• Cary Grant

  • A Class Apart
  • By: Graham McCann
  • Narrated by: Grover Gardner
  • Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (339 ratings)

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Cary Grant  By  cover art

Cary Grant

By: Graham McCann
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Publisher's summary

For two moviegoing generations, Cary Grant was class—an effortless embodiment of gentlemanly grace and humor. But Cary Grant’s greatest achievement was in creating himself and the irresistible character he became. In this savvy, fascinating portrait, McCann tracks the transformation of a life and looks closely at the sources of Cary Grant’s charms, which did not come easily. Generously filled with anecdotes about fellow actors and directors, a realistic portrait of a complicated man emerges. And although Grant was criticized for remaining in Hollywood during World War II, it now seems that he may have worked as a special agent for British Intelligence: in 1947, Grant was awarded the King’s Medal for Service in the Cause for Freedom, an honor that was not made public at the time.

One of classic Hollywood’s definitive leading men, Cary Grant was named one of the greatest male stars of all time by the American Film Institute. This biography yields a new appreciation of his work and his persona, which was at once familiar, yet always enigmatic, even to those who knew him best.

Graham McCann was educated at King’s College, Cambridge. His books include Marilyn Monroe: The Body in the Library, Woody Allen: New Yorker, and Rebel Males: Clift, Brando, and Dean. A fellow and lecturer at Cambridge for twelve years, he now writes full time.

©1996 Graham McCann (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A terrific biography that explores the origins and dazzle of Grant’s class act.” ( Elle)
“McCann’s outstanding achievement is his analysis of Grant’s singular and lasting appeal as a classy but classless star.” ( Booklist)
“A delightful appreciation of the archetypal movie star…In a pleasing mix of life story and film analysis, [McCann] meditates on the idea of Cary Grant and the actual person…Neat, well researched, and witty, the book earns respect for the author and a familiar wry smile at its reincarnation of Cary Grant.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

What listeners say about Cary Grant

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Boring


I was expecting a biography. I don’t really care about long detailed character analysis of the characters he played in the movies. I wanted to know more about him personally. So I was disappointed

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Di
  • 07-23-21

Very Interesting

I never knew all this information about Grant. I had watched his movies in the 1980’s on TV with my father who was born in 1923. I was always dazzled what gentleman he was in the movies. My father was a gentleman like Grant and had built himself from the ground like Cary Grant.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

This is not a bio. More of an homage to Cary Grant

I love Cary Grant. But I wanted a bio and not a simple love fest. The man was more complex than this. I am so glad this was included and didn’t cost anything else.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not great.

After hearing Jane Ellen Wayne’s excellent book on Clark Gable I was looking forward to this listen on another Hollywood icon. What a disappointment. The narrator sounds practically robotic and the narrative spends way too much time quoting movie scripts. I learned some about Grant but not nearly what I had hoped.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

As good as we hoped it would be

already a fan. what a splendid journey. very well done. could have even been longer for comemtary on more films.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful portrait of an unusually wonderful man and actor.

Cary Grant was truly one of a kind. Mr. McCann obviously knows that, and it shows in this interesting and delightful biography. Highly recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

VERY SLOW

Slow and B o r I n g. Narration was very hard to stay with...my mind kept wandering off about other things. Couldn't finish

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it!

What a guy! I listened all day and enjoyed every minute. Wish I could have known him.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wow, I feel like I know him now!

I wasn't really expecting much when I started this book but was I ever surprised! It's an incredible heartwarming story about Cary and when I got to the end, I wished there was more. Seems like he would've been a cool dude to hang with. Just a wonderful read!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Cary Grant, the elusive man

Would you try another book from Graham McCann and/or Grover Gardner?

possibly

Would you recommend Cary Grant to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, because I like biographies

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The pace is good but the storyline is a little slow

Could you see Cary Grant being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

possibly, probably George Clooney

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