In this definitive biography of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, Michael Munn reveals the truth behind the diffident, earnest and kindly persona of Jimmy Stewart. Drawn from the author’s formal interviews and informal meetings with the star and his friendship with Stewart’s wife, Gloria, is this portrait of a man who came from the Presbyterian traditions of Pennsylvania to become one of the silver screen’s enduring legends. An openly right-wing Conservative and super-patriot, Stewart worked for the FBI at the behest of J Edgar Hoover, directing his undercover sleuthing to crack organised crime in Hollywood. But he was unscrupulously manipulated by the president into flushing out Communists from the film industry.
Among these revelations, there are also tales of heady love affairs, hookers and hoodlums, and of Stewart’s run-in with the most dangerous of all gangsters, Benjamin ‘Bugsy’ Sigal. Accusations of racism are explored, as is Stewart’s notoriously volatile temper. There is a comprehensive account of his experiences as a colonel in the US Air Force in World War Two - and, of course, there are the films: 'It’s a Wonderful Life', 'The Greatest Show on Earth', 'Rear Window', the westerns and his Academy Awards.
- ISBN13 9781861059611
- Publish Date 1 September 2006 (first published 30 May 2006)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 29 January 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Robson Books Ltd
- Format Paperback
- Pages 317
- Language English