Biography: Cary Grant

Biography on Video

More Biographies Here

Amazon.com
Onscreen, Cary Grant evolved into an idealized male, at once virile and elegant, irresistibly handsome yet disarmingly self-deprecating. From a
1930s approximation of beefcake in early speaking roles opposite Mae West through his revelatory success in screwball comedies and inevitable box-office triumph as a romantic lead, Grant sustained an inner core of good humor and intelligence. If those qualities were authentic, however, this matinee idol's debonair persona was itself an act of dramatic self-invention, as this reliably well-paced, balanced Biography episode explains.
Grant's air of continental refinement masked his considerably more humble origins as Archie Leach, a Bristol, England, native who entered vaudeville as a teenager and acquired his signature polish through personal ambition rather than social privilege. Traveling to the U.S. to appear onstage in New York, the once and future Grant cast a wistful eye on the burgeoning movie business in Hollywood, then did something about it; given Grant's apprenticeship in vaudeville, it was not surprising that he should transcend his early sell as a boy toy to become a skilled farceur.

This profile follows Grant's career triumphs, including his graceful maturation onscreen, as well as his more questing nature offscreen. Early romances, multiple marriages, experimentation with LSD during its clinical therapeutic applications during the 1950s, and Grant's post-Hollywood career as a businessman are all covered.
From the back cover
He ran away from home at age thirteen to become a song-and-dance man, and this marked the beginning of one of the most celebrated careers in show business history. Through his portrayals in more than seventy films, Cary Grant defined the image of the witty, urbane man-about-town. Yet off-screen the actor who made women swoon struggled with romance--marrying four times throughout his life. From his working-class upbringing in Britain to his "honorary Oscar" in 1970, Biography explores Grant's life and career. From candid interviews with Peter Bogdanovich, John Forsyth and Douglas Fairbanks Jr., along with film clips form She Done Him Wrong, Bringing Up Baby, North by Northwest and other films that capture his on-screen magic, Cary Grant is revealed as a beloved film star and friend. Equally adept at comedy, suspense and drama, Grant exemplified suave and debonaire in every move.

Dr. Holleman Booksellers

contact

Amazon.com Hot 100
The 100 titles Amazon.com customers couldn't live without in the last 24 hours. Updated hourly.

Amazon.com Hot 100
Save up to 30% on the 100 bestselling music CD's at Amazon.com. Updated hourly.

Music Essentials

Our recommendations for the best CD's from the best artists.
Whether you're thinking of exploring an unfamiliar style or already building a focused collection, our Essentials pages can streamline your musical search. From alternative music to zydeco, bebop to hip-hop, the Essentials will lead you to the hundreds of artists and thousands of recordings that matter.

Amazon.com is pleased to have Dr. Holleman Booksellers in the family of Amazon.com associates. We've agreed to ship products and provide customer service for orders we receive through special links on Dr. Holleman Booksellers. Amazon.com associates list selected books and music in an editorial context that helps you make the right choice. We encourage you to shop at Dr. Holleman Booksellers often to see what new items they've selected for you. Thank you for shopping with an amazon.com associate. Sincerely, Jeff Bezos, President Amazon.com