Lauren BacallBy Myself and Then Some

This autobiography is incredibly engaging and realistic. It is a warts and all appraisal of the life of an actress who lived through and indeed was at the centre of Hollywood's Golden Age - the time when movie stars were real movie stars. Bacall sprinkles her account with lots of glitz and glamour, and it is impossible for her not to name-drop on almost every page, but it also includes her memories of the sad and negative parts of her life.The book is divided into three parts - her childhood and pre-film star life, then her Hollywood movie life and marriage to Humphrey Bogart, and finally her life after Bogart's death. This edition of the book is actually a reprint of her 1978 autobiography with updates at the end.Born "Betty Joan Perske" in the Bronx to Jewish parents, Bacall started modelling at a young age, and had an amusing liaisons with a young Kirk Douglas in Manhattan. As a teenage fashion model she appeared on the cover of "Harper's Bazaar", as well as in magazines such as "Vogue". She was spotted by movie scouts, and once in Hollywood her stunning looks, relatively tall height of 5 feet 8½ inches and her smoky sultry purring voice made her stand out from the crowd.During early screen tests she was so nervous she inadvertently produced an alluring pose known as "The Look" - this gave her a unique and instantly recognisable trademark that would define her for decades. On her first movie "To Have and Have Not" (1944) she met Humphrey Bogart, and their legendary love affair started from there. She followed this up with the film-noir "The Big Sleep" (1946) - also with Bogart - and her map to the stars was set.Many iconic roles followed, including "Key Largo" (1948), "Bright Leaf" (1950) and "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953). But behind her success Bacall reveals the tragedy of helping her husband through a traumatic and debilitating battle with cancer right up to his sad death in 1957.In the 1960's, 1970's and early 1980's Bacall found success on stage, appearing in the highly successful "Cactus Flower" (1965) and winning two Tony awards for "Applause" (1970) and "Woman of the Year" (1981). Amazingly, Bacall had her biggest movie award successes late in her career, winning a Golden Globe and receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Mirror Has Two Faces" (1996) - her first nominations after a career of more than fifty years.Bacall paints a full and detailed picture of her life, and it was a very long life. She died just five weeks short of her ninetieth birthday. Bacall reveals why her high profile relationship with Frank Sinatra ended, and why her second marriage failed. She also describes what it was like living as "Mrs Bogart" - even after her first husbands death, movie fans were still desperate to remember him through her. And, Bacall highlights her political efforts, in 1952, she gave campaign speeches for Democratic Presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson and she also campaigned for Robert Kennedy in his 1964 run for the U.S. Senate.Overall, this is a wonderful and engaging biography. Written in a free and refreshing fast-paced style, it probably reflects the personality and attitude of the author. A must-read for fans of Hollywood's Golden Age.

I'm a huge fan of old Hollywood actors/actresses and have ready many biographies of various stars so I knew Lauren Bacall's book would be right up my street. It is a very interesting story but be prepared, it is a loooong book for a biography. Perhaps its because I'm comparing it to Esther Williams most autobiography which is a bit more easy to sail through and which I read most recently. Overall it is a great read for fans of Bacalls and stars of her era.

Although I bought this book a few weeks back I have not had the time to read it until recently. A really fabulous read I had trouble putting it down to go to sleep each night. The book "By Myself" is just one long chapter there is no break until you come to the added section...."and then some". The book just flows through Miss Bacall's life beautifully. Lots of content without it being " full detail" like some peoples autobiographies are. A real insight into the background of the film and theatre industries of the time. Highly recommended read.

Perhaps, it’s my fault for expecting more from an autobiography from one of my favourite Hollywood actresses.Unfortunately, by the time I got to the end of ‘By Myself’ section of the book the ‘And Then Some’ section was too much. To say I couldn’t wait to get through this section would be an understatement.Check Bette & Joan for a much more satisfying read.

I love Lauren Bacall. I hate this book. She can't write alas and most of the book is just her swooning and mooning over Bogey. Dull as F...