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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
I got the audio book because I enjoyed listening to the author’s podcast. I wasn’t particularly interested in Howard Hughes but Karina Longworth always brought something interesting to her podcasts and I enjoy supporting people whose work I enjoy.
Wow! First what a well researched book!
Howard Hughes makes contemporary Hollywood leches seem like rank amateurs. I knew from his reputation as a recluse & from stories of his aviation innovation “the spruce goose” that he thought outside of the box and was possibly mad. But I had no idea he fancied himself a movie producer and owned RKO. From life in Texas to his isolation in Las Vegas his life is stranger and more disturbing than I had imagined. Ms Longworth makes this long trip riveting.
Wow! First what a well researched book!
Howard Hughes makes contemporary Hollywood leches seem like rank amateurs. I knew from his reputation as a recluse & from stories of his aviation innovation “the spruce goose” that he thought outside of the box and was possibly mad. But I had no idea he fancied himself a movie producer and owned RKO. From life in Texas to his isolation in Las Vegas his life is stranger and more disturbing than I had imagined. Ms Longworth makes this long trip riveting.
An epic research endeavor into the life of Howard Hughes and the many (often famous) women he loved, seduced, and manipulated. I’m a huge fan of You Must Remember This and this was like a 20-hour episode, which was a great companion for a week of dishwashing and commuting (I listened to the audiobook).
At times I found myself overwhelmed by the ensemble and occasionally lost interest in the subject (my favorites YMRT series are Charles Manson's Hollywood, Bela & Boris and Jane & Jean), but Longworth’s research and writing acumen are beyond doubt. Highly recommended for other YMRT fans, lovers of classic Hollywood and stranger-than-fiction historical figures.
At times I found myself overwhelmed by the ensemble and occasionally lost interest in the subject (my favorites YMRT series are Charles Manson's Hollywood, Bela & Boris and Jane & Jean), but Longworth’s research and writing acumen are beyond doubt. Highly recommended for other YMRT fans, lovers of classic Hollywood and stranger-than-fiction historical figures.
An excellent Hollywood history. If you've ever listened to Longworth's podcast You Must Remember This, you'll feel right at home here. All the same elements are present - the meticulous research, the looks at classic films through modern eyes, the use of women to tell the story of powerful Hollywood men, and even the occasional, slightly snarky aside. So if you like the podcast, you'll love the book (and vice versa, I'd imagine).
As is her way, Longworth does some impressive sleuthing here. Sources cited include the expected published articles and court transcripts, but they go much deeper as well. At one point she cites pay stubs from the Warner Bros. archive to verify an actress being in the right place at the right time, and in one extreme example, she says she tracked down the widow of Hughes' doctor, and personally reviewed his notes to see if Hughes suffered from syphilis, as one source alleged (there's no evidence to back up that salacious claim).
This book definitely isn't for everyone - it's very long, and all those sources lead to a lot of detail that may be a major turn-off for those hoping for a couple of anecdotes about the enigmatic Hughes. But I thought it was great. Highly recommended.
As is her way, Longworth does some impressive sleuthing here. Sources cited include the expected published articles and court transcripts, but they go much deeper as well. At one point she cites pay stubs from the Warner Bros. archive to verify an actress being in the right place at the right time, and in one extreme example, she says she tracked down the widow of Hughes' doctor, and personally reviewed his notes to see if Hughes suffered from syphilis, as one source alleged (there's no evidence to back up that salacious claim).
This book definitely isn't for everyone - it's very long, and all those sources lead to a lot of detail that may be a major turn-off for those hoping for a couple of anecdotes about the enigmatic Hughes. But I thought it was great. Highly recommended.
Karina Longworth (vars podcast You Must Remember This är måstelyssning för alla som gillar klassisk film) gör här ett porträtt av Howard Hughes genom att använda ett perspektiv från de många kvinnorna i hans liv. Det är inte en smickrande bild som kommer fram, något helt annat än vad som visades i filmen The Aviator. Mycket läsvärd bok även om det ibland kan vara svårt att hänga med genom alla årtal och kvinnor som nämns.
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
I’m a long time fan of Longworth’s, “You Must Remember This” podcast. I was really looking forward to this, but wasn’t sure how it would translate to book form. It seemed like such a big subject to tackle, but Longworth did a tremendous job. She is able to tell a clear and concise narrative, but is also able to use her vast knowledge to continually add smaller bits of information for reference. She creates a full picture. Longworth also clearly differentiates facts from theories or speculation. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in film or the time period, but I believe it would be just as enjoyable to someone going in with no previous knowledge.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape, Abortion
informative
sad
slow-paced
I listened to this as an audiobook because I love You Must Remember This and Karina is the narrator on this. I finished it because it was an audiobook but I probably wouldn't have if I was reading it. There was a lot of very interesting information in this but the biggest thing I walk away with is just how slimey Howard Hughes was. But still, I would listen to Karina read a phone book so here we are.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
slow-paced