A Twist of Lemmon: A Tribute to My Father

by Christopher Lemmon

First time in paperback, a very personal portrait of an actor audiences loved, written by his actor son. Jack Lemmon (1925-2001) was one of our most beloved movie stars, a two-time Academy Award winner for Mister Roberts and Save the Tiger . In A Twist of Lemmon , Chris Lemmon shares family tales, intimate father-son conversations, and anecdotes from and about his dad. Joining Chris are first-person tributes from Blake Edwards, Andy Garcia, Julie Andrews, Tony Curtis, Neil Simon, Shirley MacLaine, and Cliff Robertson, among others.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Media Tie In, Biography Memoir

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for a little more Jack & a little less Chris in this Tribute to Jack Lemmon by his son Chris. While it wasn’t a bad read, I felt it was more about Chris. Maybe I was looking for more of a biographical piece which this did not deliver. This must have been a bit of a catharsis for Chris, perhaps hard to write, but it was lovely to know how much he loved his father in spite of his absences, etc. Jack, it seems, did his best to sustain a close relationship with his son which is truly a tribute to this wonderful, gifted actor. I did like the pictures that Chris shared, that was nice.

Read: 2006 - May 15

[Samantha Glasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more Jack Lemmon movies I see, the more I love him. He sneaks up on you because he appears to be so casually natural on screen that you don't notice his insane talent right away. Here his son Christopher pays tribute to a man well-loved by his peers and audiences who wanted desperately to be great at golf and who loved to travel.

Larry Gelbart said at Lemmon’s funeral, “The Redwoods are falling.”

Neil Simon said, “I don’t remember how many films I wrote for Jack Lemmon, but I know it wasn’t enough.”

This is a loving and too-short tribute to a talented man who many people loved off-camera too.

[Angela Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read about one of my favorite actors of all time, Jack Lemmon, by his son Chris. This book is for men's men: golf, fishing, alcoholism, chasing women, craving one's father's approval, etc. It's full of funny anecdotes and a father-son theme that I confess was somewhat lost on me at times.

One criticism I have is the overuse of the name Lemmon (Lilac Lemmon, Lemmon Legacy, etc.) which oddly disenfranchises the female family members, even though it was clear that his father Jack in many ways had more of his mother's traits than his father's. The women are relegated to the role of furniture, not even supporting characters. Even the author's devotion to wife Gina is expressed in such over-the-top terms as to be both tender and completely unrealistic.

Still, it's a touching and tender tribute and above all funny and human life experience on paper.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I get older, I am enjoying reading the stories about the lives of our great celebrities. This book, written by Chris Lemmon, tells the story of growing up with his dad, the famous Jack Lemmon.

Chapter after chapter reveals a side of Jack Lemmon we may never have seen, but witnessed through the eyes of his son.

A great story on a Hollywood dad who did good.

[Chuck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Exactly what the title proclaims...a tribute from son to father. Some of the stories were enlightening, but the book left me wanting to read an impartial biography of the Hollywood legend.

[Mama · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too sad. I loved the stories in between the minute-by-minute account of jack dying. That wasn't him. the stories were him.

[KOMET]

I eagerly took up reading A Twist of Lemmon: A Tribute to My Father by Christopher Lemmon, the eldest child of Jack Lemmon, one of my all-time favorite actors. From my early teens almost half a century ago, I have been a massive Jack Lemmon fan, having watched him in a variety of movies. For me, he is the complete actor, capable of carrying off any role he deigns to play, be in on screen or on the stage.

In this book, Christopher Lemmon shares with the reader the Jack Lemmon who was his father. A person who in his private life, in spite of his faults, was unfailingly generous, humble, humane, and respectful of any person who crossed his path. Both he and Chris shared a very special relationship, that despite strains between father and son that developed from time to time, remained strong, supportive, and loving right up to the end of Jack Lemmon's life.

Near the end of the book is a kind of addendum in which Christopher Lemmon invited some of Jack Lemmon's closest friends in the acting world to share their impressions of him. Examples: Julie Andrews, Andy Garcia, Cliff Robertson (who was married to Jack Lemmon's first wife), Neil Simon, and Shirley MacLaine.

The following passage in the book from Christopher Lemmon I found deeply moving:

"On the evening of June 27, 2001, my father, Jack Lemmon, the world's everyman, passed away in my arms.

"The world will always have him, seen in his glory, a man of many faces and souls, his talent on record for generations to come.

"But I'll carry a much different part of him with me, a side of the man that only I saw, this man who gave me some of the greatest memories of my life, a father's gift to his son."

[Gry · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no option for 3 1/2 stars on here, but that is more accurately what I'd rate this book. At times the sentimentality gets a little over the top--the author lays it on thick with constant talk of the "Lemmon Legacy"--but the anecdotes of life with Jack Lemmon as his dad are absolutely wonderful. Through countless stories, Chris Lemmon creates a vivid picture of his dad as a warm, kind, funny, imperfect, and very human individual. He paints a picture of a life well-lived and the moments he and his dad shared through the years. This is a book that will make you laugh and make you cry. Intermittently, we are given short scenes of Jack's final days in the hospital, and at the end of the book, his death from cancer, but thankfully, the majority of the book consists of anecdotal stories of the good times, many of which are downright hilarious. If you are a fan of Jack Lemmon, this is a very worthy read.

[West Hartford Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Lemmon, a two time oscar winner for Mr. Roberts and Save the Tiger, father, grandfather, husband; His oldest child (and only son, Christopher) pens a memoir to his father. The fishing trips to Alaska (starting at age 11), PGA Golf Tournaments at Pebble Beach, CA; Cristopher was 3 when his parents divorced-growing up in Hollywood with 2 sets of parents, with 2 households, and all of the challenges that comes with it. He speaks about their shared passion for music and golf, their trip to Paris (with sister Courtney). Chris showed a personal side of his father that only he would know. I enjoyed reading the book, especially with his Connecticut connection. {FYI- my book is signed by the author}.

[Eric Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book. Not so much a dictation on the legendary actor's life (although there are some good anecdotes) but rather a rare glimpse through the eyes of a Hollywood actor's son. It digs deep into the relationship (both good and bad) between the famous Jack Lemmon and his son, Chris. There's even a couple tearjerking moments, as well as some solid laughs.

[Janeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought it would be all about Jack Lemmon's life. It turns out to be a biography about his son's life with Jack mixed in.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was young, I loved watching Jack Lemmon in movies. This book was an enjoyable read about Chris Lemmon's relationship with his father, and a reminder of what a remarkably talented actor Jack Lemmon was. I especially enjoyed reading the tributes at the end written by Neil Simon, Julie Andrews, Andy Garcia, Blake Edwards and others. Now reminded, I'm looking forward to rewatching Jack Lemmon's performances in Some Like It Hot, The China Syndrome, Mister Roberts, Save the Tiger, and of course - The Odd Couple.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biography with a mix of auto-biography. Jack Lemmon is the main focus, but Chris and his father were so close that there are strong elements of Chris's bio as well.

I learned many things about Jack and his career that I was unaware of. He was a remarkable man and actor. Of course, there were many laughs - the Jack we saw and knew. But there were also the sad times that impact every human life. For the most part, a fun read.

[John Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book could have incorporated more insights about Jack Lemmon's life as an actor, and less time about his outings as a father on fishing trips and golf tournaments. Too much time is consumed by a son trying to come to grips with a divorced dad who was his best friend yet not present much during his formative years.

[Gwendolyn Constantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humorous, authentic, often touching tribute to one of Hollywood’s greatest performers. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the person behind the legend, in all of his dimensions, from the viewpoint of a son who thoroughly adored his father but still presented a realistic account of a complex, sometimes difficult relationship. An engaging read from start to finish.

[SouthernGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's face it, Jack Lemmon was one of the best actors ever. I fell in love with him in "Some Like It Hot" and my affection never waned. This is a wonderful tribute from his son, filled with anecdotes of missed golf championships, friendships with glittery Hollywood celebs, and down-to-Earth fatherly moments that made him even more lovable. A quick, interesting read, that affirms he was the "Every Man."

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a thorough biography, of course, but an interesting look at Jack Lemmon through the eyes of his eldest son, Chris. Heavy on golf and fishing, but clearly those things were important to the two of them. I'd be interested to read more about Chris and his family, and I wish he'd talked more about his wife, other than the fact that she was wonderful. :)

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not exactly what I was expecting. I was hoping for more of a biography of Jack Lemmon. Instead, it was more anecdotes recalled by Mr. Lemmon's son Chris, the author. Occasionally, it became more about Chris, himself, and sometimes drifted totally off-track from Jack's life.

[Spencer Rich · Rating 2 out of 5]

A well-intentioned sentimental piece of tripe with a handful of good anecdotes.

[Eva Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny, Great Read!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read and tribute.

Aren't you JackLemmon's son?

[Leonore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, delightful and heartfelt.

[Danny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three chapters about golf

[Lo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a few things about Jack Lemmon. He was the kind of person I expected. The book is very brief, and written from son’s perspective.

[David Pazmino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Lemmon is my favorite actor of all time. Nice to learn more about the individual person he was.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chris Lemmon did a good job of reviewing his father's life and films as well as Chris own relation to his father. Chris' parents were divorced and Jack had a second family that was a priority, but the camping trips in Chris' teens and later the joint interest in golf helped build the relationship. Kevin Spacey said of Jack Lemmon: "His humility was bigger than his talents." Too much drinking and estrangements and rough language for me to be a great Jack Lemmon fan. Gotta admire the forgiving attitude of Chris and focus on the strengths of his father -- except for the drinking, estrangements, and rough language.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big admirer of Jack Lemmon, I was very happy to read about his life from the perspective of his son, who is also a musician and also a big admirer of Jack Lemmon. I enjoyed the read and found myself sorry that I had never met the man because he seemed to be one of those talented, complete individuals who lived his life fully. I was also very happy to learn more about the work that he did. Nicely done.

[Steve Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to read these kind of books ( written by the person or a family member) ,kinda a brief glimpse into the private lives of the stars we have come to love. If you are a fan of Jack Lemmon and his work ,you will have a good ride for sure ! Once you start this book ,you won't stop until a few hours have passed and you are staring at the back cover wondering why it had to end so soon ! Thank you Chris Lemmon for letting me feel a little closer to your father ,he was one of the best !

[Joclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't resist a Jack Lemmon movie. This book is loveingly written by Jack's son Chris, honest, heartfelt and not always complementary, a tribute to an extrordinary icon. Each character he played was a piece of Jack Lemmon, his smile was his signature. "Now that's a touch of terrific," Jack Lemmon. I love this guy!

[Colleen Chrome Skies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nostalgic piece written through memories of Jack Lemmon through the eyes of his son, Chris. Filled with quite hilarious anecdotes (the one about Jack walking along a trail back to camp while fishing in Alaska and unknowingly having a conversation with some baby bears stands out) makes this book more like an afternoon reminiscing with the Lemmon men and a very enjoyable read.