A Hundred or More Hidden Things: The Life and Films of Vincente Minnelli

This highly readable volume about Hollywood director Vincente Minnelli deftly balances a scholarly desire to unearth the truth about the man and critically analyze the work. By turns gossipy and informative, catty and objective, this book examines Minnelli’s not-well-closeted homosexuality while also being fascinated by Minnelli’s ability to turn Hollywood straw into gold. As a biographer, Griffin reveals fascinating details of Minnelli’s early life and artistic development, including a formative friendship with “the Andy Warhol of his day,” mannequin designer Lester Gaba. On the cineast side, Griffin’s informative discussions of Minnelli’s masterpieces (among them Meet Me in St. Louis, An American in Paris, and Gigi) and misses (notably The Pirate) go a long way toward showing why Minnelli should be remembered for more than his ill-fated marriage to Judy Garland (and more successful fathering of Liza Minnelli). Griffin’s book will satisfy both readers hoping for Hollywood dirt and those hoping for a deeper appreciation of Minnelli’s work.

Paperback, 368 Pages, Published 2010