Swanson on Swanson

by Gloria Swanson

Book Overview

Once the most famous woman in the world, she still found time to be a loving mother. Worshipped by the world's most dynamic men on screen, and off, and adored by no less than six husbands, directed by... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394506626
• ISBN13: 9780394506623
• Release Date: January 1980
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 535 Pages
• Weight: 2.42 lbs.

Customer Reviews

La-Swanson... Not Norma Desmond

Captivating and alluring, from beginning to end. What a life this woman had, so full of privilege and she was not ashamed to do things her way. Swanson’s, attention to detail makes one feel like your listening to her tell you her life story. I love that she does not hold back on anything, especially her affair with Kennedy. Reading her words made me wish I lived in those times. If you enjoy Hollywood history, times before rules applied, when a star was a STAR, and life was glamorous, you will enjoy this read. If you want to learn of La-Swanson, and all her fascination endeavors, and let’s not forget her diet, you will love this book.

An inspiring book about a great star!

This is one of my favorite movie star bios--Swanson was one of the biggest stars of the twenties--and when you see the photos in the book you can see why--what a gorgeous woman! This is someone who had contact with some of the biggest stars of her time--the gossip is fun! She seems quite intelligent and when her career bombed early due to scandal, she focused on other aspects of her life. Swanson tells her story in a friendly conversational tone. A good, fun read that provides information about Hollywood of the 20's and 30's.

From Clotheshorse to Insane Washup

Of all of the movie star autobiographies I've read, this one is my favorite. Gloria Swanson was a major movie star in the teens and twenties, worked with such greats as Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. DeMille, and Erich von Stroheim. She was married several times, had a famous affair with Joseph Kennedy, and concieved several children (although a few of them she did not have- they are discussed in detail in this book). She failed when the talkies came, but triumphed again in 1950 when she played Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard for which she was nominated for an Oscar. For that reason, she regained her fame, but through it all maintained a level head and a great work ethic. I personally have never been a great fan of Swanson's films outside of Sunset Boulevard; I find the plots to be contrived and dull. Because she was often used to show off the latest fashions, her roles lack in depth. However, this book made me change my mind about Gloria. As a person, she was wonderful and had more personality than all of her film roles combined. She was no great beauty, but she made up for that with her intelligence and wit. This is a long book which can be intimidating because of its size, but it is highly entertaining and informative.

Silent Screen Legend and so much more...

Gloria Swanson exuded something special from every inch of her tiny frame. Unfortunately if Gloria Swanson is known at all today, it is for her role as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" and too many people assume Gloria was Norma in real-life.Her very candid autobiography reveals a women who was more than just a clotheshorse. Her formal education was limited but like Joan Crawford who came after her, Gloria never stopped learning. Like many film stars, she endured a string of unhappy marriages and paid the price for her fame and career literally in blood.But there is much happiness in her life. Swanson was the mother of three children, an avid advocate of natural medicines and healthful living with a keen interest in the arts. Sadly, Gloria Swanson has passed on and her book is not readily available in the major bookstores. The time taken to obtain a copy for your own is well worth the price.

Swanson on Swanson

What a beautiful story about a beautiful women. One of the biggest stars of all time its true that the pictures have gotten smaller. Miss Swanson talks candidley and eloquently about her life and the early days of Hollywood. It is sad that most of these wonderful actors are now almost forgotten. If you can get your hands on a copy of this book, Do So!