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The Last Playboy: The High Life of Porfirio Rubirosa
At one gilded moment in history, his fame was so great that he was known the world over by his nickname alone: Rubi. Pop songs were written about him. Women whom he had never met offered to leave their husbands for him. He had an eye for feminine beauty, particularly when it came with great wealth: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Eva Perón, and Zsa Zsa Gabor. But he was a man's man as well, polo player and race-car driver, chumming around with the likes of Joe Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, Oleg Cassini, Aly Khan, and King Farouk. He was also a jewel thief, and an intimate of one of the world's most bloodthirsty dictators. And when he died at the age of fifty-six—wrapping his sports car around a tree in the Bois de Boulogne—a glamorous era of white dinner jackets at El Morocco and celebrity for its own sake died along with him. He was one of a kind, the last of his breed. And in The Last Playboy, author Shawn Levy brings the giddy, hedonistic, and utterly remarkable story of Porfirio Rubirosa to glorious Technicolor life.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2005
47 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Levy
14 books183 followersShawn Levy is the author of eleven books of biography, pop culture history, and poetry. The former film critic of The Oregonian and KGW-TV and a former editor of American Film, he has been published in Sight and Sound, Film Comment, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Black Rock Beacon, among many other outlets. He jumps and claps and sings for victory in Portland, Oregon, where he serves on the board of directors of Operation Pitch Invasion.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 15, 2024
The Last Playboy’s life was as big as his legendary member. 😜
January 2, 2008
This book was both reassuring and scary in some ways. It was reassuring to know that being famous for being famous was nothing new. Porfirio Rubirosa was very famous in his time although he never had a real job or a real purpose. On the other hand, he is almost completely forgotten now, 43 years after his death. I had never heard of him until I saw this book. Maybe that means people will forget about Paris Hilton too.
This book is about a Dominican who grew up in Paris and decided early in life that clubbing, partying and dating rich women was more interesting than completing schoola dn having a job. I suppose many of us think the same thing although Rubirosa had the intelligence and social skills to actually live according to his preferences! Rubirosa married both Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton; the two richest women in the world at the time, as well two french movie stars and the daughter of a Caribbean dictator.
He maintained diplomatic titles for much of his life but never really worked a day in his life. His social skills were extensive enough that his government kept him on the payroll for the publicity and his contacts. His association with the government of the Dominican Republic came back to bite him once the dictator, Trujillo fell in 1960 but he survived that just as he survived other crises in his life.
He had a very public affair with Zsa Zsa Gabor (also famous for being famous since she never had a real acting career) which exploded with accusations of violence when he left to marry Barbara Hutton. Gabor used the media for all she could and it did damage Rubirosa but he survived and moved on. He was too charming not to survive.
Rubirosa is so like the James Bond character (although James Bond has a job and, presumably, some princeiples) that I wondered if Ian Fleming had modeled his character on Rubirosa. Rubirosa was everything we imagine James Bond to be: suave, charming, intelligent, always smelling like roses.
This book was interesting and fun because it gives the ordinary person the opportunity to see how the half lives and imagine such a life of hedonism, jet setting and exotic locales. Yet, it also reminds the reader that there is a flip side to everything. Can one admire a man like Rubirosa who attached himself to a dictator for thirty years and never thought about what the dictator did to his countrymen? Can one admire a man who was so accustomed to getting what he wanted through charm that when he didn't get what he wanted, he hit women? I have no doubt that if I met Rubirosa is a club in Paris in the the fifties, I would be entranced by him because it is clear through the book that his charm was that strong but I still think he was a flawed and selfish person.
This book is about a Dominican who grew up in Paris and decided early in life that clubbing, partying and dating rich women was more interesting than completing schoola dn having a job. I suppose many of us think the same thing although Rubirosa had the intelligence and social skills to actually live according to his preferences! Rubirosa married both Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton; the two richest women in the world at the time, as well two french movie stars and the daughter of a Caribbean dictator.
He maintained diplomatic titles for much of his life but never really worked a day in his life. His social skills were extensive enough that his government kept him on the payroll for the publicity and his contacts. His association with the government of the Dominican Republic came back to bite him once the dictator, Trujillo fell in 1960 but he survived that just as he survived other crises in his life.
