This autobiography was a suprisingly good read. Wagner's vivid and detailed recollections might make the reader believe they were present when they occurred.
He begins with his childhood: his strained relationship with his businessman father, caddying at the Bel Air Country Club (where he met the likes of Clark Gable and other giants of the Golden Age). He was transfixed by movies and would do whatever it took to be in them. He landed a contract with Fox before he was 20 years old, but was given only bit parts. That all changed with Prince Valiant and the rest of his career is history. He was there when Hollywood changed because of the advent of television. Instead of fading away, he starred in numerous successful television series.
The most fascinating parts of the book are his personal recollections of other actors, directors, producers, and movie studio moguls. His long relationship with Barabara Stanwyck was surprising and interesting. It was Wagner's first and only true love until he met Natalie Wood. His relationship with Wood proved that they had the kind of love for each other that most couples dream about. It wasn't all smooth sailing for the couple, but in the end their love prevailed.
Her untimely death is recounted with such detail, the reader may shed a tear. But once again, Wagner came through this a stronger and better man. The importance of family to him was obvious when he pulled himself together for his children, even though the pain was too much for him to bear at times.