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Hollywood Legends
Beyond Paradise: The Life of Ramon Novarro
Ramon Novarro was for years one of the top lead actors in Hollywood - the first Latin-American performer to become a Hollywood superstar. Born Ramón Samaniego to a prominent Mexican family, Novarro arrived in Hollywood in 1916 as a refugee from the civil wars that rocked Mexico in the early 20th century. By the mid-1920s, he had become one of MGM's most important leading men, going on to star in a series of now classic films including The Student Prince, Mata Hari, and the original version of Ben-Hur. He shared the screen with the era's most important leading ladies such as Greta Garbo, Myrna Loy, Joan Crawford, and Norma Shearer and become Rudolph Valentino's main rival in the "Latin Lover" category. But despite his considerable professional accomplishments, Novarro's most enduring claim to fame is his tragic death - his bloodied corpse was found in his house on Halloween 1968 in what has become one of the most infamous scandals in the vast lore of Hollywood.
Novarro was a life-long bachelor who had carefully cultivated his image as a man deeply devoted to his family and to his religious convictions. His murder shattered that image as it was revealed to the general public that the dashing screen hero had been not only homosexual, but had been killed by two young male hustlers. Since then, his death has achieved near mythic proportions. Increasingly outlandish stories have become accepted as truth, obscuring Novarro's notable professional legacy.
Beyond Paradise presents for the first time a full picture of the man who made motion picture history - from his amazing rise to stardom to the destructive conflicts faced by this traditional Catholic Mexican man who was also a gay film star. Compellingly told and impressively researched - including original interviews with Novarro's surviving friends, family, co-workers and the two men convicted of his murder - Beyond Paradise provides a unique insight into the groundbreaking life and career of one of the most important early Hollywood stars - a man whose myth continues to fascinate today.
Novarro was a life-long bachelor who had carefully cultivated his image as a man deeply devoted to his family and to his religious convictions. His murder shattered that image as it was revealed to the general public that the dashing screen hero had been not only homosexual, but had been killed by two young male hustlers. Since then, his death has achieved near mythic proportions. Increasingly outlandish stories have become accepted as truth, obscuring Novarro's notable professional legacy.
Beyond Paradise presents for the first time a full picture of the man who made motion picture history - from his amazing rise to stardom to the destructive conflicts faced by this traditional Catholic Mexican man who was also a gay film star. Compellingly told and impressively researched - including original interviews with Novarro's surviving friends, family, co-workers and the two men convicted of his murder - Beyond Paradise provides a unique insight into the groundbreaking life and career of one of the most important early Hollywood stars - a man whose myth continues to fascinate today.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2002
22 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 21, 2009
I came to this biography with no real knowledge of Sr. Novarro other than knowing that he was in Ben-Hur and having a vague awareness of the brutal way in which his life ended. When I turned the last page, I was far better informed and could not wait to tell my friends (and anyone else who would listen) about the masterful story that Andre Soares had written. In his hands, Ramon Novarro is neither hero nor pitiful footnote to Hollywood history. He was a man, talented, full of demons and foibles, and who lived an extraordinary, fascinating life. There was a great deal more to Novarro then I ever expected to find, and this was an excellent primer to the life of a gifted and troubled man.
July 6, 2013
This is a thoroughly researched biographical examination of a fascinating man and distinctive actor who carved out a special niche for himself in the early years of Hollywood. Ramon Novarro might be remembered by most as a Latin lover alternative capitalizing on the fame of Valentino in the days before talkies, but he brought a charm and insouciance that was all his own to the screen. Even today that charisma and personality come through; those who have never seen his work might sample some on YouTube and get a sense for themselves. He played opposite such memorable leading ladies as Alice Terry, Greta Garbo, and Norma Shearer, and he counted all three among his beloved friends. Ever hungry for the spotlight, he loved to be the center of attention and he wanted to be not only a film idol but an opera star. He was the first Latin American Hollywood celebrity, and he did become an international superstar, on a truly global level, when he acquired the lead role in the biggest epic film of the 1920’s, Fred Niblo’s 1925 version of Ben-Hur.
