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Eve Golden
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John Gilbert: The Last of the Silent Film Stars (Screen Classics) Kindle Edition

by Eve Golden (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 88 ratings
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This revealing biography of the legendary silent film star chronicles his meteoric rise, famous romances, and tragic descent into obscurity.

Known as “The Great Lover,” John Gilbert was among the world's most recognizable actors during the silent era. A swashbuckling figure on screen and off, he is best known today for his high-profile romances with Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich, his legendary conflicts with Louis B. Mayer, his four tumultuous marriages, and his swift decline after the introduction of talkies. Many myths have developed around the larger-than-life star in the eighty years since his untimely death, but this definitive biography sets the record straight.

Eve Golden separates fact from fiction in John Gilbert, tracing the actor's life from his youth spent traveling with his mother in acting troupes to the peak of fame at MGM, where he starred opposite Mae Murray, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, and others in popular films such as The Merry Widow, The Big Parade, Flesh and the Devil, and Love.

Golden debunks some of the most pernicious rumors about Gilbert, including the oft-repeated myth that he had a high-pitched, squeaky voice that ruined his career. Meticulous, comprehensive, and generously illustrated, this book provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the silent era's greatest stars and the glamorous yet brutal world in which he lived.

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  1. Print length
    470 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    The University Press of Kentucky
  5. Publication date
    April 12, 2013
  6. File size
    3884 KB
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* One of the most memorable lines uttered by Norma Desmond in Billy Wilder’s classic movie Sunset Boulevard is, “We had faces.” Norma, a former silent-film star who didn’t make it in the talkies, is, of course, referencing what she and other big names of the silent era saw as their superiority over the ho-hum actors in talking pictures. Certainly one of the silent stars who qualified for having a face was John Gilbert, the great screen heartthrob in the late 1920s, a huge moneymaker at MGM during the last years of the silents. Gilbert came from show-business stock and entered the nascent film industry early. He paid his dues in small roles, honing his craft and earning a reputation for perfectionism. Once he signed on at MGM, stardom was his. He married frequently, and alcohol gained increasing importance for him. But through it all, he struck people as a nice guy. What readers will primarily focus on is the issue of whether, according to accepted wisdom, Gilbert had a high, squeaky, nearly effeminate voice that prohibited his transition to talkies. Not so, says Golden; Gilbert’s voice was acceptable. His failure to succeed in talkies had more to do with other factors, including a bad relationship with MGM’s Louis B. Mayer. This warm, even enchanting book is a heartfelt return to the magic of an era long gone. --Brad Hooper

Review

"Eve Golden reels through the life of [the] silent film star."―Vanity Fair

"It is a swell read."―The Huffington Post

"One of the virtues of Eve Golden's smart, funny biography of John Gilbert is that she doesn't make him seem too pathetic."―Dennis Drabelle, The Washington Post

"Meticulous, comprehensive, and generouslly illustrated, John Gilbert is a multi-faceted biography that offers insight into stardom during one of the most definitive eras of Hollywood. Golden provides a behind-the-scenes look at the silent period, the most definitive eras of Hollywood. Golden provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the silent period's gretest stars and the glamorous yet brutal world in which he lived."―Alan W. Petrucelli, examiner.com

"Myths have distorted the legacy of John Gilbert, one of the giants of the silent screen. In her lively, well-researched, and clear-eyed biography, Golden tells a riveting life story while setting the record straight."―Emily W. Leider, author of Myrna Loy: The Only Good Girl in Hollywood

"Here at last is a long overdue and definitive John Gilbert biography, the one that silent-film lovers have been waiting for. Debunking the longstanding myths about Gilbert's demise, while also paying heartfelt tribute to his talent and versatility, Eve Golden provides a clear-eyed, intelligent, and utterly persuasive account of Gilbert's rise and fall. Carefully considering each of the many factors that accelerated his ruin, including his self-destructive behavior (both professionally and personally), Golden absorbs readers in the aching, urgent drama of Gilbert's downward spiral. Along the way, she brings the silent era, the transition to sound, and pre-Code Hollywood to vivid life, creating a compact and often illuminating picture of those times. With her astute analysis of his individual performances, and by acknowledging his perfectly acceptable speaking voice, Golden restores John Gilbert―the man reportedly loved by both Garbo and Dietrich―to his proper standing in film history, as both a silent superstar and a first-rate screen actor."―John DiLeo, author of Screen Savers: 40 Remarkable Movies Awaiting Rediscovery

"Well-written and highly informative. The reader is completely absorbed in the life and times of John Gilbert and the author succeeds in painting the picture of a real human being. It's well-balanced and far from dull, trashy movie star adoration. Highly recommendable, also for those who still have to discover John Gilbert and the movie stars of his era."―Bettina Uhlich, author of the German biography on Jean Harlow, Das Leben der Leinwandgöttin Jean Harlow