He had a very public affair with Zsa Zsa Gabor (also famous for being famous since she never had a real acting career) which exploded with accusations of violence when he left to marry Barbara Hutton. Gabor used the media for all she could and it did damage Rubirosa but he survived and moved on. He was too charming not to survive.
Rubirosa is so like the James Bond character (although James Bond has a job and, presumably, some princeiples) that I wondered if Ian Fleming had modeled his character on Rubirosa. Rubirosa was everything we imagine James Bond to be: suave, charming, intelligent, always smelling like roses.
This book was interesting and fun because it gives the ordinary person the opportunity to see how the half lives and imagine such a life of hedonism, jet setting and exotic locales. Yet, it also reminds the reader that there is a flip side to everything. Can one admire a man like Rubirosa who attached himself to a dictator for thirty years and never thought about what the dictator did to his countrymen? Can one admire a man who was so accustomed to getting what he wanted through charm that when he didn't get what he wanted, he hit women? I have no doubt that if I met Rubirosa is a club in Paris in the the fifties, I would be entranced by him because it is clear through the book that his charm was that strong but I still think he was a flawed and selfish person.
September 1, 2013
Imagine? He fills your room with flowers. He changes his hotel room to be next to yours to "feel you through the walls." Maybe he sends a limo and escort to take you shopping for something special to wear for dinner. He's a great dancer. He's dashing on a horse or in a race car. The impeccable manners match his perfectly tailored clothes.
Why would you think that he represents a Saddam Hussein style manager of a Caribbean nation and its torture chambers? Why would you think he's an accessory to murder? a murderer? a jewel thief? a profiteer from passports sold to Jews desperate to escape Hitler? Now what is it he does with the fleet of fishing boats his 3rd wife gave him? He doesn't think about any of this, so why should you?
Levy does a great job of tracking Rubi down. It was an intercontinental life in 5 languages, but that would be the easy part, since facts (the ones that Rubi doesn't want anyone to know) are like the proverbial jello nailed to a wall.
In his last chapter Levy tries to opine on the meaning of it all and finds very little. What if Rubi had joined the Dominican resistance? (would never cross his mind.) The closest thing he finds to meaning is a Langston Hughes obituary noting Rubi's (possible) race, which no one had noticed before.
Rubi was a man of his time, but not all time. Why?
Where are the Rubis of the world today? Have divorce lawyers and pre-nups driven them out of business? Have the women lost their sense of romance? Rubi with Madonna? Paris Hilton? Oprah? Martha Stewart? They just don't seem so emotionally vulnerable. Maybe the playboys are still here, sub rosa (pun) in blue jeans, the veritable playboy next door. Or maybe our consciousness has been raised and no acting career can be built when you're seen with the rep. of a 3rd world strong man. Maybe men have become better attuned to women, such that Rubi's sweet nothings are not the tonic they once could be. Maybe drugs have sapped the energy needed to drink all night and play polo the next day.
I became aware of Rubi through my interest in Doris Duke. Levy cites the Mansfield book as the best bio of her. While Mansfield has put together the story, it needs a lot more sifting through. Levy's 3 chapters on Doris flesh out her story. I'd like for Levy go back to his notes, maybe team up with Mansfield, and pack in more research. Doris has (or maybe Doris is) a story aching to be told. The survivors, just like those of Rubi, won't be here forever. Levy, with this difficult work, shows that he's up to it.
Why would you think that he represents a Saddam Hussein style manager of a Caribbean nation and its torture chambers? Why would you think he's an accessory to murder? a murderer? a jewel thief? a profiteer from passports sold to Jews desperate to escape Hitler? Now what is it he does with the fleet of fishing boats his 3rd wife gave him? He doesn't think about any of this, so why should you?
Levy does a great job of tracking Rubi down. It was an intercontinental life in 5 languages, but that would be the easy part, since facts (the ones that Rubi doesn't want anyone to know) are like the proverbial jello nailed to a wall.
In his last chapter Levy tries to opine on the meaning of it all and finds very little. What if Rubi had joined the Dominican resistance? (would never cross his mind.) The closest thing he finds to meaning is a Langston Hughes obituary noting Rubi's (possible) race, which no one had noticed before.