Soares has done a meticulous job of researching his subject, and I am sure this will be the “go to” book for background on Novarro for a long time to come. We are given a rich understanding of the socio-economic Mexican cultural context in which he was initially raised, the powerful commitments to his large family and his Catholic faith forged in those years that would guide him—and sometimes torment him—throughout the rest of his life. Soares does not sensationalize Novarro’s homosexuality, but reflectively acknowledges and assesses how this actor compartmentalized his life, and when inconsistencies and self-guilt troubled him, as did his lack of finding the right vehicle to advance himself professionally over and over, how he turned to drink—and what repercussions ensued.
Each of Novarro’s performances and projects are evaluated chronologically in turn, giving us not only the range of critical reviews of the period but also the retrospective appraisal of the author, how each fits into the larger life work compendium of Novarro, but also, over time, how the industry he was working in was ever changing. That makes this a good reference work for someone interested in just dipping in for specific data on particular films or Novarro himself, but it is also a fine summary overview, a good book to read for useful background on Hollywood during the silent film days and the transition to talkies. As it moves forward chronologically, we also get a nice sense of how actors of Novarro’s cohort could and did transition to some work in early television.
Some only remember Novarro, if at all, for the grisly and violent way he was murdered in the late 1960s. Soares gives us the entire incident: the murder investigation, the high suspense trial of the two hustler brothers accused of the murder, and—a great follow-up piece of scholarship—revelations shared years later to get the best understanding in print yet as to what truly transpired and why.
The endnotes are fun to browse through all on their own, and other useful appendices such as a complete Filmography on Navarro only enhance the aforementioned strengths of this book.
Soares has done a meticulous job of researching his subject, and I am sure this will be the “go to” book for background on Novarro for a long time to come. We are given a rich understanding of the socio-economic Mexican cultural context in which he was initially raised, the powerful commitments to his large family and his Catholic faith forged in those years that would guide him—and sometimes torment him—throughout the rest of his life. Soares does not sensationalize Novarro’s homosexuality, but reflectively acknowledges and assesses how this actor compartmentalized his life, and when inconsistencies and self-guilt troubled him, as did his lack of finding the right vehicle to advance himself professionally over and over, how he turned to drink—and what repercussions ensued.
Each of Novarro’s performances and projects are evaluated chronologically in turn, giving us not only the range of critical reviews of the period but also the retrospective appraisal of the author, how each fits into the larger life work compendium of Novarro, but also, over time, how the industry he was working in was ever changing. That makes this a good reference work for someone interested in just dipping in for specific data on particular films or Novarro himself, but it is also a fine summary overview, a good book to read for useful background on Hollywood during the silent film days and the transition to talkies. As it moves forward chronologically, we also get a nice sense of how actors of Novarro’s cohort could and did transition to some work in early television.
Some only remember Novarro, if at all, for the grisly and violent way he was murdered in the late 1960s. Soares gives us the entire incident: the murder investigation, the high suspense trial of the two hustler brothers accused of the murder, and—a great follow-up piece of scholarship—revelations shared years later to get the best understanding in print yet as to what truly transpired and why.
The endnotes are fun to browse through all on their own, and other useful appendices such as a complete Filmography on Navarro only enhance the aforementioned strengths of this book.
July 18, 2023
The most shocking detail regarding Ramón Novarro’s murder was the blood on his bedroom roof from having been beaten with a cane, which was found broken in half near his bound, naked body.
The last chapter of Beyond Paradise: The Life of Ramón Navarro by André Soares spares no fact in the legal case surrounding his death. But it’s also a candid and heartfelt biography that looks at the life of a movie idol of the 1920s and early ‘30s and pays respect by documenting his story thoroughly.
