Cary Grant

A Brilliant Disguise

By: Scott Eyman

Narrated by: Angelo Di Loreto

From film historian and acclaimed New York Times bestselling biographer Scott Eyman, the definitive, “captivating” (Associated Press) biography of Hollywood legend Cary Grant, one of the most accomplished—and beloved—actors of his generation, who remains as popular as ever today.

Born Archibald Leach in 1904, Cary Grant came to America as a teenaged acrobat to find fame and fortune, but he was always haunted by his past. His father was a feckless alcoholic, and his mother was committed to an asylum when Archie was eleven years old. He believed her to be dead until he was informed she was alive when he was thirty-one years old. Because of this experience, Grant would have difficulty forming close attachments throughout his life. He married five times and had numerous affairs.

Despite a remarkable degree of success, Grant remained deeply conflicted about his past, his present, his basic identity, and even the public that worshipped him in movies such as Gunga Din, Notorious, and North by Northwest.

This “estimable and empathetic biography” (The Washington Post) draws on Grant’s own papers, extensive archival research, and interviews with family and friends making it a definitive and “complex portrait of Hollywood’s original leading man” (Entertainment Weekly).

Critic reviews

"Scott Eyman's exhaustive and well-researched examination of the beloved actor Cary Grant successfully argues that Grant was the fanciful invention of the man himself—born Archibald Leach. Angelo Di Loreto skillfully lends a Continental flair to his genuinely artful narration. His performance is as charming and stylish as Grant himself. The text is empathetic toward Grant and his occasionally tortured relationship with his mother. While not necessarily covering any new information, this is an entertaining discussion of a fascinating persona. Consider spending some time with a great Hollywood invention and the appealing voice of Di Loreto."

nicely read. Good feel for what is was like to be Cary Grant!

wish he could have read some clips into story and analyze them. like old famous movie clips to start a chapter instead of leafing ladies

Great book, great narration

I’ve read many books over my long life, few I’ve loved any more than this one. Great narration as well. Book you not only love but learn from. Hated when it was over.

The narrator’s quality of voice and intonation. Truly memorable.

The quality of writing together with the delightful stories presented with enough detail to bring them to life made the entire listening experience a memorable treat. I look forward to listening to or reading another of Scott Eyman’s biographies soon.

Amazing

The book is very well written and the story of his life is very engaging. I would highly recommend this book and this audio version is very nice as well.

The Hollywood history.

The Story is full of facts a fan of old movies would think interesting. Well read!!