I wasn't born yet when Ingrid Bergman scandalized people in the late '40's. However, I had heard it being referred to on several occasions. This book not only provides the background of her marriages and affairs but also details her movies and theatre roles. It's truly an eye-opening read.

After going through this book, my Netflix list has significantly grown. I now have a newfound appreciation for Ingrid Bergman's work and want to explore more of her movies. It's amazing how a single book can have such an impact on one's interests.

I'm excited to dive into the world of Ingrid Bergman and discover the magic that she brought to the silver screen and the stage. I'm sure it's going to be a fascinating journey filled with great performances and memorable moments.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Ingrid Bergman or the history of Hollywood. It's a must-read for movie lovers and those who appreciate great storytelling.

I have perused some of the other reviews that castigate Mr. Spoto for compiling a book that leans too heavily towards hagiography rather than a proper biography. After delving into it, I understand the gist of their criticism, yet I beg to differ for several reasons.

Firstly, I highly doubt that a biographer can ever handle a truly kind, polite, and considerate individual without facing accusations from critics that the book is "hagiography". "Real" doesn't necessarily equate to "nasty and brutish" - we're not all adherents of Thomas Hobbes. Frankly, those who believe otherwise are revealing far more about their own life experiences and upbringing than about the subject at hand.

Secondly, when Spoto offers context for the less savory things Bergman did, he doesn't attempt to excuse her bad conduct - at least, that's how it seemed to me. He was merely presenting the circumstances surrounding her behavior. It was more of "this is why she did this", rather than "this is why it's acceptable that she did this." In my view, the former is essential for a good biography. Even the best of people, and surely the kind of person whose life makes for a great subject of a biography, will have actions that are strange, foolish, or wrong. Just like that Texas kid who took a timeout yesterday and had me thinking "what on earth are you doing?!?! Why would you do that?" The same goes for Bergman's life. For instance, Roberto Rossellini was a fat, balding, hot-tempered, lazy, and good-for-nothing flake. He was as selfish as one could be and didn't even have the redeeming quality of being good-looking. So, why was she so attracted to him that she left her controlling, cold husband? That's what I wanted to know, and Spoto provided the information.

So far, Petter Lindstrom comes across as a cold, bitter prick who doesn't seem to care about scarring his daughter for life as long as he can hurt his wife/ex-wife in the process. He's a self-centered chauvinist, and I think I despise him. She left him for Roberto Rossellini, who was even worse. She definitely had poor taste in husbands. Her last husband, Lars Schmidt, finally seemed to be the best friend she'd always wished for. I find it fascinating to see how much premarital sex these movie stars had, even back then. I mean, obviously, that's why she was condemned on the Senate floor and her pictures were banned from theaters across America (mostly in the South). But it's not like she was significantly worse than the other movie stars of the day - she wasn't. She just had a "saint" image that made people feel more betrayed when she was discovered to be just like everyone else.

I think the book did quite clearly illustrate the difficulties in life when one prioritizes their career and makes a conscious decision to subordinate their relationships, both with their children and their husband(s), to that career. Sure, it was more public because her career was in the public eye, but I'm certain there are countless people out there who had a similar life trajectory to Ingrid Bergman because they put their job first throughout their lives.

Personally, I only work to have enough money to pay for food and heat. If I were wealthy, I'd spend all my time with my wife and kids.

**Ingrid Bergman: A Life of Triumphs and Tribulations**

Ingrid Bergman's life was a complex tapestry of love, success, scandal, and redemption. From a young age, she was drawn to the world of acting, despite her father's hopes for her to become an opera star. Her beauty and talent quickly caught the attention of the camera, and she embarked on a career that would take her to the heights of Hollywood fame.

However, her personal life was far from perfect. Her affairs, particularly the one with director Roberto Rossellini, led to a public scandal that nearly destroyed her career. She was banished from Hollywood for six years, a time when she faced harsh condemnation from the public and the media.