Novarro was an international celebrity, the star of BEN-HUR and THE ARAB, who lived a deeply religious life while also being a closeted gay man in Hollywood.
During his teenage years, the Mexican Revolution forced his family to flee to California, and Novarro immediately set about trying to break in as a movie extra. Years passed, but soon director Rex Ingram gave him a chance to star in leading roles.
Ingram mentored Novarro on how to be a leading man, and this tutelage greatly benefited his career, as soon Novarro became the first Mexican-American to become a lead in Hollywood movies.
Novarro’s career eventually faltered in the mid-1930s, not for lack of popularity, but because the MGM management badly mishandled his movie projects, such starring him as an All-American university football player in HUDDLE. A strange choice given his thick Mexican accent.
Alcoholism gripped his life as his movie career ended. He had many opportunities to continue acting, but preferred to focus on a singing career that ruined his prospects of a successful acting career in Mexico or as a supporting character actor in the States.
Still, he became financially stable in the 1950s through wise investments in real estate, but his alcoholic issues continued, including being jailed for multiple drunk driving incidents. He also started employing male prostitutes, sometimes being found with bruises from being badly beaten.
And one day he invited two male escorts to his house; and these two men were ultimately responsible for his death.
Soares writes a fair account of Novarro’s life and points out that Novarro’s death and subsequent scandal unfairly ruined his reputation, mostly because the public didn’t know the “Latin Lover” was gay.
Soares’ book is a reexamination of Novarro’s legacy, who despite his flaws was a good man who cared for his friends and family and gave generous donations to charities and churches to help his community.
Novarro’s life is treated as a Hollywood legend whose life ended with a scandalous oh-well-that’s-Hollywood-excess finger-wagging morality; but Soares’ book is so much more nuanced and respectful of his subject.
It’s a much-needed tribute to a public figure who accomplished so much in his life, and shouldn’t be remembered only for his tragic death.
The last chapter of Beyond Paradise: The Life of Ramón Navarro by André Soares spares no fact in the legal case surrounding his death. But it’s also a candid and heartfelt biography that looks at the life of a movie idol of the 1920s and early ‘30s and pays respect by documenting his story thoroughly.
Novarro was an international celebrity, the star of BEN-HUR and THE ARAB, who lived a deeply religious life while also being a closeted gay man in Hollywood.
During his teenage years, the Mexican Revolution forced his family to flee to California, and Novarro immediately set about trying to break in as a movie extra. Years passed, but soon director Rex Ingram gave him a chance to star in leading roles.
Ingram mentored Novarro on how to be a leading man, and this tutelage greatly benefited his career, as soon Novarro became the first Mexican-American to become a lead in Hollywood movies.
Novarro’s career eventually faltered in the mid-1930s, not for lack of popularity, but because the MGM management badly mishandled his movie projects, such starring him as an All-American university football player in HUDDLE. A strange choice given his thick Mexican accent.
Alcoholism gripped his life as his movie career ended. He had many opportunities to continue acting, but preferred to focus on a singing career that ruined his prospects of a successful acting career in Mexico or as a supporting character actor in the States.
Still, he became financially stable in the 1950s through wise investments in real estate, but his alcoholic issues continued, including being jailed for multiple drunk driving incidents. He also started employing male prostitutes, sometimes being found with bruises from being badly beaten.
And one day he invited two male escorts to his house; and these two men were ultimately responsible for his death.
Soares writes a fair account of Novarro’s life and points out that Novarro’s death and subsequent scandal unfairly ruined his reputation, mostly because the public didn’t know the “Latin Lover” was gay.
Soares’ book is a reexamination of Novarro’s legacy, who despite his flaws was a good man who cared for his friends and family and gave generous donations to charities and churches to help his community.
Novarro’s life is treated as a Hollywood legend whose life ended with a scandalous oh-well-that’s-Hollywood-excess finger-wagging morality; but Soares’ book is so much more nuanced and respectful of his subject.
