Gary Cooper: American Hero

Well researched biography of Gary Cooper. The book included interviews with many who knew and worked with Cooper and the author had extensive assistance from Cooper's daughter. There are extensive chapter notes and a bibliography but no filmography. A lot of good photos. On page 320 the author indicates that Bogart passed in 1957, Flynn in 1959, Gable in 1960, and Cooper in 1961. He missed 1958 where we lost Tyrone Power who was the youngest and probably most unexpected death of them all. Also, you had to read the chapter end notes to find out what happened to Cooper's wife and daughter. I felt the author examined Cooper's personal life and the issues he had with so many women in a fair manor. However, the reviews of the films were the personal opinion of the author which should have been limited. Personally I enjoy The Cowboy and the Lady and the author did not even mention co-star Merle Oberon. And Along Came Jones is my absolute favorite Cooper film. If the author had kept his opinion out of the films that would have made the book a 5 star but I can only give it 4 stars.

Research was good. His conclusions on personal issues were not smart. He could not possibly know some of this no matter what gossip he dug up. Everyone is dead and has been dead for many years. Only his daughter survives and I doubt she contributed to that type of material. Other than that, I thought he did a very good job. The actor held a unique position in history and in those lives he touched. He deserves to be remembered for his efforts. He comes from a different generation of men which has its good points and its bad. I revere him above all other actors even today.

Excellent read which will certainly give you insight into the actor. I put the book down whenever they mentioned a movie, went and watched it on Netflix, then came back and read more.

This book spent too much time going through details of each movie he made. Wanted more of his personal life in the storyline.

Can’t say enough how boring and disappointing this book was. At least part of it. I couldn’t finish it. Why supply every plot line and paycheck this wonderful actor acted in and earned. More personal, interesting life experiences please! I’m sure there are more interesting biographies written about this beautiful man. This one leaves the reader wanting more.

I always wanted to know about my favorite Star of younger days. Mr. Meyers narration fully satisfied my curiosity. I shall definitely recommend this book to all of my friends.

Excellent history and contemporaneous witnesses. Good read, especially for classic movie fans like me.

Love love love Gary Cooper and collect any books written about him. What's not to love about the Coop!

Loved this book, its a worts and all story about a beautiful looking man, whom men admired a lot too, and women found irresistible, was fascinted by the fact that he was educated in England and ended up quite a toff which now explains to me why Fred Astair sang about "trying hard to look like Garry Cooper Super duper" in the song "Puttin on the Ritz" it is one of the most interesting biographies I have ever read.

Its not bad- a bit too gossipy for me which is its downfall, sometimes uses uneccessary language which does nothing that enhances and you might wonder what the author felt about Mrs Cooper- if felt well researched and the writing is nice to follow and lets face it we are talking about one of the greatest film stars, actors or personalities of all time, who quite simply died far far too young and isn't as well appreciated as perhaps he deserves- what does come across is how the popular image bears little relationship with the real person- Coop does seem a constant contradiction and i woudl love to have read more on his relationships with fellow actors - but a good book nonetheless and worthy of a place in any fans place

Classic read, very interesting subject, I shall reccommend it to allmy friends. I appreciate the quick reliable service Thank-you.

Die Helden der Jugendzeit entpuppen sich, was natürlich nicht wirklich überrascht, als echte Menschen samt Schwächen und kleinen und größeren Fehlern. Das macht sie noch sympathischer.

Loved this book on Gary Cooper. He was an original and a great star.