I was listening to the radio on the way into work this morning and was able to catch a interview with Maureen OHara about her new book, Tis Herself. I have always had alot of respect for her but after that interview by those nitwits out of Minneapolis, she took them head on and basically out classed them. She is a great lady and my respect for her after a 5 minute interview tripled. I for one will be buying her book. Here is a link to the book (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743246934/qid=1076765308/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-2097260-3944124?v=glance&s=books#product-details) . She did not have alot of time to talk but when asked what her most favorite movies she played in, right away she said The Quiet Man.

Hi SXViper

I went into out local bookshop on Monday apparently Maureen's book is not released in UK until May sometime so I have ordered mine off of Amazon, can't wait to read it.

Also found out that The Lost Films of John Wayne' by Caroline McGivern is issued over here end of March. If its as good a read as her last one then it should be great.

I'll keep you informed when I get it.

Regards

Arthur

There are a few more things from the interview that I forgot:

When asked about her favorite movies, she not only mentioned The Quiet Man, but also said McLintock was near and dear to her heart as well.

The person interviewing her asked her "Who was John Ford hugging?" She said she would not answer that question and would take that to her grave. She did say it was not the Duke. I am not sure exactley what they were talking about so I have no opinion on that.

There are a few more things but I am having a brain fart at the moment, so when I remember I will add them as well.

Hi SXViper

If you go to the post Duke favourite director about the last three or four post by dukegirl and I discuss the book you might find it a mind jogger.

Regards

Arthur

Does anyone know if Sams (Walmart) has Maureen's book? Usually, they carry bestsellers at a considerably reduced price than the other book sellers.

I was there yesterday Stumpy but didn't see the book there yet.

Originally posted by SXViper@Mar 17 2004, 01:49 PM
I was there yesterday Stumpy but didn't see the book there yet.
Thanks, my friend. I'll watch the local Sams for a week or so and if it doesn't turn up there guess I'll order it from Amazon. I really want to read it as Maureen has always been one of my favorite actresses and has been around Hollywood for a lonnnnnng time so she should have some tales to tell. She was also the Duke's favorite leading lady and one of his good friends so she can probably tell us things about him that we haven't heard before.

Stumpy; I just orderd a copy from Amazon for $17.50 plus postage. They say that it will be here in a few days, so it looks like the book is out. Chilibill :cowboy:

Originally posted by William T Brooks@Mar 17 2004, 03:16 PM
Stumpy; I just orderd a copy from Amazon for $17.50 plus postage. They say that it will be here in a few days, so it looks like the book is out. Chilibill :cowboy:
Thanks, Bill. I'll gladly pay that amount but being somewhat of a cheapskate, I'm always looking to save a buck or two.

Now that's a sexy book about a sexy lady. I am getting my copy today. Can't wait to read about this gracious lady.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0743246934.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

Cheers, Hondo B)

She also did a interview on Good Morning America on ABC this morning as well. My wife told me about it. They showed a clip from when she spoke in front of Congress when they were discussing whether to strike a medal for Duke. While she was talking about the clip she choked up and Diane Sawyer said, "You miss him don't you" Too which she replied in one word, "Yes". They also showed a clip from The Quiet Man and she told the story about Duke and Ford playing that trick on her when Duke dragged her across the field and they put manure down. :o :lol:

I cannot wait to get the book, that is why I am heading to Barnes and Noble tomorrow.

Regarding what she wispered to Duke at the end couldn't someone lip read what she said.

Originally posted by SXViper@Mar 17 2004, 10:39 AM
The person interviewing her asked her "Who was John Ford hugging?" She said she would not answer that question and would take that to her grave. She did say it was not the Duke. I am not sure exactley what they were talking about so I have no opinion on that.


Are you sure it wasn't holding hands with because last night I watched a documentary on John Wayne and behind the scenes within that movie up on the hill were John Wayne and Ford and they were holding hands. Anyone know what was going on here.

:agent:

I received the book yesterday and in a few brief moment s got through Chapter One.