It’s a much-needed tribute to a public figure who accomplished so much in his life, and shouldn’t be remembered only for his tragic death.
February 15, 2013
Mostly forgotten today, except maybe for his garish death, Novarro was one of the biggest movie stars of the twenties and the early thirties, and should be celebrated as one of the very first Latinos to achieve immense success in the US. This biography is impeccably written and researched, and Novarro is vividly brought back to life, from his Mexican childhood to his gruesome murder in the sixties. Charming and handsome, he was an irresistible actor, who conquered international audiences, but he was also a victim of the studio system (MGM never really gave him a chance to play the roles he deserved) and of his own ego and delusions, which slowly, but surely, let him on the path to decline, alcohol, and self-destruction. Novarro was also gay, at a time when being famous and gay in Hollywood was almost impossible, and his struggles with his sexuality played a major role in his demise. There’s something quite sad, about this book: once Novarro’s charmed life, in a glamorous environment, slowly falls apart, the story really turns into the long descent into oblivion and bitterness of a man who could not cope with who he was – and who ended up murdered by two boys he had hired for sex. The abysses that lie behind the mirage of the Hollywood dreams will never cease to fascinate.
August 31, 2010
I'm on a major Ramon Novarro kick right now, so I requested this one from MLN. Make that a major silent movie kick, in general.
***
An interesting read, although heavily focused on Novarro's professional life, with much of the private details involving speculation and/or dismissal of others' speculation. Not that Novarro would have left biographers much material on the subject, but Soares dislikes reporting hearsay so much that there isn't much of anything to go on.
I did appreciate the non-sensational presentation of the murder and trial, though. It's too bad that Novarro's primary legacy is a) one that he would hate and b) not entirely true.
***
An interesting read, although heavily focused on Novarro's professional life, with much of the private details involving speculation and/or dismissal of others' speculation. Not that Novarro would have left biographers much material on the subject, but Soares dislikes reporting hearsay so much that there isn't much of anything to go on.
I did appreciate the non-sensational presentation of the murder and trial, though. It's too bad that Novarro's primary legacy is a) one that he would hate and b) not entirely true.
September 13, 2019
The biography of a man with one of the most beautiful faces ever to grace the silver screen. His middling movies are like most other silents you may have seen - too much make-up and dramatic gesturing, but his 'big' movies are transcendent. He made both silents and talkies despite a heavy 'foreign' accent and sang too. His parts were not always suited to his ethnicity, in fact, they rarely were, but the public did not mind. They loved looking at his handsome features and enjoyed his charming manners. His career at its height was rather brief. There were problems later with alcohol, and his life came to a tragic end in 1968. All the details are here including his dalliances and his abiding religious faith despite those. The book takes you back to a golden age, the first half being a most enjoyable read as you are right there with him on his rise to fame. Recommended for Hollywood devotees.
December 29, 2009
Very standard biographical fare. The book was a fairly easy read but I felt that a lot of the details of Novarro's life got muddled in the middle of the book. There were lots of facts but no real understanding of who this man was beyond the films that he made and his sensational death.
All and all it wasn't a terrible read but definitely not one that I'll pick up to reread in the future.
All and all it wasn't a terrible read but definitely not one that I'll pick up to reread in the future.
November 26, 2014
actor from durango mexico, was picked as a competion of valentino. his career limped along after talkies started, though still had some good jobs. the director named ingrams made him a star though. gay, mexican, hollywood.
silent films seem way more daring than the talkies that replaced them, and the censorship. has some pics but a bit blahblah on the writing here.
silent films seem way more daring than the talkies that replaced them, and the censorship. has some pics but a bit blahblah on the writing here.
March 11, 2014
First class
April 16, 2021
This is difficult to review because I did not read the last 15% about his murder. I really don't need to know the details and I have never delved far into that. I wanted to know about Ramon as a person and not a headline.