Rubi was a man of his time, but not all time. Why?
Where are the Rubis of the world today? Have divorce lawyers and pre-nups driven them out of business? Have the women lost their sense of romance? Rubi with Madonna? Paris Hilton? Oprah? Martha Stewart? They just don't seem so emotionally vulnerable. Maybe the playboys are still here, sub rosa (pun) in blue jeans, the veritable playboy next door. Or maybe our consciousness has been raised and no acting career can be built when you're seen with the rep. of a 3rd world strong man. Maybe men have become better attuned to women, such that Rubi's sweet nothings are not the tonic they once could be. Maybe drugs have sapped the energy needed to drink all night and play polo the next day.
I became aware of Rubi through my interest in Doris Duke. Levy cites the Mansfield book as the best bio of her. While Mansfield has put together the story, it needs a lot more sifting through. Levy's 3 chapters on Doris flesh out her story. I'd like for Levy go back to his notes, maybe team up with Mansfield, and pack in more research. Doris has (or maybe Doris is) a story aching to be told. The survivors, just like those of Rubi, won't be here forever. Levy, with this difficult work, shows that he's up to it.
July 13, 2016
Disappointingly narrow in scope. Pretty much lifestyle porn with a small dose of cold war intrigue. I guess a book about a playboy who succeeded in his ambition to do nothing beyond chase women and money and ride fast cars should be this punchless.
July 26, 2014
Oh my, as a young girl growing up in the 50th and reading every Photoplay and Movie Screen magazine I could get my hands on - I thought he had to be perfect. All these beautfiul and very rich women wanted him and the stories of the parties and clothes. Well, I loved this book! Was he a cad? at times - yes, but everyone knew that. I don't think it was a big surprise to any of his wives he would not be faithful. Was he after thier money - YES - but so were all the other men they knew. What did surprise me was the women - Most of them were bored out of their minds - going to lunch, fashion shows - kinda like they do now! He would not have made a good old man - I do think he might have ended his life - seems as he sat there the last night/morning he knew his days of glory were over. But what a life he had!
June 3, 2019
Despite hailing from a poor Caribbean country and his mixed race background, Porfirio Rubirosa parlayed his career as a diplomat for Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo to gain international fame and rub elbows will some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the world.
I did not find Rubirosa to be a particularly substantive character, so it was a struggle to get through the book. His life story seemed to repeat itself: get married, get a new diplomatic post, party a lot, play polo, race cars, cheat on his wife, get divorced, get married again. I did find the insight into the Dominican Republic's geopolitical impact during his lifetime to be surprisingly interesting.
The later third of the book picked up momentum as Trujillo's stranglehold weakens and Rubirosa gains entry into the the Rat Pack and Kennedy clan.
I did not find Rubirosa to be a particularly substantive character, so it was a struggle to get through the book. His life story seemed to repeat itself: get married, get a new diplomatic post, party a lot, play polo, race cars, cheat on his wife, get divorced, get married again. I did find the insight into the Dominican Republic's geopolitical impact during his lifetime to be surprisingly interesting.
The later third of the book picked up momentum as Trujillo's stranglehold weakens and Rubirosa gains entry into the the Rat Pack and Kennedy clan.
June 30, 2011
Rubi is one of those people who seemed to pop up here and there in other books I would read, then I saw this on the shelf while browsing and picked it up. This was the nice, fairly trashy read I was in the mood for. The book's tone is similar to the more lurid Howard Hughes books I've read. And yes, for better or worse, there's an entire chapter devoted to Mr Rubirosa's penis.
A bit of the book does feel like filler - for instance the entire chapter on Ramfis Trujillo's time at the American military college felt like it belonged in some other book.
A bit of the book does feel like filler - for instance the entire chapter on Ramfis Trujillo's time at the American military college felt like it belonged in some other book.
December 17, 2016
This is just a well written book about a fascinating character. Rubi is such perfect fit for his world and his time period that Levi had a ton to work with, but he went above and beyond that to produce a "can't put this down" biography of the legendary playboy. Rubi himself led such a wild life that he seems more fiction than fact, and the urge to use him as a villain (or hero) in a mid century super hero game is nigh irresistible.
