Samantha Glasser's Reviews > Swanson on Swanson

This is one of my favorite movie star biographies. Gloria Swanson was a major star during the silent era, and she worked with greats like Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. DeMille, and Erich von Stroheim. She was married several times, had a famous affair with Joseph Kennedy, and concieved several children. Her career failed when talkies came, but triumphed again in 1950 with Sunset Boulevard, for which she was nominated for an Oscar. Through her success, she kept a level head and a great work ethic.

Before reading this book, I had only a mild interest in her, as I was unimpressed with many of the silent films she starred in, but her personality shines through so brightly in this book, it is impossible not to like her. She was no great beauty, but what she lacked there she made up for with intelligence and wit.

The length of Swanson's autobiography is intimidating, but each page is a treat.