Firstly, let me say that this biography affected me on a deep level. I guess because I knew how it ended for him, I found it incredibly sad. In reading about where Ramon placed his priorities, I found myself questioning my own life and becoming much more introspective than usual; wondering what is most important for me. Which is, in essence, a GOOD thing, but not necessarily a thing that is "fun." In one very real sense, Ramon's life is a proverbial cautionary tale.
As for the man himself, the author is very factual and this is much appreciated. He disregards any hearsay that cannot be documented, so any lovers of gossipy Hollywood bios will not really get into this. I happen to like both, because to quote a cliche, where there is smoke there is fire. But as a result of all the factual information, sometimes it is hard to get a glimpse of Ramon himself.
HOWEVER. The man was so dynamic, charming, insouciant, incredibly funny...and such a presence, you can feel that as you read. I actually had never seen a single one of his movies except for his very last one with Cary Grant where he played a supporting role ("Crisis"). Even now I have not had a chance to watch any of his others from start to finish, but I have watched enough clips to know that I would love to (and I will). In his best, he is makeup free and natural. Like "The Pagan." In his worst, he is overly made up and overly dramatic. But even in the worst of them, something indescribable shines through. In this book, you will discover all the minutiae of each of his films in great detail, which is one thing I wanted out of it. I found myself watching the chariot scene from "Ben Hur" over and over. It truly is exciting to watch, even today...and in spite of Francis X. Bushman. The book covers this film in fantastic detail.
As for Ramon himself, he still remains an enigma. Maybe that is what is "great" about so many stars of the silent and golden age of film. Maybe that is the common denominator among them all. For example, I've read so many biographies of Hedy Lamarr and chatted with people who knew her personally and still...I wind up with a box of contradictions. It is the same with Ramon.
This one thing I did walk away with: He was obsessed with the art of performance. Entertaining an audience, whatever that meant, be it dancing, singing, or acting. He did it all. Driven. If he wasn't working on an artistic project of some kind, he was lost.
A very definitive biography. Maybe some day I will find the strength to read about his final hours. But I admire him so much, flaws and all, in so many ways...it may never happen.
Firstly, let me say that this biography affected me on a deep level. I guess because I knew how it ended for him, I found it incredibly sad. In reading about where Ramon placed his priorities, I found myself questioning my own life and becoming much more introspective than usual; wondering what is most important for me. Which is, in essence, a GOOD thing, but not necessarily a thing that is "fun." In one very real sense, Ramon's life is a proverbial cautionary tale.
As for the man himself, the author is very factual and this is much appreciated. He disregards any hearsay that cannot be documented, so any lovers of gossipy Hollywood bios will not really get into this. I happen to like both, because to quote a cliche, where there is smoke there is fire. But as a result of all the factual information, sometimes it is hard to get a glimpse of Ramon himself.
HOWEVER. The man was so dynamic, charming, insouciant, incredibly funny...and such a presence, you can feel that as you read. I actually had never seen a single one of his movies except for his very last one with Cary Grant where he played a supporting role ("Crisis"). Even now I have not had a chance to watch any of his others from start to finish, but I have watched enough clips to know that I would love to (and I will). In his best, he is makeup free and natural. Like "The Pagan." In his worst, he is overly made up and overly dramatic. But even in the worst of them, something indescribable shines through. In this book, you will discover all the minutiae of each of his films in great detail, which is one thing I wanted out of it. I found myself watching the chariot scene from "Ben Hur" over and over. It truly is exciting to watch, even today...and in spite of Francis X. Bushman. The book covers this film in fantastic detail.
As for Ramon himself, he still remains an enigma. Maybe that is what is "great" about so many stars of the silent and golden age of film. Maybe that is the common denominator among them all. For example, I've read so many biographies of Hedy Lamarr and chatted with people who knew her personally and still...I wind up with a box of contradictions. It is the same with Ramon.
