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Myrna Loy: Being and Becoming
The actress Myrna Loy looks back on her career as a Hollywood star who appeared in over 125 movies, including The Best Years of Our Lives and The Thin Man She begins her story in Montana and tells how she came to Hollywood where her talent for dancing and her personal charm soon made her very popular; Jimmy Stewart declared "There ought to be a law against any man who doesn't marry Myrna Loy". She tells of the friendships she made with many of her leading men and with women such as Joan Crawford whom she met as a youngster in a chorus line and Eleanor Roosevelt, whose President husband had a well-known crush on Myrna.
Myrna Loy was not only an actress but also a woman who had political interests, championing the UN and Democratic presidential candidates from Truman onward, and was even for a time a "Washington wife". In her memoirs she presents a personal analysis of post-war politics up to and including Ronald Reagan.
Myrna Loy was not only an actress but also a woman who had political interests, championing the UN and Democratic presidential candidates from Truman onward, and was even for a time a "Washington wife". In her memoirs she presents a personal analysis of post-war politics up to and including Ronald Reagan.
372 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 2, 2007
I had the privilege of working with her (Myrna Loy) 8 shows a week for 5 weeks in the late 70's at the Country Dinner Playhouse in Austin, Texas. She was amazing. Always wanted to go out partying with the cast rather returning to her hotel suite. She was just as vivacious as she was in the Thin Man movies. One of the best memories of my entire life was meeting, dining and playing with the great Myrna Loy.
March 10, 2017
One of the best autobiographies I've read in some time. Although James Kotsilibas-Davis provides the guidance of the narrative., it is Myrna Loy's voice throughout that made this seem as if I was sitting down with her and having a fascinating conversation (in addition to being able to look through her scrapbooks).
Those unfamiliar with Myrna Loy will likely recognize her from many "exotic" roles in the 1930's and as the delectable Nora Charles opposite William Powell in THE THIN MAN movie series. I was also taken with her in one of my favorite comedies, LIBELED LADY. She had a charm and beauty on-screen that was endearing. Decades later, I found myself imagining what married life would be with her!
It was a delight to read her perspective on so many famous people, sometimes in contradiction to the prevailing opinion (such as Joan Crawford). I've read a number of reviews that criticized her for being too nice, and she never turns her comments into a gossip-fest. But, there were people who greatly troubled her (Greta Garbo comes immediately to mind), and she doesn't hesitate to explain her feelings.
Although known as a Hollywood Star, she was very active in social justice issues including the early days of the United Nations. A liberal Democrat, she campaigned for those who she thought could make a difference and refused to remain silent when people with limited power were being abused. Indeed, her outspokenness made her one of the few survivors of the Communist witch-hunt who emerged remarkably unscathed (and, no, she was not a Communist).
Greatly influenced by her heritage, she was a person who went after what she wanted instead of waiting for it to be handed to her. Consequently, she became the first major Hollywood Star to break a studio contract ... and win. Her down-to-earth commentary was a delight, and her appreciation of her audience was sincere.
She knew so many famous people in all walks of life, and she provides glimpses into what they were like in their more unguarded moments. I was enthralled. And the pictures shared were delightful.
Late in the book, she comments on politicians and the public perception of them. "The tragedy is that thinking men, so-called intellectuals, seem to threaten the electorate. We have in his country an anti-intellectual strain that scares the bejesus out of me. Don't we want a bright man? Don't we want a creative man? Must we always have these hacks?"
Wow.
At one point, she bemoans all of the social program advances that new administrations immediately reverse. However, she also points out that these tend to be temporary set-backs and that we eventually return to the course of looking out for each other.
BEING AND BECOMING was like having the opportunity to talk with Myrna Loy. I always looked forward to the next conversation.
Highly recommended.
Those unfamiliar with Myrna Loy will likely recognize her from many "exotic" roles in the 1930's and as the delectable Nora Charles opposite William Powell in THE THIN MAN movie series. I was also taken with her in one of my favorite comedies, LIBELED LADY. She had a charm and beauty on-screen that was endearing. Decades later, I found myself imagining what married life would be with her!
It was a delight to read her perspective on so many famous people, sometimes in contradiction to the prevailing opinion (such as Joan Crawford). I've read a number of reviews that criticized her for being too nice, and she never turns her comments into a gossip-fest. But, there were people who greatly troubled her (Greta Garbo comes immediately to mind), and she doesn't hesitate to explain her feelings.