Yesterday's Daily Mirror gave the book a brief mention:


'Beautiful Maureen O'Hara star of the Quiet Man has written her autobiography Tis Herself, in which she says "I've always been a tough lass who can throw a punch".
Famous for sparring with leading men, refusing to sleep with Hollywood bosses and standing up to a bullying Walt Disney did, she admits, cost her parts. As a consequence the actress has reached 83 unburdened by remorse, regret or bitterness and says blithly she intends to live another 20 years.'


Regards

Arthur

You "John Wayne" fans out there ; I just finished reading Chapter 24 "John Wayne. American" of Maureen O'Harra's new book and the book it is Great! Many great storys about Her and the Duke and their friendship and love for each other, and storys about John Ford, then the sad story of "The Duke" passing on!

This is a must read for all the Duke and Maureen Fans. I am just starting to read it again for the second time! When you read Chapter 24 there will not be a Dry Eye in the house!! Chilibill :cowboy:

Originally posted by William T Brooks@Mar 26 2004, 07:27 PM
You "John Wayne" fans out there ; I just finished reading Chapter 24 "John Wayne. American" of Maureen O'Harra's new book and the book it is Great!* Many great storys about Her and the Duke and their friendship and love for each other, and storys about John Ford, then the sad story of "The Duke"* passing on!

This is a must read for all the Duke and Maureen Fans. I am just starting to read it again for the second time! When you read* Chapter 24 there will not be a Dry Eye in the house!! Chilibill :cowboy:
Don't know how many of you folks paid full price for Maureen's book but chances are you paid too much. Check out this (http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/InquiryPL?reftype=B&refnum=262848756) price. And then kick yourself. :lol:

That works out to $17.00 or $19.50 depending on what type of shipping you use. Thanks Stumpy for the info.

Originally posted by SXViper@Mar 28 2004, 11:57 AM
That works out to $17.00 or $19.50 depending on what type of shipping you use. Thanks Stumpy for the info.
Well, being the "thrifty" shopper I am, Viper, I naturally ordered the book with S&H at $4.50, meaning my price will be $17.00. Every other place I checked was about $21.00 with S&H, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

HI

Just finished the book. I have an open mind on it.

One thing I am convinced of however is that if you believe only half of what Maureen O'Hara says, and I personally believe more than that, with John Ford for a friend you didn't need enemies.

I suppose that thirty years after his death its considered safe to remove the aura of mystique and greatness that has surrounded Ford by his previous writers as more and more revalations are surfacing and there are less and less people around to either confirm or refute them.

I think in parts she comes cross as a very sad lady and in some parts quite bitter but reading through her life I suppose at times she had cause to be.


Regards

Arthur

Maureen O'Hara Pens New Autobiography

LOS ANGELES - In 1939, an Irish miss of 18 landed in Hollywood not knowing what to expect. Her education came swiftly as she was thrust into stardom with her first movie and became a pawn in the big-studio system.

With customary frankness, Maureen O'Hara recounts her life story in "'Tis Herself," written with John Nicoletti. She tells it all: her love-hate relationship with mentor John Ford ; her devotion — strictly platonic — to co-star John Wayne; the misbehavior of Errol Flynn; the rudeness of Rex Harrison; two failed marriages and a happy marriage that ended in tragedy; a phony scandal that helped put Confidential magazine out of business.

Read more at JWayne.com >> (http://www.jwayne.com/news/archives/00000046.shtml)


http://www.jwayne.com/news/archives/maureen_o_hara_3-9-2004.jpg

Maureen O'Hara Pens New Autobiography

LOS ANGELES - In 1939, an Irish miss of 18 landed in Hollywood not knowing what to expect. Her education came swiftly as she was thrust into stardom with her first movie and became a pawn in the big-studio system.

With customary frankness, Maureen O'Hara recounts her life story in "'Tis Herself," written with John Nicoletti. She tells it all: her love-hate relationship with mentor John Ford ; her devotion — strictly platonic — to co-star John Wayne; the misbehavior of Errol Flynn; the rudeness of Rex Harrison; two failed marriages and a happy marriage that ended in tragedy; a phony scandal that helped put Confidential magazine out of business.

Read more at JWayne.com >> (http://www.jwayne.com/news/archives/00000046.shtml)


http://www.jwayne.com/news/archives/maureen_o_hara_3-9-2004.jpg

Originally posted by Kevin@Apr 22 2004, 07:11 PM
Maureen O'Hara Pens New Autobiography

LOS ANGELES - In 1939, an Irish miss of 18 landed in Hollywood not knowing what to expect. Her education came swiftly as she was thrust into stardom with her first movie and became a pawn in the big-studio system.

With customary frankness, Maureen O'Hara recounts her life story in "'Tis Herself," written with John Nicoletti. She tells it all: her love-hate relationship with mentor John Ford ; her devotion — strictly platonic — to co-star John Wayne; the misbehavior of Errol Flynn; the rudeness of Rex Harrison; two failed marriages and a happy marriage that ended in tragedy; a phony scandal that helped put Confidential magazine out of business.

Read more at JWayne.com >> (http://www.jwayne.com/news/archives/00000046.shtml)


http://www.jwayne.com/news/archives/maureen_o_hara_3-9-2004.jpg
I was disappointed in Herself's book. For a lady who projects such a strong screen image, she sure had a helluva time telling certain male rats who turned up in her life "No".

I was also rather put off by some of the x-rated language she used. Though a military retiree and therefore no stranger to dirty language, I sure hate to hear such words out of the mouths of women, even in today's world of radical feminism.

Unfortunately, I've always had a tendency to put females on a pedestal (my grandpa's chivalrous influence) and when said females cuss like sailors, I'm always greatly shocked and disillusioned.

Originally posted by Kevin@Apr 22 2004, 07:11 PM
Maureen O'Hara Pens New Autobiography

LOS ANGELES - In 1939, an Irish miss of 18 landed in Hollywood not knowing what to expect. Her education came swiftly as she was thrust into stardom with her first movie and became a pawn in the big-studio system.

With customary frankness, Maureen O'Hara recounts her life story in "'Tis Herself," written with John Nicoletti. She tells it all: her love-hate relationship with mentor John Ford ; her devotion — strictly platonic — to co-star John Wayne; the misbehavior of Errol Flynn; the rudeness of Rex Harrison; two failed marriages and a happy marriage that ended in tragedy; a phony scandal that helped put Confidential magazine out of business.

Read more at JWayne.com >> (http://www.jwayne.com/news/archives/00000046.shtml)


http://www.jwayne.com/news/archives/maureen_o_hara_3-9-2004.jpg
I was disappointed in Herself's book. For a lady who projects such a strong screen image, she sure had a helluva time telling certain male rats who turned up in her life "No".

I was also rather put off by some of the x-rated language she used. Though a military retiree and therefore no stranger to dirty language, I sure hate to hear such words out of the mouths of women, even in today's world of radical feminism.

Unfortunately, I've always had a tendency to put females on a pedestal (my grandpa's chivalrous influence) and when said females cuss like sailors, I'm always greatly shocked and disillusioned.

Hi.

I also read the book recently and thought it was a missed opportunity. I think that I agree with stumpy that it could have been longer and better, but gradually in various books the true character of John Ford is emerging.



Regards

Arthur

Hi.

I also read the book recently and thought it was a missed opportunity. I think that I agree with stumpy that it could have been longer and better, but gradually in various books the true character of John Ford is emerging.



Regards

Arthur

Originally posted by arthurarnell@Apr 24 2004, 09:29 AM
in various book the true character of John Ford is emerging.




Not a very flattering picture, is it? He was a helluva film director but his personality stunk.

Originally posted by arthurarnell@Apr 24 2004, 09:29 AM
in various book the true character of John Ford is emerging.




Not a very flattering picture, is it? He was a helluva film director but his personality stunk.

You pick up the same sense about John Ford when you read John Wayne: American. It seems like he could really be a jerk. When Wayne was directing his The Alamo, Ford kept showing up on the set and being a real idiot, making it hard for Wayne to be polite to his mentor without telling him to get lost.

GSP

You pick up the same sense about John Ford when you read John Wayne: American. It seems like he could really be a jerk. When Wayne was directing his The Alamo, Ford kept showing up on the set and being a real idiot, making it hard for Wayne to be polite to his mentor without telling him to get lost.

GSP

After reading the whole article about Maureen O'Hara on jwayne.com, by Bob Thomas of the Associated Press, there were a few things I found interesting -

:) Her third husband was an avid flyer and had his own small airline business in the Caribbean

:) She is now retired in Scottsdale, Arizona (but spends summers in Ireland)

:) She has fond memories and warm feelings for the Duke

:) She might be quite an asset in trying to build up a John Wayne museum

Hint, hint, hint . . . :rolleyes:

For those who may have missed it in previous posts on this board, here's a link to a fascinating web site about Maureen O'Hara (it's done by a member of our board, although she did the site long before she came here to join us - June Parker Beck, aka Juneface) - Maureen O'Hara Features Page (http://www.users.qwest.net/~aknot/features.htm).


Chester :newyear:

After reading the whole article about Maureen O'Hara on jwayne.com, by Bob Thomas of the Associated Press, there were a few things I found interesting -

:) Her third husband was an avid flyer and had his own small airline business in the Caribbean

:) She is now retired in Scottsdale, Arizona (but spends summers in Ireland)

:) She has fond memories and warm feelings for the Duke

:) She might be quite an asset in trying to build up a John Wayne museum

Hint, hint, hint . . . :rolleyes:

For those who may have missed it in previous posts on this board, here's a link to a fascinating web site about Maureen O'Hara (it's done by a member of our board, although she did the site long before she came here to join us - June Parker Beck, aka Juneface) - Maureen O'Hara Features Page (http://www.users.qwest.net/~aknot/features.htm).


Chester :newyear:

Chester ; I think I get the Hint, hint, hint! I just got back from Scottsdale over the Weekend for my 55 year, High School reunion at the old "Western Movie Town Rawhide" that was used in many Westerns for the town scenes and is just a few miles north of Scottsdale and is now open to the public. Chester If some of you people know how to get in touch with her let me know and I will fly down and talk to her about the "Duke Museum". She would be the one to talk to. If none of you know how to get ahold of her, I know some old time movie people that live down in Scottsdale and I will ask around. Chilibill :cowboy:

Chester ; I think I get the Hint, hint, hint! I just got back from Scottsdale over the Weekend for my 55 year, High School reunion at the old "Western Movie Town Rawhide" that was used in many Westerns for the town scenes and is just a few miles north of Scottsdale and is now open to the public. Chester If some of you people know how to get in touch with her let me know and I will fly down and talk to her about the "Duke Museum". She would be the one to talk to. If none of you know how to get ahold of her, I know some old time movie people that live down in Scottsdale and I will ask around. Chilibill :cowboy:

Back to the book, I am almost half way thru it and I will tell you this, it is a very good read. I have no problem with the language used like Stumpy had. Too me, the language is describing the times and if that is what was said I would rather have it straight then to sugar coat it at times.

And another note about the book, that 2nd husband of hers, Will Price, was quite the "jerk"(I did sugar coat that statement).

Back to the book, I am almost half way thru it and I will tell you this, it is a very good read. I have no problem with the language used like Stumpy had. Too me, the language is describing the times and if that is what was said I would rather have it straight then to sugar coat it at times.

And another note about the book, that 2nd husband of hers, Will Price, was quite the "jerk"(I did sugar coat that statement).

Originally posted by SXViper@Apr 26 2004, 10:46 AM
that 2nd husband of hers, Will Price, was quite the "jerk"(I did sugar coat that statement).


I wholeheartedly agree that Price was a sorry SOB. :lol: But why did she let him do her the way he did for ten long years. Since she was the one making the household a living, she should have booted his butt out the door ASAP.

The first one wasn't much better, IMO.

Originally posted by SXViper@Apr 26 2004, 10:46 AM
that 2nd husband of hers, Will Price, was quite the "jerk"(I did sugar coat that statement).


I wholeheartedly agree that Price was a sorry SOB. :lol: But why did she let him do her the way he did for ten long years. Since she was the one making the household a living, she should have booted his butt out the door ASAP.

The first one wasn't much better, IMO.

Has anyone read her book?
It has a interesting perception into the relationship between the Duke and John Ford.

Hi Janette

I'd also like to welcome you to this site and hope you will stay for a long time.

The book Tis Herself was quite readable but I believe that more was left out than was put in. I got the feeling that it was quite a lightweight book considering what it could have said, perhaps that the reason.


Regards

Arthur

Janette: I got the book and read it when it first came out and liked it. It has some great storys about the Duke and herself. Thanks for the help on the pictures! Chilibill :cowboy:

I was disappointed in Maureen's book. IMO, it did not live up to the hype.

Stumpy And Arthur; I do tend to agree with you , but we must remember that it was done from a Ladys View Point And not from a Mans point of view!!! There was a lot of Hype on the book, but If you ask the ladys what they think about it they think its Great! I did enjoy the storys about Duke, Maureen and John Ford. And I did like story about the making of the Quiet Man very much. MAKING THE QUIET MAN (http://www.wyntoontrip.com/QUIETMAN.html) Chilibill :cowboy:

In an interview (I think on her personal homepage) she stated that she was very unhappy about how much her editors cut out. There were of course many more stories, but the whole life story has to be condensed into one book - and the book must not "frighten" the people who should buy it by its size.

I just found a copy of this $25 book on eBay, got it for $9.95 and received it today. It is in mint condition, the person must never have read it. I'll assure you, that won't be the case with this owner...

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/CJane_59/Duke/th_OHara_Book.jpg (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/CJane_59/Duke/OHara_Book.jpg)

I read this book about a year ago, and agree with Stumpy in the fact about how she let men treat her in her private life. I was a bit shocked.

And the bomb she let drop about catching Ford trying out for the other team (sexually :wink_smile: ) was a shocker for me. I had never read that befor. Plus the way he almost seemed to be a stalker in her life at times was rather scary. A very complicated man to understand. It always seems that the geniuses are always the torchered ones.

I enjoyed the book, but I think it could have been alot better.

Mark

WOW... my wife loves those kinds of books. She has to read it and then tell me about what she reads. I can't read much anymore so I need someone to do it for me. Ford batting both ways... didn't know that but your right about geniuses and their eccentricities. I wonder who helped her write it, that may show why it wasn't as good. I know i's an autobiography but publishers can be buttheads and make you change things to make them juicy. Can't wait to hear the whole thing.

When I went to ebay, at first I couldn't find the book, so I went to Amazon, and ended up buying a used hardcover copy for $7.50, including shipping. I went back to ebay again, and found one on auction for a current bid of $4 plus shipping, and down at the bottom of the page, there was a link to a half.com for $1.14 for an "Acceptable Item" hardcover copy (plus shipping, of course). Here's that link -

http://product.half.ebay.com/Tis-Herself_W0QQprZ5944973QQtgZinfoQQssPageNameZSRCH:W DGT:HALF:TOPRESULTS

So it's available out there, pretty reasonably priced.

Chester :newyear:

I just finished reading her bio. I enjoyed the first half of the book quite a bit, but found the second half to grow increasingly odd. Her run-ins with John Ford were down right creepy, yet she constantly tells us how much she still loves him. Telling us about who's sexual orientation is who's was also odd. She seemed to relish in tossing dirt around, and yet could not understand when it got tossed back at her.

All in all, I'm glad I read it. It does not alter my perception of her as one of John Wayne's best leading ladies. But I don't think I'd ever be motivated to pick it up again...

I always wanted to read this book, and once had a chance to buy it in Finland, but unfortunatly didn't. Must see if it is any copy at Abebooks - its my best source of books and cheapest one.
Regards,
Senta

Well me, after months and months of delay, I would give my opinion on the book by Maureen.

I liked the whole book and I trusted him completely on the content of his remarks.

As she says, she wrote these memories to prevent that other "authors" interpret in their own way the busy life of Maureen.

Excited about this book, I made a French translation (pdf). If people are interested they can contact me.

Sincerely, Romy

Please excuse my bad English

I remember reading Maureen's book when it came out. Good entertaining read but there is elements of sour grapes toward the second half of the book at not getting recognition or an Oscar. Duke comes out well but Ford is a complicated character as we all already know.

But for Ford, who could better speak that Maureen? http://www.dukewayne.com//images/icons/icon7.gif

It seems against Maureen's character to be vindictive, does everyone feel that her views on John Ford are distorted or accurate?

Reading her book her views on Ford are very conflicting. She praises him as director and in the beginning certainly looked upon him in a favourable manner but there is a definite change in their relationship. The way Ford could heap personal abuse on people and be very vindictive and try to wreck their careers seems to have come to the fore with his relationship with Maureen. The attached link would seem to sum up their differences.

http://www.suite101.com/content/maureen-ohara-and-john-ford-a333067

Thanks, Duke Pilgrim, for that link. An interesting read, along with the one about Ms. O'Hara and Duke.

I read her book and to my mind Ford was schizophrenic at best and, in addition, beset with worse afflictions. Maureen is a better person than I am - I think that she should have had nothing to do with the man after what he did to her. That goes for Duke also. Once Duke started making B-plus and A pictures, I don't think Ford could have done much to hurt his career. I know Duke felt he owed Ford a lot, but, it seems to me that Ford overstepped the line way beyond what Duke needed to do to pay him back.

Personally, I trust him. Are there any reasons to lie to an advanced age?
The article by Larry Putt, which seems to me he did not know John or Maureen Ford, took principalememnt sources on the book by Maureen.
John Ford liked to torture his actors (Maureen, Duke ...) so they give the best of themselves ...?
I agree with Jay
Romy

As a director Ford has to be admired for his his talent. However, as a person I don't know how anyone even wanted to be in his company. Duke has to be admired for the loyalty that he gave to Ford long after he became the major talent in their partnership and Ford's continued career as a director was totally dependant on having John Wayne in his movies.

In regard to Maureen she is more than justified to be angry and like Ben Johnston I think she was right to walk away from Ford and not work for him again.

I agree with DukePilgrim, but maybe if Ford had not been ill and he had called on Maureen, she would perhaps not refused. The Maureen best movies were made by John Ford :thumbs_up:

I think from a professional standpoint John Wayne was right not to walk away from Ford as he needed his directorial guidance to aid his career, how many great movies did John Wayne make post 1939 that weren't directed by Ford?

Great movies without Ford post 1939 I would say 4- 6 titles stand out. That said, he made a lot of entertaining movies post 1939 which is why John Wayne still has such a great following with fans compared to other actors who were much better skilled actors than Wayne but who since their demise have largely become forgotten except to movie buffs.

I agree completely Mark, Duke should have associated himself with a better director that Andrew V McLaglen.

Interesting on re-reading "Tis Herself" that Maureen missed out on Friendly Persuasion because of Ford and The King & I because Rodgers & Hammerstein didn't want her. Would have been two interesting roles to see her in those movies.

:wink_smile:

I find this very interesting presentation (http://www.sheilaomalley.com/?p=39872). What do you think?

Very nice article. Thanks, Romy.

Mark

:excl:

Maureen's book should not be restricted only to English readers. I thought that a translation, even approximate, might help readers in French ...
The number of readers of this excellent book will be more important and our heroine becomes better known.
(Of course, if this is a problem, I will remove the link immediately)
Happy reading.

'Tis Herself en French (http://www.archive-host.com/link/e19adfaa290e4c69983e2c7f1eeb86d76eacd7cb.pdf)

PS. I forgot, all the spelling errors were not corrected .....