This one thing I did walk away with: He was obsessed with the art of performance. Entertaining an audience, whatever that meant, be it dancing, singing, or acting. He did it all. Driven. If he wasn't working on an artistic project of some kind, he was lost.
A very definitive biography. Maybe some day I will find the strength to read about his final hours. But I admire him so much, flaws and all, in so many ways...it may never happen.
March 6, 2021
Novarro’s life is one full of mystery and intrigue, so writing a book on it is no easy feat. I commend Soares’ ability to carefully and precisely narrate his journey from a small town Mexicano to a world known Hollywood actor. At first I was discouraged by the book because I felt that it was only focusing on his career and films, but as it continued I realized that this is because Novarro is a deeply private person. We’re blessed that Soares was able to find the information he did. We see a determined, stubborn, at at times vulnerable side of the “Latin Lover.” I would also like to point out that the author does a great job at showing how Novarro didn’t necessarily fit that stereotype all the time. I agree that the studios he worked for did not know how to create his image because they tried to pigeonhole him into the look of the “Latin Lover.” I think if Novarro were given more genres to work on toward the beginning of his career, that were not romance driven, he could have broken more out of the mold Hollywood tried to keep him in. Ben Hur is a great example of this. In this film, Novarro is given the ability to expand is acting ability and I’m sure for the secretively homosexual Novarro, it was a relief to focus on a character instead of a woman for a scene.
With that being said I really wish we could’ve had more info about Novarro’s gay lifestyle, but I accept that the info just doesn’t exist. Novarro was extremely private and his religious beliefs kept him from providing any transparencies about his sexuality. I’m glad Soares clears up a few ugly rumors regarding Novarro’s death, as he deserves better. Hollywood Babylon has damaged so many amazing reputations and I’m glad the record is set straight in Novarro’s case. I will say that I know his life ended with murder, but I was sad that the book had to end that way too. I almost wish it would have been structured so we could end on a high note, but we can’t change facts. Despite the sad end to Novarro’s life, I do think that Soares does a great job at letting us see the man behind the silver screen image, despite the fact that it still feels hazy at times. Novarro is another gay icon lost to time who is now able to get the credit they deserve. As a gay Latino man I am constantly drawn to his image on screen because I can see myself. His story is important and his life is essential because he was a trailblazer. I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys the Golden Age of Hollywood and LGBTQ+ stories.
With that being said I really wish we could’ve had more info about Novarro’s gay lifestyle, but I accept that the info just doesn’t exist. Novarro was extremely private and his religious beliefs kept him from providing any transparencies about his sexuality. I’m glad Soares clears up a few ugly rumors regarding Novarro’s death, as he deserves better. Hollywood Babylon has damaged so many amazing reputations and I’m glad the record is set straight in Novarro’s case. I will say that I know his life ended with murder, but I was sad that the book had to end that way too. I almost wish it would have been structured so we could end on a high note, but we can’t change facts. Despite the sad end to Novarro’s life, I do think that Soares does a great job at letting us see the man behind the silver screen image, despite the fact that it still feels hazy at times. Novarro is another gay icon lost to time who is now able to get the credit they deserve. As a gay Latino man I am constantly drawn to his image on screen because I can see myself. His story is important and his life is essential because he was a trailblazer. I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys the Golden Age of Hollywood and LGBTQ+ stories.
December 14, 2025
Thorough research and excellent writing are the highlights of this absorbing book about the life of Ramon Novarro. One of the major heartthrobs of the silent era, Novarro was, for a few years, a leading box office draw. His success enabled him to support his large family, who had fled from war-torn Mexico to find a better life.
Novarro had a stealth determination to break into films, which he finally did after a few years of playing bit parts. Oddly, he seemed to loose interest in his career after the first decade and lost the determination to remain in the spotlight. He wanted a musical career (he could sing) or perhaps lead a monastery life.
