Cary Grant

A Biography

By: Marc Eliot

Narrated by: Marc Eliot

Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Bringing up Baby. The Philadelphia Story. North by Northwest. An Affair to Remember. When Cary Grant passed away at age 82, fans from every generation mourned. Nearly 20 years later his star shines just as brightly from television and revival-house screens; his name remains synonymous with effortless charm.

But perhaps the most remarkable fact about Grant, as renowned biographer Marc Eliot shows, is that his personal life was every bit as interesting and dramatic as that of any character he ever played. The new details Eliot has uncovered, on everything from the former Archibald Leach's troubled childhood to his ambiguous sexuality to his dabbling with LSD, will satisfy even the fan who has read everything previously available. Equally compelling is Eliot's incisive exploration of the magical amalgam of talent, looks, and charisma that made Grant a star.

©2004 Marc Eliot (P)2004 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Eliot's fascinating, sympathetic portrait is of a consummate performer who hid inner demons and used filmmaking to distance himself from reality." (Publishers Weekly)

Loved it.

Fascinating. Great detail. Well written and very well read. I enjoyed every minute and didn’t want it to end.

Creating Cary Grant

As a film critic who has spent the last two decades interviewing movie stars and directors for a PBS stations in Philadelphia, I've often been asked which star I most regret NOT interviewing. That is "Cary Grant". Perhaps the best thing I can say about this detailed, well-written, and insightful book is that I feel I've gotten to know the man who became the man we all wanted to be by listening to this fascinating tale. Some people would prefer that this charming, talented man be the perfect person offscreen as he was onscreen and at public appearances. I prefer to respect the accomplishment of "becoming Cary Grant" that the real person managed through much effort and agony. This recording is over 15 hours long, and I devoured it in 5 and 6 hour stretches within a couple of days of beginning it.

Compelling and very well researched and written

How is the fan of Cary Grandson really thought there was little lit about which I did not already know. What a surprise this book was. His long relationship with his male friend Randolph Scott was astonishing to me. I did not read about it once in the local papers. The care and the detail with which this book is written is compelling and, at times, is riveting. I strongly urge you to read this book if you have a significant compelling or even mild interest in the movies and the greatest male star of his era.

Interesting

This was full of interesting facts but added to much back story and would loose track.

Fascinating and thought provoking biography

Mark Eliot's wonderfully moving biography of the legendary actor will not disappoint Cary's fans, or readers looking for a frankly honest portrait of the man. Grant was complicated and all to human, but ultimately emerges as a dignified and thoughtful man.

"WOW"!

INSIGHTFUL. AND, VERY GOOD NARRATION- BY READER. THANK YOU! SINCERELY, FRANCISCO MEDINA PS- HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Everything you ever want to know about Cary Grant!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I actually feel sad that I've come to the end of the Cary Grant bio narrated by the author, Marc Eliot. Not only has Eliot a soothing, easy on the ears speaking voice, he gives a real insight into the inner mind of a remarkable man. He portrays Grant as he was; a true hero on film, an utter gentleman but with human flaws (like the rest of us) which challenged his romantic relationships with women due to being abandoned as a child. I couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend this bio as it shows warts and all.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cary Grant?

I've always loved Grant. I was gobsmacked when I listened to his early beginnings; and his so called abandonment by his mother. This shaped the young man into becoming a great man.

Any additional comments?

It's a must listen to!!

Very Entertaining

The amount of detail and insider information in this book is astounding. The author reads his own work in a very entertaining fashion. Absolutely entertaining read. This one made me look forward to my morning workout (that's when I can listen to audible books). I grew up watching old Cary Grant movies on TV and now I know the story behind the making of some of my favorite films. I highly recommend!

Cary Grant was Gay and other stories

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I think this is an important addition to the history of Hollywood- even if you aren't a Cary Grant fan.

What did you like best about this story?

How it brings you into Hollywood of that period. That is exactly what I wanted and that's what I got.

What aspect of Marc Eliot’s performance would you have changed?

He does a good job- it's his book he knows how to read it. He does say "Such as it was" a lot. :)

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think his relationships with women were sad. It's sad that at that time society forced him into tho

Any additional comments?

I think this is a very important, honest look at the life of a gay man in Hollywood. It left me with the sense that "gay" didn't exist in the early part of the century. You were expected to get married, have kids, etc- whether or not sexuality or sexual orientation was linked to it.

cary grant

What did you love best about Cary Grant?

fascinating story there was so much about him I did not know

What about Marc Eliot’s performance did you like?

mark eliots performance was so sincere

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

I did not want this book to ever end...and when it did I felt like I lost a friend...