Although known as a Hollywood Star, she was very active in social justice issues including the early days of the United Nations. A liberal Democrat, she campaigned for those who she thought could make a difference and refused to remain silent when people with limited power were being abused. Indeed, her outspokenness made her one of the few survivors of the Communist witch-hunt who emerged remarkably unscathed (and, no, she was not a Communist).
Greatly influenced by her heritage, she was a person who went after what she wanted instead of waiting for it to be handed to her. Consequently, she became the first major Hollywood Star to break a studio contract ... and win. Her down-to-earth commentary was a delight, and her appreciation of her audience was sincere.
She knew so many famous people in all walks of life, and she provides glimpses into what they were like in their more unguarded moments. I was enthralled. And the pictures shared were delightful.
Late in the book, she comments on politicians and the public perception of them. "The tragedy is that thinking men, so-called intellectuals, seem to threaten the electorate. We have in his country an anti-intellectual strain that scares the bejesus out of me. Don't we want a bright man? Don't we want a creative man? Must we always have these hacks?"
Wow.
At one point, she bemoans all of the social program advances that new administrations immediately reverse. However, she also points out that these tend to be temporary set-backs and that we eventually return to the course of looking out for each other.
BEING AND BECOMING was like having the opportunity to talk with Myrna Loy. I always looked forward to the next conversation.
Highly recommended.
November 24, 2011
This is my all time favorite biography. Myrna Loy was such a wonderful actress I can sit through any of her films at any time. I loved her book very much because she enjoyed what she did whether it be acting or politics. Loy's story telling is as sharp and witty as a line from The Thin Man. This is a must read for not only fans of Myrna Loy's but for fans of classic Hollywood.
March 22, 2009
Myrna Loy is one of my favorite actresses of all time, and this autobiography made her one of my favorite persons of all time. She was a delightful actor but proved herself more than that in her devotion to politics and social causes. She seemed like a down to earth, classy lady and I pity the person who received her withering stare reserved for bigots and conservatives.
March 7, 2011
LOVED IT! One thing that I love about ms. loy is that she is humble about her life and accomplishments. Its a great book which talks about her life before, during and after making films. But what is most important is that it kept me interested all the way to the end. She truly was a unique character of her time and does not get half the attention she deserves.
February 20, 2012
I've been a Myrna Loy fan since I first saw "The Thin Man" movies on TV. So, I read this book to find out more about Myrna Loy. The book is well-written and her personality is evident in the writing. She enjoyed dancing in high school and once modeled for a sculpture. This led to acting. She had a few roles in silent movies, but became a star during the talkies. She was voted Queen of Hollywood by the fans in the 1930s. Her most memorable films came during the 1930s and 1940s. I found the book brought out the warmth of her personality and the strength of her character. She didn't make movies during WWII, preferring to help with the Red Cross and other organizations. During the McCarthy hearings she spoke out, not being afraid of being black-listed. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to any fan of Myrna Loy.
April 22, 2011
I think this is the best Autobiography there is out there. It's not the kind that tells all. Sure maybe it's a bit biased, but I do believe she had put in every phase of her life in this book, good or bad. She was such an admirable woman. There is no one like her, and never will be. A well-bred woman of class and wit.
June 6, 2012
I remember my first viewing of a movie with Myrna Loy. I watched the movie "The Thin man" due to the actress Maureen O'Sullivan, Tarzan's most sexy Jane ever. I was totally in awe of Myrna Loy and have been since.
It took me some time to find a affordable copy of this autobiography and now that I have I find it hard to lay it down.
A very well written "autobiography" about the live of a certain Myrna Williams known to the world as Myrna Loy.
The lady in question had a long and fruitfull life and had many achievements. So it was a very informative read.
However the whole book lacks a certain warmth about her personality. The book uses some quotes from other persons to shine a light upon her person. Having read her book I know about her life but still very little about her person, her likes/dislikes, favorite food/music and such. The book is perhaps not long enough to go into her personality in a deeper way. The way she tells about her four marriages leaves me somewhat cold. The way she tells about them is more surgical than giving insight of what happened with her.