"This may be Golden's finest achievement yet. John Gilbert has been plagued by a barrage of bogus hyperbole throughout the nearly eighty years since his untimely death; Golden, through diligent and exhaustive research, has brilliantly debunked every one of these out-and-out 'fish' stories. She wields her pen with as much flourish and verve as Gilbert brandishing a sword in one of his action swashbucklers, and the result is a work that is both responsible and valuable."―Mel Neuhaus, film writer for Examiner.com

"This book will certainly be the definitive biography of John Gilbert. Golden has created a gripping, detailed chronicle of Gilbert's life, providing readers with the full tragic story of the amazing saga of an emotionally deprived child who gained tremendous fame and wealth through his looks, talent, and drive and then lost it all."―James Robert Parish, author of Fiasco: A History of Hollywood's Iconic Flops

"The ulitmate value of Golden's biography is in providing a balanced social and cultural view of the larger world within which Gilbert was navigating his career."―Rita Kohn, freelance author, Broadside

"This is a finely detailed and gracefully written effort to set the record straight about this forgotten movie star whose life and career have become shrouded in myths and, according to the author, in half-truths."―Dennis King, newsok.com

"With a background in journalism and a lifelong dedication to classic film geekery, she is truly meant to write about the golden age of Hollywood. She clearly loves her topic, which makes reading her books as enjoyable as having a cup of coffee with a fellow fan."―classicmovieblog.com

"Meticulous, comprehensive, and generously illustrated, John Gilbert: The Last of the Silent Film Stars provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the silent era's greatest stars and the glamorous yet brutal world in which he lived."―Midwest Review of Books

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00AEV86H4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The University Press of Kentucky; Illustrated edition (April 12, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 12, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3884 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 470 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 88 ratings

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Eve Golden

Eve Golden

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After 20-some years in magazine publishing (including a stint writing "The Bottom Shelf" for Movieline, and as copy chief at More), I now work as a photo archivist in New York. I have several new book ideas on the back and front burners, and a proposal currently making the rounds.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
88 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Rene Krammer
5.0 out of 5 stars The Great Lover.
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023
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A wonderful book on the life of Silent Screen actor- John Gilbert. It is well written and full of facts. Has some nice pictures but wish there had been more.
He was one of the top film stars of the 1920's. Worked with finest actresses of that era. But with the advent of sound his career collapsed. They claim it was his voice but it was the films that the studio offered him. Plots were old fashioned and not given leading actresses. The real reason and closest to the truth was that the head of MGM hated him. Wanted to destroy John Gilbert. Made sure that the best film roles were given to other male actors.
With DVDs we can see for ourselves the movies of this talented actor. His Silent films and his talking pictures. I own a quite a few of his movies on DVD and they are excellent to watch.
We now can judge for ourselves and read the fine books that give us the real facts. He was a talented actor that died too young. If he was allowed to develop in talking film era then history would have a better opinion of him. Not a picture of an actor that failed in sound. His sound pictures were not terrible and can still hold your attention. MGM and Louis B. Mayer stabbed him in the back. See for yourself. Let John Gilbert live again. Buy this book and the book written by his daughter - Dark Star. Then see the true John Gilbert.
One person found this helpful
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Robert Furem
4.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Fans Of John Gilbert
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2013
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If you're a Gilbert fan, as I am, this is a book you must read. It gives the most complete portrait of the man we are likely to get. Inevitably, there are a lot of holes because knowledge of some areas of Gilbert's life are quite sparse. Occasionally, the author engages in a little too much speculation while discounting the speculation of others. Happily, speculation and fact are never confused. Also, a little too much time is spent on subjects, such as the transition to sound, that anyone familiar with the era will already know. These are minor quibbles in what is a very solid biography and a fine addition to scholarship on the silent film era. The best thing I can say is that this biography makes me anxious to see even more Gilbert. A thoroughly engaging read about a spectacular actor and a troubled man.

A side note to Warner Archive: We want his films with Crawford!
15 people found this helpful
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Hiwatt Marshall
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly Researched Chronical of a Hollywood Icon
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022
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Ms Golden, if you're reading this, you did a great job with this book. Very well researched and very balanced commentary on the veracity of alleged episodes- for example the tale of John Gilbert decking Louis B. Mayer after Garbo ditched Gilbert at the altar. A sympathetic but truthful look at the life of an exceptionally talented, but troubled actor from Hollywood's 'Golden Age'.

