Debbie: My Life
Debbie (nee Mary Frances) Reynolds was born in 1932, grew up poor in Texas and California, was crowned "Miss Burbank" at age 16. In her memoir, written with freelancer Columbia, the performer strongly resembles "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," one of her notable film roles. She is ebullient, feisty and outspoken in revelations about herself and others. She recalls, for example, that as a 19-year-old raw talent in 1951 she had to endure Gene Kelly's furious complaints of her ineptness while filming the classic Singin' in the Rain . But she treasures memories of Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and other luminaries, even the oft-maligned "Mr. Mayer" of MGM. Eddie Fisher, who deserted her and their children to wed Elizabeth Taylor, is dealt with harshly. So is Harry Karl, the actress's second husband who, she maintains, squandered all his money and hers, leaving her to pay staggering debts. But the "unsinkable" here assures her fans that she is now happily married and still performing as a singer, comedienne, dancer and actress on stage, TV and in night clubs. Photos not seen by PW. First serial to Good Housekeeping; Doubleday Book Club main selection; Literary Guild alternate.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.