Still the lady lived a fascinating life. Perhaps another biography will give more insight in her person.
STill a must-read if you want to know more about the beginning of Hollywood and the change from silent to sound.
It took me some time to find a affordable copy of this autobiography and now that I have I find it hard to lay it down.
A very well written "autobiography" about the live of a certain Myrna Williams known to the world as Myrna Loy.
The lady in question had a long and fruitfull life and had many achievements. So it was a very informative read.
However the whole book lacks a certain warmth about her personality. The book uses some quotes from other persons to shine a light upon her person. Having read her book I know about her life but still very little about her person, her likes/dislikes, favorite food/music and such. The book is perhaps not long enough to go into her personality in a deeper way. The way she tells about her four marriages leaves me somewhat cold. The way she tells about them is more surgical than giving insight of what happened with her.
Still the lady lived a fascinating life. Perhaps another biography will give more insight in her person.
STill a must-read if you want to know more about the beginning of Hollywood and the change from silent to sound.
September 17, 2025
It took me years to get ahold of this book and boy, was it worth the wait! A fascinating woman with interests beyond the movies, Myrna Loy will forever be a role model for me. And I know I'll come back to this book and even more often, to many of her spellbinding films that I count among my all-time favorites.
December 20, 2010
Rereading for pleasure.
One of my favorite Hollywood autobiographies - I heart Myrna Loy and her book is a great read.
One of my favorite Hollywood autobiographies - I heart Myrna Loy and her book is a great read.
April 17, 2011
A massive autobiography, one that is hard to find, and definitely worth a read when you do get your hands on it.
December 5, 2019
A very detailed biography of Myrna Loy from birth to her eighties. Kotsilibas-Davis co-authored with Loy and did a great job of capturing Myrna Loy's voice (I could actually hear her as I read). I knew Ms. Loy took part in politics as she grew older, but did not realize to what extent until reading this biography. Best of all, there are a TON of excellent photographs in the book. If you are interested in old movies and movie stars, you will enjoy this complete and detailed look at one of the most beloved Hollywood actresses of all time.
July 28, 2009
What a wonderful woman Myrna Loy was. This book is a fabulous read: one of THE best autobiographies around.
May 13, 2010
Much more substance than most Hollywood actress memoirs with glimpses of startling wit, warmth and depth. Gold standard in every way.
September 28, 2023
I've been a fan of Myrna Loy since my parents introduced me to The Thin Man series as a kid. These hilarious, intellectual, and insightful comedies were a joy and I revisit them every so often. It took me years to come across this memoir/biography. As expected, Myrna is a delightful personality with a genuine love of her friends, family, colleagues, and profession. Her career longevity (60 years) and myriad friendships across a multitude of backgrounds is a testament to her character and genuine nature. My only surprise came at her decades-long involvement with politics. Not as a politician, but as an ambassador, spokesperson, or volunteer. She was an incredible woman and deservedly earned the (finally!) honorary Oscar in 1993 shortly before she passed away (aged 88).
August 12, 2015
Just this year, I watched one of the Thin Man movies and thought it was one of the funniest movies I had ever seen. I've since, watched all six movies and loved all of them. One of the reasons why I wanted to read this book was, to see how Myrna Loy and William Powell got along while filming and how close they were while not working together. I was so glad to read, that they were good friends on and off the sets. I think I would have been very disappointed if they had not been close, they had such great chemistry between them in the movies they made together.
There is so many great things in this book. Myrna talks about her acting days with Spencer Tracey, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Cary Grant and many more. There's a little cute story about James Stewart running around taking pictures of everyone on the set of After The Thin Man, and saying, he was going to marry Myrna Loy. Myrna doesn't go into great detail about her movies, just little stories that she remembers about each movie and her feelings about each actor and actress, that she worked with during the filming.
One of the big talking points in the book is Myrna's feelings on politics. I didn't know that much about politics during WW11 and afterwards so Myrna's stories during that time was very educational to me.
I felt I learned a lot while reading this book, and really enjoyed Myrna's stories of her life. I think, anyone whom is a fan of hers should really read this book, I think, they well enjoy the stories of her life.