Despite the setbacks, Ingrid remained committed to her craft and eventually returned to Hollywood, winning a second Academy Award for her role in *Anastasia*. She continued to work until her death from breast cancer in 1982, leaving behind a body of work that will be remembered for generations to come.

One of the most interesting aspects of Ingrid's life was her relationship with her children. In a time when the expectation for women was to give up everything for their families, Ingrid struggled to find a balance between her career and her motherhood. She felt guilty for not being more available to her children, but when she was with them, she was a devoted and loving mother.

Overall, Ingrid Bergman's life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome even the most difficult of obstacles. Her story is one that will continue to inspire and fascinate audiences for years to come.

“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.”
― Ingrid Bergman


Ingrid at age fourteen.

Ingrid's mother, Frieda, died when she was only two years old. Her father, Justus, an artist obsessed with cameras and video, borrowed a video camera for each of her birthdays. From the comments on those old films, it was clear that Ingrid had a special connection with the camera, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to be an actress. However, her father had other dreams for her and hoped she would become an opera star.

Unfortunately, Justus died when Ingrid was thirteen, so he never got to see the beginning of her monumental career. In 1937, she married Petter Lindström, a dentist studying to become a neurosurgeon. He was a practical man who sometimes clashed with Ingrid's artistic nature. He negotiated all her contracts, but some producers found him too controlling.

David O. Selznick convinced Petter and Ingrid that she needed to come to Hollywood to further her career. The American public fell in love with her, seeing her as a desirable and devoted wife. But in 1950, everything came crashing down when Ingrid had an affair with Roberto Rossellini and became pregnant. Her image as the "good girl of film" was shattered, and she was banished from Hollywood for six years.

She married Rossellini, but he was hypercritical of her work and preferred her to stay home and have children. Ingrid felt repressed, but she did give birth to their daughter, Isabella Rossellini. In the 1950s, her parenting skills were seen as irresponsible, but today, most women understand the importance of finding a balance between work and family.

Ingrid returned to Hollywood in 1956 with a bang, starring in *Anastasia* and winning a second Academy Award. She finally shed the "good girl" image and was able to be her true self. She continued to work in films and on stage until her death from breast cancer in 1982.

Throughout her life, Ingrid had a complex relationship with her children. She felt guilty for not being more available to them, but when she was with them, she was a loving and devoted mother. She also had a passion for acting that could not be quenched, and she was willing to sacrifice much to pursue her dreams.

In conclusion, Ingrid Bergman's life was a remarkable one, filled with both joy and sorrow. She was a talented actress, a loving mother, and a complex woman who will always be remembered for her contributions to the world of film.


The camera and her public adored her.

There is no doubt that she was a fabulous actress.

Her great roles in Intermezzo, Gaslight, The Bells of St. Mary's, Notorious, Spellbound, Joan of Arc, Anastasia, Inn of the Sixth Happiness, Autumn Sonata and A Woman Called Golda are truly remarkable.

I knew that there was much controversy about Bergman's personal life. However, the author, Daniel Spoto, lays it all out.

From her tragic childhood full of death to her introduction to acting in the Swedish cinema and then to Hollywood with its pitfalls, it's all there.

There is a good insight into Bergman's heart and mind when she decided to have an affair with Robert Rossellini.

What I came away with was that Bergman was a troubled woman who wanted happiness and normalcy.

She faced many challenges in her life, both personally and professionally.

Yet, she managed to achieve great success in her acting career.

Her story is one of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

It's a story that continues to fascinate and inspire people to this day.

This is an absolutely dreadfully written book, and it is so incredibly dull that it is almost unbearable.

I am a huge Bergman fan, and upon seeing all the good reviews, I naively thought it must be a great read. However, I managed to somehow plough through half of it before I simply couldn't stand any more of that mind-numbing guff.

As a result, I gave up and went back to reading Ingrid Bergman's autobiography, which is far more engaging and interesting.

