Life Is a Banquet

Rating:
Summary: A gem of a book ; a gem of a woman!
Review: As a longtime "Auntie Mame" fan, I was anxious to read "Life is A Banquet". I'm thrilled to say that Ms. Russell didn't disappoint. She is a gem ~ authentic and honest and a wicked sense of humor. She maintained her ability, despite her success and life in Hollywood, to laugh at herself and those around her. If you can find a copy of this book, grab it and enjoy the ride. She absolutely lived her life as a banquet. May we be so lucky.

Rating:
Summary: A gem of a book ; a gem of a woman!
Review: As a longtime "Auntie Mame" fan, I was anxious to read "Life is A Banquet". I'm thrilled to say that Ms. Russell didn't disappoint. She is a gem ~ authentic and honest and a wicked sense of humor. She maintained her ability, despite her success and life in Hollywood, to laugh at herself and those around her. If you can find a copy of this book, grab it and enjoy the ride. She absolutely lived her life as a banquet. May we be so lucky.

Rating:
Summary: A banquet room full of Russell Roses
Review: From the forward written by her husband, Frederick Brisson, the reader is drawn into the dynamic life of Rosalind Russell. This book is full of delightful escapades of her childhood and shows an honest glimpse of a movie star (the best man at her wedding was Cary Grant) and the consummate professional she was. Gifted as an actress, no doubt, but Russell, shows the reader that it's the age old Thomas Edison adage - Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. Talk about a persistent, creative marketeer of promoting herself, this book is a must-read for anyone needing to be shown a road of how it's done. She once told her only son, Lance, "Flops are part of life's menu and I'm never a girl to miss out on any of the courses." And several times flop she does, always pulling herself up from the boot strings and trying again. Also, the glimpse into Hollywood legends lives - Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, even Coco Chanel, are a satisfying bonus to reading this book.

Funny, poignant (her sister, whom Roz calls "The Duchess" and whom she based the character of Aunite Mame on, dies early in the book) and thought-provoking, Russell indeed proves that life is a banquet to be feasted on and enjoyed each and every day. A delectable read, you'll come away from this book with a brighter take on life.

Rating:
Summary: The life of the legendary Roz
Review: There are two things I love when it comes to entertainment; reading a good biography and watching my favourite actress Rosalind Russell. With this fabulous autobiography I get the best of both worlds as the legendary Roz tells her story. This book remains one of the most entertaining books I've ever read, one to which I return time and time again.
Why do I enjoy reading a true life story? I think it's because it's fascinating to learn how a person came from obscurity and became someone influential and beloved by millions of people the world over, to learn about the good times, the struggles and the triumphs. Why do I love Rosalind Russell? Well, that's harder to put into words. But I'll try. I think it's because she was such a versatile actress who was adept at comedy ("The Women", "His Girl Friday", "This Thing Called Love", "My Sister Eileen", "A Woman Of Distinction" and "Auntie Mame"), powerful in drama ("Sister Kenny", "Mourning Becomes Electra" and "A Majority Of One") and expert in musicals ("The Girl Rush" and "Gypsy"). How many actresses could do all that? Whatever she did on screen she did as a true professional. But, in real life she was a tireless worker for charity and a devoted wife and mother. Rosalind Russell was a greatly respected woman among her peers.
In telling her story, Miss Russell brings her delightful sense of fun to the fore. From the opening anecdote about winning a prize in a horse riding contest, to the way she got out of her first movie contract when a better one offer came her way, to her ploy to get over the title billing in "The Women", Miss Russell spices her life story with wonderful humour that makes this book irresistible. She also includes some of the more tragic events of her life without remorse or self pity but with the strength of character that saw her battle breast cancer and crippling arthritis. It's all presented here in an endearing portrait of a true Hollywood survivor.
What is also fascinating is the foreword by her husband Frederick Brisson. What Miss Russell does not include in the book is presented by her husband, rounding out this multifaceted portrait of a great lady. For example, her breast cancer and mastectomy are not discussed by Miss Russell but by her husband. Miss Russell lived in an era where revealing such a health crisis would have effectively killed her career. But, she lived through this traumatic time and continued to give the powerhouse performances she was famous for. Also recounted are her nervous breakdown, the heartbreak at only having one child and the deaths of those close to her.
This is a wonderful book, one that I can not recommend highly enough. Although currently out of print, hopefully it will be back in print where it belongs in the not too distant future. My advice: do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of this fabulous book, even in a used copy. It will certainly provide you with a banquet of wonderful stories from a wonderful actress and woman, Rosalind Russell.

Rating:
Summary: This is a banquet not to be missed
Review: This book is almost just as funny as one of Rosalind Russell's movies. I learned much I hadn't known before about her early life, as well as her co-stars. The book gives hilarious insights into such projects as His Girl Friday (1940), and The Women (1939), her first comedy.

Roz, the fast-talking dame, will never disappoint in this three-laughs-a-page book. It's also got some great photographs, of her childhood, early acting career, and behind-the-scenes shots of her films. If you are a fan of Rosalind Russell, missing out on this book is your loss!