Notorious: The Life of Ingrid Bergman

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The life of Ingrid Bergman (1915–1982) is as compelling as that of any of the women she portrayed in dozens of unforgettable movies and plays—a list that includes Casablanca, Intermezzo, Gaslight, The Bells of St. Mary's, Notorious, Anastasia, and Hedda Gabler. Hers is a story that begins with a tragic childhood in Sweden, then moves on to the nightmare of Germany under the Nazis and later to Hollywood in its golden age. From her position as America's most beautiful, admired, and loved actress, she was plunged into national disgrace and branded "an apostle of degradation" for her adulterous love affair with Roberto Rosellini in the late 1940s. But her independent spirit triumphed in the end, winning her honors and accolades even as she fought an eight-year battle with cancer. Donald Spoto, who knew Ingrid Bergman and had unprecedented access to her husbands, friends, lovers, directors, and costars, as well as to her papers, letters, and diaries, has written a biography that the San Francisco Chronicle called "mesmerizing" and "deeply moving"—the definitive account of a consummate actress who dared to live the truth.

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1997

About the author

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A prolific and respected biographer and theologian, Donald Spoto is the author of twenty published books, among them bestselling biographies of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Alfred Hitchcock, Tennessee Williams, and Ingrid Bergman. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Donald Spoto earned his Ph.D. in theology at Fordham University. After years as a theology professor, he turned to fulltime writing. The Hidden Jesus: A New Life, published in 1999, was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "offering a mature faith fit for the new millennium." His successful biography of Saint Francis was published in 2002.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 29 votes)
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29 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Reading about the lives of celebrities, especially actors, has become a recent trend for me. Donald Spoto has penned several such works. They are not only profound and rich in detail but also an easy and enjoyable read. The footnotes are present, yet they don't hinder your reading pace.


Here is the biography of Ingrid Bergman. She is, of course, a prominent figure in many classic movies, sharing the screen with stars such as Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, Gregory Peck, Gary Cooper, Charles Boyer, and working with directors like Alfred Hitchcock.


She always dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her career, sometimes at the expense of her children or husband. However, she was an amazing woman. She made films in five different languages and remained strong until the end when cancer claimed her life.

July 15,2025
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This book is just too cheesy for my liking.

There is a distinct lack of new information about Ingrid Bergman within its pages.

In fact, a significant portion of the book seems to be filled with speculations and hasty conclusions rather than solid, real facts.

Moreover, it leans too much towards the personal side. It doesn't really feel like a proper biography but more like a proclamation of love for Ms. Bergman.

While I can understand this sentiment as I myself am a devoted Ingrid Bergman fan and feel the same way,

the author, Spoto, really should have adhered more closely to the facts and perhaps given his imagination a break.

It took me an incredibly long time to get through this book, which was quite a disappointment considering my enthusiasm for the subject matter.

Overall, it had the potential to be a great work but unfortunately fell short in several aspects.
July 15,2025
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It's truly inspiring.

We often come across stories and experiences that have the power to move us deeply and ignite a spark within. These moments of inspiration can come from various sources, such as the achievements of others, acts of kindness, or even our own personal growth.

When we are inspired, it gives us a sense of motivation and purpose. It makes us believe that we too can accomplish great things and make a positive impact in the world.

Inspiration has the ability to break through our limitations and push us to reach for the impossible. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks.

We should always be open to these inspiring moments and let them guide us on our journey of life. By doing so, we can discover our true potential and create a life that is filled with meaning and fulfillment.

July 15,2025
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Five stars for the topic, detail, and subtle support of feminism.

It is truly remarkable how the article delves into the subject matter with such precision and nuance. The author's exploration of feminism is both thought-provoking and engaging, offering valuable insights into the movement.

However, I cannot help but feel that the last ten or so years of her life received short shrift. It seems that this crucial period was perhaps overlooked or not given the attention it deserved.

Given the significance of her life and work, it would have been interesting to see a more in-depth examination of this final chapter.

Nonetheless, the overall quality of the article is outstanding, and it serves as a testament to the importance of feminism and the need for continued discussion and analysis.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
July 15,2025
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Well written and definitely the actress of her era!

Ingrid Bergman was truly a remarkable figure. After watching nearly all of her movies, it becomes a fascinating endeavor to uncover the stories that lie behind the filming of each one. Bergman was no stranger to scandal, and delving into the full account of her ill-fated love affairs and marriages provides a deeper understanding of her life. Despite the tragedies and misjudgments that she endured, one cannot help but admire her even more for her greatness and professionalism. Her talent shone through in every role, and her ability to bring characters to life on the screen was truly extraordinary. She was a pioneer in the world of cinema and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors and actresses.
July 15,2025
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I think she was a great actor.

Her talent shone through in every role she played.

She had the ability to bring the characters to life and make the audience truly connect with them.

Not only was she a great actor, but I also loved her movies.

Each one was unique and captivating, with a story that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The way she interacted with the other actors and the chemistry between them was palpable.

Her movies were not just entertainment, but also works of art.

I will always remember her as one of the greatest actors of our time and will continue to watch her movies for years to come.

July 15,2025
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Notorious: The Life of Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman's life was truly remarkable.

She was an incredibly talented individual, proficient in five languages, which gave her a unique advantage in the international film industry.

What's more, she showcased her musical prowess by playing the piano like a professional in two pictures, adding yet another dimension to her already extensive skill set.

She was widely regarded as one of the finest actors of all time, her performances captivating audiences around the world.

However, her personal life was not without controversy. Her divorces, multiple marriages, and the decision to abandon her children in order to pursue her acting career drew criticism.

Yet, in the end, she was forgiven, perhaps because people recognized that her passion for acting was her life.

Whether it was comedy or drama, Ingrid Bergman could do it all with equal aplomb. Her talent and dedication continue to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers today.

July 15,2025
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It seems this is precisely what Spoto does.

This approach was indeed rather good and it provided a great deal of assistance towards understanding the lady.

By engaging in this particular activity or behavior, Spoto was able to gain valuable insights into the lady's character, motives, and perhaps even her past experiences.

It's possible that through this process, Spoto was able to pick up on subtle cues, body language, or nuances in the lady's speech that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

This enhanced understanding could then potentially lead to more effective communication, better decision-making, or a deeper connection with the lady.

Overall, it appears that Spoto's actions were not only beneficial but also played an important role in furthering his understanding of the lady in question.
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