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Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott?
The late film star's son describes his father's personal and professional life, as well as their relationship
373 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 5, 2017
I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed in a book. Being a boyhood fan of Randolph Scott I eagerly sought this title out on EBay and paid more than I should have for it. After all, the author won the adoption lottery as an infant and lived all of his formative years as Scott's adopted son, so should have been uniquely qualified to give some insight into the private life of this quiet and dignified celebrity. Turns out that sonny boy doesn't believe in revealing family secrets or any domestic information. Mom and Sis (also adopted) are barely mentioned. The rumours/allegations/likelihood of Scott's homosexuality are barely addressed. In other words, this guy took almost 400 pages to tell us that Scott was a movie star who liked to golf and go to baseball games. Now in order to make that much information last that many pages, you have to repeat it. A lot. The book is repetitive and fatuous, with poorly constructed sentences written at essentially an elementary school level. I could rip it apart, but why should I put more effort into a review than he put into his book?
And I understand the privacy bit, but here's the thing: DON'T WRITE THE BOOK! Stay the **** off the computer and don't write it! Then nobody will learn the family secrets. Any fan will already know that he golfed and went to baseball games. I wanted to learn how the homosexuality allegations affected the family, but it turns out that Scott wasn't homosexual after all. People just thought so because he and his wife had separate rooms and adopted both of their kids and Scott employed a homosexual male nurse who stole mildly homoerotic photos of Scott and Cary Grant. Nothing to see here, folks.
And I understand the privacy bit, but here's the thing: DON'T WRITE THE BOOK! Stay the **** off the computer and don't write it! Then nobody will learn the family secrets. Any fan will already know that he golfed and went to baseball games. I wanted to learn how the homosexuality allegations affected the family, but it turns out that Scott wasn't homosexual after all. People just thought so because he and his wife had separate rooms and adopted both of their kids and Scott employed a homosexual male nurse who stole mildly homoerotic photos of Scott and Cary Grant. Nothing to see here, folks.
September 4, 2021
As the author clearly states, Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott? is not a typical memoir written by the child of a Hollywood star. It’s not another Mommie Dearest determined to tear down a great icon. In fact, when you read this loving book, you’ll come to love Randolph Scott even more than you already do. He’s similar to Atticus Finch, personifying morals and wisdom for his children, and always wanting them to grow into better versions of themselves. Chris Scott shares countless stories of how he would get into mischief and learn a great life lesson from his dad. He admits he put his father through more trials than he deserved, and through this posthumously released book, he’s able to express his love and respect for such a great role model.
Since Chris and his sister were adopted when Randolph Scott was in his fifties, this is not a biography in the strictest sense. It doesn’t give a history of Randy’s childhood and early years in Hollywood, but instead focuses on the western icon when the cameras turned off. His father’s love of sports precluded conversation when there was a game on; I can just picture Randy watching one game on television with another’s radio broadcast held up to his ear. He had a lifelong friendship with Fred Astaire, who was even “Uncle Fred” to his children. You’ll get to read some very funny stories about the dapper dancer’s sense of humor. The practical joker once wore a horrific toupee all day when they went to the horseraces together, thinking Scott would certainly make fun of him for it. Instead, the Southern gentleman was silent, finally confessing that he didn't want to hurt Fred's feelings.
Most of all, you’ll read about the great, upstanding character of Randolph Scott. Chris’s account of his father makes you wish you’d known him. It makes you wish he’d had a longer, or more prolific career. He could have easily starred in any John Wayne classic and acted in any number of ensemble epics like How the West Was Won or The Longest Day. And why wasn’t he asked to play the Southern father-of-the-year who painstakingly describes the definition of a compromise to his rambunctious child in To Kill a Mockingbird? But most of all, this loving tribute makes you wish that he was one of the icons who have lasted as household names throughout the decades.
If you’re looking for disgusting salaciousness about the false rumors between Scott and his friend Cary Grant, pick out a different book. You’ll find enough tawdry books determined to cash in on the hot topic to satisfy you. This book actually explains the misunderstanding, tracing the rumor back to a disgruntled fired employee. If you love old Hollywood as much as I do, chances are you’ve read enough biographies and memoirs to read the same stories cross referenced by different “witnesses”. In David Niven’s memoir, he fondly remembered Grant and Scott’s bachelor pad (which the rumor mongers claim was a love nest) with a constant stream of girls. Naturally, Chris Scott doesn’t talk about that part of his dad’s life, but it’s more proof that such ugly talk was ridiculous.
http://hottoastyrag.weebly.com/whatev...
