It's A Wonderful Life

Tony Curtis strikes me as an unhappy guy. I can't say for sure, but after reading his memoir, American Prince, he certainly seems unhappy. He opens up, talking about affairs and drug use, but what I remember most is his complaining.

He had a rough childhood, but he never seems to have shaken it off. He became a big movie star while still in his 20s, but kept that chip on his shoulder. He doesn't feel as a poor Jew he was ever accepted by the Wasp royalty of Hollywood. Really? I would think Hollywood would be the one place where formerly poor Jews could feel at home.

He feels he never got the parts he deserved. Well, maybe he wasn't treated like Marlon Brando, and had to suffer through a lot of cheesy roles at Universal, but he eventually got to star in some major films: Sweet Smell Of Success, The Defiant Ones (Oscar nomination), Some Like It Hot, Spartacus, The Boston Strangler.

He then complains about how his career wasn't so hot once he got older. Well, it happens to a lot of stars. You were on top for almost two decades. That's two decades more than most people get.

He also complains about his lack of success at marriage. I don't know why he's been married a bunch of time, but perhaps it was all those affairs he describes.

I'm glad he's open and honest in his memoir. But really, was it all that unpleasant?

I actually saw him once at a tribute at the Egyptian Theatre. He was telling stories and he noticed someone in the audience taping him. He told the guy to stop. Always complaining.