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Cary Grant

A Brilliant Disguise

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About this listen

 Film historian and acclaimed New York Times bestselling biographer Scott Eyman has written the definitive, “captivating” (Associated Press) biography of Hollywood legend Cary Grant, one of the most accomplished—and beloved—actors of his generation, who remains as popular as ever today.

Born Archibald Leach in 1904, he came to America as a teenaged acrobat to find fame and fortune, but he was always haunted by his past. His father was a feckless alcoholic, and his mother was committed to an asylum when Archie was eleven years old. He believed her to be dead until he was informed she was alive when he was thirty-one years old. Because of this experience, Grant would have difficulty forming close attachments throughout his life. He married five times and had numerous affairs.

Despite a remarkable degree of success, Grant remained deeply conflicted about his past, his present, his basic identity, and even the public that worshipped him in movies such as Gunga Din, Notorious, and North by Northwest.

This “estimable and empathetic biography” (The Washington Post) draws on Grant’s own papers, extensive archival research, and interviews with family and friends making it a definitive and “complex portrait of Hollywood’s original leading man” (Entertainment Weekly). Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV History & Criticism Celebrity Entertainment Inspiring

Critic reviews

"Scott Eyman's exhaustive and well-researched examination of the beloved actor Cary Grant successfully argues that Grant was the fanciful invention of the man himself—born Archibald Leach. Angelo Di Loreto skillfully lends a Continental flair to his genuinely artful narration. His performance is as charming and stylish as Grant himself. The text is empathetic toward Grant and his occasionally tortured relationship with his mother. While not necessarily covering any new information, this is an entertaining discussion of a fascinating persona. Consider spending some time with a great Hollywood invention and the appealing voice of Di Loreto."
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I enjoyed this very much I must admit I knew very little of the man behind the image. well written with a balanced view of Grants life without fawning or pandering to sensation. I liked Cary Grant as a actor and I like him as a person after listening to this.

1 man 2 people

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On first listening yo this biography I just could not get into it,the story it,self is very interesting,and I perseivered then I realalised,the narration was too low and gravelly.I persivered and got used to the narration,it could have been bettered but I really enjoyed the biography in the end.

The narration spoiled i.

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If you liked Cary Grant before listening to this excellent audiobook, you will love him after. A true gentleman, special and a real one off... and maybe an 👼

The backstory and details fill in the gaps of carry's early life, how he got started and how he took control and managed success at the very top of his game. Along with expanding stories around some of his biggest hits, fascinating.

You also get a glimpse of the ladies man, the romances and family man along with his deep love for his daughter. A decent, good man with a great sense of humour.

Highly recommended purchase.

A True Gentleman

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Loved this account of an idol who was anything but straightforward. Drawn by my Mother's admiration & his British beginnings. I avoid biographies generally since I can obsessively research them afterwards but no issues here. His movies are my regular go to's. We are so lucky to have his legacy, something he discounted. The detail was robust but the narration struggled with some Brit terms & names. This leaves you with questions and greater interest and that's a good sign. Does this great man justice.

Impressive detail, great insight

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As I child born in the early 50s, the first films I remember watching on TV in England were either silent films or films from the 30s & 40s. The film that I adored and can still watch with original glee was Bringing Up Baby. It was surreal, madcap and Cary Grant & Kate Hepburn just sparkled. They say you should never meet your heroes and in this case, I was apprehensive about listening to this. The story does not open up truth about his private life in a modern "exposed" way and I was enlightened into his complex personality. A really interesting life story read really well.. Recommended.

A FABULOUS CREATION

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