Howard Hughes

The Untold Story

By: Peter Harry Brown, Pat H. Broeske

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

In this luminous memoir, Rita Moreno shares her remarkable journey from a young girl with simple beginnings in Puerto Rico to Hollywood legend—and one of the few performers, and the only Hispanic, to win an Oscar, Grammy, Tony and two Emmys.

Born Rosita Dolores Alverio in the idyll of Puerto Rico, Moreno, at age five, embarked on a harrowing sea voyage with her mother and wound up in the harsh barrios of the Bronx, where she discovered dancing, singing, and acting as ways to escape a tumultuous childhood. Making her Broadway debut by age thirteen—and moving on to Hollywood in its Golden Age just a few years later—she worked alongside such stars as Gary Cooper, Yul Brynner, and Ann Miller.

When discovered by Louis B. Mayer of MGM, the wizard himself declared: “She looks like a Spanish Elizabeth Taylor.” Cast by Gene Kelly as Zelda Zanders in Singin’ in the Rain and then onto her Oscar-winning performance in West Side Story, she catapulted to fame—yet found herself repeatedly typecast as the “utility ethnic,” a role she found almost impossible to elude.

Here, for the first time, Rita reflects on her struggles to break through Hollywood’s racial and sexual barriers. She explores the wounded little girl behind the glamorous façade—and what it took to find her place in the world. She talks candidly about her relationship with Elvis Presley, her encounters with Howard Hughes, and the passionate romance with Marlon Brando that drove her to attempt suicide. And she shares the illusiveness of a “perfect” marriage and the incomparable joys of motherhood.

Infused with Rita Moreno’s quick wit and deep insight, this memoir is the dazzling portrait of a stage and screen star who longed to become who she really is—and triumphed.©2000 Peter Brown and Pat Broeske; (P)2000 Books on Tape, Inc.

Well Done!!!

One of the best books on Howard Hughes. Very well done without all the "Woke" "Feminazi" judgements that normally come with a book like this. A great first book if you do not know anything about his life and a great book if you are an Hughes aficionado also. Highly recommend..

So interesting!

They left so much out of the Aviator movie. Loved listening to this man's life. Wow.

Amazing life Amazing Book!!!

Amazing life Amazing Book!!!
Wow....... this mans life will blow your mind!!!
Wow........
Doesn't even seem true!!!
A must read......!!!

great book!

Would you listen to Howard Hughes again? Why?

yes, he has a great story and outlook on life

What was one of the most memorable moments of Howard Hughes?

his struggles when going into business, incredible!

Which scene was your favorite?

nothing specific

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

it would be impossible to listen to this book in one sitting

Very interesting.

Very interesting book. Goes into more depth than the movie. If you are fascinated by aviation and history, I would highly recommend this.