Jimmy Stewart - Michael Munn

In this definitive biography of one of Hollywoods most beloved stars, Michael Munn reveals the truth behind the diffident, earnest and kindly persona of Jimmy Stewart. Drawn from the authors formal interviews and informal meetings with the star and his friendship with Stewarts wife, Gloria, is this portrait of a man who came from the Presbyterian traditions of Pennsylvania to become one of the silver screens enduring legends. An openly right-wing Conservative and super-patriot, Stewart worked for the FBI at the behest of J Edgar Hoover, directing his undercover sleuthing to crack organised crime in Hollywood. But he was unscrupulously manipulated by the president into flushing out Communists from the film industry.

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Among these revelations, there are also tales of heady love affairs, hookers and hoodlums, and of Stewarts run-in with the most dangerous of all gangsters, Benjamin Bugsy Sigal. Accusations of racism are explored, as is Stewarts notoriously volatile temper. There is a comprehensive account of his experiences as a colonel in the US Air Force in World War Two - and, of course, there are the films: 'Its a Wonderful Life', 'The Greatest Show on Earth', 'Rear Window', the westerns and his Academy Awards.