Lana

by Joe Morella, Edward Z. Epstein

A dramatic portrayal of the triumphs and tragedies in the life of one of Hollywood's most controversial actresses

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing book. After reading Lana Turner's daughter's book, I thought a bio on the lady herself would be a worthwhile read. Not so. Originally written in the seventies, the book was reissued in the eighties with a comment from Lana herself and I quote from page 338: "Her [Lana's] official comment on [this] publication was: 'they have written a book that is dull and dreary, which Lord knows, my life has not been.'" I couldn't have said it better myself. Lana was right on!

[Angela]

Not bad, but not nearly as sizzling as I was expecting. Lana Turner made little effort to hide her many loves, and as a woman living in the public eye, I think she did an admirable job of letting criticism roll off her back.

The last chapter confused me a bit though, as it was written for the reprint version that I partook of. (The first printing was in 1971, the second in 1982.) The added chapter discusses how Lana collaborated with a DIFFERENT biographer, on writing her "auto"-biography. I just found it a bit weird that THIS biography has this curious addition tacked on at the end.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written while Lana was still living, it does give many juicy details of her life and career. The Stompanato incident is detailed quite well, but Cheryl Crane's sexual molestation by Lex Barker isn't mentioned (perhaps it came out later). Alas, there are no photos included (save for the one on the cover). It's a pretty good read, but probably not as detailed as some of Miss Turner's later biographies. Recommended for fans of Lana.

[Cher · Rating 2 out of 5]

The prose style is not terribly readable, but the tragedy of Lana Turner's romantic life -- that her daughter had an affair with her boyfriend & then shot him because he was abusive toward the both of them -- well, it makes for interesting reading. Let's just call this a true crime novel that neglects to mention much other than the fact that Ms Turner looked dynamite in a tight sweater.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another that was a bit too tabloid-trashy to be a really good read. Some parts were interesting of course, but the general feel was cheap.