There is so many great things in this book. Myrna talks about her acting days with Spencer Tracey, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Cary Grant and many more. There's a little cute story about James Stewart running around taking pictures of everyone on the set of After The Thin Man, and saying, he was going to marry Myrna Loy. Myrna doesn't go into great detail about her movies, just little stories that she remembers about each movie and her feelings about each actor and actress, that she worked with during the filming.
One of the big talking points in the book is Myrna's feelings on politics. I didn't know that much about politics during WW11 and afterwards so Myrna's stories during that time was very educational to me.
I felt I learned a lot while reading this book, and really enjoyed Myrna's stories of her life. I think, anyone whom is a fan of hers should really read this book, I think, they well enjoy the stories of her life.
Want to read
March 31, 2024“There ought to be a law against any man who doesn’t marry Myrna Loy.” — Jimmy Stewart
I have never been a Myrna Loy fanatic the way many classic movie fans seem to be. She is a good actress but I never felt a strong personal connection with her. However, she was an important and longstanding fixture of old Hollywood, so I wanted to read her autobiography, which has very good reviews.
The more I read the more I like her, because I am finally relating to her.
"[MGM] took me off salary to punish me, then--to save face, I suppose-- announced that my appearance at the Empire had been under their auspices. They feared setting a precedent, you see, because no one had done this to them before. You always hear about Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland bucking Warner Brothers, but that happened later. It's just that I haven't kept reminding people the way Bette and Olivia have."
"[Garbo] made no effort and I made no effort. I had nothing to say to her. By that time, I was bored with all the nonsense she'd carried on for so many years, living right next to me at the studio and never making a polite gesture. To me it's an act. Oh, her fear was genuine at first, I'm sure, but she apparently has made no effort to overcome it. After a lifetime in the public eye, it seems to me that maintaining it becomes and affectation-- rude and rather childish."
The Silver Screen Book Club is reading this book Spring 2024.
I have never been a Myrna Loy fanatic the way many classic movie fans seem to be. She is a good actress but I never felt a strong personal connection with her. However, she was an important and longstanding fixture of old Hollywood, so I wanted to read her autobiography, which has very good reviews.
The more I read the more I like her, because I am finally relating to her.
"[MGM] took me off salary to punish me, then--to save face, I suppose-- announced that my appearance at the Empire had been under their auspices. They feared setting a precedent, you see, because no one had done this to them before. You always hear about Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland bucking Warner Brothers, but that happened later. It's just that I haven't kept reminding people the way Bette and Olivia have."
"[Garbo] made no effort and I made no effort. I had nothing to say to her. By that time, I was bored with all the nonsense she'd carried on for so many years, living right next to me at the studio and never making a polite gesture. To me it's an act. Oh, her fear was genuine at first, I'm sure, but she apparently has made no effort to overcome it. After a lifetime in the public eye, it seems to me that maintaining it becomes and affectation-- rude and rather childish."
The Silver Screen Book Club is reading this book Spring 2024.
June 20, 2017
Definitely the best biography I've ever read. I love Myrna Loy and the book covered so much about her personal life. Not just her career but also her other interests and political views. Very inspiring!
December 9, 2021
So pleased that Dean Street Press has reissued this wonderful, wonderful autobiography! This is one of the very best Memoirs (Hollywood or otherwise) I’ve ever read. No need to already be a fan of Myrna Loy, but you certainly will be by the time you finish reading this book!
November 12, 2010
Wonderfully written book on the life of an interesting actress and woman.
September 5, 2024
Myrna Loy is one of my favourite actresses and people and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her incredible life. Her start in silent films and transition to talkies is so interesting;
“It occurs to me that I somehow managed to appear in all of Warner’s’ landmark films during that innovative period. Don Juan had the first recorded background music. The Jazz Singer was the first feature with dialogue. The Desert Song was the first all-talking, all-singing musical.”
She worked and was friends with so many stars that I love, and it was great to read about their conversations and Myrna’s opinions on them. I also appreciated how honest Myrna was, not glamorising the Golden Age of Hollywood as so many did and instead telling things for how they were.
“When Woody called ‘Action’, I opened the car door, jumped in, and landed smack on William Powell’s lap. He looked up nonchalantly: ‘Miss Loy, I presume?’ I said ‘Mr. Powell?’ And that’s how I met the man who would be my partner in fourteen films.”
She also made incredible contributions during WW2, giving up lots of her time to raise money and comfort soldiers. It was very clear that she enjoyed this and got a lot of pleasure out of helping others, also in her political career as a part of UNESCO and the National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing.
