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In this autobiographical Best in Hollywood, you can share with me the golden age of Hollywood when she had unequaled world class. Now solidly in my eighties, I’m one of the few living actors who can hope to tell of the past glory and glamour of Hollywood as she really was way back when.
This was the Hollywood where I lived, loved, and worked during the time when she was the ruling queen. This was the time of a wonderful movie industry where genuine actors and actresses created truly entertaining musicals, comedies, dramas, and action for an eager movie-going public.
Even in those glorious golden days of Hollywood, my attempt to be a big winner was never all sunglasses and autographs. I tell here how I survived in a sometimes cruel town where a lifelong dream can be fulfilled or broken in a heartbeat. I didn’t escape without my share of scars.
I’ve written this book for those who might enjoy reading about the experiences of a very lucky ragtag orphan from Kentucky. I thank God for the opportunities given me. I was blessed to be adopted and to be given both a desire to work hard and, just as important, a love of fishing. I’ve been in a few scraps along the way, but I’ve done my level best to become a successful actor and to grow as a person.
If you’re curious about the good, the bad, and the beautiful of Hollywood—including The Dukes of Hazzard and many other adventures—it’s all in this book. I simply tell my story as I’ve lived it. I hope you enjoy it.
—James Best.
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READ THE REVIEWS! INCREDIBLE!
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01-18-2010 -
Hey James,
I just wanna say that I really love the book you made,
and especially the part about how you got the part as
Rosco P. Coltrane on "Dukes". I especially read page
after page after page, and I used a 4x6 index card as
a bookmark so I take a break from reading and pick up
where I left off. Anyway, I love the book you made and
it's without a doubt, the 'Best" christmas present I ever
had.
Sincerely,
Keith Davis
9-09-2009 - A special note from Ben Jones
Hey Jimmie,
Just wanted you to know that I really liked your book. I read it
as soon as I got it, straight through, as there is never a dull moment.
Its a real pageturner. Great stories, good memories, and a bunch
of terrific pictures.
It is a fine piece of writing and you capture your own "voice".
Thanks, and I want to play Paul Newman in the movie version....
Ben
8-26-2009
Mr. Best,
I just finished reading “Best in Hollywood” – in two days! That’s right, two full days is all it took to read your autobiography. The day I received it, I devoured the first 283 pages in one day (albeit, not in one sitting!). I kid you not; after waiting countless years to find out for myself just who James Best is and what he is all about, I relished the opportunity to finally find out. “Best in Hollywood” is easily one of – if not THE – most riveting read I have ever had the pleasure to peruse. It was funny, sad, heartbreaking, euphoric, adventurous, gritty, and above all honest.
You truly give the reader a front-row seat in seeing Hollywood of the Golden Era; having worked with some of the biggest stars of that era, such as Humphrey Bogart and Paul Newman. It’s almost mind-boggling how many great stars you’ve worked with and even more mind-boggling of how many television and movie appearances you have to your name.
I greatly enjoyed your numerous anecdotes, particularly those with Jerry Lewis and Burt Reynolds. Some of the gags Jerry pulled off had me in stitches! I can see why he’s revered as a comic genius.
I admire the one constant rule that you seem to live your life in Hollywood by: give as good as you have received – don’t let anyone take you for a ride! As appalling as it was for the execs at Warner Brothers to treat you so shabbily during the Dukes run, it was inspiring to read how you stood up to them time and time again; not being afraid to walk if your needs weren’t met. You set a good example for young (specifically naïve) actors that can get eaten up and spit out by the Hollywood machine.
And on the topic of being strong in the face of adversity, I’d be remiss if I didn’t salute you for your service in the Second World War, fighting for your country. This was something I was not completely aware of until reading your detailed accounts of your military service. It takes a brave soul to stand up to those Werewolf Gangs, and I’m glad to read that you more than held your own!
But in spite of some of the rough times (and less than scrupulous people) that you encountered in Hollywood, I admire that you did not partake in any salacious kissing and telling. Too many books today written by athletes, movie stars, musicians, and the like seem to dedicate significant portions of their life stories to their dislikes for some of their colleagues in a very lowbrow fashion. It was very refreshing to see “Best in Hollywood” is free of any of that squalor. I noticed that if there was someone that you weren’t particularly enamoured with, you didn’t go out of your way to harp on their negative points.
