Sterling Hayden’s Wars (Hollywood Legends)

Name: Sterling Hayden's Wars (Hollywood Legends)
Brand: University Press of Kentucky
SKU: 131468
Availability: InStock

$25.00

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Sterling Hayden’s Wars explores the remarkable life and career of the iconic actor and naval officer. Published by University Press of Kentucky, this insightful biography offers a compelling blend of Hollywood history and wartime bravery, perfect for fans of classic cinema and military stories.

Category: Books

Tags: celebrity memoir, Hollywood history, Hollywood Legends, Sterling Hayden, University Press of Kentucky, war stories, Wars book

Brands: University Press of Kentucky

A master sailor when he was barely in his twenties, Sterling Hayden (1916-1986) became an overnight film star despite having no training in acting. After starring in two major films, he quit Hollywood and trained as a commando in Europe. Hayden joined the OSS and fought in the Balkans and Mediterranean, earning a Silver Star for his distinguished service. Hayden’s wartime admiration for the Yugoslavian Partisans led to a brief membership in the Communist Party after the war, and this would come back to haunt him when he was called to testify in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee where he became the first star to name names.

After returning to Hollywood, Hayden’s film career flourished as he starred in several films including The Asphalt Jungle, Denver and Rio Grande, and The Killing. His personal life, however, descended into chaos. His bitter custody battle with his second wife led to his well-publicized and controversial kidnapping of their four children for a voyage to Tahiti. Increasing alcohol and substance abuse would take its toll, but Hayden’s career would be revived as a character actor in such classics as Dr. Strangelove and The Godfather. In addition, he proved to be an excellent author, penning two international bestsellers.

Despite these achievements, his later years were characterized by depression, self-doubt, alcoholism, and substance abuse. His life was metaphorically a series of wars, including the most difficult of them all–the war that Sterling Hayden fought with himself.

Sterling Hayden’s Wars, part of the esteemed Hollywood Legends series published by the University Press of Kentucky, offers an insightful exploration into the life and times of one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic figures. This compelling volume delves into the multifaceted career and personal experiences of Sterling Hayden, illuminating his unique journey through the golden age of cinema and the turbulent backdrop of global conflict. The book provides readers with a rich narrative that captures Hayden’s distinguished contributions to film, his complex personality, and the challenges he faced both on and off the screen. Crafted with scholarly rigor and accessible prose, Sterling Hayden’s Wars stands as an essential resource for film enthusiasts, historians, and anyone intrigued by the interplay between Hollywood and history. The detailed examination of Hayden’s wartime service alongside his cinematic achievements offers a nuanced perspective that enriches the reader’s understanding of the era. This volume not only enhances appreciation for Hayden’s artistic legacy but also situates his story within the broader cultural and historical contexts that shaped his life. Ideal for inclusion in any personal library or academic collection, this book invites reflection on the enduring impact of Hollywood legends beyond their screen personas. Sterling Hayden’s Wars is a thoughtful tribute that deepens the connection between readers and the complex narratives of the past, making it a valuable addition for those seeking a profound engagement with film history and biographical scholarship.