“Once you had seen those men and talked with them, watched their faces light up and heard them call you by your first name, once you realised the amazing impact of your presence- to them you were something of home, however little it might have been- you couldn’t walk away.”
“It occurs to me that I somehow managed to appear in all of Warner’s’ landmark films during that innovative period. Don Juan had the first recorded background music. The Jazz Singer was the first feature with dialogue. The Desert Song was the first all-talking, all-singing musical.”
She worked and was friends with so many stars that I love, and it was great to read about their conversations and Myrna’s opinions on them. I also appreciated how honest Myrna was, not glamorising the Golden Age of Hollywood as so many did and instead telling things for how they were.
“When Woody called ‘Action’, I opened the car door, jumped in, and landed smack on William Powell’s lap. He looked up nonchalantly: ‘Miss Loy, I presume?’ I said ‘Mr. Powell?’ And that’s how I met the man who would be my partner in fourteen films.”
She also made incredible contributions during WW2, giving up lots of her time to raise money and comfort soldiers. It was very clear that she enjoyed this and got a lot of pleasure out of helping others, also in her political career as a part of UNESCO and the National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing.
“Once you had seen those men and talked with them, watched their faces light up and heard them call you by your first name, once you realised the amazing impact of your presence- to them you were something of home, however little it might have been- you couldn’t walk away.”
October 24, 2024
Loy was a woman of real substance. In addition to her timeless, understated acting style, forever captured in the Thin Man and Cheaper by the Dozen movies among others, she was an activist against the HUAC nonsense, a tireless democrat campaigner, a philanthropist and a dedicated UN ambassador with well-informed opinions on politics and the role the Arts can play. She was also a loyal friend to many prominent personalities, and her unique perspective on Joan and Christine Crawford, Adlai Stephenson, the Roosevelts, and the Kennedys is super interesting to read. Her chapters are a bit long, and seeded with praise from her admirers - perhaps too much of that. Overall though, the praise seems to have been well-earned, and the book, well-written.
August 25, 2025
I bought this book on a whim for around $3 at a used book store after exchanging others for some cash. I knew the basics about Myrna Loy and had seen some of her films, but what attracted me to this memoir was knowing she was an outspoken liberal during her time, particularly regarding race. It also held the possibility of being a comfort read. I'm not entirely sure why, but the way I've been dealing with the current political landscape is retreating to media from nearly a century ago. It isn't because of nostalgia or romanticization, but something else I can't put my finger on. Regardless, reading a book about that time period seemed like an extension of that.
It turned out that I knew much less about Loy than I had thought. Although this memoir centers on her acting career, which spanned over 50 years, it eventually moves beyond it and into her work with UNESCO and various political causes. Her screen presence is what she will be remembered for, but her second act as a political mover and shaker was incredibly interesting. After educating herself on the issues and the ins and outs of global dealmaking, she used her celebrity to open doors, secure meetings, organize volunteers and make speeches that would galvanize insiders as well as voters. I had no idea this happened, and every doc I've seen or bio I've read about her has left this out or glossed over it.
The impression Loy leaves is of someone with bottomless tenacity, assertiveness and energy. Although it would be easy to pigeonhole her as a woman who benefitted from "pretty privilege," wealth, and plenty of family, friends, supporters and protectors who helped her along the way, she didn't rest on her laurels or reside in a gilded cage. She is forthcoming about the challenges she faced, not only on the studio lot, but concerning her four marriages. Each of them failed for different reasons. Her first husband was controlling and emotionally abusive to the point of mania. Her second husband was violent and it's implied that he may have suffered from extreme mental illness. Her third husband was a serial cheater, and so prolific at it that their servants couldn't keep up with him and get rid of the evidence. Her fourth husband had an inferiority complex, resenting her fame and commitment to working outside the home. In spite of everything, Loy still has fondness for each of them and the time they spent together, and it seems that in the end the friendships she forged with her spouses' families, colleagues and social circles were invaluable to her. They lasted for decades.
