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Ernie: The Autobiography
We wept at his Oscar-winning role in Marty we gasped when he took on Frank Sinatra in From Here to Eternity we were riveted by his compelling performances in The Dirty Dozen, Bad Day at Black Rock, and Ice Station Zebra and we laughed at his television sitcom McHale's Navy. We loved all of Ernest Borgnine's many portrayals, but what did we know about the man behind t
...moreHardcover, 256 pages
Published
August 1st 2008
by Citadel Press
(first published 2008)
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Richard
rated it
Recommends it for:
fans of all the greatest film stars
Recommended to Richard by:
my wife
The rare diamonds in this book, mostly for the over-40 reader, are most evident in Chapter 9 where Borgnine describes his decision to become an actor. He is a great storyteller...
At age 92, Ernest Borgnine ain't in the mood for poison pen or dishy gossip -- he's too busy masturbating! So he gives us the basics of his life story, including scores of G-rated anecdotes about his hardscrabble Italian-American youth, his stint in the Navy, and his drunk buddy Lee Marvin. Very few surprises or revelations: even his 'Johnny Guitar' anecdote is just a rehash of the usual Joan vs. Mercy gossip we've been hearing for years. His marriage to Ethel Merman gets a bit more explication...more
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Ernest Borgnine's autobiography is a very worthwhile read. This guy has outlived virtually every other actor of his generation (only Herbert Lom, Kirk Douglas and Eli Wallach remain... though Borgnine certainly looks in the best health of them all, and is still churning out movies regularly!) His story is remarkable and he tells it in a lovely straight-forward style, with honesty and perception. The first half of the book deals with his youth and his Navy career. The second half deals with his f...more
This is a wonderful, wonderful autobiography — very easy and entertaining to read, the tone very conversational, as though the reader is sitting at Ernie's knee as he talks about his life. It's not bogged down with dry facts, with tons of names and dates, as I've seen in other biographies; there are plenty of well-known names mentioned, of course, but they're mentioned only when the people were a big part of the story being told. Also, the voice is very generous and warmhearted, as Ernie never s...more
An extremely good read. Ernie has been in about 100 movies. This really goes to show that looks aren't everything, or are they? He had the look they were after. Don Rickles has him in his act (sort of). Don would point at a girl in the audience and say, "Here she is, the winner of the Ernest Borgnine look alike contest!"
This book is as good as they get. Ernie telling us all about Ernie in his own words.
My second favorite autobiography. Second only to Brando: Son...more
This book is as good as they get. Ernie telling us all about Ernie in his own words.
My second favorite autobiography. Second only to Brando: Son...more
This is a really great autobiography. Not too much. Not too little. Just right. And clearly in the author's own voice. The honesty that comes through is refreshing and helps the entirety come to life. This is also a great primer for anyone thinking of going Hollywood. It ain't just flashbulbs and fans. It's lots of hard work and dedication. Something Borgnine fluidly points out throughout. The book is overall well constructed and great fun to read.
Jaime Contreras
added it
Mr. Borgnine's autobiography is refreshingly simple but engaging. His homespun wit and at-ease writing style make s oe feel like they are sitting with him as he recalls stories from his life. What really came forth was his humility, love for acting and gusto for life. I loved his memories of his acting and adventures of life. He was honest and forthcoming with the lessons that he learned in life. I ate this book up nd enjoyed it thoroughly.
Brodiew
added it
I've found this book to be very entertaining. I have seen many of his films over the years, some I remember, many I don't. But, reading this memoir has inspired me to see Marty, which I had never seen before. There are others I am inspired to see, some I plan to revisit because I hadn't remembered Ernie's supporting role.
Mr. Borgnine is a compelling storyteller. You will be captivated by his humility and inspired by his easy going style. To hear him tell of his frienship with Lee Mar...more
Mr. Borgnine is a compelling storyteller. You will be captivated by his humility and inspired by his easy going style. To hear him tell of his frienship with Lee Mar...more
Ernie, at 92, is an old-fashioned guy. Manners. OG Catholic outta NY.
I never knew he was married to Ethel Merman and Katy Jurado.
His wife of 35 years, Tova, is beautiful. So was his sister when she was a young woman.
Never downbeat, or rude. Always a gentleman, Ernie was a fun, quick read.
I recommend it to film and television historians and all those who like reading the words of living legends.
I never knew he was married to Ethel Merman and Katy Jurado.
His wife of 35 years, Tova, is beautiful. So was his sister when she was a young woman.
Never downbeat, or rude. Always a gentleman, Ernie was a fun, quick read.
I recommend it to film and television historians and all those who like reading the words of living legends.
He's a simple, likable guy. Hard to believe he was married to Ethel Merman for 6 days. He doesn't explain it any better than anyone else has, but other than that he's very forthright and interesting. Worth reading, but no big revelations in it. Loved McHale's Navy!
Breezy, jovial, and heartfelt are words that best describe Borgnine's look back on his amazing careers in theater, film and television. Although I don't see eye to eye with him on politics, I can't help but to respect this man for his amazing work ethic and down-to-earth attitude. I read this book just after finishing a biography of Ethel Merman. Their short-lived marriage aside, these two top-notch entertainers are linked together in that the shallow, image-driven world of Hollywood today has l...more
It read like you were having a conversation with Mr. Borgnine over a cup of coffee. No real dirt was dished here; he was a gentleman and is a gentleman.
A straightforward and likable enough autobiography, mostly of interest to fans of Mr. Borgnine. No real surprises here, if you know he grew up Italian and poor in New York and went into the Navy after avoiding success in several other pursuits. Every once in a while, he drops a gem of an anecdote about himself or another star. But most stories are oddly short on too many details. Even McHale's Navy and Airwolf get very short shrift (especially the latter).
Shelly
is currently reading it
I'm really enjoying this! Who knew?
i love ernie and his book
Kris Phillips
marked it as to-read
Bill
marked it as to-read
Marc Heredge
marked it as to-read
Amadéa
marked it as to-read
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| ERNIE by Ernest Borgnine | 1 | 2 | Aug 24, 2009 05:21pm |
