Norma Shearer: A Biography

by Gavin Lambert

Book Overview

A richly told biography of the Hollywood star--MGM's queen of the lot--who came to embody elegance and sophisticated charm on the screen of the 1930's and 40's. Illustrated.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394551583
• ISBN13: 9780394551586
• Release Date: May 1990
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
• Length: 381 Pages
• Weight: 1.74 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Another Tour de Force from Gavin Lambert

Norma Shearer was incredibly private, and her children continued the tradition. Even her widower didn't want to talk to Mr. Lambert, saying that Norma's life was a closed chapter. You can imagine how daunting it would be to put together a complete biography of such a person, yet Lambert manages it in a way that is scholarly, objective and compulsively readable. Norma was complex. She had insecurities and was mercurial at times. Her marriage to Irving Thalberg, while a loving one, was not terribly passionate (the description of their courtship is one of the many highlights of this superb book). Her relationship with her children was difficult in the extreme. Lambert manages to describe all of this while looking at all sides of the issues faced by the family members. Fascinating reading, and I'm so glad I was able to get my hands on a copy. It will rest on my shelf with a very few other well-written biographies.

Norma Shearer; the First Great Actress

Excellent account of Hollywood's first major leading lady. A lady of intelligence, glamour and beauty. This biography captures her allure as well as depicting the Hollywood studio system of the 1930s and 40s.

Queen of the Complicated Women!

This is a must-read for anyone interested in early Hollywood, when stars had class. Norma Shearer is not as well remembered as she should be today, but after reading this book, you will be craving for more! This book is the best source there is out there for a look at this Queen of the MGM Lot (as she was called during her reign throughout the '30's) even though it has flaws. It gets some details of her career wrong, but the overall sense is that this is someone who accomplished a lot in terms of roles for women during the pre-code era of film. She played sophisticated society ladies who were just a bit naughty and flirtatious (and unapologetic!) She is worth remembering, so please seek out this book where you can find a copy and realize what those of us who have been captured by her star quality already know.......she was a star like no one else!I also recommend a companion book to this(or if you can't locate a copy) Mick LaSalle's Complicated Women. He explains the glory that is Norma better than anyone can!

A Must Read ReDiscovery of "The First Lady of MGM"

Gavin Lambert's "Norma Shearer: A Life" is the definitive biography of MGM's brightest star of the 1930's who is currently being rediscovered by the American viewing public. Lambert weaves actual interviews with Miss Shearer, conducted before her death, with the story of her humble beginnings in Canada. The author particularly proves that Miss Shearer had tremendous drive and eagerness to be a star, Thalberg marriage or not, and did not receive nearly the advantages that legend has created. Mr. Lambert does not try to hide Miss Shearer's mistakes, but instead gives a balanced and fair picture of a remarkable, yet complex woman. A fascinating must read for any film buff...

Definitive biography of a Star!

This is a fascinating look at the life of one of the most memorable stars of the 30's. Chronicles her life from her humble beginings to her arrival in Hollywood and her marriage to Irving Thalberg. Richly detailed, including interviews with Ms. Shearer done just before her death. Anyone with an interest in Ms. Shearer, or movie buffs in general, will fnd this book a delightful read. Illustrated throughout with exclusive photos of Ms. Shearer and her family. I highly recommend this book and it is well worth the search to find an out-of-print copy.