The book paints him as an extremely secretive, closeted man, whose life was marred by his obsession to religion (Catholicism) and alcoholism. In the end, these factors lead to his murder at the hands of two hustlers. Novarro's films, as well as musical and theatrical projects, are all analyzed in detail. The author even got access to Novarro's MGM contracts and reveals his salaries, etc. His private life is covered in enough detail although he was so secretive that details were hard to uncover. A cautionary tale of the dangers of religion and how it ruins lives.
Novarro had a stealth determination to break into films, which he finally did after a few years of playing bit parts. Oddly, he seemed to loose interest in his career after the first decade and lost the determination to remain in the spotlight. He wanted a musical career (he could sing) or perhaps lead a monastery life.
The book paints him as an extremely secretive, closeted man, whose life was marred by his obsession to religion (Catholicism) and alcoholism. In the end, these factors lead to his murder at the hands of two hustlers. Novarro's films, as well as musical and theatrical projects, are all analyzed in detail. The author even got access to Novarro's MGM contracts and reveals his salaries, etc. His private life is covered in enough detail although he was so secretive that details were hard to uncover. A cautionary tale of the dangers of religion and how it ruins lives.
August 25, 2021
A tragic ending to an otherwise glorious career
Anyone looking for the salacious in Beyond Paradise will be sorely disappointed. Ramon Novarro was probably the most private actor in Hollywood history. He took great pains to see that his sexual orientation never made it in the press or laid before the public. Consequently, there's almost no detail about any of his offscreen relationships except a few names. Having been careful for so many years, once he lost his foothold at MGM, like so many actors he turned to alcohol. And he was a voracious drinker. But unlike his sexuality, it was one problem he couldn't hide from the public. Thankfully enough time has passed since his murder that today's audiences can rediscover Ramon Novarro's films on TCM and remember him as the fine actor he was.
Anyone looking for the salacious in Beyond Paradise will be sorely disappointed. Ramon Novarro was probably the most private actor in Hollywood history. He took great pains to see that his sexual orientation never made it in the press or laid before the public. Consequently, there's almost no detail about any of his offscreen relationships except a few names. Having been careful for so many years, once he lost his foothold at MGM, like so many actors he turned to alcohol. And he was a voracious drinker. But unlike his sexuality, it was one problem he couldn't hide from the public. Thankfully enough time has passed since his murder that today's audiences can rediscover Ramon Novarro's films on TCM and remember him as the fine actor he was.
December 21, 2023
A lot of clerical and historical work went into the compilation of the events of a lifetime. This is a sad, barely known story of a great talent who was extinguished as he "outgrew" Hollywood and the movies of the 20's through the 40's. Hollywood can be brutal to those who age, put on weight, begin taking drugs, drinking, or have skeletons in their closets. The subject, Novarro, began drinking, then his private life began to cause him the loss of fans. Like all of us, Ramon N. began to age, losing his hair, gaining a waistline and his body and face succumbed to alcohol abuse. This is a compelling read , though the details of personal cinematography may try one's patience.
October 6, 2020
A fair and balanced biography - which is what I always want. Ramon Novarro was basically forgotten by the time he was brutally murdered in 1969. Though I knew how Navarro's life would end, it was still jarring to read. His life was much complete than his end. He was one of the biggest movie stars in the world for awhile...excellent read.
June 20, 2021
Very good book about a not-so-well-known closeted-gay actor of the early film era. Reading this books also offers a crash course into the silent film era, as well as the few decades that followed. The most interesting part for me was the story of his murder and the subsequent trial of the two perpetrators. Shows an interesting contrast to how more recent murder trials are handled.
June 5, 2023
Today Ramon Novarro is better known for his tragic death than for his movie career. This excellently researched biography puts his life in perspective from an ambitious, penniless Mexican immigrant in LA through his silent and sound film career. Novarro did not always make the wisest choices but as Frank Sinatra sings, he did it "My Way",
October 3, 2023
I didn't know a lot about Novarro until I read this book. Some of it was fascinating, and some tedious. Soares' need to report several pages of reviews of Novarro's films instead of writing clearly and cogently and offering his take on Navarro's films. Still, I enjoyed the book. Mostly recommended!
