Is it fanciful to assume that one only reads biographies about people you are interested in? And if that is the case, does it mean we turn to page 1 predisposed to suppose we are going to enjoy the book?
Whether that is true or not, Stefan Kanfer’s biography of Humphrey Bogart, “Tough without a Gun”, doesn’t disappoint. It’s really well-paced, and contains just the right balance between personal life and filmography. Knowing many of the films helps – Casablanca, The Caine Mutiny, The Maltese Falcon – and there is something rewarding about being to locate them chronologically alongside episodes in Bogart’s life and career. And what a career and life it was!
I thoroughly enjoyed “Tough without a Gun”, and if you like Bogie, then it could be right up your street. Here’s looking at you, kid….
Ian Gouge - Writer 