The Garner Files: A Memoir

By James Garner and Jon Winokur

Book Overview

One of Hollywood's great leading men, James Garner boasts a career that spans six decades. Whether known as Bret Maverick, Jim Rockford, or Noah Calhoun, Garner's mass appeal transcends generations, but few know the true story of his life, now told in his intimate memoir of growing up in Oklahoma and making it in Hollywood. After suffering physical abuse at the hands of his stepmother, Garner left home at fourteen. He went on to become Oklahoma's first draftee of the Korean War and was honoured for his bravery with two Purple Hearts. Garner eventually returned to Los Angeles where his acting career took off. Working alongside some of the most renowned celebrities - among them Julie Andrews, Marlon Brando, Clint Eastwood - Garner became a star in his own right. Despite struggles with stage fright and depression, he threw himself into his work and was known in the public eye as one of the most revered actors of his generation. The Garner Files offers a compelling portrait of the life of a true Hollywood legend and household name as he navigates the turmoil and unpredictability of a life on screen.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1451642601
• ISBN13: 9781451642605
• Release Date: November 2011
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 273 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Entertaining, genuine, much more than Maverick and Rockford. A must read!

I love this book. It isn't a conventional autobiography, it's grouped by subject (the "Files"?). He says what he thinks without being nasty, and he talks about his career which is so much more than Maverick and Rockford. At the end are "Outtakes" which are stories by friends, family and colleagues, and they're very entertaining! There's also a listing of all his films and TV movies with his comments on each. I highly recommend this book.

Really good book

Men and women will like this book. Interesting and entertaining. Love this man