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The Heart of the Lion: A Novel of Irving Thalberg's Hollywood
Lose yourself in the Golden Age of Hollywood—and discover the story of the man who helped create it.
Hollywood in the 1920s: the motion picture industry is booming, and Irving Thalberg knows it takes more than guts and gumption to create screen magic that will live forever. He’s climbed all the way to head of production at newly merged Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and is determined to transform Leo the Lion into an icon of the most successful studio in town.
The harder he works, the higher he soars. But at what cost? The more he achieves, the closer he risks flying into oblivion. A frail and faulty heart shudders inside this chest that blazes with ambition. Thalberg knows that his charmed life at the top of the Hollywood heap is a dangerous tightrope walk: each day—each breath, even—could be his last. Shooting for success means risking his health, friendships, everything. Yet, against all odds, the man no one thought would survive into adulthood almost single-handedly ushers in a new era of filmmaking.
This is Hollywood at its most daring and opulent—the Sunset Strip, premieres at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, stars like Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford—and Irving is at the center of it all.
From the author of the Hollywood’s Garden of Allah novels comes a mesmerizing true-life story of the man behind Golden Age mythmaking: Irving Thalberg, the prince of Tinseltown.
Martin Turnbull's Hollywood’s Garden of Allah novels have been optioned for the screen by film & television producer, Tabrez Noorani.
Hollywood in the 1920s: the motion picture industry is booming, and Irving Thalberg knows it takes more than guts and gumption to create screen magic that will live forever. He’s climbed all the way to head of production at newly merged Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and is determined to transform Leo the Lion into an icon of the most successful studio in town.
The harder he works, the higher he soars. But at what cost? The more he achieves, the closer he risks flying into oblivion. A frail and faulty heart shudders inside this chest that blazes with ambition. Thalberg knows that his charmed life at the top of the Hollywood heap is a dangerous tightrope walk: each day—each breath, even—could be his last. Shooting for success means risking his health, friendships, everything. Yet, against all odds, the man no one thought would survive into adulthood almost single-handedly ushers in a new era of filmmaking.
This is Hollywood at its most daring and opulent—the Sunset Strip, premieres at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, stars like Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford—and Irving is at the center of it all.
From the author of the Hollywood’s Garden of Allah novels comes a mesmerizing true-life story of the man behind Golden Age mythmaking: Irving Thalberg, the prince of Tinseltown.
Martin Turnbull's Hollywood’s Garden of Allah novels have been optioned for the screen by film & television producer, Tabrez Noorani.
- GenresNonfictionFilmHistory
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2020
107 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Martin Turnbull
22 books241 followersMartin Turnbull has worked as a private tour guide showing both locals and out-of-towners the movie studios, Beverly Hills mansions, Hollywood hills vistas and where all the bodies are buried. For nine years, he has also volunteered as an historical walking tour docent with the Los Angeles Conservancy. He worked for a summer as a guide at the Warner Bros. movie studios in Burbank showing movie fans through the sound stages where Bogie and Bacall, Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, and James Cagney created some of Hollywood’s classic motion pictures.
From an early age, Martin was enchanted with old movies from Hollywood’s golden era–from the dawn of the talkies in the late 1920s to the dusk of the studio system in the late 1950s–and has spent many, many a happy hour watching the likes of Garland, Gable, Crawford, Garbo, Grant, Miller, Kelly, Astaire, Rogers, Turner, Welles go through their paces.
When he discovered the wonderful world of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs, his love of reading merged with his love of movies and his love of history to produce a three-headed hydra gobbling up everything in his path. Ever since then, he’s been on a mission to learn and share as much as he can about this unique time.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s.
From an early age, Martin was enchanted with old movies from Hollywood’s golden era–from the dawn of the talkies in the late 1920s to the dusk of the studio system in the late 1950s–and has spent many, many a happy hour watching the likes of Garland, Gable, Crawford, Garbo, Grant, Miller, Kelly, Astaire, Rogers, Turner, Welles go through their paces.
When he discovered the wonderful world of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs, his love of reading merged with his love of movies and his love of history to produce a three-headed hydra gobbling up everything in his path. Ever since then, he’s been on a mission to learn and share as much as he can about this unique time.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 2, 2020
Eavesdropping on Hollywood
Everyone in Hollywood "takes a meeting". Martin Turnbull lets you sit in on when and where the magic got made. By concentrating on the too short life of Irving Thalberg, his marriage to Norma Shearer, and his battles with J B Mayer, you are taken to the cusp of the change from silent to talkies and some of the greatest films of the early thirties.
Take a step back in time to sound stages and insiders and visit genius of a new industry just becoming of age. Irving Thalberg was at the helm and Martin Turnbull captures the intense ride.