If you are also a fan of Ingrid Bergman and want to read about her life and career, I would highly recommend staying away from this particular book and instead sticking to her own autobiography. It will provide you with a much more accurate and fascinating account of her remarkable life.

Don't waste your time on this poorly written book when there is a much better alternative available.

This biography did an outstanding job of delving into the life of Ingrid Bergman.

It provided a comprehensive account of both her personal and professional endeavors. The author demonstrated a remarkable ability to write objectively about Ingrid.

There have been numerous strong opinions and perspectives regarding her. However, in the end, it becomes evident that she was simply a human being who strived to do her best.

Along her journey, she inevitably made many mistakes. Nevertheless, her life and career remain a fascinating subject of study and admiration.

Despite the controversies and challenges she faced, Ingrid Bergman left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and entertainment.

Her talent, beauty, and charisma continue to captivate audiences even today.

This biography serves as a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about this iconic figure.

She is a truly fascinating woman.

Her presence commands attention wherever she goes. With her captivating smile and charming personality, she has the ability to make those around her feel special and at ease.

She is not only beautiful on the outside but also has a rich and interesting inner world. Her thoughts and ideas are unique and thought-provoking, often leaving others in awe.

She has a passion for life that is contagious, and she approaches every new experience with enthusiasm and curiosity. Whether it's traveling to new places, trying new hobbies, or simply engaging in deep conversations with friends, she always makes the most of every moment.

In conclusion, she is a woman who embodies grace, intelligence, and a zest for life. She is truly one of a kind and a joy to be around.

Although the author is clearly a die-hard fan of Ingrid Bergman,

he does paint a vivid picture of a truly remarkable human being. Ingrid Bergman endured a storm of negative publicity,

yet she remained steadfast in her determination to live life on her own terms.

Ms. Bergman emerged as one of the world's greatest actresses,

with her career always taking precedence in her life.

Despite this, which she perhaps regretted in the end,

her children, ex-husbands and lovers, and friends all held her in the highest regard and had an abundance of love for her.

She truly did "do it her way,"

and in doing so, she left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and in the hearts of those who knew her.

Her story serves as an inspiration to us all,

showing that it is possible to pursue our dreams and live life authentically,

even in the face of great adversity.

The Publisher Says: Ingrid Bergman's story is truly captivating, just like the characters she brought to life in numerous memorable movies and plays. Her filmography includes classics such as "Intermezzo, The Bells of St. Mary's, Spellbound, Notorious, Anastasia, Hedda Gabler" and "A Woman Called Golda." Whether playing a saint or a sinner, Bergman's own passionate nature shone through in her roles. This biography takes readers on a journey from her difficult childhood in Sweden to her experiences in Nazi Germany, from the golden age of Hollywood to her status as an international star on both sides of the Atlantic. It also covers the time when she was harshly criticized and the final years of her life, when she faced a tragic illness with grace and courage.

The supporting cast in her life story reads like a who's who of the entertainment industry, including David O. Selznick, Alfred Hitchcock, Roberto Rossellini, Spencer Tracy, Gary Cooper, Howard Hughes, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, John Gielgud, Yul Brynner, and Robert Capa.

"Notorious: The Life of Ingrid Bergman" is an epic biography of a great actress who not only changed the face of international celebrity but also influenced the world's perception of what a woman could achieve.

My Review: The subtitle of this book sums it up perfectly. Ingrid Bergman was a strikingly beautiful film and stage actress from the 1930s to the 1980s. Donald Spoto, the author, is a prolific writer with over 20 celebrity biographies to his name, as well as several books on Christian and mystical themes. He has written about a diverse range of subjects, including Preston Sturges, Alfred Hitchcock, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, and Diana, Princess of Wales.

