Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter, and a Lifetime in Hollywood

by Kirk Douglas, Anne Douglas, Turner Classic Movies

The late film icon and screen legend Kirk Douglas was married to Anne Buydens for more than six decades. Here they both look back on a lifetime filled with drama both on and off the screen. Sharing priceless correspondence with each other as well as the celebrities and world leaders they called friends, Kirk and Anne is a candid portrayal of the pleasures and pitfalls of a Hollywood life lived in the public eye.

Compiled from Anne's private archive of letters and photographs, this is an intimate glimpse into the Douglases' courtship and marriage set against the backdrop of Kirk's screen triumphs, including The Vikings , Lust For Life , Paths of Glory , and Spartacus . The letters themselves, as well as Kirk and Anne's vivid descriptions of their experiences, reveal remarkable insight and anecdotes about the legendary figures they knew so well, including Lauren Bacall, Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, the Kennedys, and the Reagans. Filled with photos from film sets, private moments, and public events, Kirk and Anne details the adventurous, oftentimes comic, and poignant reality behind the glamour of a Hollywood marriage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, Biography, Celebrity

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2017

About the author

Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch, ) was an American stage and film actor, film producer and author. His popular films include Out of the Past (1947), Champion (1949), Ace in the Hole (1951), The Bad and the Beautiful (1952), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954), Lust for Life (1956), Paths of Glory (1957), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), The Vikings (1958), Spartacus (1960), Lonely Are the Brave (1962),The Fury (1978) and Tough Guys (1986)

He is No.17 on the American Film Institute's list of the greatest male American screen legends of all time. In 1996, he received the Academy Honorary Award "for 50 years as a creative and moral force in the motion picture community."

He was one of the last surviving actors from Hollywood's "golden age". He passed away on February 05, 2020 at the age of 103.

Reviews

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley, Running Press, and to Kirk and Anne Douglas for providing me with an advance reader copy of the book in Kindle form for review purposes. I've long been a fan of reading about the ever dwindling "Old Hollywood" stars and what their lives were/are like. Kirk Douglas, now over 100 and his wife Anne surely have one of the most enduring Hollywood marriages (63+ years), filled with many longstanding friendships with people in many industries and government. This book is filled with many of their memories in the form of pictures and letters, many of the letters written between them going back before they were even married. They both speak several languages and traveled to countless countries during their careers and vacations. They take turns sharing memories of different times and happenings as they go along, some good, a few bad and many funny. It's endearing and sweet, and I wanted them as part of my extended family before it was over. You just want it to keep going. It encouraged me to learn more about them, as many good books do, and I'm so impressed with all they accomplished. And all they are still doing by way of quietly continuing to do philanthropy their own way and donating millions to causes close to their hearts. Really enjoyed this story.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This autobiography grew a deeper appreciation in me for actor Kirk Douglas. It was easy to get a feel for the camaraderie and romance and friendship between the authors through their remembrances and anecdotes shared upon the pages of this book. It was especially neat to get a glimpse at Kirk’s son Michael’s view of his Dad and stepmom in the forward. This book made me laugh and cry, and while it irritated me at times too, I am glad I read it.

Content: alcohol, bars, night clubs, profanity, gambling, promiscuity, expletives, tobacco, suicide, casinos, drug abuse, nudity, rape

[Marlene Chabot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful memoir. Letters shared of how the couple met and wrote back and forth over 60 years. So many letters from othr movie stars to them also. If you liked Kirk Douglas as an actor you'll enjoy reading about his life.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely memoir complete with beautiful love letters and awesome pictures of one Hollywood's great actors, with his wife and talented family. Really an incredible story.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Being a huge fan of Old Hollywood, this immediately struck my interest. Kirk Douglas is a Hollywood legend, and it was nice to read about a different side to him, other than just a movie star. His wife, Anne, played and continues to play a huge part in his life. It is inspiring to see a couple anywhere, let alone in Hollywood, to have a marriage last for 62 years and counting. Their letters to each other over the years are fascinating and their love for each other comes through on every page.