Everyone in Hollywood "takes a meeting". Martin Turnbull lets you sit in on when and where the magic got made. By concentrating on the too short life of Irving Thalberg, his marriage to Norma Shearer, and his battles with J B Mayer, you are taken to the cusp of the change from silent to talkies and some of the greatest films of the early thirties.
Take a step back in time to sound stages and insiders and visit genius of a new industry just becoming of age. Irving Thalberg was at the helm and Martin Turnbull captures the intense ride.
June 19, 2020
A Must Read!
Martin Turnbull has created magic once again. Irving Thalberg came to life in the pages of this book and I felt I was part of the story-I was completely engaged the entire book. Such masterful story telling! Such real characters! Thank you for another amazing look into the early years of Hollywood.
Martin Turnbull has created magic once again. Irving Thalberg came to life in the pages of this book and I felt I was part of the story-I was completely engaged the entire book. Such masterful story telling! Such real characters! Thank you for another amazing look into the early years of Hollywood.
June 23, 2020
I pre-ordered this book from Amazon and it came in on Friday. Though I wanted to read it immediately, I was already halfway through another book. Unfortunately, I simply cannot read two books at once. So this one had to wait an entire day!
I will admit I was amazed with Martin Turnbull's books "Chasing Salome", this one exceeded even that novel. I love biographies but to be honest, a lot of biographies are dry as heck to read. There is no "life" to the subject, just a recounting of facts. I am happy to be able to honestly say that Martin Turnbull does NOT do that. His biographies involve the person as a whole not just as a subject. His biographies read like fiction and flow just as easily. He evokes pictures of a bygone era that is clear and finite. He bring his subject alive in the pages of his book(s).
I knew some information about Hollywood dealings and actors in the golden age of Hollywood but I did not know much about Irving Thalberg beyond that he was a produced who worked for MGM, was married to Norma Shearer, and died rather young of a heart attack. Thanks to this book I now know a whole lot more. And due to the way it was written, I'm sure I'll remember more about the man than I would from mundane/routine biographies.
Irving Thalberg was a workaholic but his reasons are explained in this book. He seems to have neglected his wife and kids and put work first and foremost in his priorities, but again, it is explained why in this book. He put up with a mother who could have been the prototype for Eddie Kaspbrak's mother in Stephen King's "It". It must also be noted that I did not know much about Norma Shearer other than what I read in biographies of Joan Crawford. How surprised I was to find that Norma was a sensible, caring woman who was willing to put up with many obstacles to be with the man she loved.
Perhaps my main reason for loving this book is that Martin Turnbull made Garbo into a REAL person who was fairly sociable and quite surprising. I'm hoping that he decides to write a book about the Great Garbo. What justice he could do for this woman who was sadly misunderstood. I also knew I was going to LOVE this book when the film actress Louise Brooks was mentioned! :)
As you can tell, I absolutely LOVE this book and if I could give it 100 stars, I would!
I will admit I was amazed with Martin Turnbull's books "Chasing Salome", this one exceeded even that novel. I love biographies but to be honest, a lot of biographies are dry as heck to read. There is no "life" to the subject, just a recounting of facts. I am happy to be able to honestly say that Martin Turnbull does NOT do that. His biographies involve the person as a whole not just as a subject. His biographies read like fiction and flow just as easily. He evokes pictures of a bygone era that is clear and finite. He bring his subject alive in the pages of his book(s).
I knew some information about Hollywood dealings and actors in the golden age of Hollywood but I did not know much about Irving Thalberg beyond that he was a produced who worked for MGM, was married to Norma Shearer, and died rather young of a heart attack. Thanks to this book I now know a whole lot more. And due to the way it was written, I'm sure I'll remember more about the man than I would from mundane/routine biographies.
Irving Thalberg was a workaholic but his reasons are explained in this book. He seems to have neglected his wife and kids and put work first and foremost in his priorities, but again, it is explained why in this book. He put up with a mother who could have been the prototype for Eddie Kaspbrak's mother in Stephen King's "It". It must also be noted that I did not know much about Norma Shearer other than what I read in biographies of Joan Crawford. How surprised I was to find that Norma was a sensible, caring woman who was willing to put up with many obstacles to be with the man she loved.
Perhaps my main reason for loving this book is that Martin Turnbull made Garbo into a REAL person who was fairly sociable and quite surprising. I'm hoping that he decides to write a book about the Great Garbo. What justice he could do for this woman who was sadly misunderstood. I also knew I was going to LOVE this book when the film actress Louise Brooks was mentioned! :)
As you can tell, I absolutely LOVE this book and if I could give it 100 stars, I would!
