Robert Wagner (Pieces of My Heart) made his film debut in 1950 at the age of 20 and has continued to work nonstop in films and television ever since. In I Loved Her in the Movies, Wagner looks back at actresses he's worked with or known socially and offers first-hand tales of their temperaments and talents. He also examines Hollywood's treatment of actresses, why the younger ones are cast opposite older actors, and why women fared better on screen in specific decades.
I Loved Her in the Movies is a treat for movie buffs. Wagner is not only a devoted film historian but also a very social lifelong participant. Most of his assessments are positive, but he's not blind to many who had troubled lives or difficulties behind the scenes. He adored his Madame Sin co-star Bette Davis, but she saw life and work "as a battle to be won" and "if there weren't any obstacles, Bette was quite capable of creating them." His Harper co-star Shelley Winters was "a difficult woman on the best of days, and a massive pain in the ass on the worst of them." Wagner's friendship with Marilyn Monroe gave him a relaxed view of the star, but he notes that producers grew leery of her because "schedules and budgets were kindling for her wavering temperament."
Wagner and co-author Scott Eyman arrange the book chronologically, so actresses and careers are seen within the context of specific decades. This is a chatty, relaxed but well-researched memoir, filled with zingy comments and juicy backstage tales. --Kevin Howell, independent reviewer and marketing consultant