Subtitled Pictures and Stories from This Marvelous Lifetime, The Wall of Life, “an ongoing project,” is, in essence, a scrapbook modeled after a wall in MacLaine’s home (homes) filled with photographic memories. Black and white photos of her from childhood through career including family, friends, and notables are accompanied by recollection and/or explanation. There’s no question that the now 90 year-old artist has had an extraordinary time of it.
We learn a bit about MacLaine’s growing up, mother, “daddy” and that she and Warren (Beatty) were never very close. An aspiring dancer, she first moved to New York the summer between junior and senior years at high school, living at Three Arts Club, a woman’s residence much like the Barbizon. The young woman got work, but returned home to graduate, turning down a first marriage proposal in favor of career ambition. (There are photos of the men in her life.)
Back in the city, MacLaine was cast as understudy to Carol Haney in Pajama Game. She changed her name from Shirley Beaty and cut her hair to resemble the lead, unwittingly establishing a “signature look.” The performer met and shortly after married Steve Parker to whom this book is dedicated. Parker, with whom she had daughter, Sachi, would spend most of their open marriage living and working in Japan. Two weeks of subbing for Haney was all it took to open a door to film work. Images of the young thespian are uniformly attractive.
The story moves from stage to screen as MacLaine is cast in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry. She notes that being a redhead rather than blonde might’ve kept her safe from the director. Working
with several members of The Rat Pack, she became a kind of mascot. Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. were particular favorites.
There’s a chapter on political activism and friendship with Congresswoman Bella Abzug, development of a musical stage act, scores of shots showing international fraternization, a few pictures of Sachi’s childhood and some with her grandchildren. Walking the Camino de Santiago and spending time with The Dalai Lama are indications of extensive spiritual exploration. Looking Back and Ahead shows friendship with Elizabeth Taylor, most recent acting, her last beau, agents, and even a page of beloved dogs. You won’t find any revelations, but it’s intriguing to put the artist in context.
The Wall of Life
Shirley MacLaine
Top Bigstock Photo: Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine at the 40th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Shirley MacLaine held at Sony Pictures Studios on June 7, 2012 in Culver City, California
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