Montgomery Clift: A Biography

by Patricia Bosworth

Book Overview

"...Because of Bosworth's artistry, her ability to choose the right details, and her own immersion in the subject...?this book? is an amazing excursion into a life." -New York Times Book Review "It... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0151621233
• ISBN13: 9780151621231
• Release Date: March 1978
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt P
• Length: 438 Pages
• Weight: 1.53 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An enigma of a man

That brooding sad beautiful actor fully exposed. Insight into his sadness and the demons that haunted him. He was a brilliant actor, suffering from so many secrets. If you are a Monty fan, this is a must read.

I'm So Sorry

I'm not at all attracted to biographies of Hollywood stars although I must have read at least one of the many bios of Marilyn Monroe. Ms Patricia Bosworth's biography of Montgomery Clift got such universal praise I decided to give it a go. Having read the book I now understand why she was heaped with praise. It is, quite simply, one of the most compelling bigraphies I have ever read, a story of beauty, privilege and talent gone seriously wrong. Ms Bosworth unfolds the story of Clift's life at a wonderful pace in clear, strong language that gave me the sense of being in Monty's presence not being removed at a distance observing him. She takes us through all of the triumphs and tragedies of his life supported by an interesting cast of mid-20th century characters ( both famous and unknown) with an even hand and a fine eye for detail. I couldn't help liking Clift although by the conclusion of his life he was so screwed up that there wasn't much of a person left. Bosworth completely engaged me from beginning to end with this tragic life story and by the time I was finished I wept saying out loud "I'm so sorry", "I'm so sorry". Highly recommended!

Fascinating Bio for new fans and diehards, alike

Bosworth has written a comprehensive and highly readable biography of this immensely talented and troubled actor. A compelling page turner with plenty of interesting photographs, too, this juicy read presents a balanced, objective look at one of the 20th Century's most intriguing artists. Whether you have an extensive or only passing knowledge of Montgomery Clift, you will find his story worth reading...along with one of the most colorful supporting casts in modern history! A note to the editor: there are several typos in this edition! How the heck does that happen???

Great book whether you like Monty or not.

Donald Spoto, a great and prolific biographer himself, informed me that Bosworth's 'Clift' biography was one of the greatest he has ever read and highly recommended it. Not a particular lover of Clift onscreen I was reluctant at first and decided to simply peruse the first few pages. Well, I ripped through it and found myself referencing it in conversation daily. An expression, "Getting Monty" has evolved in my household whenever the type of excessive behavior begins that Bosworth puts into words so beautifully. Great sources, personal and respectful and not overly reverant this book is riveting whether you love Monty or not. A great insight into how acting and persona bleed together to create presence. I can still give or take the actor...but not the man.

Biography Review

I am generally not a fan of biographies about famous people. This one, however, really grabbed me. I thought I knew a lot about Montgomery Clift, but after reading this book, I realized I really didn't know that much. The author has a way of pulling the reader in, like you're right there watching everything happening. Once I started, I didn't want to put it down. If you're a Montgomery Clift fan, I would HIGHLY recommend this book.

Brutally honest, Compasionate, and Engulfing.

Montgomery Clift. It evokes such powerful images and connotations. The name itself sounds like royalty. The man it belonged to in many ways lived up to such regal ideals. Part of a midwestern family like so many famous actors, his childhood was quite exotic; traveling abroad and learning the ways of the world. The rest of his life only got more exciting. Up to the very minute of his death, Monty was a source of intrigue and respect. Paving the way bravely for Brando and Dean, Clift came first with an honesty that riveted onlookers of all kinds. His strength and helplessness, rebelious yet ingratiating, awoke the world around him to a new kind of man, and a new way of life. Patricia Bosworth does a splendid job in making every moment of Clift's life easily accesible to the reader. The book begins with a hearty(but pleasant) family history going back two generations. For those who've found other star bios uneventful and boring during the "growing up" chapters (namely because the actor was an ordinary kid), here you will find the opposite. Almost from birth Monty's days were unpredictable and full of travel and minor adventure. His acting ability was recognized early and a career followed quickly. The book itself is large indeed-some might find it excessive. But considering this will be most readers first look into Monty's life (their first bio on him), it comes across moreso as just very thorough. Ms. Bosworth's literary craft is quite exquisite, thus making the already fascinating story a joy to read. Following his every triumph and failure with equal attention, one gets a sense of who the man was-not just the celebrity. In fact his personal life makes up 85-90% of the book; as it should! Of course there is more than enough time devoted to the events during his Plays and Films-but it's not simply a shooting schedule pasted into the book. The process of Monty's growth personally and professionaly-and the connection between both-is painted beautifully in the words. One sees also the source and always present fuel of his trademark "turmoil"-that wounded sense that drew audiences and still does. There are no cliche`s to find-no tabloid generated fallacies in the telling of this life. Only a full circle understanding of not only the subject's life, but how to tell it rightly. There are always those readers wanting little more than a brief overview of someone-'was he gay, was he strait, how much money, who'd he know,when'd he die'. But even those readers should surrender some time for this book and let it engulf you. Naturally all those highlighted points are covered-but in a surprisingly respectful and yet also brutally honest portrayal. This book is a quinessential addition to any personal library-especially one containing biographies-and is a masterful collection of one man's life's events. Truly a great book.