I found his work to be interesting, particularly "Dawn Patrol", "Dark Victory" "The Razor's Edge" and "Nightmare Alley". Thanks in advance for any assistance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moviejoe79 Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 Yes, I have to agree with Moira about the Gavin Lambert bio of Norma Shearer - it is EXCELLENT! In fact, I would say it's the best bio I've ever read of any star. And thanks guys for your great info on the Bennett's book. I'm definitely going to try and get my hands on a copy now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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