It was also fascinating to read about their philanthropy work. They've done a tremendous amount to help people over the years, and we can all take a cue from them.

There are two reasons I did not give this a 5-star rating:

Firstly, the book as a whole is unorganized, and jumps around in the timeline, which can sometimes be very confusing.

Secondly, as cool as the Douglases are and as much as I do admire them for the reasons stated above, I also find that they do an exceptional amount of bragging. There is name dropping left and right, and it becomes a bit tedious to keep up with all of the names mentioned. Kirk himself makes no qualms about the fact that he has a huge ego, so I guess it shouldn't surprise me about the bragging. Still, it did not deter me from enjoying this book as a whole.

For anyone interested in the Douglases or Old Hollywood or even history, I think you will find something here that you like. 3.5 stars. Recommended!

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If we live to be a hundred, there will still be so many unsaid things. As I write, I realize that I have been the happiest in my life with you.” – Kirk Douglas in a letter to his wife Anne

Kirk and Anne is a beautiful book filled with heartwarming letters and fascinating stories. It's a unique insight into the marriage and lifestyle of a Hollywood couple. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and now want to dive into more books about Kirk Douglas; he’s written several. I encourage you to pick up this book. It’s a quick read and will be a nice addition to your home library.

Read my detailed review here: http://www.outofthepastblog.com/2017/...

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this for a book club. Ugh! So many people so much more worthy of my time and admiration.

[Tom Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a joke.

Love! What a great couple! Hilarious.

Kirk was one of Hollywood's biggest horn-dogs, and seldom took no for an answer. Their are wide beliefs that he raped a 15 year old Natalie Wood.

He cheated several times on Anne. What kind of freaking love is that? BTW, he admitted this in his own autobiography.

One of the problems we have in this country is we elevate celebrities and hold them to few standards. Suddenly we are very "woke" about the casting couch, something I knew about when I was a kid and was going on since movies started. Whoa, we are so shocked! Sports figures, actors, anyone who is in entertainment we refuse to open our eyes to.

Douglas was a jerk, his wife turned a blind eye to it so she could keep up having the good life, and we are supposed to buy into an idea that they had such a "great marriage". What a pant load.

[Janene Massieh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book for someone who loves to read biographies. When I started looking through it I had to read it for myself before passing it along. I really enjoyed reading about a couple that had so much opposition to a healthy relationship and yet they stayed together despite the odds of Hollywood couples. I like how they referenced God many times and enjoyed reading the story about how Anne believed God saved Kirk from getting on a fated airplane.

[Karen Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading of Kirk Douglas and his wife, Anna’s, life together. His parents came from Russia and his birth name was Issur Danielovitch. Of Jewish decent and learned to speak English in kindergarden (same as my father whose parents came from Finland in the same time period). Fascinating life and yet kept some core values. Wondered about his Jewish upbringing as he called God by the name Jehovah. Certainly the world is changed today and especially the movie business.

[Judith McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter, and a Lifetime in Hollywood" is a highly readable book, and is recommended. Lots of anecdotes about people the Douglases have known over the years, and it contains very impressive information about their serious commitment to charitable endeavors. Many never-before seen photographs are included. (Note: I read the book in Nook e-reader format.)

[Jessie Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed learning a little about their lives through their letters with each other and friends and family. Photos strewn through the book of them, their letters and the like make a wonderful addition to this book. They include their own love letters as well as letters from their children, other celebrities and even several presidents and politicians.

[Annburnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very personal look at Kirk and Anne Douglas through a series of letters that they chose to share in there book. It is mostly love letters between the two but does include some letters from other famous people. It is clear that they are very much in love and are truly into helping the less fortunate.

[Kimberly Abbott · Rating 3 out of 5]

They really loved each other and they did so much good for others. I applaud them. I loved reading all the stories about the old Hollywood gang and politicians.
I would have rated it higher but there is a chunk that was a bit of a slog to get through. That said it was still a wonderful read.
RIP Kirk

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief and breezy, this collection gives us some snapshots of a solid relationship and years in the Industry. Nothing terribly eye-opening, but worth a read if you're a fan and curious about that ancient art of letter writing.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being of almost the same age, can relate to all people they are writing about in their wonderful 60+ years of marriage. Their love is told through letters to each other and with some other letters from various notables throughout their lives together. Great read!

[Dale Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

They live a life that most people cannot relate to. . .Hollywood and wealthy. Amazing that Anne kept so much correspondence filed away. It obviously meant a lot to her. And I'm sure Kirk, upon realizing what she had, felt many emotions when revisiting the past.

[Joe J · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Kirk Douglas and his wife Anne Buydens told their love letters to each other throughout their lives together. It was very personal and I enjoyed it. They shared a pure for each other. Very much a pick-me-up and a great listen on the runs.

[Keith CARTER · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sentimental view of a marriage of Hollywood stars living in and around other Hollywood stars. We get an insight of Kirks' struggle to make his films particularly Spartacus. To be perfectly honest his autobiography is a far superior read, however it was an acceptable read.

[Westley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. What a romantic couple

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars to this audiobook. Idiosyncratically read with obvious affection and respect by grandchildren Cameron and Kelsey. I especially liked the early letters. Well curated, great stories.

[Mary Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute love story in the high time in Hollywood. I read it after Michael Douglas spoke about it after his step mom died recently.

[Mariejkt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kirk and Anne" by Kirk and Anne Douglas is the story of Kirk Douglas and his second wife's Anne love story written today and from their old love letters. Their relationship has got to be one of the longest relationships/marriages in Hollywood as they have been married since 1954. I like reading about actors or actress from what is considered old Hollywood and this one really intrigued me. Their love story is so interesting and its not one of everything was great they had their ups and downs. They even discuss their relationship as it is at the writing of this book. I will admit that sometimes I felt a little embarrassed reading their love letters as I felt they were private. However, it was nice to read about such a loving and caring couple. I really recommend this book especially if you are a fan what is considered old Hollywood.

I was given this book for free from NetGalley and was not required to give a review.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew a bit about Kirk Douglas but I knew nothing about his wife Anne. She came from fairly well off German family and was lucky to escape Germany during the war. She has an artsy flair and encouraged Kirk to buy art as they were both interested. They must have quite the collection. I felt there was new revelations about the Douglas's in the well researched book
and I enjoyed reading about them.

[Sheila Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOW GENEROUS OF KIRK DOUGLAS AND HIS WIFE, ANNE, TO SHARE THEIR BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY

I love reading about the lives of famous people, and Kirk and Anne certainly didn't disappoint. Their love story and experiences in Hollywood were fascinating reading and I had a hard time putting it down. Not only do I admire Kirk Douglas for his outstanding work in films, this book reveals what caring philanthropists they are. I loved it!

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

As biographies go, it was alright. No bulletins in this book. Lots of self congratulatory comments. If you are a BIG fan of Kirk Douglas, or have read and greatly enjoyed his other non-fiction, you will like this. If you have high hopes for this biography, you may well be disappointed.

[Colette Carmona · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good couple to read about

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew at in your 80s and 90s just short of being a golden girl you could have great sex? great passion? without complications?

[Lisa Dawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather vapid, no real plot. Nice book for the Douglas bookshelf; not very interesting for the general public.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an interesting read! The letters between Kirk and Anne did get pretty tedious not too long into the book. However, the insights that they both told about themselves and others in LaLa land were very interesting. They hung out with and knew quite a lot of the Hollywood elite. Of course, Kirk did turn 100 years old in 2016. I do remember him accepting an award after his stroke. I had no idea, though, that was the longest phrase he had spoken since then.

There is a lot of trivia for the buffs out there.

A touching memoir that I was glad I had the opportunity to read and review. Thanks, Perseus Books Group, Running Press and Net Galley.