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Give 'Em Hell, Harry: Reminiscences
A dramatic monologue contains President Truman's candid and vocal comments on such topics as politics, foreign relations, the economy, leading personalities, government, and his family
Hardcover
Published September 24, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 23, 2014
What a great play. It was filmed with James Whitmore in the role and was an outstanding experience to watch. Each Time I read this play I can visualize Whitmore doing Harry. The play stands on its own very well and will make you a Harryphile in a very short time. I love it!
May 31, 2021
Give Em Hell, Harry is a book based on a biographical one man play about President Harry S. Truman written by Samuel Gallus. It was performed and filmed in 1975 by James Whitmore. The official opening, April 17, 1975, was at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C.; hosted by Truman’s daughter, Margaret Truman and attended by President Gerald Ford. James Whitmore was nominated for Best Actor for both the Academy Awards and the Globe Award. It is the third of three shows where every actor or actress in the show received a nomination for an award.
President Harry S. Truman was a unique, outspoken, and plain-speaking man from Missouri. He became President upon the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He won the 1948 Presidency in his own right for a following term. The term, “Give em Hell” originated when someone in the audience yelled, “Give em Hell, Harry”. The phrase became a slogan for Truman during the election.
In the book, Harry meets with various people and groups but only as invisible speakers. Harry answers their questions and complaints by rewording their questions and statements before answering their questions. Truman’s reasoning for decisions he made and actions he took are discussed during the film. At all times, Truman’s humble beginnings are apparent. His love for his family is exposed as well as his love for America. Much of the dialogue is from his own speeches and writings.
The book is unique as was its topic. The film version of the play is amazing with James Whitmore doing an excellent job as Truman
President Harry S. Truman was a unique, outspoken, and plain-speaking man from Missouri. He became President upon the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He won the 1948 Presidency in his own right for a following term. The term, “Give em Hell” originated when someone in the audience yelled, “Give em Hell, Harry”. The phrase became a slogan for Truman during the election.
In the book, Harry meets with various people and groups but only as invisible speakers. Harry answers their questions and complaints by rewording their questions and statements before answering their questions. Truman’s reasoning for decisions he made and actions he took are discussed during the film. At all times, Truman’s humble beginnings are apparent. His love for his family is exposed as well as his love for America. Much of the dialogue is from his own speeches and writings.
The book is unique as was its topic. The film version of the play is amazing with James Whitmore doing an excellent job as Truman
July 9, 2022
A dramatic monologue based on former President Truman's candid and vocal comments on such topics as politics, foreign relations, the economy, leading personalities, government, and his family.
November 3, 2015
Coming across a copy of Samuel Gallu's biographical play Give 'Em Hell Harry" was great! I have never had the opportunity to watch James Whitmore in the Oscar-nominated role(except excerpts on youtube.com) which would have been wonderful as well. Gallu has put together some of Truman's most memorable lines/scenes as president. I found it a very enjoyable read.
July 12, 2012
It is my life's ambition to perform this play someday.
July 16, 2014
One of my Dad's favorites ... I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews