The Thumbnail Book Reviews
by John Q McDonald --- 17 February 1998
by Marion Davies
Davies was a vaudeville, silent and talkie actress who won fame as the mistress of William Randolph Hearst for the last 32 years of his life. This book is an oral history she taped shortly after Hearst died. There are tales of many famous actors, actresses, business personalities, heroes and politicians who walked through Hearst's "ranch" at San Simeon. And there is a very sympathetic character in Davies herself. Most touching is the preface by Orson Welles, studiously pointing out the differences between Hearst and Citizen Kane. As a picture of a fascinating time in powerful circles, the Roaring 20s through the late 50s, this history is most entertaining.