Vanity Will Get You Somewhere: An Autobiography

I always looked at Joseph Cotten as an interesting, humorous man who would have been a delightful companion. Vanity Will Get You Somewhere does nothing to dispel my admiration, not just for the actor, but the human being. As autobiographies go, this is a bit spotty. It is linear in most respects, but some things are left out. Those looking for exhaustive, film-by-film analysis will be disappointed. Cotten is more keen to provide an overview of his life and relationships, with emphasis on anecdotes regarding Hedda Hopper, Marilyn Monroe, David O. Selznick and Jennifer Jones and, of course, Orson Welles. Cotten admits to being an imperfect husband the first time around, and it's clear he did much better on his second attempt. His adoration for Patricia Medina flows through all pages where she is present, and it's clear that her sense of humor complements his beautifully. He describes their travels and gatherings in such a way that I am sad to have been born too late to take part. To have made your film debut in a major role in Citizen Kane is no small thing. To originate the role of C.K. Dexter Haven in the stage version of Philadelphia Story is splendid. To write about all of it without making yourself sound like an egocentric jerk? That's what Joseph Cotten does here. Brilliant, gentlemanly and funny - highly recommended.

I LOVE this book! One of the best Autobiographies I've read! If you are a Joe Cotten fan, I recommend this book!

This was one of the best autobiographies I have ever read! For any Joseph Cotten fan or classic movie fan it is a must. Joseph Cotten reveals everything from life as a child in VA to college to becoming a star, and all of the relationships he made along the way. I picked the book up once and didn't put it down until I had read every word.