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Jimmy Stewart
- The Truth Behind the Legend
- Narrated by: Mark Whitten
- Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
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Jimmy Stewart
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Summary
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.
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Editor reviews
Fans of classic Hollywood, take heed: In Jimmy Stewart: The Truth Behind the Legend, Michael Munn has engineered a fascinating glimpse into the hitherto clouded public and private lives of one of the most famous figures in film history.
Performed with great energy by actor Mark Whitten, this comprehensive biography provides keen insights into the man behind the mask, emphasizing the differences and similarities between Stewart’s assumed public persona and his private self, delving deeply into his patriotism and FBI service alongside his relationships and rage issues.
What listeners say about Jimmy Stewart
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Teresa Cooper
- 22-02-16
The real Jimmy Stewart.
With Jimmy Stewart what you see is mostly what. This book is from conversations and interviews with Jimmy ( himself ), his wife, family and friends. The thing that soon becomes apparent is that Jimmy is a man who is liked by most of the people he met. This is definitely a read again, and one I recommend and hope you enjoy the book as much as I have.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr J J K Hart
- 21-01-23
It truly was a Wonderful life.
The life of a great actor and person, inciting so many emotions and feelings truly fulfilled his desire to give those little moments of happiness. Thank you
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wendy
- 20-01-22
A True Legend
I enjoyed this audiobook from beginning to end, it’s excellently narrated and the stories related are exactly what one would expect to hear about such a beloved star
The pace of the writing is just right, definitely not a thriller or a roller coaster ride It’s like a warm blanket and for me in these uncertain times it just hit the spot
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- MrPiccolouk
- 23-08-22
a good review of the life of Jimmy stewart
Mark Whitten's Reading of the book and the actor's impression of Jimmy's voice is spot on. Thankfully this account is not a sugar-coated version of a remarkable man's life; but I have a sneaky feeling that some aspects of Mr Stewarts life have been omitted. None the less the book details in some detail the extraordinary life and works of the humble legend that was Jimmy Stewart.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- crispin70
- 06-11-16
Very Very good!
This is an excellent book. I listened to it in a week of long, dark early morning runs through the countryside and it's gripping from beginning to end. The reading is superb and some of the best I've heard on any audio book and the book itself is perfectly balanced and never long winded. Clearly it helps if you like James Stewart though I don't think it's essential as the biography brings in so many other interesting famous and non famous people and also describes war time and the politics of Hollywood and indeed the USA so well that anyone interested in 20th century Popular culture would enjoy this.
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7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Graham G.
- 16-06-22
Really enjoyable
Agree or not with his politics, this is the story of a truly memorable actor who gave so many good memories. Simply, an honestly nice man.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Honest reader
- 21-06-22
Spoiler alert: feet of clay
The authors personal insight definitely brings new light and a new perspective to the life of Jimmy Stewart. I take issue with his (the authors) takes on Hitch and a few of JS’ movies (and I’m not alone judging by other critics and IMDb) but I can’t deny the research that supports his account of Stewart’s political naïveté and his feet of clay. It’s party my own fault, I always thought he was George Bailey!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jamickle
- 02-07-17
Jimmy Stewart
Informative and very well narrated by Mark Whitten spoken in the style of Stewart. Book based on interviews conducted with Stewart, wife Gloria and friends during 1970's. Felt some further in-depth information should have been added in order to give greater understanding of very talented actor/human being.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jibble
- 09-02-22
Brilliant Jimmy Stewart
Found this by accident, have always loved and watched James Stewart movies and thought I knew about this great actor, but this really helped me get to know the man better - it was over 11 hours long but was left wanting more 😊👍🙏
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sarah Lloyd
- 02-09-21
James Stewart
What a fascinating read, I loved this book and didn’t realise how much of a ladies man he was. My favourite movie of his is a wonderful life. Can’t beat it. Brilliant story
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