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A Hell of a War
One of the greatest stars of the silver screen recalls his experiences during WWII, including his stint in combat in the North Atlantic & in various parts of Europe. Includes profiles of the towering figures of the war, from FDR to General Patton. B&W photos.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1993
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About the author
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
17 books3 followersDouglas Fairbanks, Jr. is the son of actor Douglas Fairbanks and his first wife Beth. He became an actor during the late silent era and a star of A-budget films starring alongside actors such as Greta Garbo, Edward G. Robinson, Ronald Colman, Katharine Hepburn, Irene Dunne, Ginger Rogers, Cary Grant, Rita Hayworth, and Maureen O'Hara.
Before America's entry in World War II, he joined the United States Navy Reserve and was duly commissioned. He spent four years on active-duty and became a highly-decorated officer with honors for valor and distinguished service from the USA, Britain, and France. Post-war, he resumed his career as a film actor but the momentum he had achieved in the film industry prior to the war did not revive as well as could have been hoped upon his return to Hollywood. He remained active, however, with many film, radio, television, and theatre appearances. He also remained in the US Navy Reserve and retired with the rank of Captain in 1954.
In addition to his acting career and service in the US Navy, he was a patron of the arts and philanthropist.
Three stars are dedicated to him on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one each for his achievements in film, radio, and television. In addition, he was invested an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) and appointed Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France).
Fairbanks Jr. was married to Joan Crawford (divorced in 1933), Mary Lee Eppling (who predeceased him in 1988) with whom he had three daughters, and Vera Shelton.
Before America's entry in World War II, he joined the United States Navy Reserve and was duly commissioned. He spent four years on active-duty and became a highly-decorated officer with honors for valor and distinguished service from the USA, Britain, and France. Post-war, he resumed his career as a film actor but the momentum he had achieved in the film industry prior to the war did not revive as well as could have been hoped upon his return to Hollywood. He remained active, however, with many film, radio, television, and theatre appearances. He also remained in the US Navy Reserve and retired with the rank of Captain in 1954.
In addition to his acting career and service in the US Navy, he was a patron of the arts and philanthropist.
Three stars are dedicated to him on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one each for his achievements in film, radio, and television. In addition, he was invested an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) and appointed Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France).
Fairbanks Jr. was married to Joan Crawford (divorced in 1933), Mary Lee Eppling (who predeceased him in 1988) with whom he had three daughters, and Vera Shelton.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 13, 2018
Good book I like biographies
August 18, 2025
Going to admit it: This was a refreshing and delightful personal narrative of WWII by a famous actor. Now, I say "delightful" because it was positive, patriotic, and well done!
I recommend this memoir for any fans of Douglas Fairbanks Jr as well as those wanting to know more of an actor's experience as a soldier in WWII.
Again, an EXCELLENT read.
I recommend this memoir for any fans of Douglas Fairbanks Jr as well as those wanting to know more of an actor's experience as a soldier in WWII.
Again, an EXCELLENT read.
March 8, 2023
Essentially volume two of Junior’s memoirs, and the last page of the book indicates that he intended to write more. Apparently didn’t happen.
Fairly self-effacing account of his escapades during WW II -- he was active in naval projects to distract from authentic amphibious-invasion plans and saw some shooting-war moments, but overall he seems to feel that he was given more credit (and medals) than he deserved in some cases while having some of his ideas discounted because he wasn't one of the "trade school" boys (Naval Academy graduates).
The Hollywood side of his post-WW II career doesn't take up much space, perhaps because there wasn't much.
Fairly self-effacing account of his escapades during WW II -- he was active in naval projects to distract from authentic amphibious-invasion plans and saw some shooting-war moments, but overall he seems to feel that he was given more credit (and medals) than he deserved in some cases while having some of his ideas discounted because he wasn't one of the "trade school" boys (Naval Academy graduates).
The Hollywood side of his post-WW II career doesn't take up much space, perhaps because there wasn't much.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews