American Rebel

Clint Eastwood's mystique, awesome talent, and dark side are meticulously examined in this study by biographer and narrator Marc Eliot. Eliot delivers his narration in the dry tone of a research reporter--more of an attempt to entertain would have resulted in a more engaging presentation. Every mention of a film involves reeling off the director, producer, and production year, information that would have been better as an unread author's note. Inexplicably, the name Malpaso, Eastwood's production company, is pronounced differently throughout the production. Nonetheless, Eliot's vocal characterizations for Eastwood and his inner circle are straightforward and well presented. While AMERICAN REBEL is a thorough treatment of a Hollywood icon, its narration doesn't fully do it justice. W.A.G. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

July 13, 2009
Eliot, biographer of stars ranging from Walt Disney to Bruce Springsteen, tackles the life, career and artistic challenges of Clint Eastwood. In 1954, at age 24, Eastwood was married and working at an Oakland, Calif., gas station when he was brought to Universal by director Arthur Lubin and signed to a learning contract. After years of uncredited appearances and bit parts in B films, he finally got his break when he was cast as Rowdy Yates on CBS's Rawhide
, seen for eight seasons (1959–1965). His role as the poncho-clad Man with No Name
in Serge Leone's innovative westerns triggered a solid movie career, followed by the popular Dirty Harry series. In 1971, he made his directorial debut (Play Misty for Me
) and later racked up multiple nominations and awards, including Oscar wins for directing Unforgiven
and Million Dollar Baby
. Updating previous biographies, Eliot analyzes both box-office bombs and successes while also probing the “never-ending drama” of Eastwood's modus vivendi, his “financial empire” and his personal relationships. Married twice, Eastwood has seven children by five different women. Although Eastwood did not consent to be interviewed and key sources asked not to be named, Eliot documents a wealth of details in this well-researched, comprehensive biography that will not disappoint Eastwood's fans.