The inspiration for the HBO® Original Documentary, Rock Hudson: All that Heaven Allowed, airing June 28!The definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.“Mark Griffin paints a vivid portrait of a man who lived a double life in order to maintain his status as a movie star. Griffin’s sources are candid but credible, which makes the book a real page-turner. I came away admiring Hudson all the more, and feeling sad for the secret existence that Hollywood demanded of its leading men in the 1950s and 60s.” — Leonard Maltin, author of Hooked on Hollywood: Discoveries from a Lifetime of Film FandomDevastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, he reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio’s resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson’s wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic.Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history.Griffin provides new details concerning Hudson’s troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudson’s classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.
✔ Author(s): Mark Griffin
✔ Title: All That Heaven Allows
✔ Rating : 4.4 out of 5 base on (426 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 0062408860
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin
Kateline Powell
Follow the thrilling adventures of an unlikely hero in a world full of danger and intrigue. The author's fast-paced writing and imaginative plot keep you on the edge of your seat. Each character is well-developed, adding depth to the exciting narrative. The twists and turns make for a rollercoaster of emotions. It's an exhilarating read that captures the essence of adventure. Perfect for fans of action-packed stories.
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Follow the heartwarming journey of a group of friends navigating life's challenges together. The author's empathetic writing and well-developed characters create a deeply emotional experience. Each chapter explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged throughout. It's a story that celebrates the bonds that connect us. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about friendship and community.
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Uncover the secrets of a haunted mansion in this chilling gothic novel. The author's atmospheric writing and suspenseful plot make for a captivating read. Each character's hidden motives and dark pasts add to the tension. The twists and surprises keep you guessing until the very end. It's a haunting and immersive story that you won't want to put down. Perfect for fans of gothic fiction.