One of the real treats of your autobiography was something I didn’t expect: your wonderful poetry. Having visited your site, I became much acclimated with your talent for painting, but I had no idea you had such an eloquent pen. My two favorite poems you provided are “A Little Child’s Prayer” and “Do Not Weep”. The former vividly reflects the helplessness an orphan must feel not having anywhere to turn to and the latter is imbued with a fortifying – and uplifting – spirituality. Seeing your talents in poetry (as well as your painting) made me understand more deeply your frustration of being type-casted as only “Rosco P. Coltrane”. One role, regardless of how fortuitous it may be, can sometimes overshadow the many other talents a performer possesses.
It is also a treat to see so many rare photographs from so long ago. I had only seen a handful of photos from not only your pre- and post-Dukes life in Hollywood, but I had never seen your childhood pictures from when you were growing up. Thank you for sharing those with us fans.
All in all, at the risk of making an understatement, “Best in Hollywood” for me was money well spent. Thank you for sharing your life story with me and the many other grateful fans across the globe.
All the best,
Reza
8-17-09
Dear Jimmie -
What a thrill it was to recieve my autographed (#12) copy of your book. Patty and I will remember every moment we have spent with you as we read and re-read your story. As you know, I treasure our friendship and am so honored that I have had the great joy in knowing you, first as a fan and now as your friend. God's great blessings come to our lives without us seeking them or dreaming them up, they just come, just as our friendship has evolved.
When I think back to the first time I saw you performing at an Andy Griffith show reunion, and my awe at seeing this man I had enjoyed in so many movies and television shows over the years, I would never have guessed that I would someday have the honor of being on the same stage with you, but it happened. Not because of what I did but because of something you saw in me that I could not see for myself. So, when I tell you that you have been more than a friend to me and my career as a performer, I will always look upon you as a mentor and teacher. As you know, a mentor is not always someone who says "do it this way", a mentor is someone who lives his life in such a way that, by example, he is teaching someone else. Thank you for being that mentor in my life and once more, your book is truly a treasure in our home.
Your friend and fellow Shrew killer,
David Browning (and Patty)
David L. Browning
The Mayberry Deputy
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8-15-09
I got this book on my birthday, of all days. Yesterday. It came as a delightful and heartwarming surprise, after some 15 years of getting my butt kicked in Hollywood, as Jimmie warned me it would.
And after a particularly trying week, this week, I open my mailbox and, once again, here comes Jimmie, showing up in the nick of time with his stories, his words, and his inspiration. He always shows up to save the day and kick my butt back on the horse.
I’m about halfway through it (I couldn’t put it down last night). It’s all there, the story of a man who is first, last and always my hero. It’s his unmistakable voice telling all those stories… some I’ve heard, many, surprisingly, I have not.
And I thought I’d heard everything.
So I’m reading and it’s just like being in his home and hearth, sitting at the kitchen table with Jimmie and Teenser, laughing and giggling.
And crying. Often crying from joy at the purity of this man’s emotions, a purity that shines through beautifully in the prose and even more wonderfully in the poetry. A purity that comes from the childhood soul that is Jewell Guy, that Jimmie has carried with him and shared with all of this.
And I read and I find myself pictured in this book and discussed with great love and I am overwhelmed. That I can occupy a little, tiny space in this man’s as yet very unfinished life story is honor enough and humbles me into complete speechlessness. But that I am mentioned in this book, in the same pages as others… Mr. Stewart, Mr. Newman, Sam Fuller, Raoul Walsh, Jerry Lewis and others… my God, what a precious thing.
In 1990, shortly after we met, Jim and Dorothy invited me and mine to dinner as they began to take us under the wings of their extended, generous and loving family.
After dinner, Jimmie winked and asked me if I wanted to see his Oscar. I said, “Sure!”
He took me into his media room and showed me a beautifully framed, simple drawing of a rabbit. It was signed by the great actor James Stewart.
Jimmie turned to me. “As a young actor I got to watch Mr. Stewart make the film HARVEY. I worked with him for many years. He drew that picture of Harvey for me. He said it was what Harvey looked like. That’s my Oscar.”
