Synopses & Reviews
David Kaufman has now written the long-awaited, definitive biography of Doris Day. By telling Days incredible, previously untold story, Kaufman takes the reader to the epicenter of American popular culture a roller-coaster saga, from the 1940s to the 1980s. While Day symbolized virtuous America to the rest of the worldespecially in her heyday, the 1950s and early 1960sboth she and that era are still perceived as being far more innocent and carefree than they really were. Indeed, what makes Days story so richly fascinating is the fact that she was in many ways the opposite of her image as “the girl next door.” She was also a real-life Cinderella who regretted having gone to the ball and who found a series of princes who proved far less than charming. Thanks to Kaufmans dogged diligence in tracking down countless colleagues and intimates, he gives us:
Scintillating tales of fame, beauty, money, tragedy, sexual ambiguity, and sexual conquests.
Anecdotes about a vast array of major subsidiary players in Days life, including Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra, Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Charles Manson, Mickey Mantle, Candice Bergen, and Rock Hudson. Kaufman reveals Days demons while emphasizing the extraordinary credit she deserves as an artist. In the tradition of great biographies, Kaufmans detailed work not only reveals the surprising story of one of Americas most beloved icons, but also compels us to rush back and see her best filmsincluding The Man Who Knew Too Much, Pillow Talk, Love Me or Leave Meand to listen to her unforgettable songs“Sentimental Journey,” “Secret Love,” “Que Sera, Sera.” Though she made more than 550 recordings and starred in 39 moviesnot to mention her own TV show for five yearsthe epic story of Doris Days life has never been told . . . until now.
Review
"Aside from her as-told-to autobiography with A.E. Hotchner in 1975, this is the first full-length biography devoted to Doris Mary Anne von Kappelhoff, who was rechristened Doris Day just before she began fronting for the Les Brown Band in 1940. Although Day was continually portrayed in magazines and onscreen as a contented wife and mother, Kaufman (Ridiculous!: The Theatrical Life and Times of Charles Ludlam)who spent eight years interviewing more than 150 people to create this definitive biographyuncovers a tireless workaholic (from 1947 to 1968, she made 39 films and recorded more than 600 songs) with four failed marriages and a son (music producer Terry Melcher) who was "more of a brother or father-figure than a son to his mother." Kaufman also uncovers that she was born in 1922, making her two years older than reference works state. Mismanaged by her third husband (their 16-year marriage was "a business arrangement" by their fifth anniversary), her career (and legacy) was severely damaged by the last seven films she made over a three-year period. This is an eye-opening, fair-minded bio of a woman who brought a lot of joy to fans but has found very little herself." Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Although Doris Day is still the number one box office star of all time, history has not taken her accomplishments very seriously, and little is known about her life after retirementuntil now. Kaufman's definitive biography is highly recommended.... Delivering on his subtitle's 'untold story' phrasing, (Kaufman) uncovers juicy details of Day's nervous breakdown; her relationships, which belied her girl-next-door image; her reclusive life after retirement; and her little-known fourth marriage. Kaufman had unparalleled access to Day's friends and family, especially her son, Terry Melcher, who also discusses his relationship with Candice Bergen. ..(starred review) Library Journal, May 27, 2008“Theres not been a truly great biography of Doris Day, but that may change come 2008. Thats the pub date for David Kaufmans book on Day, a work he promises will give Day her due as an actress and reveal what went on behind the shiny blond façade.” Liz Smith, New York Post
Review
"Fascinating . . . Readers, especially fans of the star, will thoroughly enjoy this meaty, well-written, entertaining look at the surprisingly tumultuous life of an American icon." Booklist
Review
"Kaufman's definitive biography is highly recommended . . . uncovers juicy details." Library Journal starred review
Synopsis
Kaufman has written Doris Day's incredible, previously untold story. While Day symbolized virtuous America to the rest of the world, she was in many ways the opposite of her image as "the girl next door."
About the Author
The New York Times praised David Kaufmans first book,
Ridiculous: The Theatrical Life and Times of Charles Ludlam, as “informed and passionate.” Kaufman, a long-time theater critic and contributor to
The New York Times, The Nation, and
Vanity Fair, lives in New Y ork City.