McQueen

May 1, 2003
Since his death in 1980, much has been written about Steve McQueen, whose screen persona epitomized the hard-living but sensitive loner. Sandford, who up to now has written about rock stars (Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen), tells the familiar story of McQueen's horrible childhood, his womanizing, and his desperate attempt to save himself from cancer through alternative treatments in Mexico. However, since the film icon has been dead 23 years, there is nothing much to add to the literature except the hint from his doctor that he didn't die of cancer but was murdered. However, this bit of sensationalism just feeds the legend of someone who died too young. First published in the U.K. in 2001, this book has a decidedly British flavor and at times overwrought prose. Purchase if you have need, but older biographies, such as those written by his first wife, Neile McQueen Toffel (My Husband, My Friend), and second wife, Ali McGraw (Moving Pictures), might quench any interest that still exists.-Rosellen Brewer, Monterey Cty. Free Libs., Salinas, CA

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