As a gay reader, I immediately felt a connection to Spoto. There are small details in the book that might go unnoticed by a non-gay reader, but they made me smile. I love that sense of being in on the joke. That's one of the reasons why people read celebrity bios – to feel like they're in the know and have access to the latest gossip. It can be fun and harmless, but it can also be a bit of a guilty pleasure.

However, I also have some reservations about the ethics of writing and reading celebrity bios. Do we really have the right to know every intimate detail of a famous person's life? Is it fair to subject them to such intense scrutiny, especially when they're no longer alive to defend themselves? In the case of Ingrid Bergman, her friends and family cooperated with Spoto, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it was okay for him to publish all of the details of her final days.

Despite my concerns, I have to admit that I really enjoyed this book. It was a juicy read that kept me entertained for two days. The pictures were a nice touch, and I loved learning new things about some of my favorite actors and movies. I guess I'm part of the problem, but at least I'm having fun!

The Publisher Says: Ingrid Bergman's dramatic story is as compelling as any of the women she portrayed in dozens of memorable movies and plays, an impressive list that includes \\"Intermezzo, The Bells of St. Mary's, Spellbound, Notorious, Anastasia, Hedda Gabler\\" and\\" A Woman Called Golda.\\" Whether acting the role of saint or sinner, Bergman found in her characters the extremes of her own devoted and passionate nature. This riveting biography takes readers from her blighted childhood in Sweden to her time in Nazi Germany; from the golden age of Hollywood to her status as an international star on the stages and screens of Europe and America; from the time she was branded \\"an apostle of degradation\\" to the twilight of her life, when she endured a tragic final illness with grace and courage.

The supporting cast in her life story is a veritable International Who's Who, and includes, among many others, David O. Selznick, Alfred Hitchcock, Roberto Rossellini, Spencer Tracy, Gary Cooper, Howard Hughes, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, John Gielgud, Yul Brynner and Robert Capa.

\\"Notorious: The Life of Ingrid Bergman\\" is the epic biography of a great actress who not only altered the shape of international celebrity but also significantly changed the world's ideas about what a woman could be.

My Review: The subtitle says it all. For those who might be unfamiliar with Planet Earth, Ingrid Bergman was a stunningly beautiful film and stage actress of the 1930s to the 1980s. Donald Spoto, the author, will celebrate his 70th birthday this year (2011); he was a monk, a teacher, and then a pop-culture apologist/celebrist/analyst with some 20 celebrity biographies to his credit, plus several books on Christian/mystical themes.

Preston Sturges. Alfred Hitchcock. Grace Kelly. Miss Bergman. Diana, Princess of Wales. All subjects of Spoto's apparently unstoppable urge to biographize, expressed over the past 35-plus years. So look at that list: Is this author gay? Oh my goodness, yes. Gladly and openly so.

I start out each book, then, with a very strong connection to the author. He's One Of Mine. Small moments that might slip past a non-gay reader are here, smirking at me. I *love* that sense of being in on the joke. And that right there? That's the reason people read celebrity bios. They're in the know, they're totally equipped with gossip material, they are Inquiring Minds that are now sated. It's fun. It's harmless. It's hugely profitable.

Well....

IS it fun? For readers of the better quality books about figures of their personal interest, yes...for the fussbudgetty writers, probably...for the cooperative subjects, maybe. At any point in that chain, whether it be a writer whose passion for organizing and categorizing gives out before the job is done, finishing this type of fact-checking nightmare of a book can be awful, and not to mention the bliss and heaven of a source recanting important testimony! Or a cooperative subject who turns uncooperative!

Harmless? Hardly. Harmful in the extreme. We The People do *not* have the right to know what, for example, Ingrid Bergman felt in her last days on this earth as she slowly and painfully died of metastatic breast cancer. That her friends and family cooperated with Spoto, as Bergman herself had in a different context (a series of interviews about Alfred Hitchcock gave birth to this bio of Bergman, because she was very forthcoming with the author), does not absolve the reader of such a book as this of a defensible charge of prurience, and passive or active participation in a cultural trend that leaves those who are not resolutely anonymous with no zone of privacy anywhere ever. Contemplate that for a few seconds. What a horrifying thought. So spend that $30 and feel entitled to ALL THE DIRT!! The dirtier, the better. Then imagine that it's *your* life under this scrutiny.

