I have read this Biography of the late American Actor, David Janssen twice. It required a second reading to dig deep into the portrayal by the authors, his first wife Ellie and their friend, Michael Phelps.
I found the book to be an intimate look into the private life of David Janssen,...
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I have read this Biography of the late American Actor, David Janssen twice. It required a second reading to dig deep into the portrayal by the authors, his first wife Ellie and their friend, Michael Phelps.
I found the book to be an intimate look into the private life of David Janssen, yet it also seems to me to be a one-sided view presented by Ellie's recollections. I know he was a dedicated perfectionist in his work, but his private life seems to have been one in which he was always running away from something, or someone. I know Ellie was at least 10 years older than he, and that his mother strongly disapproved of their marriage, as did his Agent, Abby Greshler. I also know he was determined to be a good husband and was not; as alleged, a womanizer, nor was he an alcholoic.
A reviewer for Publishers' Weekly said the book was "ineptly written" and that David Janssen was a "minor actor". I stongly disagree with both statements. Funny that reviewer made those statements, when TV GUIDE named David Janssen as one of the TOP FIFTY TV STARS of all time; and the final episode of "THE FUGITIVE" set a record for viewers in the United States (homes with televiusions) of 72% - a record held until the episode of "Who Shot JR" on "Dallas".
I admired and appreciate, to this day, his acting ability, his talent in portraying his characters with realism.
I highly recommend this book for any fan of David Janssen and his best known role as "THE FUGITIVE". I just bought the fourth edition, in hardcover, and best of all, it was at the original publication price of $18.95. I even got free shipping!
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