Book Review No 4: Don't mind if I do

Title:       Don't mind if I do
Author:    George Hamilton
Genre:     Autobiography

I wouldn't be caught dead buying this book. The only reason I checked this book out of the library was to check out the entry titled "Thrilla in Manila". It is a chapter about the nature of his relationship with Imelda Marcos. Other than that, I only know George Hamilton as a tanned blood sucking impresario. The only movie of his that I have seen was the Godfather 3, he had a major role but did not have any significant dialogue. He is always sitting quiet in the background.



Thrilla in Manila

It has been known that he had close relationship with then First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos. Nobody really knew the nature of their friendship but when they were photographed dancing on a banquet, the rumors of impropriety has spread through like widlfire in Philippine society. He talked about Imelda being a staunched Catholic and old fashioned that it was not her style to stray away. Also, she is constantly surrounded by the ladies in blue. Somehow on this one, I believe George Hamilton.

On the book he adamantly explained that Mrs. Marcos was solely interested in creating an international film festival in Manila that would be an equivalent to the yearly Cannes film festival. They were excited about producing a movie set in the Philippines about General MacArthur and thought that through Hamilton they have the ultimate Hollywood insider to make their dreams come true. The book mentioned that a million dollar check was sent over to start the ball rolling. The deal fell through when the writer that Hamilton had in mind is not interested in coming back to the Philippines after working through a movie called Apocalypse Now. He didn't elaborate on the details if he returned the check back.

Knowing George

After reading the Marcos entry, I skimmed over the photos and was curious at other entries on La Liz Taylor and on author Danielle Steel. I was disappointed that wasn't any dish on his past relationship but he likes to name drop. I ended up reading the rest of the chapters. What it really caught on me was how his mother managed to live ostentatiously as a single mother with 2 boys. She has dated popular personalities and often married well. She has bonded well with her boys at one time they decided to take the long drive to a quiet fishing village then called Acapulco and live there for a certain period of time. Even after George had a divorce, he ended up living back with them.

The book was written with a self deprecating tone. Apparently, George has a mind set that he knows his place on the current Hollywood food chain. He writes about the only reason his agent calls him only to have a couple of ladies need company in their retirement home. It was fascinating how he had survived this long in Hollywood and is still thriving. The last time I heard he was a contender (he lost) at Dancing with the Stars on television.

Love it or hate it?

I would say in between. The book was engaging and an easy read. I am proud to say that I learned a lot about George and got a new found respect for him. His real talent was having survival skills on being the perfect companion, he seem to get along with everyone all the time. This doesn't mean that I became a fan but would look at him now more fondly.