There are definitely some Hollywood tidbits in here that were illuminating as well. No one escapes her candor. An early encounter with Clark Gable ended with him making a drunken pass at her so she shoved him into a bush (she was insulted on behalf of his wife, who was waiting for him in a nearby car). Not surprisingly, there are other inappropriate encounters with famous men and she has no qualms with naming them, but Gable is eventually forgiven. They became friends after co-starring in several films together, and Loy admits that there was a private side to him that hardly anyone was aware of. He recited poetry during their downtime together, and she realized that his public persona was a masculine performance he couldn't challenge or shake.
There are also interesting anecdotes about her long-running collaboration with William Powell and how they weathered things after the death of Jean Harlow. Other public losses rattled her life, including the murder of Jan Masaryk, the assassination of the Kennedys, the suicides of Charles Boyer and Irene as well as the plane crash that claimed Carole Lombard, to name a few. But overall, Loy has a resilience that outweighs any of her disappointments or regrets. She really does seem unshakable, and that's something to look up to. No matter what life throws at her, she accepts the challenge and dwells on the good instead of the bad.
The book was published in 1987 and ends with Loy critiquing the decade for its conservatism, oppressiveness and heady nostalgia for the '50s, which she describes as "the dreariest decade of them all." I couldn't agree more, and have struggled with that same nostalgia for the '80s, which seems to be when this country really lost the plot. Loy observes, "The past always looks better in retrospect, but those of us who lived through those decades should try to remember what difficult times they were. Something must be terribly wrong with today to make so many people yearn for the past."
Reading that in 2025 is further proof that things constantly change but human behavior remains the same, and that the good fight is never over. In order to get things done you have to put yourself out there and keep taking the hits. Loy did, and by the end of this book I felt like I was obligated to do the same.
It turned out that I knew much less about Loy than I had thought. Although this memoir centers on her acting career, which spanned over 50 years, it eventually moves beyond it and into her work with UNESCO and various political causes. Her screen presence is what she will be remembered for, but her second act as a political mover and shaker was incredibly interesting. After educating herself on the issues and the ins and outs of global dealmaking, she used her celebrity to open doors, secure meetings, organize volunteers and make speeches that would galvanize insiders as well as voters. I had no idea this happened, and every doc I've seen or bio I've read about her has left this out or glossed over it.
The impression Loy leaves is of someone with bottomless tenacity, assertiveness and energy. Although it would be easy to pigeonhole her as a woman who benefitted from "pretty privilege," wealth, and plenty of family, friends, supporters and protectors who helped her along the way, she didn't rest on her laurels or reside in a gilded cage. She is forthcoming about the challenges she faced, not only on the studio lot, but concerning her four marriages. Each of them failed for different reasons. Her first husband was controlling and emotionally abusive to the point of mania. Her second husband was violent and it's implied that he may have suffered from extreme mental illness. Her third husband was a serial cheater, and so prolific at it that their servants couldn't keep up with him and get rid of the evidence. Her fourth husband had an inferiority complex, resenting her fame and commitment to working outside the home. In spite of everything, Loy still has fondness for each of them and the time they spent together, and it seems that in the end the friendships she forged with her spouses' families, colleagues and social circles were invaluable to her. They lasted for decades.
There are definitely some Hollywood tidbits in here that were illuminating as well. No one escapes her candor. An early encounter with Clark Gable ended with him making a drunken pass at her so she shoved him into a bush (she was insulted on behalf of his wife, who was waiting for him in a nearby car). Not surprisingly, there are other inappropriate encounters with famous men and she has no qualms with naming them, but Gable is eventually forgiven. They became friends after co-starring in several films together, and Loy admits that there was a private side to him that hardly anyone was aware of. He recited poetry during their downtime together, and she realized that his public persona was a masculine performance he couldn't challenge or shake.
There are also interesting anecdotes about her long-running collaboration with William Powell and how they weathered things after the death of Jean Harlow. Other public losses rattled her life, including the murder of Jan Masaryk, the assassination of the Kennedys, the suicides of Charles Boyer and Irene as well as the plane crash that claimed Carole Lombard, to name a few. But overall, Loy has a resilience that outweighs any of her disappointments or regrets. She really does seem unshakable, and that's something to look up to. No matter what life throws at her, she accepts the challenge and dwells on the good instead of the bad.