As I read this book, I personally went back and watched several of Gilbert's films, including 'Fast Workers' (a talkie); Man, Woman, Sin (a silent with Jeanne Eagles- this was fantastic); and Queen Christina. His voice was just fine; Gilbert was persecuted at MGM because of Mayer's personal antipathy. Highly encourage any readers to watch some of the movies that Ms Golden analyzes- some are pretty obscure, but many are available. It enriches the experience of learning more about Gilbert, and maybe more importantly, that transitional time in Hollywood when 'Talkies' revolutionized the movie industry.

Ms Golden is to be congratulated especially because this could not have been an easy book to research or write, almost all of the people who would've know Gilbert are long dead. But she did a great job with the existing material that she had on hand. Hightly recommend this book about a tremendous actor, almost completely forgotten in these times.
2 people found this helpful
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Kiki
5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful read about a man who deserves to be remembered.........
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2019
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Knowing very little about this man is what prompted me to purchase this book. I found the author to be incredibly balanced in her writing, refraining from judging the man, who appeared to be his own worst enemy. I found it a refreshing change from other online biographies claiming his failure in early talkies was due to his voice. Suffice to say after reading this man's life story I seriously wonder if anyone could have pleased him. During the silent era he appeared in success after success, yet he repeatedly chose to verbally criticise his movies to the Hollywood columnists of the day. Little wonder his studio lost patience with him. Then when pictures learned to talk, his home studio was not about to nurture him as they did Garbo, Shearer and Crawford. Throughout his life the scars from his childhood seemed to haunt him, particularly in his relationships with women. His mother comes off as an emotional derelict incapable of showing maternal love, for one has to be taught to love. This man, with a heart so full, craved love and compassion his whole life, yet time and again set himself up to fail in relationships. I don't believe he was ever truly understood. The author, Eve Golden, paints a well researched and insightful story of a talented actor who deserves to be remembered. It's been many years since silent movies were all the rage, but let us not ever forget, the Silents are golden.
5 people found this helpful
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Gregory Spina
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone has a story to tell.
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2023
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A must read for anyone who loves the old Hollywood. Read and you be the judge. Good reading for me. I’m old but learning a lot about life and way things were years ago. Every star pays their price. Every star has a story of their life. Consider what was relevant, socioeconomic backgrounds and how events in life led them to Hollywood. Imagine working in silent movies and the impact of talking movies had on all actors and actresses. Very interesting! I wonder how it compares to today Hollywood? It must have been a challenge years ago. Looks were very important!
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Thomas G. Hays
3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty interesting but uneven in its flow
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2013
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Found a lot of it interesting and I didn't know a lot about Gilbert's life. However, I found it put together in somwwhat of a confusing manner. The chronology went back and forth and you didn't know what part of his life you were in . I thought the episode about what killed his career would be finally resolved but it was only speculated (again) in the book, ie the voice tone, primative recording equipment or was it supposedly due to socking L.D. Mayer. and Mayer getting revenge by casting him in bad pictures..
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Top reviews from other countries

D. Camargo
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding but tragic journey into Hollywood
Reviewed in Italy on May 6, 2023
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The title I have to my review explains my feelings regarding Eve Golden's work in telling the life of screen legend John Gilbert. At Golden's book we can see a lot of what is shown in the movie Babylon, in which Brad Pitt does a slightly based on Gilbert character. It is fascinating reading, well detailed and researched. It succeeds in making us want to watch every Gilbert film which is still around. Of course, when you are already familiar with Hollywood in the 1920's, which is my case, the pleasure is big, but if you are a neophyte and want to get a close look at the period, Golden's book on John Gilbert is a recommended start. Long live Gilbert!
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Satisfied customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched and good read.
Reviewed in Australia on September 13, 2022
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For those with an interest in 1920's silent film era the biography of John (Jack) Gilbert is a good read. Recommend reader follow up into his films.
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Vanessa
5.0 out of 5 stars Really touching biography of John Gilbert!
Reviewed in Canada on February 20, 2014
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Before reading this book, I really didn't know much about John Gilbert (or, 'Jack' as he was more commonly known by friends). I had seen a couple of his silent movies but had seen none of his early talkies, so I didn't quite grasp how severe his fall from the movie industry was. This book was a long time coming - a lot of Gilbert fans waited patiently for a fitting tribute to their favourite silent screen star for many years.

This book was touching (it made me cry) and quite funny, if I'm honest. There was more than one occasion that I burst out laughing whilst reading through the pages. The author did a fantastic job of describing Gilbert's life (his successes and failures) and she interviewed many reliable and trustworthy people. Although this bio is only just over 350 pages long, it goes in-depth and really gets down to the nitty-gritty. Nothing is glossed over and I did not ONCE get bored like I usually do when reading biographies.

I chose to give this book 5-stars because, in my opinion, it was an excellent read. If you're a classic film fan, I would definitely recommend this biography to you!
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