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The Million Dollar Mermaid: An Autobiography
The Million Dollar Mermaid An Autobiography
Author: Esther Williams, Digby Diehl
During Hollywood's heyday, big studios battled over the next box-office attraction. While Gene Kelly danced and Judy Garland sang, Esther Williams swam into the heart of America with her dazzling smile, stunning aquabatics, and whole-some appeal. Hand-picked for stardom by movie mogul Louis B. Mayer, Esther shed her wide-eyed innocence at what s...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780156011358
ISBN-10: 0156011352
Publication Date: 9/14/2000
Pages: 416
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 10

3.7 stars, based on 10 ratings
Publisher: Harvest/HBJ Book
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 2
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

crawford avatar reviewed The Million Dollar Mermaid: An Autobiography on + 59 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
AMAZING book! If you aren't familiar with this beautiful actress who pioneered water ballet, her films are now available on DVD. This details Esther's childhood until when she wrote the book, including everything personal and career-wise. This is also a very heartbreaking book, she was treated terribly by various men and a victim of sexual abuse. But through it all she never gives up (and went through great lengths to keep her children happy and well-adjusted) Great info on the "Golden Age" of movies, highly recommended for fans of the actress and that era of movies.
Cali avatar reviewed The Million Dollar Mermaid: An Autobiography on
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting! Especially if you like this era. =)
reviewed The Million Dollar Mermaid: An Autobiography on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was an very enjoyable book about a remarkable woman. There is some juicy gossip about some very famous people. Did you know Johnny Weismuller (Tarzan)was and was a "well endowed" exhibitionist?
reading-galore avatar reviewed The Million Dollar Mermaid: An Autobiography on + 115 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This entertaining book came out over 20 years ago and I had forgotten that I had once started reading this book and stopped when I read that she did LSD. However, I decided to forge forward this time and read her whole story. She really dished on the harsh realities of filmmaking and on the personal lives of the movie stars she knew. Her own personal life was really a mess with her marrying many times to men who used her money and fame and took advantage of her. I felt badly for her children who also suffered from her poor personal choices. However, it was fascinating to hear how her swimming movies were made and which stars could swim well (or not!) I am so glad that this book was written to capture her memories and personality and highly recommend this wonderful book.
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reviewed The Million Dollar Mermaid: An Autobiography on + 10 more book reviews
If you enjoyed watching Ester Williams movies as a child, you will find this book interesting. This book tells in detail how difficult it was then to stage certain swimming scenes and the risks she took to film them. It also tells how she went from, an almost Olympian swimmer, to a Hollywood scarlet and business woman, and her difficult marriage to a man who squandered her money as fast as she could earn it.


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