The book was published in 1987 and ends with Loy critiquing the decade for its conservatism, oppressiveness and heady nostalgia for the '50s, which she describes as "the dreariest decade of them all." I couldn't agree more, and have struggled with that same nostalgia for the '80s, which seems to be when this country really lost the plot. Loy observes, "The past always looks better in retrospect, but those of us who lived through those decades should try to remember what difficult times they were. Something must be terribly wrong with today to make so many people yearn for the past."
Reading that in 2025 is further proof that things constantly change but human behavior remains the same, and that the good fight is never over. In order to get things done you have to put yourself out there and keep taking the hits. Loy did, and by the end of this book I felt like I was obligated to do the same.
May 25, 2016
I just loved this autobiography of Myrna Loy, known as Hollywood's only good girl! For all of Myrna Loy's fame, my favorite picture with her is still Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. After reading her book, I know now why. Myrna Loy absolutely mastered the act of droll comedy and her standout roles were those of a sarcastic wife and mother. She is probably best known as being the female counterpart to William Powell in The Thin Man films, where her comedic talents shined as the wife part to a married detective duo.
Although Myrna had help writing the biography, the writing was in the first person and she spoke directly to the reader in a casual way. That made me feel as if I were having a natural conversation with her, instead of reading a stuffy biography. I felt that she was very honest about her life and opinions. Maybe it was the passage of time, but she certainly spoke her mind here! That honesty came across when she described the intense working conditions at the studios, the volatile personalities present on set, and the dark times in her marriages.
I didn't realize that Myrna's career in Hollywood extended back as far as it did. She was an extra in significant movies such as Don Juan and The Jazz Singer. In her early days, Myrna attracted attention from studio heads, but no one seemed to know how to use her. She played harem girls and even Asians before she was finally placed in movies where she cemented herself as a comedienne. Having more than 80 movie credits to her name, there was quite a bit of material to include in this book. At times, it was a bit overwhelming to bounce from one movie to another within just a few paragraphs. But, I suppose it gave a true sense of what Myrna's life was like at that moment, bouncing from role to role so quickly.
At the height of her career, she was a very well paid star who had the luxury of servants attending to her in monstrous homes. Somehow, Myrna did not come across as self-indulgent or self-centered. Instead, she seemed to have a positive spirit about life and a deep desire to live to the fullest. I especially enjoyed hearing about the parties she threw in Portuguese Bend in Palos Verdes, just minutes from where I grew up.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. Myra was described as a true friend who was devoted to her friends and would help them anytime they needed her. Those quotes, along with her own voice, made this feel so personal that I liked her more after reading it. Of course, when I closed the cover, I watched Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
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Although Myrna had help writing the biography, the writing was in the first person and she spoke directly to the reader in a casual way. That made me feel as if I were having a natural conversation with her, instead of reading a stuffy biography. I felt that she was very honest about her life and opinions. Maybe it was the passage of time, but she certainly spoke her mind here! That honesty came across when she described the intense working conditions at the studios, the volatile personalities present on set, and the dark times in her marriages.
I didn't realize that Myrna's career in Hollywood extended back as far as it did. She was an extra in significant movies such as Don Juan and The Jazz Singer. In her early days, Myrna attracted attention from studio heads, but no one seemed to know how to use her. She played harem girls and even Asians before she was finally placed in movies where she cemented herself as a comedienne. Having more than 80 movie credits to her name, there was quite a bit of material to include in this book. At times, it was a bit overwhelming to bounce from one movie to another within just a few paragraphs. But, I suppose it gave a true sense of what Myrna's life was like at that moment, bouncing from role to role so quickly.
At the height of her career, she was a very well paid star who had the luxury of servants attending to her in monstrous homes. Somehow, Myrna did not come across as self-indulgent or self-centered. Instead, she seemed to have a positive spirit about life and a deep desire to live to the fullest. I especially enjoyed hearing about the parties she threw in Portuguese Bend in Palos Verdes, just minutes from where I grew up.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. Myra was described as a true friend who was devoted to her friends and would help them anytime they needed her. Those quotes, along with her own voice, made this feel so personal that I liked her more after reading it. Of course, when I closed the cover, I watched Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
or follow me on twitter at @dana_heyde
November 30, 2019
5 stars!
Myrna Loy was a progressive woman, but reading this book taught me she would not accept such a description. She stood up for her beliefs and morals with conviction and bravery not for recognition or power but because it's the right thing to do. She didn't doubt herself or the truth as she came to know it: the true reality of the world--not the picture capitalism, fascism, classism, and racism wants to paint.
