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The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson

The Pretty Boys and Dirty Deals of Henry Willson
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( 318 ratings, 45 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson by Robert Hofler delves into the life of Rock Hudson, exploring the efforts of his agent, Henry Willson, to construct Hudson's iconic public persona. The biography reveals the complexities and challenges faced in shaping his career during Hollywood's Golden Age, offering insights into fame, identity, and the entertainment industry's intricacies.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the golden age of Hollywood and its hidden stories. It offers an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the creation of celebrity personas and the complexities of life in the spotlight during a transformative era in the film industry. Perfect for those interested in how image and industry intersected to shape enduring legends.

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The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson is an incredible biography as well as a harrowing look into Hollywood at a time of great sexual oppression, roaming vice squads searching for gay and/or communist activity, and the impossibilities for gay actors of the era.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Henry Willson was one of the quintessential power brokers in Hollywood during the late 1940s and 1950s when he launched the careers of Rock Hudson, Lana Turner, Tab Hunter, Natalie Wood, and many others. He was also a true casting couch agent, brokering sex for opportunity on the silver screen.

While this practice was rampant across Hollywood, for gay actors and film professionals the casting couch was a dangerous cliff: a public revelation could and would ruin a career. The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson is an incredible biography as well as a harrowing look into Hollywood at a time of great sexual oppression, roaming vice squads searching for gay and/or communist activity, and the impossibilities for gay actors of the era.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson by Robert Hofler delves into the life of Henry Willson, showcasing the Hollywood agent's influence in the 1950s. With a focus on Willson's complex personality and power dynamics, the book is rich in gossip and behind-the-scenes tales, painting a gritty picture of Hollywood's glamorous yet cutthroat world. The biography has been praised for its thorough research and engaging storytelling, offering insights into Tinseltown's often hidden intrigues.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780816691296

Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 February 2014

Country: United States

Imprint: University of Minnesota Press

Illustration: 16

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 51.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 472

About the Author


Robert Hofler survived a forty-year career in journalism, working as an editor at Life, Us, and Variety, among many other publications. He is now the theater critic for The Wrap and lives in New York City. Hofler is also author of the books Sexplosion: From Andy Warhol to "A Clockwork Orange"-How a Generation of Pop Rebels Broke All the Taboos, Variety's "The Movie That Changed My Life," and Party Animals: A Hollywood Tale of Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll Starring the Fabulous Allan Carr.

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