Since Chris and his sister were adopted when Randolph Scott was in his fifties, this is not a biography in the strictest sense. It doesn’t give a history of Randy’s childhood and early years in Hollywood, but instead focuses on the western icon when the cameras turned off. His father’s love of sports precluded conversation when there was a game on; I can just picture Randy watching one game on television with another’s radio broadcast held up to his ear. He had a lifelong friendship with Fred Astaire, who was even “Uncle Fred” to his children. You’ll get to read some very funny stories about the dapper dancer’s sense of humor. The practical joker once wore a horrific toupee all day when they went to the horseraces together, thinking Scott would certainly make fun of him for it. Instead, the Southern gentleman was silent, finally confessing that he didn't want to hurt Fred's feelings.
Most of all, you’ll read about the great, upstanding character of Randolph Scott. Chris’s account of his father makes you wish you’d known him. It makes you wish he’d had a longer, or more prolific career. He could have easily starred in any John Wayne classic and acted in any number of ensemble epics like How the West Was Won or The Longest Day. And why wasn’t he asked to play the Southern father-of-the-year who painstakingly describes the definition of a compromise to his rambunctious child in To Kill a Mockingbird? But most of all, this loving tribute makes you wish that he was one of the icons who have lasted as household names throughout the decades.
If you’re looking for disgusting salaciousness about the false rumors between Scott and his friend Cary Grant, pick out a different book. You’ll find enough tawdry books determined to cash in on the hot topic to satisfy you. This book actually explains the misunderstanding, tracing the rumor back to a disgruntled fired employee. If you love old Hollywood as much as I do, chances are you’ve read enough biographies and memoirs to read the same stories cross referenced by different “witnesses”. In David Niven’s memoir, he fondly remembered Grant and Scott’s bachelor pad (which the rumor mongers claim was a love nest) with a constant stream of girls. Naturally, Chris Scott doesn’t talk about that part of his dad’s life, but it’s more proof that such ugly talk was ridiculous.
http://hottoastyrag.weebly.com/whatev...
August 29, 2016
It's important to appreciate the purpose of this book before critiquing it as something else. It is not a biography of Randolph Scott. It's a memoir of the famous actor by his son Christopher. Fans of Randolph Scott will enjoy the unique insight C.H. gives of a man who was very private. There are few surprises here. If anything, this book will confirm what you probably hope is true. That is, that Randolph Scott, perpetual good guy on film, was also a good guy in real life. It's refreshing to see someone live up to the ideals of the positive characters he played in the movies. You'll also learn about the Cary Grant situation, which turns out to be no big deal, if you care. It was interesting to read about the challenges of being a father later in life, as Mr. Scott was in his 50s when C.H. was born. If you love golf, you'll appreciate Mr. Scott's love for the sport, as well as his famous playing friends.
I like this book on two levels: It showed me Randolph Scott the man and it was an interesting glimpse into the life of a humble but obviously wealthy movie star between the 50s and 80s.
This book was a little challenging to read at times, as the author meanders a little. He spends a lot of time sharing what an uncommonly great man his dad was (a giant among men, he remembers) and some readers might tire of the repetition. It was obvious to me he loved his dad and was loved by him. There really is no where else you can get this particular insight and I found it to be a worthwhile read. In short, if you're a fan of the actor, read this book.
I like this book on two levels: It showed me Randolph Scott the man and it was an interesting glimpse into the life of a humble but obviously wealthy movie star between the 50s and 80s.
This book was a little challenging to read at times, as the author meanders a little. He spends a lot of time sharing what an uncommonly great man his dad was (a giant among men, he remembers) and some readers might tire of the repetition. It was obvious to me he loved his dad and was loved by him. There really is no where else you can get this particular insight and I found it to be a worthwhile read. In short, if you're a fan of the actor, read this book.
May 1, 2014
“Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott” is an enjoyable stroll down memory lane of one of the nicest 'cowboys' ever to entertain those of us who grew up in the 50s and 60s enjoying Western movies.
How nice to not be disappointed of this actor's character; his long-time marriage and devotion to family, his conservative outlook, his faith, and a great sense of business sets him apart from many in Hollywood. The book is a loving tribute and sharing of his son Chris to his father. Loved the final thought in answering 'whatever happened'... “he is alive and well in the hearts of all whose lives he touched.”
How nice to not be disappointed of this actor's character; his long-time marriage and devotion to family, his conservative outlook, his faith, and a great sense of business sets him apart from many in Hollywood. The book is a loving tribute and sharing of his son Chris to his father. Loved the final thought in answering 'whatever happened'... “he is alive and well in the hearts of all whose lives he touched.”