October 26, 2020
I love this author. LOVE him. That being said, my simple fiction/drama loving brain expected more drama, draw, and resolutions along the lines of the Garden on Sunset series. I think I may have unfairly judged and compared since those are some of my all time favorites. Searching for Salome didn't have the zing of the Garden series, either. I imagine that's a TOUGH act to follow! So, a definite pass to the favorite column this book gets for my reverence of Turnbull and for the fact that this book stayed with me and got me wanting to learn more. I read about 100 books a year. Honestly, not all of them 'stick', ya know? This one, and Salome, stuck. Even if I am not the biggest bio fan. They stuck because the subjects and characters stuck.
Irving Thalberg is a very interesting character, no doubt. Just thinking of what he accomplished before he was 30 was astounding! By 23 he was basically running MGM. I can't imagine the stress he must have felt to have so much on his shoulders. I only wish the book had gone into his untimely demise due to pneumonia. I loved the relationship between him and Norma Shearer. Lordy, was LB Mayer really that much of a douchenozzle?
After much though, I am redacting my 4 stars and giving this 5. Why? Because it deserves it. Just because I lean more toward liking fiction doesn't mean this isn't a 5 star book. It is a 5 star, my brain is just too simple sometimes.
Irving Thalberg is a very interesting character, no doubt. Just thinking of what he accomplished before he was 30 was astounding! By 23 he was basically running MGM. I can't imagine the stress he must have felt to have so much on his shoulders. I only wish the book had gone into his untimely demise due to pneumonia. I loved the relationship between him and Norma Shearer. Lordy, was LB Mayer really that much of a douchenozzle?
After much though, I am redacting my 4 stars and giving this 5. Why? Because it deserves it. Just because I lean more toward liking fiction doesn't mean this isn't a 5 star book. It is a 5 star, my brain is just too simple sometimes.
June 29, 2020
Early Hollywood movie history
5 stars for this new book from Martin Turnbull. This is, by my count, the 11th novel written by him. His masterful turn of words immediately invokes and transports you into the every day life of this Hollywood icon. Stellar research is what made this and his other Hollywood novels so enjoyable. For me it was a book I couldn't read fast enough. 3 cheers for Mr. Turnbull.
5 stars for this new book from Martin Turnbull. This is, by my count, the 11th novel written by him. His masterful turn of words immediately invokes and transports you into the every day life of this Hollywood icon. Stellar research is what made this and his other Hollywood novels so enjoyable. For me it was a book I couldn't read fast enough. 3 cheers for Mr. Turnbull.
January 12, 2023
Like the other Titles from this author, this book offers a good story with lots of true Hollywood history woven into the narrative. Perhaps because the main character was a real Hollywood legend, he is not as fully developed as many of the others in Turnbull's books have been. The author was limited by the known facts and not as free to develop the character as he may have been before. Still is was a good read and well worth the investment. Thalberg's life is a fascinating and certianly his work is amazing. Definitely read this one, but if you haven't read the original Garden of Allah series read that too.
June 21, 2020
Really enjoyed this, though I always look forward to Martin Turnbull novels. I knew zilch about Irving Thalberg before this and now I want to read everything about him I can get my little paws on.
By the way, Turnbull's stuff is ripe for adaptation; are you listening, various and sundry streaming channels?
As it is, I will likely be fancasting this one in particular in my head all weekend now.
By the way, Turnbull's stuff is ripe for adaptation; are you listening, various and sundry streaming channels?
As it is, I will likely be fancasting this one in particular in my head all weekend now.
July 2, 2020
I just love reading Martin Turnbull’s books. Mr. Turnbull transports you back to the era he is writing about! I always feel like I am right there experiencing what the characters are experiencing! What a wonderful book about Irving Thalberg! I always thought he was a genius and it was great to know about him. What a life cut short! What a time in history. Movies were changing so quickly! A book well worth reading!
July 4, 2020
Another Enjoyable Read!
As a fan of all of Martin Turnbull's books, again I burned through this new one in record time. Hollywood's Golden Age is a fascinating era to read, and the real life character's behind the scenes life is always interesting and inspiring. I especially liked the mention of characters from the previous series here. Thanks again to Martin Turnbull! I look forward to the next book !
As a fan of all of Martin Turnbull's books, again I burned through this new one in record time. Hollywood's Golden Age is a fascinating era to read, and the real life character's behind the scenes life is always interesting and inspiring. I especially liked the mention of characters from the previous series here. Thanks again to Martin Turnbull! I look forward to the next book !
July 23, 2022
Turnbull writes another Winner
I loved this novel about Irving Thalberg! It was fascinating, intriguing and brought to life what Irving Thalberg was like during the early days of Hollywood's film industry. Author Turnbull had a unique way of making a person so real that you feel for his characters. In conclusion Turnbull has written an Oscar worthy novel of the Golden age and those that lived it!
