The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson: The Pretty Boys and Dirty Deals of Henry Willson

Robert Hofler

ISBN 10: 078671607X / ISBN 13: 9780786716074

Published by Da Capo Press, 2005

May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G078671607XI4N00

Synopsis:

Henry Willson started off as a talent scout under powerhouse mogul David O. Selznick, for whom Willson procured women. The star maker-to-be was therefore on the lookout for promising newcomers - as actors, lovers and sometimes both - when he received an unsolicited photograph from a movie star hopeful named Roy Scherer. Unbeknownst to Willson, the photograph of the handsome young man with bad teeth would have not only a career-defining impact for himself but, more importantly, redefine Hollywood's concept of the male heartthrob. Roy Scherer became Rock Hudson and for the next twenty-five years Henry Wilson became the man behind movie "beefcake." "The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson" delves into Willson's life in explicit, unsparing detail. Variety reporter Robert Hofler deftly chronicles Willson's manoeuvres to sidestep the FBI's investigation into Hudson's sex life; the starmaker's use of off-duty L.A.P.D. cops and Mob ties to scare off Hudson's blackmailers; Hudson's "arranged" marriage to Willson's secretary, Phyllis Gates; as well as Hudson's affair with a Universal Pictures vice-president to help secure starring roles in "Magnificient Obsession" and "Giant". Additionally, the book digs into Willson's other star clients, including Robert Wagner, Troy Donahue, Tab Hunter, and John Derek.

About the Author:

Robert Hofler has been Variety's New York-based theater reporter for over three years. Previously, he was a senior editor in Variety's L.A. office. He has also been an editor at Buzz, Life and Us magazines. His articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Newsday, the Washington Post and Premiere magazine. He lives in New York City.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson: The Pretty...
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Publication Date: 2005
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket