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I Am Spartacus!
- Making a Film, Breaking the Blacklist
- Narrated by: Michael Douglas
- Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins
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I Am Spartacus!
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Summary
From Kirk Douglas, Hollywood royalty and bestselling author of The Ragman’s Son and My Stroke of Luck, comes the candid story of the making of Spartacus, the blockbuster film that broke the blacklist
One of the world's most iconic movie stars, Kirk Douglas has distinguished himself as a producer, philanthropist, and author of ten works of fiction and memoir. Now, more than fifty years after the release of his enduring epic Spartacus, Douglas reveals the riveting drama behind the making of the legendary gladiator film. Douglas began producing the movie in the midst of the politically charged era when Hollywood’s moguls refused to hire anyone accused of Communist sympathies. In a risky move, Douglas chose Dalton Trumbo, a blacklisted screenwriter, to write Spartacus. Trumbo was one of the "Unfriendly Ten," men who had gone to prison rather than testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee about their political affiliations. Douglas's source material was already a hot property, as the novel Spartacus was written by Howard Fast while he was in jail for defying HUAC.
With the financial future of his young family at stake, Douglas plunged into a tumultuous production both on- and off-screen. As both producer and star of the film, he faced explosive moments with young director Stanley Kubrick, struggles with a leading lady, and negotiations with giant personalities, including Sir Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, and Lew Wasserman. Writing from his heart and from his own meticulously researched archives, Kirk Douglas, at ninety-five, looks back at his audacious decisions. He made the most expensive film of its era - but more importantly, his moral courage in giving public credit to Trumbo effectively ended the notorious Hollywood blacklist.
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What listeners say about I Am Spartacus!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- A
- 14-04-16
fascinating
one of the most fascinating books ive ever listened to. I love the film Spartacus one of my top 10 so listening to this was a must. I had no idea about the blacklist and this is a real inside into the history of Hollywood. I also have a new respect for Kirk and it was wonderfully narrated by his son Michael. I loved this book
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mister Peridot
- 18-04-18
Politics meets Hollywood
The film Spartacus tells the story of a great Roman slave revolt. But its the making of this film in the midst of the Hollywood blacklist and hysterical anti-communism that is the real story here. Kirk Douglas does a great job of weaving together the characters, both contemporary and historical, into a facinating account of how the film was made. And as the lead actor and producer he experienced it all first hand.
Most significant was the scriptwriter, Dalton Trumbo, who had to work anonymously as he had been blacklisted and even imprisoned. There are many more major Hollywood players involved in the making of the film, Stanley Kubrick and Laurence Olivier amongst them. Had never realised what an important film Spartacus was and is.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Danny Sullivan
- 25-06-23
Fabulous
A wonderful account of the film.
Great having Michael read his fathers words. Excellent listen
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- J E Byford
- 18-06-23
One of the best books I’ve ever listened to
This is a book that I feel everybody should read or listen to. I know it’s a false hope, but history should never be repeated. Creative talent should not be crushed because of political opinions. I never realise what amazing person Kirk Douglas was. I wanted to complete the book in one sitting. If there’s anyone out there that has a fraction of Dalton Trumbo’s talent, please adopt this into a TV series.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- James
- 19-05-23
well earned 5 stars
Great narration and brilliant story. I cant fault it as I would have listened in one sitting if I had the chance. I haven't even seen spartacus.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- MR M PIDGEON
- 22-04-23
Great story
Thoroughly enjoyable listen. It's an interesting glance into the past which may or may not have echoes of the 'cancel culture' we're enduring today. If you love Kirk's movies you'll probably enjoy this. Worth it alone for the albeit one sided insights into Kubrick. Beautifully read by Michael Douglas - who sounds a hell of a lot like Kirk!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- TWH
- 14-02-23
Fascinating and incredibly relevant today
If I’d have been able to have locked myself away I would have listened to this in one go. I don’t have the words to describe how much I enjoyed this audiobook but now I am going to watch TRUMBO to try and extend the pleasure. A must read/listen. Thank you Kirk & Michael.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 23-01-23
very interesting story. well done.
very well put together. very interesting and enjoyable to listen to. .. . .
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- S. cassidy
- 10-01-23
Great backstory of great film
Good insite into a dark period in USA history. bygone age of movies and making of. Will read more from Mr Kirk Douglas.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Joe
- 24-11-22
Excellent, a really slice of American history
To any film buff this is a must listen to.
A real moment in time caught in detail, telling the work and passion that goes into making a film as well as the American politics and beliefs of the time.
Excellently narrated by his son.
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