If you get a chance to read this, you should.
If you get a chance to read this, you should.
February 28, 2021
The Last Playboy The high times of Porfirio Rubirosa is informative and interesting but it has severely flawed research. Some of the sources such as Enrique Cirules in the bibliography who is a state propagandist of a murderous regime and whose slanted works are still cited most notably in TJ English books. The prose of the book while at times witty can be overbearing,annoying breaking the fourth wall. No pictures and information already known packed in over 300 pages, perhaps towards the end the coubre incident is credited To Rubirosa which i found interesting. The Author repeats himself in regards to his perception regarding McCarhtyism which he was McCarthy has been proven right. Another Matter regards his slight against the Warrriors who shed blood trying to overthrow Castro on Playa Giron but who JFK cowardly pulled back the promised airsupport, he mentions them as a Ragtag bunch which is hardly the truth.He fails to mention more about the Caribbean Legion and who some of the people were behind it, Cuba was involved and was trying to help fellow Neighbors overthrow their tyrants no Mention Of President Prio Socarras who gave support to it nor to the Men involved, Such as the Legendary and controversial Masferrer who slapped Fidel at Cayo Confite. The Caribbean Legion along with similar topics has been covered by Professor Charles Ameringer in his excellent and balanced books on the matter and
he seems not just in awe of the man's legendary attribute but also spending too much time on Trujiillo. Then comparing Trujillo to far more sinister despots who in reality would make him look like a toddler such as Castro. No denying his awful rule yet as he points out he did modernize Santo Domingo. Brief mention is made of his Racing pursuits that should have been expanded upon. In conclusion all we have is a decent despite flawed English language look at the Man but not enough too much conjecture and still more myth than Man recommended but caveat emptor,tread lightly and do you own research as you read.
he seems not just in awe of the man's legendary attribute but also spending too much time on Trujiillo. Then comparing Trujillo to far more sinister despots who in reality would make him look like a toddler such as Castro. No denying his awful rule yet as he points out he did modernize Santo Domingo. Brief mention is made of his Racing pursuits that should have been expanded upon. In conclusion all we have is a decent despite flawed English language look at the Man but not enough too much conjecture and still more myth than Man recommended but caveat emptor,tread lightly and do you own research as you read.
July 8, 2024
“He had epitomized the eras he lived in—Paris before and after World War II, Argentina in its Perónist heyday, Hollywood and Palm Beach in their postwar glow, Havana on the eve of revolution.”
We follow the young Porfirio from a small house on a sugarcane plantation in the Cibao Valley of the Dominican Republic to the fashionable arrondissements of Paris where’s he’s educated among the children of diplomats. We learn about the DR’s fearsome leader Rafael Trujillo, “the benefactor” and his cult of personality. He renamed Santo Domingo and reset the calendars. We learn about Porifiro’s unlikely marriage to his daughter, his bacchanallian parrandas, his stint at the 1936 Olympics, and his subsequent marriage to a French movie star and one of the wealthiest heiresses on the planet. Prepare for a barrage of increasingly amazing stories about stolen jewels, polo matches, and race car crashes.
We follow the young Porfirio from a small house on a sugarcane plantation in the Cibao Valley of the Dominican Republic to the fashionable arrondissements of Paris where’s he’s educated among the children of diplomats. We learn about the DR’s fearsome leader Rafael Trujillo, “the benefactor” and his cult of personality. He renamed Santo Domingo and reset the calendars. We learn about Porifiro’s unlikely marriage to his daughter, his bacchanallian parrandas, his stint at the 1936 Olympics, and his subsequent marriage to a French movie star and one of the wealthiest heiresses on the planet. Prepare for a barrage of increasingly amazing stories about stolen jewels, polo matches, and race car crashes.
December 30, 2023
What a sleazebag but a high flying one. He mingled with everyone who was anyone and led the high life...beautiful women, late nights, drinking, polo, yachts and some political intrigue. He married two of the richest women in the world, Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton, which helped support his exotic lifestyle. The story of his relationship with Truijillo, the despotic dictator of the Dominican Republic, was central to some of his success, but apparently his singular charm was his best winning attribute with both genders. I got quite sick of hearing about Ramfis Truijillo, the obnoxious, spoiled and decadent son of the dictator. Interesting insight into living well in high society during the middle decades of the 1900's.
