Bogart biography unmasks the man behind the myth

Bogart
A.M. Sperber and Eric Lax
William Morrow
3 stars

Humphrey Bogart is arguably one of the greatest male movie stars of the century. Having starred in unforgettable films such as "Casablanca," "The Maltese Falcon" and "The Big Sleep," his commanding screen presence is still felt today.

But though his onscreen persona is easily recognizable, this epitome of male machismo has been hidden in the shadows of his image. In the revealing biography "Bogart" by A.M. Sperber and Eric Lax, the man behind the enigma is finally revealed.

Bogart's entire life is told in candid detail revealing both the good and the bad about the man. Born into a family that included a father who was a doctor and a mother who was a nationally famous illustrator, Bogart's earliest memories would be touched by pain. He is remembered as a polite but introverted child raised by abusive servants, with a father addicted to morphine and a mother who tended to be cold and aloof.

His acting career began in the theater in New York, where his hard work and determination turned him from an abysmal actor to a stunning one. He struggled to be noticed in Hollywood, doing many small roles in films. Though many recognized him as a talented actor, fate prevented him from succeeding.

His break finally came with his role in the 1936 film "The Petrified Forest." Newly signed to a contract with Warner Brothers, he was used in a slew of B-grade projects. He finally achieved stardom with "The Maltese Falcon" in 1941, and "Casablanca" the following year established him as a captivating romantic lead and international icon.

But while his film career budded, Bogart's personal life was tumultuous. He was known as a likable man who turned vicious after the third martini. He endured a string of sado-masochistic relationships, particularly with his third wife, Mayo Methot. The couple fought violently, often in public, and caused each other to slip into alcoholism and self-destructive behavior. He finally gained some control over his personal life after meeting 19-year-old Lauren Bacall on the set of "To Have and Have Not," for whom he divorced Methot and with whom he ended up spending the rest of his life.

Throughout the book, Bogart is described as a gentle and professional man whose acting abilities were unmatched. Yet, though he was a performer who could seamlessly slip in and out of character, many felt that he was an actor in search of his own identity. As one friend described him, "Bogie is in constant anxiety to be what he calls a character, to distinguish himself away from his occupation ... He has never allowed his (own) character to develop. (He) would love nothing better than to be considered a character, even more than a good actor. (He) does not like his career and at the same time he is proud of it."

As "Bogart" details the life and personality of Humphrey Bogart, it soon becomes apparent that through this actor, we learn a great deal about the budding movie industry and American history. Bogart's career began approximately when sound pictures began, and his life was constantly touched by political and social changes within the nation.

Bogart's participation in the Committee for the First Amendment, which protested against the House Committee on Un-American Activities was prominent and well documented. Claims that Bogart identified with the Communist Party during the Cold War were all unfounded, though his part in fighting for freedoms caused a great deal of tension between him and his studio.

From his childhood to his death, "Bogart" is very comprehensive in creating a portrait of a man who touched so many lives. It's story is one about a man who was an inspiration, and includes many elements that make a great film: love stories, scandal, a dab of politics and characters whose complexities make them endearing.

"Bogart" reveals that the fine actor amounted to much more than the masculine persona he presented onscreen. He was more than just a tough guy with a soft spot for beautiful women.

- Julia Shih

Sinbad's Guide to Life (Because I Know Everything)
By Sinbad with David Ritz
Bantam
2 stars

"If you want tips on how to lead a dull, stable life and wear the right clothes for success, you can look somewhere else. Me, I believe you'll learn more worthwhile lessons from the man who couldn't hang on to a job, a woman, or a residence for any decent length of time ever. Someone who went from goofy kid to brain-damaged adult and is still smiling."

These are the words of the wise comedian Sinbad, whose qualifications for teaching us about life include dropping out of college, being kicked out of the Air Force, being fired from every single job he's had except for his job as a comic, and having his electricity turned off several times.

In "Sinbad's Guide to Life (Because I Know Everything)" (written with David Ritz), the comedian shares with us amusing anecdotes and observations from his own life that if we were smart, we would steer clear of applying to our own.

Sinbad is best known for his energetic and hilarious stand-up routines, which have been showcased on successful HBO Comedy Specials. "Sinbad's Guide to Life" is derived from these routines, so people who have watched him perform will be familiar with a lot of the material in this book. Nevertheless, he provides an abundance of laughs even if much of the material is recycled.

Probably the funniest sections of the book (and the funniest part of his stand-up act) are the vivid descriptions of his view of his dominating parents as a child. Descriptions of getting in trouble, his father brandishing the dreaded whip and his attempted rebellion are all extremely amusing.

He also has a lot of observations about other trials of life that will get readers chuckling. On men, Sinbad writes, "If there were no women in the world, men would be naked, driving trucks, living in dirt." On dealing with women, he writes, "Women, when you are mad at us, please just tell us you're mad. Don't make us play the 'Oh, Are You Mad?' game. See we're not stupid, we know we did something wrong; we just don't know which one you found out about."

Sinbad, who grew up in Michigan and is the son of a preacher man, talks about almost anything that pops into his mind about life. His unique point of view and his forte at humorous observations make him one of the best comedians in the country.

The book is occasionally unevenly paced and rambling. There are stretches where it is obvious that certain jokes would have carried much better in spoken-word but bomb in print. Despite these flaws, "Sinbad's Guide to Life" is still amusing overall.

There is no dispute that Sinbad may be one of the most talented comedians around. Through "Sinbad's Guide to Life," we get an appetizer to his talent that should convince readers to go out and watch the man perform his unbelievably funny stand-up routine if they haven't seen it before. His book will give you a few hours of amusement and a new way of looking at the little things in life.

-Julia Shih

09-03-97