January 21, 2025
Andre Soares’ account of the life of silent screen legend and gay martyr Ramon Novarro is a well written and researched review of the facts and consideration of his legacy. Soares successfully balances the highlights of Novarro’s long career (including his successful transition to sound) with the brutal death that overshadowed it.
January 13, 2019
Very balanced portrayal of this silent-film star whose death was made into sensationalist news fodder. Interesting story and not too fawning nor disparaging.
June 30, 2020
I wonder what Chuck Heston thought when Ramon died and Chuck remembered they played the same character in Ben-Hur...
March 31, 2016
It's about time that Ramon Novarro, is written and remembered as great actor with beautiful voice, a faithful Catholic, but a person of many demons. Mr. Soares book is well researched and gives a rounded depiction of person who was caring to his family and a multi-talented actor. But he had a darker side, which was not spoken of at that time, the 30's through the 60's, he was homosexual and a catholic and this attributed to his fall from grace at the studio and his brutal death.
As others have written, this is a very interesting and detailed biography. It will leave you with the impression that you really have a good idea who Novarro was and will provide you with a greater appreciation for his work.
I applaud Mr. Soares for his work as a researcher/biographer. He did a wonderful job, enjoyed it thoroughly.
As others have written, this is a very interesting and detailed biography. It will leave you with the impression that you really have a good idea who Novarro was and will provide you with a greater appreciation for his work.
I applaud Mr. Soares for his work as a researcher/biographer. He did a wonderful job, enjoyed it thoroughly.
May 8, 2015
I'm a fan of the 1920s/1930s. Novarro was a big part of this era - an interesting and somewhat troubled individual who met a troubled end. However, he was dramatic, mysterious, and had some interesting habits. According to Pancho Barnes' social secretary from 1929-1933, Marya Caraman, Novarro loved to photographed in a coffin. He and Pancho went to George Hurrell's home/studio late one night to have just a photo array taken. This biography by Soares seems well-researched and is an easy read.
May 27, 2016
Reading the accounts of Hollywood during the silent film era was interesting but also a reminder how the more things change the more they stay the same for gay celebrities in tinsel town.
The book was also a reminder of the kind of havoc such as alcoholism that often results in the lives of the faithful caused by the Catholic Church's spiritual abuse against gays.
The book was also a reminder of the kind of havoc such as alcoholism that often results in the lives of the faithful caused by the Catholic Church's spiritual abuse against gays.
July 8, 2016
A sad tale of one the the silent films leading men (who happened to be Mexican and Gay). I had never heard of Ramon Novarro before this book but I am glad I read it. It gives a good view of the challenges of working in early Hollywood.
January 22, 2009
Excellent biography of Novarro, doesn’t gloss over faults, but not lurid. Discusses films, excellent filmography
August 4, 2019
Ramon Novarro
A really enjoyable read about a forgotten movie superstar. Very well written. I'm glad to have met Mr. Novarro. A tragedy how he died.
A really enjoyable read about a forgotten movie superstar. Very well written. I'm glad to have met Mr. Novarro. A tragedy how he died.
February 7, 2010
wonderful look at the world of Hollywood in the 1920s.
April 14, 2017
A frequently moving, frequently melancholy account of the life of Hollywood's first Mexican leading man, known for his sweetness and sensitivity onscreen and his grisly murder offscreen. This is as thorough as biographies come and Soares approaches his subject from all angles, ending with a well-rounded portrait of the intensely private Novarro. My only complaint is that he can seem a bit cruel at times, commenting on Novarro's appearance, often unnecessarily commenting on his weight. But other than that, well worth the read for Novarro fans. Now if we could get some better releases of his films.
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