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Don't Mind If I Do
PiPSpend a few hours with George Hamilton?/center/iPbibPDon't Mind If I Do/center/b/i/bPDon't let that tanned, handsome, charming surface fool you. Beneath the bronzed fa#231;ade is a mischievous mind with a wicked wit. George Hamilton doesn't miss a thing. With a front row seat for classic Hollywood's biggest secrets and scandals, George has the intelligence, heart, and unflappable spirit to tell his story, and the story of Tinseltown's heyday, with great good humor and delicious candor #151; as only he can. From iWhere the Boys Are/i to iDancing with the Stars/i; from Mary Pickford to Elizabeth Taylor; from smalltown Arkansas to the capitals of Europe #151; it's all here, and George has lived to tell and to laugh about it.PAs the child of a Dartmouth-educated bandleader father and a glamorous Southern debutante mother whose marriage crumbled early on, George had a childhood filled with misadventures and challenges that his mother always seemed able to turn from tragedy to comedy. Her idea of changing the family's fortunes involved a trip cross-country with three sons and a poodle in a Lincoln Continental, making stops along the way to search for husband/father number three. And she was quick to recognize that George's potential success lay in Hollywood.PGeorge starved nobly for his art in the late 1950s, but was soon starring in major motion pictures directed by the likes of Vincente Minnelli and Louis Malle. He has forgotten more about Hollywood than most movie experts will ever know and shares intimate and hugely entertaining stories of his friendships with Cary Grant; Brigitte Bardot; Robert Mitchum; Merle Oberon; Mae West; Sammy Davis,Jr.; and Judy Garland #151; not to mention Lyndon B. Johnson and Elvis's Colonel Tom Parker as well as the King himself #151; among others. The world is Hamilton's oyster, and this ultimate insider is ready to share it with us. So fasten your seat belt. We'll tell you when it's safe to move about the cabin again.br
307 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 24, 2009
In spite of the 3 stars, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.... Okay, not a great read from a literary standpoint, but definitely guilty book candy, especially if you are at all interested in Old School Hollywood. A fascinating, funny, and candid name-dropping journey of conspicuous consumption tracking the unique life of George Hamilton (the guy with the tan who was on Dancing With the Stars). His mother's life was fascinating in and of itself... his brother, a flaming gay man with an eye for fashion and expensive antiques was the de facto head of household, and George was the ultimate breadwinner for this optimistic and opportunistic trio of gadabouts. Halfway through the book George is not even twenty years old, that's how intriguing his upbringing was. I'm sending it directly to my mom who will love the stories of who knew who and who slept with who.
January 7, 2013
So often it's not the uber famous/successful (i.e., Oscar-winnng) actors who are the most interesting people when they give an interview or, in this case, write a memoir. George Hamilton is funny, self-deprecating, and honest -- all of which comes through in this book. Despite his 'type-casting' in Hollywood as an East Coast preppy/ivy league type, Hamilton was a boy from a small town in Arkansas who barely finished high school. Although his father was a bandleader who graduated from Dartmouth, his mother, Ann -- nicknamed 'Teeny' and his older half-brother, Bill, had the most influence on his life. Teeny, as Hamilton refers to her in the book, was a beautiful southern belle and debutante. Always the life of the party, Teeny took George, Bill and her youngest son David with her as she lived beyond her means yet managed to look like she had it all. How many sons ride with their mother through several states in a Lincoln Continental while she looks for her next husband? (She was married 4 times.) You don't have to be from the South to appreciate Teeny and other family members but it doesn't hurt. :)
Hamilton's love for his mother and his acceptance of her eccentricities along with those of his brother Bill (who liked to think his legs were better than Betty Grable's) shine through as he tells story after story. Brother Bill, who gave parties that 'name' people loved to attend, first in New York and later in Hollywood, actually put dog food on crackers as appetizers. He told George that most of the people wouldn't know the difference between foie gras and Kal-Kan and he was right.
Hamilton's childhood alone makes a great story but then he heads to Los Angeles determined to make it as an actor and the real fun and name-dropping begin. From his movies -- a few good ones but mostly bad -- to his perpetual tan and love for the ladies, he makes every story worth hearing. Always close to his family and never far from his southern roots, he now owns several homes in Arkansas and Natchez, Mississippi while still living in California near his two sons. And, yes, he's still working.
Hamilton's love for his mother and his acceptance of her eccentricities along with those of his brother Bill (who liked to think his legs were better than Betty Grable's) shine through as he tells story after story. Brother Bill, who gave parties that 'name' people loved to attend, first in New York and later in Hollywood, actually put dog food on crackers as appetizers. He told George that most of the people wouldn't know the difference between foie gras and Kal-Kan and he was right.
