Judy

Having been a Judy Garland fan my whole life, I may be biased as to any flaws this book may have. But Gerold Frank told her story and this was with the cooperation and approval of her family at the time it was written. He described her ups and downs, and how she could be rather cold and/or mean to those around her all of a sudden. I'm not perfect either. She may have had mental problems, but it doesn't give her the right to treat people badly. That was just who she was. Her estranged relationship with her mother, the loss of the father and her own physical predilections to addiction made her who she was, and she was born to be a star never forgotten. Who knows who is to blame for the pills? Her many marriages show that she was still trying to find her perfect love from a man. Her insecurities, which there were many, caused herself and others much trouble and drama. Judy Garland was a fighter and a survivor up to a point. In the end, her organs just gave out and with her petite frame in later years she didn't have much (body weight or sustenance) in reserve to keep her alive.As much as I have described the turmoil in her life, she was arguably the world's most famous and talented performer ever. When she was on, she was electric. People who witnessed her perform live will never forget the experience, as related by Mr. Frank. I myself have The Judy Garland Show on DVD, so I know how she was. There was no one like her and never will be. Period.

anyone interested in the tragic life of judy should read this book. there have been other reviews which led me to order it used. (hardcover in good condition, despite its years.this, therefore, is not a review. the following is an INDICTMENT!it is an indictment against mgm, known as metro. its czar, louis b. mayer----today---- would be indicted for providing drugs (uppers and downers) to judy. he, I am sure, despite his vast wealth, power, would have been convicted and jailed for life! judy was provided with barbituates to lose weight for oz--- also to work her 14 hours a day. in order for her to wind down for sleep, avuncular louis, saw to it that she was given downers---those little ruby-red pills---invented in germany in 1938. of course, this was all done through metro-approved doctors. as one reads about her early childhood life, the reader sees judy developing a very low self esteem---which later complicated her adult life, along with the addict she became, complements of metro. of course, too, it's academic whether this brilliant rising star would have turned to drugs on her own, without the assistance of uncle louis.footnote: a garland movie will never be made. (unless a courageous producer such as ridley scott does.) it won't be made because it would have to tell the truth about her introduction to drugs (as a child performer)---and that would be distasteful to todays hollywood moguls---especially at to those at mgm.it is understandable why the author refrained from concluding that the actions of mgm were criminal.

This item was delivered much sooner than I expected. The item was received as listed.

Some of the "facts" of Judy Garland's life are unclear. Such as: Can MGM be blamed for her addiction to drugs? Was she to blame for failed relations with husbands and lovers? Who was responsible for her soured relationship with her mother?In "Judy", written in the 1970s much closer to Garland's death, Gerold Frank attempts to explore these and other issues as objectively as possible, leaning heavily on interviews with people who agreed to talk with him, friends, family, co-workers. This is not a black and white view of its subject. You don't come away feeling that all loose ends have been tied up and that you know precisely who and what Judy Garland was. However, you do feel that Frank made a real effort to present Judy as honestly and accurately as possible, given that she was not available for a biographical interview.

This was a BD gift and the recipient was overjoyed with it

Even though this biography is quite long, it encompasses Judy Garland's life quite well. An easy read with great attention to detail. Poor Judy. Her life could take up an entire week of Dr. Phil shows. The only thing that was missing in this book was a fire at the orphanage.

Disappointed this came without dust jacket otherwise it’s on ok shape

Have always wondered about Judy Garland's life, seeing as how it ended too soon, and she seemed to have so much to live for: great voice, adoring fans, 3 children. This sheds a whole new light on what you think you know about Judy Garland. I was captivated, astonished and so very sad for her and especially her children. Not just that she died but also for the way she lived.

This is a must have for any true Judy fansReally well written

Fantastic quality book. Excellent service. Many thanks.

It was everything I hoped it would be. Great read! I will certainly order again! I will tell everyone about the great service.

informative but unfocused