Some Like It Cool: The Charmed Life of Jack Lemmon

Heyne Filmbibliothek

by Michael Freedland

'Some Like It Cool' is the story of Jack Lemmon, perhaps one of the best-loved stars in Hollywood's history. The first biography since his death in 2001, this book focuses not just on Lemmon's career, but also on his private life. It includes the story of his relationship with his mother, a broken first marriage, his drinking, his 'terrible' facelift and his fight with cancer. This is no rags to riches tale as his wealthy father sent him to Harvard where a Columbia Pictures talent scout invited him to Hollywood where the speed of his rise to success and stardom was astonishing. The author, Michael Freedland, who interviewd Lemmon frequently, confesses to being a Lemmon devotee, yet this biography presents a frank and honest account - as well as a celebration - of one of Hollywood's greats.

Genres: Biography

Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good decent biography. Sometimes I lost what Freedland was saying in his convoluted linguistic flourishes, which can make it hard to follow. Sometimes key things are left out altogether (what kind of cancer exactly did he die of? Did he ever accept that he was an alcoholic?) But there aren't many good biographies of Lemmon out there, so this fills a valuable place in film history.

[Rob Smith, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Freedland does what so many authors do that create a series with a similar theme. Much like a snow ball gets larger as it rolls down a mountain, as Freedland interviews the various celebrities for the various biographies he produces he picks up other stories and quotes involving other celebrities. He obviously stores the snippets of others lives. Then when he feels he has enough to construct another biography, he flings open the filing cabinets, digs out the gathered information and constructs a book.

There's nothing wrong with what he does. Most all authors do this when creating a series. However, most work to take earlier research notes, string it together and fill in the gaps to create the whole story in whatever the subject is.

Freedland leaves wide gaps in Lemmon's story. The book at times leaps from one point in Lemmon's life to another. The inconsistency is a bit irritating. For instance very little is written about Jack Lemmon's filming of 'Some Like It Hot' but plenty is filled out about 'Save the Tiger'. There is also the lacking hindsight issue. Freedland expands the Lemmon story as it reaches his book's publication date. The earlier history is far less complete.

Despite all this criticism, I like the end result because, though there is much lacking, what is there is well written, presented and obviously celebrity stories and quotes would be lost to time if Freedland hadn't bothered to gather them over time and present them in this volume.

So, if you want a thorough Jack Lemmon biography, this isn't it. If you want an over view packed with nifty stories of Lemmon's life, track this now out of print book down.

Bottom line: I recommend it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author Michael Freeland's biography of one of the most talented actors in Hollywood focuses not only his extensive career but also on his personal life---like his turbulent relationship with his alcoholic mother, his alcoholism, a broken marriage, his devoted friendship with Walter Mattau and his tragic fight with cancer.

Lemmon didn't have a rags to riches beginning to being a star. His father was a wealthy business man who sent Lemmon to Harvard to study something worthy when a talent scout discovered him.

For those who have seen Lemmon on the big screen you know he's dynamic, animated and convincing and dedicated in whatever role he plays. This biography is frank and honest about even one of Hollywood's beloved stars and this demonstrates that even Hollywood stars do experience life on life's terms and it's not always about acting.

I really enjoyed this book because I will confess I think he is one of Hollywood's greats and I am a devoted fan to his convincing style of acting. If you love Jack Lemmon as well this book definitely gives you a human side to him.

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Lemmon was a major star who has still not received the major biography he deserves.This book is only 173 pages long and does not scratch the surface.
I recall that I did see Lemmon once on a Sunday at the London Palladium watching Jack Bennys last stage show in London

[Sarah Hjertquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I found in a Lilliput Library and thought I'd give it a go. Not at all disappointed as it tells an honest story of a well-liked star who often struggled with parts of his life. A highly enjoyable read.

[Halina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the content, but really struggled with the abysmal quality of the writing.

[Anne Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book that speaks truly to Lemmon's character. I would have liked more on the later years, but it was truly a great book