Hamilton's childhood alone makes a great story but then he heads to Los Angeles determined to make it as an actor and the real fun and name-dropping begin. From his movies -- a few good ones but mostly bad -- to his perpetual tan and love for the ladies, he makes every story worth hearing. Always close to his family and never far from his southern roots, he now owns several homes in Arkansas and Natchez, Mississippi while still living in California near his two sons. And, yes, he's still working.
January 7, 2009
This book was introduced to me during an interview that he had with Joan Hamburg of WOR. I thought that it might be a light read with a humorous bent. However:
It's amazing to me how celebrities can literally get away with almost anything! Tiny, George's mother, would have been reported to DYFS today for the manner in which she raised her children. She not only taught them how to sponge off others, but she sponged off George for most of his working life. She starts off by dragging the "kids" across the country looking for old beaux and potential husbands who could support her and her brood.
Her trips provide her "kids" with learning experiences that lead to great schools, ( So what if they never graduate), an introduction to Hollywood Stars, and seedy lifestyles. I must admit that the Hollywood experience does serve as a segae into the world of the Rich and Famous and Stardom for young George.
In reading the book, the reader learns that Hamilton's wit, his looks, his "tan," and his ability to con and beguile his way into a great contract with MGM and into the bedrooms of such famous stars as: Brigitte Bardot, Judy Garland, Merle Oberon, Elizabeth Taylor, is mind boggling. ( This is one guy that did not need Viagra! )
Don't Mind If I Do is a tell all book that celebrities and stars are having a heyday with. If you want to get the low down on his affair with Lynda Baines Johnson and her rather uncouth president father or learn about Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, this is the book for you.
Did I enjoy reading the book? Yes and No. My problem with it is whether or not he is encouraging his own sons to live a similar life style. As an educator and a parent of girls, I feel like kicking him in the ASS for all of the young people that he deflowered and thought it was funny!
It's amazing to me how celebrities can literally get away with almost anything! Tiny, George's mother, would have been reported to DYFS today for the manner in which she raised her children. She not only taught them how to sponge off others, but she sponged off George for most of his working life. She starts off by dragging the "kids" across the country looking for old beaux and potential husbands who could support her and her brood.
Her trips provide her "kids" with learning experiences that lead to great schools, ( So what if they never graduate), an introduction to Hollywood Stars, and seedy lifestyles. I must admit that the Hollywood experience does serve as a segae into the world of the Rich and Famous and Stardom for young George.
In reading the book, the reader learns that Hamilton's wit, his looks, his "tan," and his ability to con and beguile his way into a great contract with MGM and into the bedrooms of such famous stars as: Brigitte Bardot, Judy Garland, Merle Oberon, Elizabeth Taylor, is mind boggling. ( This is one guy that did not need Viagra! )
Don't Mind If I Do is a tell all book that celebrities and stars are having a heyday with. If you want to get the low down on his affair with Lynda Baines Johnson and her rather uncouth president father or learn about Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, this is the book for you.
Did I enjoy reading the book? Yes and No. My problem with it is whether or not he is encouraging his own sons to live a similar life style. As an educator and a parent of girls, I feel like kicking him in the ASS for all of the young people that he deflowered and thought it was funny!
December 5, 2008
It is really lite-weight but I liked it for the most part. Man, Hamilton really loves to talk about his conquests.
April 11, 2017
I enjoyed this light read. It was an window into an interesting person's life. I like the fact George never takes himself, or "the business" too seriously. It's refreshing.
March 9, 2022
Begins with his time on 'Dancing with the Stars', then the first 30 percent is his gypsy existence as his mother seeks out a Sugar Daddy. He eventually goes into showbiz and he shares every girlfriend, car, and vacation that he ever took along with significant name-dropping along the way. Like his turn as Evel Knievel so I read this for background info. B/W pix. some of this appears in the movie 'My One and Only'.
May 24, 2014
Don't mind if I don't waste any more time with George Hamilton diddling his way around the world. George is about as deep as his tan. I enjoy reading biographies, to discover what motivates and shapes people. I have read a few celebrities and they work at being intelligent and finding some reason or purpose in the life they have led. George doesn't even attempt to find meaning. He just lucks along from movie to movie, exotic location to exotic location, and of course bed to bed, thinking everyone is simply lovely.
The only redeeming fact of this book was I bought it for fifty cents and I put it in the recycle bin when I stopped about the first set of picture and could read no further.
The only redeeming fact of this book was I bought it for fifty cents and I put it in the recycle bin when I stopped about the first set of picture and could read no further.
January 16, 2009
I enjoyed this humorous account of his life. Over 1/3 was dedicated to his early childhood and family and his family was a 'hoot'! The trip across America to find Mother a new husband was something else. A comedy should be made from this time in his life! He was a generation too late as far as Hollywood- he would have been a huge star in the 30's and 40's and really didn't fit in with the James Deans, Steve McQueens, Marlon Brandos etc... of his time period.
