- The Garner Files: A Memoir - Simon & Schuster
The veteran actor of film and TV details all aspects of his life in this mesmerizing autobiography.
The Garner Files: A Memoir is the telling story of the life of actor James Garner who starred in
Maverick,
The Rockford Files,
The Great Escape,
Grand Prix,
The Americanization of Emily
and other notable shows. Having had the pleasure of interviewing Mr.
Garner, I was anxious to read this book and learn more about this man
who has had an incredible career and life. The book did not disappoint
me. When I interviewed James Garner he did not hold back about his
experiences and he does not hold back in the book either.
James Garner discusses his childhood in Oklahoma – which was riddled
with abuse, his co-stars, his movies, his television career, his love of
cars and car racing, his adoration for the game of golf, his politics
and his temperament. Although he has a co-writer (Jon Winokur), Garner’s
voice comes through loud and clear. While reading the book I felt as
though Mr. Garner was right there talking to me.
James Garner’s Acting Career
As stated, the man does not hold back. “Charlie Bronson was a pain in the ass, too.” (p. 81) Garner says about his co-star in
The Great Escape, after first detailing a problem with Steve McQueen.
As a young actor, James Garner got a big break when he was cast in the television series
Maverick.
“I learned my craft doing Maverick” he writes (p. 170). While it took
eight days to make one episode of the hit series, the show aired every
seven days so to keep up with the schedule they had to create a brother
for his character who would fill in and take some of the pressure off of
Garner and his team.
Another fun anecdote about his
Maverick days involves
Natalie Wood who suggested that Garner take acting lessons. “Why would I
want to do that?” (p. 170) He had a hit TV series and a budding career.
He decided not to fix something that wasn’t broken.
In the book Garner talks about his fellow actors and lays it on the
line, giving his opinion about the talent of specific actors. Some were
great, but he does let the readers know which ones he thinks are not
good at their craft. He also discusses the crafts of comedy, drama, and
humor. And the actor gives a good description of how fame and being on
television often interfered with his personal life, namely having a
quiet meal out in public with his family, which became non-existent
after the success of
Maverick.
James Garner was part of the old studio system, and does not hold
back when discussing the studio bosses. And he dishes on the integrity
of others high on the studio echelon ladder after the system folded,
namely Lew Wasserman, one of Hollywood’s moguls.
Readers will get an inside look at the making of his television shows and movies.
Grand Prix,
a film about Formula One racing is discussed in detail, and Mr. Garner
explains about how the filmmakers created the sounds that accompanied
the video of the racing cars. It’s an interesting lesson on filmmaking.
Cars, Car Racing, and Golf
Grand Prix was a highlight of Mr. Garner’s acting career and
boosted his love of car racing. He was always interested in cars, as
readers will discover, and became an avid fan and participant in the
sport of racing.
Golf is another sport in which Mr. Garner excelled and which he
loved. He has some pretty good memories of his years as a golfer, which
now are over due to physical problems.
Politics
James Garner has always been outspoken about his feelings and in the
book he continues his straightforwardness. He definitely has strong
feelings about many issues and at one time was approached about running
for Governor of California.
The Book
The book ends with input from people who have known the actor,
including his wife, daughters, friends, and fellow actors. After reading
this section readers will realize the high regard in which Mr. Garner
is held.
As Garner writes, “You have to take the risk. You may fail, but at
least you’ve given it your best shot.” (p. 39) and that is exactly what
he did. He gave it – his career and his life – his best shot.
His childhood, war stories, acting career, friendships, temper, and
good humor are all laid out in this wonderful autobiography. Any fan of
this actor will enjoy every chapter.
- The Garner Files: A Memoir by James Garner
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- ISBN: 9781451642605
- Hardback: November 1, 2011
- Pages: 288
There was a wonderful memorial service where people got up and told stories about him, most of them funny, because Jack had a great sense of humor. I miss him.
