Norma Shearer : A Biography

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read ReDiscovery of "The First Lady of MGM"
Review: Gavin Lambert's "Norma Shearer: A Life" is the definitive biography of MGM's brightest star of the 1930's who is currently being rediscovered by the American viewing public. Lambert weaves actual interviews with Miss Shearer, conducted before her death, with the story of her humble beginnings in Canada. The author particularly proves that Miss Shearer had tremendous drive and eagerness to be a star, Thalberg marriage or not, and did not receive nearly the advantages that legend has created. Mr. Lambert does not try to hide Miss Shearer's mistakes, but instead gives a balanced and fair picture of a remarkable, yet complex woman. A fascinating must read for any film buff...

Rating:
Summary: Norma Bio
Review: I thought that this book was well written and provided as much information as possible, given the fact that Ms. Shearer and her children were/are very private people. The only thing that I thought he did a poor job on was her later years. Ms. Shearer didn't decend into "madness"..she evidently suffered some form of dementia or possibly Alzheimer's. Instead of treating her disease with compassion, she was a human being, he treats her bizarre behaviors as a neurotic actress who couldn't stand growing old.

Rating:
Summary: Norma Bio
Review: I thought that this book was well written and provided as much information as possible, given the fact that Ms. Shearer and her children were/are very private people. The only thing that I thought he did a poor job on was her later years. Ms. Shearer didn't decend into "madness"..she evidently suffered some form of dementia or possibly Alzheimer's. Instead of treating her disease with compassion, she was a human being, he treats her bizarre behaviors as a neurotic actress who couldn't stand growing old.

Rating:
Summary: Norma Shearer aka Mrs. Thalberg : Queen of the MGM Studio
Review: Norma Shearer wasn't the sexiest, smartest or most accomplished of the MGM stars in Hollywood's golden era. She was, however, married to Irving Thalberg the boy genius of the vast studio. Thalberg chose excellent roles for his wife, Norma shone in such films as "The Barretts of Wimpole Street,"; Marie
Antoinette", "The Women" and Idiot's Delight with Gable. Lambert has done his homework presenting "all you need to know" about Ms. Shearer. The book also deals in detail with the Thalberg career. This book is great for a quiet Saturday at home or a day at the beach. The lavish black and white photos are great!. Enjoy Norma Shearer in this excellently written book!

Rating:
Summary: Best Shearer Bio, but ...
Review: This is a generally well written and researched book.There is a lag in the center section were the topic veers from Norma Shearer to husband, Irving Thalberg. It also suffers from not having insights from Shearer's intimates, including her daughter and second husband, who were both alive at the time of the book's publication. Shearer's post MGM years, from 1942 to 1983, are given a thin treatment. Lambert makes a couple of glaring errrors, such as when he describes a scene in "Marie Antoinette" where the Shearer character learns she is to die. There's no such scene, and given the wide availablily of the video, no excuse. Also, Lambert gets the inscription on her tomb wrong. He wrote that it reads "Norma Shearer Arrouge," when in fact it reads "Norma Arrouge."

Rating:
Summary: Queen of the Complicated Women!
Review: This is a must-read for anyone interested in early Hollywood, when stars had class. Norma Shearer is not as well remembered as she should be today, but after reading this book, you will be craving for more! This book is the best source there is out there for a look at this Queen of the MGM Lot (as she was called during her reign throughout the '30's) even though it has flaws. It gets some details of her career wrong, but the overall sense is that this is someone who accomplished a lot in terms of roles for women during the pre-code era of film. She played sophisticated society ladies who were just a bit naughty and flirtatious (and unapologetic!) She is worth remembering, so please seek out this book where you can find a copy and realize what those of us who have been captured by her star quality already know.......she was a star like no one else!
I also recommend a companion book to this(or if you can't locate a copy) Mick LaSalle's Complicated Women. He explains the glory that is Norma better than anyone can!