During the McCarthy scare, she not only fought and won when they tried to slander her for being a communist, but she even defended communism and the right to express communist ideals--in the 50's!
She was an intelligent woman who predicted the rise of fascism and anti-socialist rhetoric born from Reagan's 80's and beyond. She bemoaned Reagan slashing funding for Eleanor Roosevelt's socialist programs--ones she fought for alongside the woman.
She called the 80's born culture of rising fascism and nationalism as the "Moral Majority" to be defeated. Unfortunately for us youths, that battle was never won and is still happening.
She quoted the prophet Muhammad, bemoaned the treatment of POC in the industry, and admitted to doing black- and yellow-face for early roles in her career with the proper amount of shame and revulsion. She was the one who demanded the studio stop giving her 'exotic' roles. If she knew black- and yellow-face was something disgusting to do WHILE IT WAS HAPPENING IN THE 30S, there's no excuse for other white people besides being lazy racists. Ahem Justin Trudeau.
She was an amazing woman, and is a comrade to socialist forces across the world. Rest easy Myrna and thank you for being brave and fighting the good fight.
Myrna Loy was a progressive woman, but reading this book taught me she would not accept such a description. She stood up for her beliefs and morals with conviction and bravery not for recognition or power but because it's the right thing to do. She didn't doubt herself or the truth as she came to know it: the true reality of the world--not the picture capitalism, fascism, classism, and racism wants to paint.
During the McCarthy scare, she not only fought and won when they tried to slander her for being a communist, but she even defended communism and the right to express communist ideals--in the 50's!
She was an intelligent woman who predicted the rise of fascism and anti-socialist rhetoric born from Reagan's 80's and beyond. She bemoaned Reagan slashing funding for Eleanor Roosevelt's socialist programs--ones she fought for alongside the woman.
She called the 80's born culture of rising fascism and nationalism as the "Moral Majority" to be defeated. Unfortunately for us youths, that battle was never won and is still happening.
She quoted the prophet Muhammad, bemoaned the treatment of POC in the industry, and admitted to doing black- and yellow-face for early roles in her career with the proper amount of shame and revulsion. She was the one who demanded the studio stop giving her 'exotic' roles. If she knew black- and yellow-face was something disgusting to do WHILE IT WAS HAPPENING IN THE 30S, there's no excuse for other white people besides being lazy racists. Ahem Justin Trudeau.
She was an amazing woman, and is a comrade to socialist forces across the world. Rest easy Myrna and thank you for being brave and fighting the good fight.
February 10, 2009
"The people make foreign policy in a democracy, and they make it out of their ignorance or out of their understanding. Only out of people's understanding can the world be organized for peace." p.226
"Peace is a dramatic idea. It is positive and does not mean merely not going to war. The cause of peace is the world's greatest drama."
"The tragedy is that thinking men, so-called intellectuals, seem to threaten the electorate. We have in this country an anti-intellectual strain that scares the bejesus out of me. Don't we want a bright man? Don't we want a creative man? Must we always have these hacks?" p. 281
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2018
One of the best and most inspiring memoirs I've ever read. I remember years ago when I read it, that I especially enjoyed learning about her roots. Her later years, in particular, I found refreshing and hugely inspiring. She was such a deeply humane and decent human being. She didn't have one ounce of racism in her body. She cared sincerely for her fellow human beings. A class act, pure and simple.
September 26, 2020
Feels like Myrna is talking to you. Loved all the stories about old Hollywood. She had a fascinating life and her political involvement was also fascinating. You get her impressions on a lot of major political figures, several of whom she knew personally. Reads a bit slow because it's just strung together anecdotes of her life, but still very enjoyable.
March 13, 2022
Narcissist?
I enjoyed reading about the Golden Age of Hollywood but was turned off by her lengthy accounts of involvement in politics. She portrays herself as one of the most influential women of the 20th century. It became tiresome and repetitive.
I enjoyed reading about the Golden Age of Hollywood but was turned off by her lengthy accounts of involvement in politics. She portrays herself as one of the most influential women of the 20th century. It became tiresome and repetitive.
Want to read
March 30, 2009Get from the library - you are on page 241.
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