Sparks Fly Upward (Panther Books)

By Stewart Granger

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0586055991
• ISBN13: 9780586055991
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: HarperCollins Distribution Ser
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 4.4" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly good in every way

Stewart Granger, whose real name was Jimmy Stewart (already taken), writes surprisingly well. Parts of this book read like an exciting novel: hunting episodes in Africa; lawsuit pitting him and wife Jean Simmons against Howard Hughes (the Grangers unexpectedly won but asked for no settlement except expenses); a western battle with his crooked ranch manager. He drops his share of names just to prove he can, but some people with "names" were actually his close friends: Michael Wilding was his best friend; Laurence Olivier was a close one. Granger was generous to his friends, with money, time, sympathy, and favors. Like Robert Mitchum, Granger didn't have much respect for bad movies. He minded more than Mitchum having to do films he didn't like, but he always needed money.One reviewer called Granger a B-movie star. "King Solomon's Mines" and "Scaramouche" were no B movies. Even Clark Gable was forced to make a few bad movies. Granger, Mitchum, and Gable were always on time and always knew their lines. Granger and Mitchum didn't hesitate to speak their minds on the set when they thought something wasn't right, and for this they were termed "difficult" by some directors.

Never A Dull Moment

Laurence Olivier was once quoted as saying, "Jimmy Granger is one of the top stage actors because he makes acting look easy, when it isn't!" Now this A+ actor shows he's an A+ writer, too. Written with wit, humor and warmth, Stewart gives a candid account of his "never-a-dull-moment" life with a flair that keeps the reader glued. A swashbuckler as much off-screen as on, he talks about his hair-raising, near-death experiences, many that happend during filming, he and Jean Simmons' courageous battle with RKO studio head, Howard Hughes, the love of his family and friends, who he put himself on the line for and more. He reveals all sides of his personality - his temper, stubborness, grit, sense of humor and compassion for others. Readers will also get a sense of his dislike for anything superficial and that there was more to this man than just a good actor. Like a reviewer on Ebay said, it would have been interesting to have met this man. Just an FYI - Stewart said he never planned to do a sequal.

Missing 33 years but still good

My only disappointment with Stewart Granger's autobiography is that, written in 1981, he stops it at 1960. And then he lived till 1993 without writing more! Yes, there is real charm in reading about the glory days of 40's and 50's movies, but he was such a good writer-- concise, witty and conversational, that I really wish he would have continued with his life story. He is gracious to the ladies and not afraid to deflate the pompous, including (sometimes) himself. An intelligent, satisfying book by someone not really given credit for his talent and ability. And no one ever looked better in an ascot!

One of the Best of Hollywoods Actors Can also Write!

The wonderful thing about this book is that absent the many famous names, it would still be a great read. Though trying for some to admit, this was a brilliant man. His powers of observation and wit plus great talent for spinning a yarn make this a good book even for people who don't like films.

Hollywood Actor not known for modesty

Granger was born James Stewart but changed his name early in his career so that he wouldn't be confused with the American actor James Stewart. Granger is widely known for his distaste for the movies he made. His often contrite and vain explanations of his life with sarcastic wit makes for good reading.One of the most widely quoted books of the 50's Hollywood scene, Granger mentions everyone from Sinatra, Elvis, Howard Hughes to Cary Grant and Spencer Tracy.An enjoable read of an interesting person and life!