Showman

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David O. Selznick, the iconic producer behind Gone With the Wind, is vividly depicted in this comprehensive biography, the first to access his extensive and revealing papers, which include script notes, production reports, and personal letters. Selznick was a unique figure in Hollywood, leaving behind a wealth of documentation that reflects his charm, intellect, work ethic, and complex personality. His life encapsulates the evolution of the film industry, from immigrant beginnings to the heights of café society. A chronic romantic, he first married Irene, daughter of Louis B. Mayer, and later Jennifer Jones, whom he transformed into a star. The narrative features a colorful cast, including his father, Lewis J., who experienced the highs and lows of silent films, and his brothers—Myron, a pioneering but troubled agent, and Howard, whose struggles impacted the family. Key figures in Selznick's life included Jock Whitney, a wealthy friend; directors like George Cukor and Alfred Hitchcock; and stars such as Vivien Leigh and Orson Welles. The biography details Selznick's influential films, including What Price Hollywood?, Rebecca, and A Star is Born, while providing an in-depth account of the tumultuous production of Gone With the Wind, revealing the intricate interplay of personal and professional dynamics in Hollywood.