Profits are made in stacks, for sure and certain, because the books keep a-comin'. Spoto alone has published 27 books to date. The publishers aren't in the charity game, so they're minting the spondulix or there wouldn't be any more.

Okay, all that said...this book was a blast! It gossiped my ears off for two whole days and the pictures were so cool! I loved the evocation of some of my favorite actors and movies and learned interesting new stuff about them all.

I admit it: I am part of the problem. But I have a smile on my face!

Ingrid Bergman is a renowned figure, and as the title suggests, this is a book that讲述了Ingrid Bergman的一生。Frankly speaking, I have complex feelings towards this book. As a fan of Ingrid Bergman, I must say (otherwise, I would never have been able to finish that thick book). So, I won't be objective. In fact, I don't quite understand biographies. This is even the first biography I've read.

However, there is so much effort put into it that it's impossible not to feel respect. Donald Spoto has truly done his research. He has conveyed everything to us down to the tiniest detail. He has compiled it beautifully. Moreover, in this book, besides learning about Ingrid Bergman's life, it's also possible to gain a great deal of information about European and American theater and cinema.

Note: Donald Spoto must love Ingrid Bergman at least as much as I do, so he couldn't be objective in some places either.

This might be because I’m crazy, but reading this alongside Homer made me think about it like the Helen of Troy story.

Obviously, they are different. However, the honorable husband being betrayed, the daughter being abandoned, the wife being bewitched by the guest from the east, and the subsequent uproar - all these elements have certain parallels.

It makes me think of celebrity stories. In the world of celebrities, there are often tales of betrayals, abandonments, and scandals that cause a huge uproar. Just like in myths and legends, the actions and decisions of these famous people and characters can have far-reaching consequences.

Perhaps there is something in human nature that is fascinated by such stories, whether they are from ancient myths or modern-day celebrity news. They both seem to capture our imagination and make us reflect on the complex relationships and emotions that exist within society.

Does everyone adore Ingrid Bergman?

Donald Spoto surely does. He knew her in real life and was clearly infatuated. This book is replete with depictions of her kind spirit, her warmth, her charm, and inner glow. She might have been the most saintly actress to have ever lived. In fact, her goodness was so extreme that every criticism leveled at her can be easily disproven. She cheated on her first husband, but the marriage was already over and, moreover, her husband behaved even worse. She shocked America by running off with Roberto Rossellini, but America had constructed an overly saintly image of her, and again, her first husband's actions were worse. She wasn't a brilliant mother, as her view of motherhood was atypical and took a backseat to her career, but no mother ever loved or cared for her children more. Making a film in 1938 Germany and joining her indoctrinated aunt in Nazi salutes showed a lack of social and political awareness, which is true, but Ingrid was an artist primarily focused on her art and not worldly at all, and she later made up for it by playing Golda Meir.

[Interestingly, that lack of social awareness is the same excuse used for P.G. Wodehouse's missteps during the war. I don't doubt it, but it's interesting that there are writers and actors so engrossed and sheltered in their work that they fail to notice something as significant as Nazi-ism emerging around them.]

Now, I never knew Ingrid Bergman, so perhaps she was as wonderful as this biography implies. Certainly, men seemed to fall in love with her wherever she went. But sometimes this book reads like hagiography, and Bergman, despite all her patience, grace, and wonderful goodness, doesn't quite seem like a real person in the story of her own life.

It shines when dealing with the aftermath of the Rossellini scandal, but mostly it just progresses quickly and professionally through her films, plays, and love affairs without much excitement. However, it does leave one with a desire to watch some Ingrid Bergman movies, and that can't be a bad thing.