March 22, 2014
Good book. A tribute to his father more than anything else. I would like to know more about his acting career, and also pre and post acting. Interested in finding out more about his military ambitions and his life in North Carolina.
December 5, 2022
Randolph Scott was a hero to me for more than his cinematic exploits. Unlike most of his Hollywood colleagues, in 1964 he endorsed Barry Goldwater for president.
That took courage.
Hollywood, using the term very broadly, wasn't as vicious then as it is now, but it now seems likely that if he hadn't been retired anyway, his career would have been damaged.
(Among the few others who supported Goldwater were Robert Stack and Walter Brennan. Both were so firmly established, even today it is unlikely they would have been made to suffer. Another was Clint Walker, and he did run into difficulties. I wish his bio would get written and that story told.)
Randolph Scott and his wife adopted two children, including this author, C. (Chris) H. Scott and his sister. Judging by this glowing tribute to Randolph Scott as father, he was at least as much a success at that as he was as film star.
Scott never tried to ride on his "star" reputation. Quite the contrary: One story, probably true, says he tried to join a particular club but was turned down on the basis that the club didn't accept actors.
Randy reportedly said, "I'm not an actor, and I have 50 movies to prove it."
Although his film career did take him away from his family often, he was serious about being a father and attended his kids' activities as often as possible. He was very much a "regular dad," according to his son, taking Chris and sometimes friends of Chris to Dodger games, for example and in particular.
Randolph was a strong fan of the team.
Among Scott's friends were Fred Astaire, also a Dodger fan, and maybe some of his friends will surprise readers of this very enjoyable story.
Chris Scott's book needed better editing but any flaws or supposed flaws pale into insignificance because this is such a warm and pleasant story. We readers get a view of the entire family -- though Chris mentions that his mother and sister prefer their privacy and he intrudes very little -- and we readers come away with a warm and pleasant feeling, plus the assurance that growing up in a well-to-do family in the world-famed motion-picture capital could be a great life.
Chris doesn't spare himself. He admits he was sometimes trying of his parents' patience and endurance, but that he holds such love and admiration for them speaks very well of him and of them.
I do highly recommend "Whatever Happened To Randolph Scott?"
That took courage.
Hollywood, using the term very broadly, wasn't as vicious then as it is now, but it now seems likely that if he hadn't been retired anyway, his career would have been damaged.
(Among the few others who supported Goldwater were Robert Stack and Walter Brennan. Both were so firmly established, even today it is unlikely they would have been made to suffer. Another was Clint Walker, and he did run into difficulties. I wish his bio would get written and that story told.)
Randolph Scott and his wife adopted two children, including this author, C. (Chris) H. Scott and his sister. Judging by this glowing tribute to Randolph Scott as father, he was at least as much a success at that as he was as film star.
Scott never tried to ride on his "star" reputation. Quite the contrary: One story, probably true, says he tried to join a particular club but was turned down on the basis that the club didn't accept actors.
Randy reportedly said, "I'm not an actor, and I have 50 movies to prove it."
Although his film career did take him away from his family often, he was serious about being a father and attended his kids' activities as often as possible. He was very much a "regular dad," according to his son, taking Chris and sometimes friends of Chris to Dodger games, for example and in particular.
Randolph was a strong fan of the team.
Among Scott's friends were Fred Astaire, also a Dodger fan, and maybe some of his friends will surprise readers of this very enjoyable story.
Chris Scott's book needed better editing but any flaws or supposed flaws pale into insignificance because this is such a warm and pleasant story. We readers get a view of the entire family -- though Chris mentions that his mother and sister prefer their privacy and he intrudes very little -- and we readers come away with a warm and pleasant feeling, plus the assurance that growing up in a well-to-do family in the world-famed motion-picture capital could be a great life.
Chris doesn't spare himself. He admits he was sometimes trying of his parents' patience and endurance, but that he holds such love and admiration for them speaks very well of him and of them.
I do highly recommend "Whatever Happened To Randolph Scott?"
February 5, 2024
God Bless Randolph Scott
A Wonderful and inspiring book by his son, who his father would have been very proud of to have written such glowing tribute to a true Southern Gentleman that we all miss but is alive and well in our hearts for ever.
A Wonderful and inspiring book by his son, who his father would have been very proud of to have written such glowing tribute to a true Southern Gentleman that we all miss but is alive and well in our hearts for ever.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews