The most interesting part of the book is the inside view of the structure and social distinctions of Hollywood, Mafia, and political circles, and the connections between them. I knew Joseph Kennedy (JFK's father) was unsavory, but Jacobs says of him: "Mr. Ambassador, if anyone had the guts to spit in his face, a bravery that my boss sadly lacked, should have been called Mr. Asshole." (Just noticed the rather strange sentence construction there--this is mostly a well-written book, but there are some flaws). He backs it up with first-hand observations, and shows that "Joe was mobbed up to his fancy collar pins." Blech. Jacobs liked JFK himself, but all the future President wanted to talk about was sex.
"What do you want? Jack?" I asked. [JFK had just insisted that Jacobs call him Jack.]
"I want to fuck every woman in Hollywood," he said with a big leering grin.
The book is stuffed with gossipy tidbits about the many famous people Sinatra knew--Marilyn Monroe, Garbo & Dietrich, the Lawfords, Billie Holliday, Noel Coward & Cole Porter, Lawrence Harvey, Judy Garland, Bogart & Bacall, and lots more. Jacobs shows the long-suffering first Mrs. Sinatra, alluring Ava Gardner (whom he describes as the true love of Frank's life), and manipulative, ambitious Mia Farrow. It doesn't feel like Jacobs is dishing dirt in a titillating way, but it ultimately leaves a bad taste. Most of the stars come off like Sinatra--people who might have been decent once upon a time, or if things had gone differently, but whose bad impulses have been allowed to predominate by constant catering-to.
This book straddles the fence in a strange way: it's too thoughtful and observant to be quite a light-hearted juicy gossip fest, but too emotionally flat and non-judgemental to be as thought-provoking and involving as it could be. I'd like more perspective on why George Jacobs would let Frank Sinatra become his life, to the extent that the "after Frank" section of the book feels hollow. Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable read and a must for people who like Sinatra and/or Hollywood stories.
Article comments
1 - william hemmings
I have just finished reading the very enjoyable
MrS I knew nothing about Frank Sinatra and was not really a fan but Wow what a tale and very enlightening. It was a cracking read and I would like to congratulate George Jacobs & William Stadiem for their worthy efforts
2 - Mr Operator
just finished it, thought it was great. Little depressing at the end, that's true.
But overal entertaining, especially stuff about Marilyn, JFK, Bogart, Holliday
3 - Monty A.
Yes it was a fascinating book, whether you're a Sinatra fan or not. And the above review is very well written.
4 - Roy Sannella
George. If your still alive and kicking please contact me. I lost your address, Hope all is well in Palm Springs. I miss you, Pat Rizzo, Elyssa Guardino and the gang at Pasta Mia's. I have written two books "My Nine Lives" which you are in it and "A Home for Heroes"
Roy Sannella
[Personal contact info deleted]