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For more than fifty years, Ernest--or "Ernie" as he's known to his friends--has been one of the most recognized, celebrated stars in Hollywood as well as a respected, talented actor, and a living legend. Stretching from his childhood as the son of Italian immigrants to a spectacular career that is still thriving in his 91st year, from the early days of live TV to the voiceovers for The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants, Ernie tells of the trials and tribulations on his road to fame, the friendships he shared with some of the silver screen's biggest stars, and the glamorous leading ladies he loved.
Acclaimed for his ability to play sensitive and tough-guy roles equally well, he was also famous for squaring off against some of Hollywood's most formidable actresses--including Bette Davis in A Catered Affair and Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar. Recalling his experiences starring in classic movies such as The Poseidon Adventure, The Wild Bunch, and Escape from New York, he reveals personal insights and irresistible stories about cinema's greatest icons--including Spencer Tracy, James Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Montgomery Clift, Gary Cooper, Janet Leigh, Raquel Welch, Gene Hackman, Rock Hudson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Curtis, Alan Ladd, Glenn Ford, and Burt Lancaster. And with characteristic frankness, he also talks about his off-screen loves and passions.
A must for every film buff, Ernie: An Autobiography is a fascinating memoir--filled with secrets, well-remembered details, and never-before-told stories--of a star who has thrived in the changing world of Hollywood for more than half a century, and endeared himself to legions of fans everywhere.
"(Borgnine's) anecdotes are gleefully self-deprecating. . .he comes off as the kind of guy you'd like to have a beer with." --NY Post
"With astute observations on the Hollywood hierarchy and tales about everyone from Lee Marvin and Steve McQueen to Bette Davis and Kim Novak, (Borgnine) writes with an unassuming, no-nonsense tone. His love of filmmaking and his respect for his fellow actors permeates the pages of this engaging and satisfying memoir." --Publishers Weekly
"Modest and sweet. . .nicely boiled. Borgnine neither lashes out nor pulls punches." --Entertainment Weekly
"Now for the first time, (Borgnine) tells us in his own words the fascinating story of his life in this witty, candid, and revealing memoir. A must for every film buff. Fascinating. . .filled with secrets, well-remembered details, and never-before-told stories--of a star who has thrived in the changing world of Hollywood for more than half a century, and endeared himself to legions of fans everywhere." --Turner Classic Movies, TCM.com
". . .a satisfying detailed account of a decades-long career that also included memorable roles in durable blockbusters like The Wild Bunch and The Poseidon Adventure. He comes across as an unspoiled, nice guy who enjoyed his success. . .One of the finest unghosted Hollywood autobiographies." --ALA Booklist
"A super read. . .Ernie: The Autobiography by Ernest Borgnine is as nifty as he is." --Cindy Adams, NY Post
Foreword George Lindsey ix
Preface xi
1 In the Beginning 1
2 Welcome to America 3
3 Back Home 9
4 Connecticut Memories 11
5 A Little Family History 19
6 Borgnine's Navy 25
7 Adventures at Sea 30
8 Home Again...but Not for Long 42
9 Postwar Blues 48
10 All the World Really Is a Stage 53
11 Escape to New York 61
12 Escape to L.A. 68
13 From Here to Eternity...and Beyond 73
14 Go West, Young Family 81
15 Good Day at Black Rock 91
16 Several Close Calls 96
17 Oscar and Me 102
18 A Piece of No Action 107
19 Talkin' Pictures, Part One 111
20 Talkin' Pictures, Part Two 121
21 Talkin' Pictures, Part Three: Abroad 129
22 At Sea Again: McHale's Navy Is Launched 135
23 Everything's Coming Up Roses-Not 142
24 The Fourth Estate 147
25 Back to the Big Screen 150
26 Back in the Saddle, Big-Time 158
27 Things Go Downhill for a While 163
28 Clowning Around 172
29 The Poseidon Adventure (1972) 174
30 Havin' More Fun 180
31 Tova 186
32 This 'n' That 189
33 Back in the Sandals Again 195
34 Sam Peckinpah Again...and Beyond 201
35 A Couple of Good Friends 208
36 Back to Work 216
37 Going Home to TV 223
38 And Now for Some Things Completely Different 228
39 More Special Folk 232
40 Dedicated to the Ones I Love 239
41 Odds and the End 243
Acknowledgments 247
Index 249
Anonymous
Posted April 15, 2010
If you're thinking of controversial, dysfunctional Hollywood actors, Ernest Borgnine is unlikely to top the list. As advertised, the man met in this autobiography is "Ernie," a down to earth guy who has lived a long and interesting life. He takes the knocks without bitterness or vindictiveness, accepts triumphs without the big head, enjoys life and relishes every person encountered along the way. I did too. A few hours spent with this Hollywood legend is well worth the price of admission. It's very well written too!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.lisabugIA
Posted November 24, 2009
I Also Recommend:
In his autobiography Mr. Borgnine opens up about his past, his passion for his work and the problems he faced on his road to doing the work that he loves. He makes a concerted effort to be fair to those he might not have good feelings for but still give the reader the reasons for his distaste. He has long been one of my favorite actors and this look into his past was wonderful. He only reinforced my belief that he is a true gentleman. Everyone makes mistakes, its what we do after them that seperates the men from the boys.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 23, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Shows a side of Hollywood, that is rarely seen or heard of. Respect for his fellow human beings ! Interesting and emotionally, provocative. A person who perfected his craft by studying and learning from experiences. A remarkable person who had compassion for his fellow workers. Shows that the up bringing of yesterdays and respect for ohters regardless of race , color, or religion, works!
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Overview
We wept at his Oscar-winning role in Marty. . .we gasped when he took on Frank Sinatra in From Here to Eternity. . .we were riveted by his compelling performances in The Dirty Dozen, Bad Day at Black Rock, and Ice Station Zebra. . .and we laughed at his television sitcom McHale's Navy. We loved all of Ernest Borgnine's many portrayals, but what did we know about the man behind the famous roles? Now for the first time, he tells us in his own words the fascinating story of his life in this witty, candid, and revealing memoir.For more than fifty years, Ernest--or "Ernie" as he's known to his friends--has been one of the most recognized, celebrated stars in Hollywood as well as a respected, ...