March 2, 2020
Great book about the Latino legend. It was interesting also from a historical perspective, since Rubirosa was rubbing elbows with so many famous people of his day: i.e. Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Trujillo, etc. Also, it's an informative book for anybody that seeks to have a deeper understanding of Dominican culture.
February 28, 2019
This an interesting story of a man born in the Dominican Republic under the dictatorship of Trujillo. The story is well written and provides aspects of this last Playboy. I highly recommend this book.
April 18, 2019
Rubirosa foi um cara de sorte. Viveu a maior parte do século 20 em grande estilo. Zsa Zsa Gabor, que mulher. (Conexões improváveis: a última mulher do playboy dominicano, Odile Rodin, viveu no Rio e casou-se na década de 70 com Paulo Marinho, ex de Maitê Proença e atual eleitor do Jair.)
February 5, 2021
A very fascinating and interesting read about a historical figure that I had been unaware of. His exploits both romantic and fiscal as well as the world events and famous figures surrounding him make for great reading.
October 25, 2021
A captivating book that was hard to put down, and so tempting to race through.
January 10, 2022
Like James Bond if he didn't have ambitions
April 7, 2024
I chose this book because we went to the Dominican Republic for vacation. It was super interesting to read while visiting!!!
April 13, 2024
An interesting read, Porfirio lived as he died - fast and reckless.
July 29, 2025
The dad lore would’ve been insane
October 29, 2025
Cansativo demais demais, repetitivo, mas com passagens legais
July 2, 2016
The subject of this book - Porfirio Rubirosa and the world around him - was fascinating. I didn't love the author's style - a little overly breathless and tabloidy for my tastes. I read this because an acquaintance is doing research on the Dominican Republic and WWII and recommended it. I'm really glad I read it - though Rubirosa didn't really spend much time in the DR, he was very connected to the Trujillo regime and the book gave me a better sense of that country's history. And of course Rubirosa himself is a truly intriguing character between his marriages and high-class partying and entire life without ever really having a real job. Overall a fun read.
April 30, 2013
Ah, the life of a woman-chasing, polo-playing, fast-driving, nightclubbing, high-styled man of leisure ain't what it used to be. An absorbing biography of a man who was once famous and has slipped from public consciousness, this is not only a commentary on the vagaries of popularity but of the culture that reveres those who achieve it and abhors those who pursue it. Another well-written book by Shawn Levy, who puts things into perspective with a keen analytic eye, but not without adding his own judiciously-flavored commentary.
June 2, 2013
Biography of Porfirio Rubirosa, famous fifties playboy, married at one time or another to Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, and various other rich or famous women. His first wife, Flor de Oro Trujillo, daughter of the Dominican dictator, effectively launched him on his career as a diplomat but mostly as an international jet-setter and playboy.
Good: readable and entertaining.
Bad: heavy on the gossip and social life, lighter on the shadier diplomatic and political dealings.
January 22, 2008
Having heard about Rubirosa for years but not knowing much about him, this was an interesting read. He lead an amazing life among the jet-set of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Married or dallianced with Zza Zza Gabor, Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke. Died as he lived, fast.
January 5, 2009
I nearly gave this book 4 stars because did appear to be well-researched, but the gossipy tone of some of it brought down my overall rating. Some of the author's terms were overly familiar or chatty and caused me to doubt his willingness to present an impartial view of this historic public figure.
April 11, 2008
Lousy writing. Don't bother.
January 5, 2014
Ah yes, the art of seduction is lost. I mean today women are just giving it away. Interesting story, but Rubi, get a job! T'was a fun read.
June 3, 2016
Una biografía fantástica
La increíble historia de un tipo medio James Bond medio Isidoro Cañones...parece salida de la ficción. Un verdadero exponente del High Life
La increíble historia de un tipo medio James Bond medio Isidoro Cañones...parece salida de la ficción. Un verdadero exponente del High Life
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews