ALL THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS by Adriana Trigiani

ALL THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS   by Adriana Trigiani

Although the main characters are named Clark Gable and Loretta Young, this book is much more fiction than history.  Loretta Young and Clark Gable did have a child out of wedlock (probably) that was later “adopted” by Loretta and that is the extent of the “historical” part of the love story.  That said, the book is quite fascinating for the many stories of the beginning of the movie industry in Hollywood.   Loretta and Clark were stars in the twenties, thirties and forties. Clark’s movie popularity extended until his death in 1960 reaching its zenith with Gone with Wind.  Both Gable and Young were Academy Awards winners for best actor.  Young’s career in films slowed considerably in the 1950’s, but she moved to television and achieved great success there also.

The interesting characters of Alda (Young’s assistant and friend) and her husband (a gifted movie scene painter) are entirely fictional.  Nonetheless they bring life to the behind the scenes episodes of movie making and are well rounded.  Movie aficionados will like seeing the sketches of famous actors, directors, producers and other Hollywood folk interspersed throughout the book.

At nearly 500 pages the book is too long and needed some judicious editing. Many of the scenes detailing Young’s opinions and thoughts, especially concerning Gable, are repetitious and boring.

4 of 5 stars