Helpful Score: 1
Stephen, the son of Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart, a television producer, and the author of the mystery Play It Again , decided to try to resolve some of his anger toward his father by writing this somewhat clunky but nonetheless revealing memoir. He tries to convey how heavy a burden it is to be the child of celebrities and we believe him, but obviously that's the only reason anyone would read this book. Another problem is the fact that Bogart died when his son was only eight years old. But Stephen has augmented his few memories with a number of touching and often amusing stories he elicited from Bogart's friends and associates. A "world-class needler," Bogart adored Bacall, sailing, and alcohol. He came to fatherhood rather late in life, after three previous marriages, and, his friends report, was genuinely puzzled by his son and daughter, much as he loved them. Stephen's portrait of his father does grow vivid by the book's conclusion, making this an easy read that will please movie buffs.