November 21, 2008
It was okay - no real surprises - Mr. Hamilton seems to have gotten by in life by sponging off is rich friends, and living an immoral, indulgent lifestyle. His only redeeming quality was the support of his mother and brother who proved to be ungrateful. It was really kind of sad, unfufilling life in my opinion.
October 13, 2011
This book was recommended to me as being funny as well as interesting tidbits about his childhood. I can't say I would recommend this book to anyone else unless you are truly a fan of George Hamilton. I found the book sad, rather than funny. He grew up in a totally dysfunctional family. It's amazing he turned out fairly well.
September 15, 2012
An Ok read. But boy did George date a lot of women. His mom and brother though were just two blood sucking losers. They sued George for financial support after he sold his house where his mom and brother were living and spending George's money like water. The book is shallow and name dropping is the game but it's a fun and easy read.
January 4, 2009
Aside from some mild repetition here and there, this is a fascinating autobiography. Far from the man you'd imagine him to be, GH's humble roots and behind-the-success struggles over the years make this well worth the read.
March 9, 2019
I didnt know a lot about George Hamilton, except one of my favorite movies is Where the Boys Are, so I was disappointed that he didnt go into the movie very much and mostly thought it was fluff. His childhood was interesting and something I dont think you would see today. His mother somehow inserted herself into wealthy society looking for the next rich husband and dragging her 3 boys around the country in search of high society, even though she herself didnt have a lot of money. But he adores his mother and brothers. He decides he likes the lifestyle of the rich and famous and is lucky enough to find minor movie roles and makes money here and there. In the meantime, he meets many women, almost always rich and/or famous, and always beatiful. I was surprised that he dated Linda Byrd Johnson, Elizabeth Taylor and Danielle Steele. This book seemed to be the ultimate name-dropper autobiography. He has met many famous people and a lot of the time he didnt have much to say about them except to say he met them. It was fun to see some of the old names but I felt this book didnt have a lot of substance.
August 12, 2010
An interesting autobiography--I didn't know he was born in small town Arkansas. He and his mother and brothers moved constantly--the mother in search of a new exciting husband. He seemed to live life to the fullest, and grew up knowing many famous people, thanks to his mother, and then deciding that acting would be better than taking 10 years to study to be a doctor.
I just reread this book, because I just saw the movie, "My One and Only", with Renee Zelweger, that was loosely based on the life of he and his mother and brother moving around the country to find husband material for the mother. I enjoyed both the movie and the book.
He dated both Elizabeth Taylor and Danielle Steele, and ran with all the "beautiful people", back in the 60's. Then his luck ran out, and he had to do dinner theaters to make a living. He is quite a character. Would love to meet him in person.
I just reread this book, because I just saw the movie, "My One and Only", with Renee Zelweger, that was loosely based on the life of he and his mother and brother moving around the country to find husband material for the mother. I enjoyed both the movie and the book.
He dated both Elizabeth Taylor and Danielle Steele, and ran with all the "beautiful people", back in the 60's. Then his luck ran out, and he had to do dinner theaters to make a living. He is quite a character. Would love to meet him in person.
March 25, 2009
After having had the chance to meet George Hamilton at BEA last year, I was excited to read this book. He was so suave and handsome, and I've been a fan of his film "Love at First Bite" since it first came out. I even voted for him on "Dancing with the Stars." I figured his life story would be interesting, and I wasn't disappointed. Of course, there was lots of kiss and tell, but I was surprised at the variety of women he has dated, including Elizabeth Taylor and Danielle Steel. It was also interesting to see how he took his image from "young man born in the wrong time" to "preppy playboy" to "classic Hollywood star."
August 2, 2009
Spotted this on the library's 'new books' shelf and had to read it. Always liked Hamilton and find him witty in a self-deprecating way. Once read a review/comment in a Jeff Campbell (Speed Cleaning) book where Hamilton said he took care of his own housecleaning using Campbell's methods. Seemed very down-to-earth yet he always comes across as the jet-setting Monte Carlo type.
The book goes a long way to explaining the strange juxtaposition though it's not a 'down and dirty' tell-all by any means. He just comes across as a rather gentlemanly southerner (surprising to me) with a somewhat weird (but no weirder in their way than my own) family.
The book goes a long way to explaining the strange juxtaposition though it's not a 'down and dirty' tell-all by any means. He just comes across as a rather gentlemanly southerner (surprising to me) with a somewhat weird (but no weirder in their way than my own) family.
December 9, 2016
This book was on my shelf for a long time because my sister said I just had to read it. So I finally took it down so I could give it a try and then get rid of it. And I am now very glad to get rid of it.