I loved this novel about Irving Thalberg! It was fascinating, intriguing and brought to life what Irving Thalberg was like during the early days of Hollywood's film industry. Author Turnbull had a unique way of making a person so real that you feel for his characters. In conclusion Turnbull has written an Oscar worthy novel of the Golden age and those that lived it!
November 23, 2025
If I wanted to know only about the names and movies and studios of old Hollywood, I would do a Google search. A novel needs more for eg. a story/plot or maybe the internal lives of the characters or maybe an exploration of a universal human theme. This book is a collection of anecdotes with first name, last name of every
Movie star, producer, and director in Hollywood from 1932-1936. Don’t bother reading this novel.
Movie star, producer, and director in Hollywood from 1932-1936. Don’t bother reading this novel.
July 15, 2020
Superb!!!
What an amazing novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it and consumed it like chocolate treat.
Such insight and emotional intelligence in to the man, you honestly feel like you know Irvine Thalberg and feel like you lived through these years of his life with him. A remarkable tribute to a remarkable man, a treasure of a novel
What an amazing novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it and consumed it like chocolate treat.
Such insight and emotional intelligence in to the man, you honestly feel like you know Irvine Thalberg and feel like you lived through these years of his life with him. A remarkable tribute to a remarkable man, a treasure of a novel
July 24, 2020
Loved This Book
This was such a great story! I didn't know very much about Irving Thalberg or Norma Shearer before I read this but along with being highly entertaining it is an interesting historical novel. I was hooked from page one and was so sad when I finished it. If you like old Hollywood this is a definite must read.
This was such a great story! I didn't know very much about Irving Thalberg or Norma Shearer before I read this but along with being highly entertaining it is an interesting historical novel. I was hooked from page one and was so sad when I finished it. If you like old Hollywood this is a definite must read.
July 19, 2020
Martin Turnbull does it again! A rich and detailed look at the life of Irving Thalberg. If you’ve read his Allah series, this book seems to run alongside those, which makes it lovely both as a stand-alone novel or companion piece to that series. Absolutely worth a read.
October 18, 2021
This is one of my favorite books by this author. I've enjoyed The Garden of Allah series very much, but this is so well written and researched that it reads like a biography. Would love to see more along the same lines. Well done!
June 20, 2025
A truly enjoyable read!
I love all of Martin Turbulls work and enjoy stories from Hollywood past. Go read his books! You won’t be sorry. They engage you immediately and once you start reading, it’s truly hard to stop!
I love all of Martin Turbulls work and enjoy stories from Hollywood past. Go read his books! You won’t be sorry. They engage you immediately and once you start reading, it’s truly hard to stop!
July 8, 2020
I like this author and his books about golden era Hollywood.
July 9, 2020
READ THIS BOOK!!
If you're a fan of old Hollywood, this is a must.
Martin is a fantastic story teller.
It's the kind of book you don't want to put down!
If you're a fan of old Hollywood, this is a must.
Martin is a fantastic story teller.
It's the kind of book you don't want to put down!
August 13, 2020
Every book is so full of insight and great stories
I have read every book this awesome writer release s. Once you start they are so compelling and enjoyable you want more.
I have read every book this awesome writer release s. Once you start they are so compelling and enjoyable you want more.
August 18, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! If you have an interest in old Hollywood and the early movies, this is a must read. A lot of reality blended with wonderful fiction.
August 30, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately ordered Martin Turnbull's Garden of Allah series after finishing it. A highly enjoyable, engaging read that I didn't want to put down.
September 4, 2020
Another great movie about the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, it's stars and the "Golden Boy" who was so important to turning out so many classic movies. Enjoy!
October 29, 2020
YOUR FOREVER FAN
Every since The Garden Of Allah series I am your Forever fan. I have read everything Martin Turnbull has written.
Every since The Garden Of Allah series I am your Forever fan. I have read everything Martin Turnbull has written.
November 28, 2020
I loved Turnbull's Garden of Allah series, and if Old Hollywood is your crack you'll enjoy this. I knew a bit about Thalberg going on, and it's a fascinating story.
December 1, 2020
I love old Hollywood... this was a good one!
January 10, 2021
I am an enormous fan of Martin Turnbull, and recommend all of his books for anyone who's a fan of historical fiction or old Hollywood. They stick with me. Absolutely recommend.
March 11, 2021
Great and entertaining. Good insight into the early days of the golden age of Hollywood
April 23, 2021
The chapter where Thalberg plays bridge with the Marx Brothers, LeRoy, Wood & Co. brought tears to my eyes, honestly: in my mind this has really happened and nothing can convince me otherwise.
September 26, 2021
Excellent!
I'm amazed by how caught I got in this wonderful book +- and by how many times I looked up bios!
I'm amazed by how caught I got in this wonderful book +- and by how many times I looked up bios!
November 8, 2021
Nice book exploring Irving Thalberg and early Hollywood. Kindle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews