There is probably not a more iconic Hollywood figure today than Clint Eastwood, nor for that matter is there a more private one. Now, New York Times bestselling author Marc Eliot ( Reagan" The Hollywood Years, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart) to a large degree demystifies Eastwood by putting carefully examining the movies he has had made and his life to date.
As Sondra Locke with whom Eastwood had a 14 year relationship said, "People can know him for years and never be sure of what he's thinking. He's one of the warmest people in the world, but there's a certain distance, a certain mystery to him." Readers will not discover Eastwood's thoughts but much light will be shed on his journey from college dropout/playboy to become one of the most successful and respected men in the film industry. It was a twisted path marked by 2 marriages and 7 children. His romantic liaisons were often with co-stars, and he once said, "There is only one way to have a happy marriage, and as soon as I learn what it is I'll get married again.
He's played many a tough loner and, according to Eliot, Eastwood was tough, hanging out in "seedy bars" and playing jazz piano in his younger days. Little would one think that the tall, lanky fellow who for over 7 years co-starred in TV's Rawhide and churned out spaghetti Westerns would one day be a multiple Academy Award Winner. But, he was and to paraphrase a song he did it his way.
Enjoy!
- Gail Cooke
