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All That Heaven Allows
All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson | Mark Griffin
4 posts | 3 read | 3 to read
SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE The definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywoods Golden Age. Devastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the 50s and 60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood. As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the 70s and 80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans. The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother. Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studios resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudsons wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality. As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic. Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history. Author Mark Griffin provides new details concerning Hudsons troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudsons classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.
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LyndyG
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“Someone asked me once what my philosophy of life was, and I said some crazy thing. I should have said, how the hell do I know?”

Biography and memoir is a genre I typically don‘t visit, but when I do, I‘m never disappointed. I loved this book, and spent about 14 hours wishing I could give this guy a hug. I‘m really looking forward to the next couple of weeks when I inevitably watch every Rock Hudson film.

DAB I think every woman wanted to give him a hug for a whole different reason. Now I have to check this out. Thanks 😉 4y
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MrT
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2020 Reads continued....

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Susannah
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Mehso-so

Try as he might, author Mark Griffin doesn‘t provide any new insights into Rock Hudson in this new biography. He simultaneously echoes many of the details of Robert Hofler‘s salacious biography of Hudson‘s slimy agent, Henry Willson; glances off the actual relationships Hudson had; and gives short shrift to Hudson‘s professional career in movies and TV. At almost 500 pages, I expected better. Much better. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reecaspieces I found this to be extremely slow. Glad you so so liked it. Lol. I did not finish it. 5y
Susannah @Reecaspieces I found the audiobook on Scribd so listened to much of it, which helped a lot. In my opinion, though, it also made the shortcomings of the book really stand out. 5y
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GerardtheBookworm
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Pickpick

A juicy bio of the late cinema idol Rock Hudson. From his humble beginnings to his death from AIDS complications, Rock was both a talented film star and troubled individual with a secret. Highly recommended for all you gossip hounds out there.