The Kid Stays in the Picture - A Story of Old "New Hollywood"

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The Kid Stays in the Picture

By: Robert Evans Published: 1994 432 Pages

Briefly, what is this book about?

This is the autobiography of Robert Evans. It jumps around a lot, but it's mostly built around his time as head of production for Paramount pictures from basically 1966-1974. Evans had basically zero experience, but by working himself nearly to death he produced such films as: The Godfather, Love Story, Chinatown, and Rosemary's Baby. In the process he saved the studio and became one of the most iconic figures of "New Hollywood".

Or to come at it from another angle, imagine Hollywood in its most wheeling and dealing, debauched, and drug-fueled state, that's what this book is about.

What's the author's angle?

Evans is an obvious narcissist, and it's clear that he has axes to grind, scores to settle, and crimes to explain. But he also has people to thank, stories to embellish, and insights to dispense. This is the author's book in a way that few books are. If Evans had any kind of editor, or even a lawyer look over this book I'm sure he told them to piss off far more often than he listened to them.

If you pick it up on audio, Evans did the reading which adds a whole other layer to his stories.

Who should read this book?

If you enjoy meeting that person at the party, the person who name drops like each name is a bomb and he's over Germany in 1945. The guy who tells one insane story after another, stories so insane you can't believe they're not exaggerated. But it's also possible that they've actually been toned down for legal reasons.

If you enjoy outrageous raconteurs, then this is the book for you.

Specific thoughts: What does success look like?