I don't care one bit about George Hamilton. He did meet a lot of famous people in his life and the book is nothing but his name dropping. I skimmed through the book quickly but did slow sometimes when some of the people and the story he told was interesting enough. One tale he told early on was so shocking I almost put the book down right there. Hamilton is witty, but also depraved and shallow, as is the mother who raised him.
I don't care one bit about George Hamilton. He did meet a lot of famous people in his life and the book is nothing but his name dropping. I skimmed through the book quickly but did slow sometimes when some of the people and the story he told was interesting enough. One tale he told early on was so shocking I almost put the book down right there. Hamilton is witty, but also depraved and shallow, as is the mother who raised him.
November 15, 2020
So torn on this one. It was a hodgepodge of stories, no clear narrative path - but what a life!! The author assumed the reader knows all the names he dropped, so I found having Google nearby very helpful. Several of the individual chapters could’ve been fleshed out into a full novel (like his youth in Acapulco, his relationship with the Johnsons).
Mr Harrison was a cad, no doubt, but also had a very sad childhood. He seemed to believe his childhood was not unique, and perhaps that was true. He was molested by his step mother, though retold as a “she was lonely” romantic story.
Mr Harrison was a cad, no doubt, but also had a very sad childhood. He seemed to believe his childhood was not unique, and perhaps that was true. He was molested by his step mother, though retold as a “she was lonely” romantic story.
October 15, 2009
This is an interesting autobiography from George Hamilton. I don't think I would have read the book if it wasn't given to me as a gift. George has lived an interesting life, but comes across as a very shallow person who just really wants to wear nice clothes, eat at nice restaurants and chase women. Go for it Old Man.
June 12, 2009
Strange family and upbringing. If you're a George fan (I am), an old Hollywood fan or just like an interesting bio I would recommend this. It was a fun read. What a life this guy has had . . . so far!
May 8, 2019
Not worth the trouble of reading. Was expecting a nice light juicy Hollywood gossip memoir. No such luck, as he glosses over any incident even remotely "juicy." Also, not great writing, even if he had help writing it.
December 31, 2008
Rather interesting, he is just what you think, and doesn't pretend to be otherwise. Women like him, and he likes women, and his mother is his one true love.
September 14, 2009
His story is really cool-a fun read!
March 10, 2012
A fun book for fans!
August 19, 2012
Dishy and delightful. He knew everyone and slept with most of them.
June 16, 2016
I was surprised when a friend recommended this to me, but it was not bad. Certainly a story of how being a handsome white man could get you anywhere.
June 29, 2017
Breezy, light autobiography full of bold-faced names and funny stories. A great beach read.
April 6, 2018
It was a fun read, lots of interesting old Hollywood info. He seems to have a pretty good sense of humor.
May 18, 2022
A mixed bag of a memoir, with some light silly stories but nothing of any depth. This is as superficial as Hamilton's tan.
Hamilton doesn't appear to have an emotion in his body--the book treats everything the same, whether it be his crazy lying mooching mother (who he seems to adore for no obvious reason since she treated her kids terribly), his gay brother, his distant father, his many stepfathers, his women, and his career. Nothing generates any type of emotion, even the fights he got into, the affairs he had, or when he was penniless.
So if you're looking for revelations you won't find much here. He does use interesting wording to allude to some bed-hopping with famous females, but as a gentleman he never really kisses and tells. It's too bad because he knew so many stars and politicians that he missed his chance to really tell some great stories. (He does mention one whopper of a JFK story.)
It's a bright, easy read that gets bogged down in the middle by his Italian/Spanish films, and it doesn't give much behind-the-scenes regarding his movies. He stumbled into his career with no training, moved around the country and lived in dozens of places including elegant hotels, and laughs it all away with clever phrases. His wall is way up but he is so charming that it's enjoyable just to encounter his positive attitude.
Hamilton doesn't appear to have an emotion in his body--the book treats everything the same, whether it be his crazy lying mooching mother (who he seems to adore for no obvious reason since she treated her kids terribly), his gay brother, his distant father, his many stepfathers, his women, and his career. Nothing generates any type of emotion, even the fights he got into, the affairs he had, or when he was penniless.
So if you're looking for revelations you won't find much here. He does use interesting wording to allude to some bed-hopping with famous females, but as a gentleman he never really kisses and tells. It's too bad because he knew so many stars and politicians that he missed his chance to really tell some great stories. (He does mention one whopper of a JFK story.)
It's a bright, easy read that gets bogged down in the middle by his Italian/Spanish films, and it doesn't give much behind-the-scenes regarding his movies. He stumbled into his career with no training, moved around the country and lived in dozens of places including elegant hotels, and laughs it all away with clever phrases. His wall is way up but he is so charming that it's enjoyable just to encounter his positive attitude.
March 31, 2020
Love, love, love it, now I know why he has a smile on his face. Wish I could get this book autographed. Wonderful book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews