Mark's review
Gentleman: The William Powell Story
by Charles Francisco
Mark's review
Gentleman: The William Powell Story by Charles Francisco
Mark's review
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"The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time." This bio is shaken to fox-trot time, a perfect tempo... mildly gossipy, but witty and swiftly paced. Though Powell doesn't deserve the lurid treatment (his bisexuality is only implied here), I do wish more of his nasty traits and inner turmoil got some excavation.
I should warn readers that this book -- published in the eighties -- doesn't include any of David Stenn's updated research on Jean Harlow's life and death -- though Francisco is still admirably perceptive about their relationship. (And he reproduces that eerie photo of Powell weeping inconsolably at Harlow's funeral, propped up by his own mother and a studio functionary.)
I should warn readers that this book -- published in the eighties -- doesn't include any of David Stenn's updated research on Jean Harlow's life and death -- though Francisco is still admirably perceptive about their relationship. (And he reproduces that eerie photo of Powell weeping inconsolably at Harlow's funeral, propped up by his own mother and a studio functionary.)
