The Garner Files: A MemoirSimon and Schuster, 2012 M10 23 - 273 pages Told in the charming and self-deprecating style that has made him one of America’s most beloved celebrities—the real story behind Hollywood legend James Garner, from his Depression-era childhood to his colorful career. His incredible story, in his own words. One of Hollywood’s all-time great leading men, James Garner enjoyed a remarkable career spanning six decades, and whether you know him as Bret Maverick or Jim Rockford, his appeal bridges generations. Few know the real story, now told in this intimate memoir of growing up in Depression-era Oklahoma and triumphing in Hollywood. After physical abuse at the hands of his stepmother, Garner left home at fourteen. He was Oklahoma’s first draftee of the Korean War, receiving two Purple Hearts for combat wounds. Back in Los Angeles in need of a job, Garner reluctantly tried acting and was surprised to find his career taking off. Working with such luminaries as Julie Andrews, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, and Clint Eastwood, he became a star in his own right. He threw himself into his work, and despite stage fright and bouts of depression, constant physical pain and epic battles with the Hollywood establishment, he became the acting equivalent of a national monument. Written with Jon Winokur, The Garner Files is a wry, engaging self-portrait chronicling the vagaries of a screen career along with the cast of personal and professional characters that helped shape a great American life. |
Contents
Chapter One Growing Up Fast | 1 |
Chapter twO Korea to Broadway | 25 |
Chapter three Maverick | 41 |
Chapter FOur Big Screen | 69 |
Chapter Seven The Rockford Files | 121 |
Chapter eight Golf | 149 |
Chapter nine Acting | 169 |
Chapter eleven Love Stories | 203 |
Chapter twelve This Is My Life | 211 |
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actor American Arthur Hiller asked Baja Bill Saxon Blake Edwards Bret Maverick brother Bumgarner Caine Mutiny called camera character Charlie Clint Clint Eastwood Club couldn’t curmudgeon Dick director drive film Formula Frankenheimer friends gave gonna he’d he’s hell Hollywood humor I’ve Jack Jack Warner James Garner Jimmy John knew Korean later Lois look Luis Marlon married movie never night Norman ofit Okay Oklahoma pace car Paul picture producer race remember Rockford episode Rockford Files role Roy Huggins scene screen script shooting shot someone Stalag Luft III star stay Steve Steve McQueen story studio Sturges talk television tell there’s thing thought told took tournament turned Victor/Victoria wanted Warner Bros wasn’t week what’s who’d who’s wonderful writers