All That Heaven Allows

A Biography of Rock Hudson

By: Mark Griffin

Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur

The definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Devastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered, and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.

As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), Western epics (Giant), and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.

The icon worshiped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.

Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio’s resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson’s wholesome, straight-arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.

As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985, the public learned the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic.

Drawing on more than 100 interviews with costars, family members, and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history.

Author Mark Griffin provides new details concerning Hudson’s troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudson’s classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.

©2018 Mark Griffin (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Great story

Way too many references to him being gay. I know it was tough in those times however i believe it could have been referenced several times and not with every movie he did. Good book though. Very much worth the listening hours.

ROCK

This was excellent to listen to. Really enjoyed. It’s too bad he had to die. He was good to look at & I think he was an excellent actor.

Truths

Beautiful, like a rainbow. It is important to take note that Rock Hudson is the golden star found at the end of a rainbow. Now used in every flag of rainbow colors flown in pride. A historic symbolism our LBGQ friends we all share together on earth.

Well -researched and poignant

I loved this book. It brought back old Hollywood brilliantly and told Hudson's story honestly and without pathos.

Really Enjoyed

This was a great biography, it gave a good insight into the life of Rock Hudson

The history of Hollywood and Hudson

This book is as much a History of the industry, the stars, the movies as it is Rock Hudson’s biography.

I recommend this book.

Moving and Honest

An extremely well written and moving biography on a man that inspired so many people either in movies or accidental AIDS advocate

This is such an interesting portrait of such a gentle, kind, talented, loving and complicated man.

Some say they were blown away by the depth of the research in this book but felt they still didn’t know the man after reading it. I felt differently. I loved finding out how loving, kind and loved Rock Hudson was by almost everyone who worked with him. My heart warmed at story after story of his generosity and how he helped every new actor and actress he worked with. There are too many to mention but Sharon Stone is just one who shares yet another tale Of Rock’s kindness and help as she was getting started. My heart also broke at the difficulties Mr. Hudson faced trying to balance his personal and public life at a time when natural passions were not acceptable as natural. Imagine having to worry if the person you fell in love with and shared your heart with might run to the press with intimate moments if the relationship didn’t last. From what I read here Rock was kind to a fault and often paid the price, literally and figuratively when a harder shell might have protected him more. He not only has my respect but it seems I’m now on a long list of people who respect and love Rock Hudson including Liz, Doris, Roddy, Sharon, George...well the list goes on and on. Read this book to hear them tell story after story of their friend who not only helped them laugh but helped them survive. You will find a gentle, loving, kind and complicated soul in these pages. Enjoy!

Beautifully Done

In my humble opinion, the perspective of this book is better than others because the focus is truly not on the "scandalous " but rather the humanity of a life's journey. He was beautiful and loved and blessed and complicated and yes, thoroughly human. What made him special to me, is the smiles he provided through his work as I grew up watching him on television then in movies as I got older.
The truly wonderful legacy to me is those in his circle who cared so deeply and wanted to honor him right until his last breath. If we could all be so cared for.

Beautifully written and performed

Essential listening for anyone who enjoys Hudson, Sirk or classic Hollywood in general. Informative, touching and often hilarious.