Finding My Way: A Hollywood Memoir

By Martha Hyer Wallis

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062509381
• ISBN13: 9780062509383
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Harpercollins
• Length: 12 Pages
• Weight: 1.77 lbs.

Customer Reviews

She Found Her Way

One of the best Hollywood memoirs, Hyer tells the ultimate Cinderella story with the wisdom of one who had lived through good times and bad. She wasn't always the nicest person, and she's not ashamed to tell all about herself. Along the way, she met many of Hollywood's greatest stars and creative talent, and she has a knack for isolating their traits in a way that gives us a concise impression of each. Mia Farrow was "kissed by the fairies." Kate Hepburn was so generous to old actors that she kept an open account at a shop in Westwood Village so that any old actor who needed a cane could go in and get one for free, compliments of Miss Hepburn. Rock Hudson was spoiled and self-centered, as was Elvis, who would walk away from any conversation if it veered away from himself. People thought that Martha Hyer married "up" when she got hooked Hal Wallis, the famous producer who made CASABLANCA and TRUE GRIT. What no one knew was that Hal was horridly cheap and Martha had to finance their marriage entirely through her own pocketbook and the profits of having made 50 or 60 movies all over the world. Before she knew it, Martha was a pawn in the hands of underworld loan sharks who made her life a living hell. She owed them literally millions of dollars and they forced her to do all kinds fo things she abhorred. It was blackmail, pure and simple. There was only one way out of her dilemma. She gave herself up to Christ, who put her on to a book that had been sitting, ignored, for years on her library shelf, LIVING THE INFINITE WAY by the mystic Joel Goldsmith. Thanks to that book, she found the solution to her impasse, renewed the trust of her marriage to miserly Wallis, and moved to Santa Fe. It's a shame she's not on the screen any more, but happily, many of her best movies are now being released on DVD. She was "Universal's answer to Grace Kelly," and while never as complex a screen presence as Kelly, she had her own grace and gravity. FINDING MY WAY is a keeper.

An Honorable Woman Writes An Endearing Testimonial

Martha's story is captivating and honest. She shares a valuable lesson with her audience. After several years of fame and riches, it isn't until the latter part of her life that she discovers true happiness. Her spiritual experiences are incredibly touching, and I admire her willingness in sharing them with her readers. This is a brave woman with a fascinating story to tell. Her autobiography is well written, modest and sincere, a real pleasure to read! What a remarkable woman!

Eye-opening look at good side of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Okay, first off the author is my aunt. But please don't let that color your opinion of my opinion. This book would be a real page-turner, even for those not related to Martha Hyer. Particularly insightful is her life with big-time stars like Gene Kelly, John Wayne, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Katharine Hepburn, and Elvis Presley, and her late husband, Hollywood's mega-producer Hal B. Wallis. Once you get through all the awe and glitz, however, there is a message that is inspirational to each of us. Life is not just about catching that big wave and trying to hang on. My Aunt Marty has seen life with the high and mighty, the rich and famous and all the baggage that goes with it. The good news is that she's managed to survive it and gain a better perspective that she's willing to share with us all. She's still working on finding her way. And her book helps us do the same.

An Excellent Book. I highly recommend it.

Martha Hyer Wallis recounts her years in Hollywood with honesty and humor. She tells her own story as a woman who attained success as an actress but who eventually realized that true happiness only comes through peace of the spirit. The book flows smoothly and can easily be read in one or two sittings. Martha has a keen sense of humor and some of her stories about Hollywood's most famous names are truly hilarious. I laughed out loud at the one about Alfred Hitchcock. The book is only 133 pages and I do wish that she had provided more details about herself and the people she worked with. Maybe Martha will put out a second edition that is more fleshed out. If she does, I will sure buy a copy. This lady definitely knows how to write!