In Jimmie’s book, he says James Stewart is his greatest icon.
James Best is my greatest icon. And this book is my Oscar.
Steve
8-14-09
TO JIMMIE & DOROTHY and the Great Many James Best fans -
Yesterday was very special and one I will never forget. About 10:30am the mail truck came by and dropped off my copy of the new book BEST IN HOLLYWOOD: The Good, The Bad, & The Beautiful. I knew my day was shot right there. I recently heard on the news about a lady that was stuck on her toilet for two weeks - I figured chances were she had gotten a hold of an early copy of this book and couldn't put it down. I didn't want to end up on the news so I retreated to the bedroom and tuned out the rest of the world.
I went in and immediately started reading this masterpiece. I was extremely proud and honored to have contributed the artwork for the cover - and the printing company had went beyond all my expectations. The colors were vibrant and the layout, photo placement, and fonts used in the book were absolutely outstanding. Even though I had posted a picture of the cover here a couple of months ago, I do not want fans to think I had any idea of what to expect when I actually got my hands on a copy. I have three hard drives completely full of James Best material - but I had honestly never read one sentence of this book - nor seen about 75% of the photos prior to its release. I only say this to emphasize what a fantastic gift this was to me, and my complete surprise at the content. I knew that Jimmie and Dorothy had been swamped with this project for the last year - and I finally had my hands on the fruits of their labor. My contribution was trivial knowing what they had went through to put it together and secure a good publisher. They worked extremely hard to bring this to project to light and the finished product is absolutely incredible.
Of course I started reading it immediately. My kids could have built and set off an atomic bomb in the living room (and probably did) and I would not have heard it. I read and read and read soaking it all in - reading the glorious story of this remarkable human being and enjoying the fantastic picture he was painting with words. I have heard several of the included stories directly from the man himself at his breakfast table - and I have always hoped their would be an outlet for other true fans to hear the stories as I have heard them. With this wonderful book - the opportunity is now there and I am thankful for it. I read until midnight and finished the last 9 pages or so as soon as I woke up.
If you know this man - you know that there are enough stories there for a collector's set of books or at least several sequels to this one. His vast knowledge of filmmaking is incredible - and it always amazes me to watch someone that has both the technical skill and the creative skill to put something on screen. Jimmie has not only the ability to write the script, create the character and act the part - but he also knows where to put the camera and what lense to use - an incredible and rare combination of talent that he never brags about in the book. Most people in Hollywood can do one of those or the other - rarely can someone do it all, as it requires strong right and left brain computing at the same time. He jokes about it - but the man really is very humble - especially given the wide range of skills he possesses. Readers get a chance to see where these skills come from and how they developed.
I personally know of a lot of sadness that Jimmie left out - and I guess it is for the best, as the book serves as extremely encouraging and uplifting proof that anyone with talent and desire can make it in this Country and it doesn't matter where you are from, nor how rich or poor you might be. I personally took that spark from the book to heart as an aspiring creative individual living not too far from the Mississippi that Hollywood pulled him out of.
I learned a lot from this book I did not know. Even though I had been on numerous personal appearances with Jimmie and Dorothy across this country - most of the time it was in relation to "Dukes of Hazzard". It was kind of stuck in my mind that he really did not do a tremendous amount of personal appearences until after the show, and only did them related to the show. Not until reading this book did I realize that the big studios would send Jimmie out with other big name actors to do personal appearences and sign autographs in connection with Westerns and similar films. I guess I didn't realize the popularity of that prior to the "Fests" and similar events that occur today. The book does an amazing job of showing his connections and contributions to so many Hollywood stars that I began to realize "this man is the real Forrest Gump". I can assure you there is much more left to be told, but I guess he wasn't trying to write "War and Peace".
My relationship to Jimmie is what made reading this incredible book come full circle to me. I have never really been able to put my finger on it honestly. We do share the same politics, interests, and sense of humor. Believe me - he is not 83 years old no matter what his Birth Certificate says. I have had many fans over the last few years write or call me and say "you are living my dream - keep it up". I understand exactly what they mean, but yet in another way I do not. Jimmie is one of my very BEST friends - but he is not Rosco. He is so much more. We spend time together - but we talk about much more than "Dukes of Hazzard". Granted, I do believe that film was invented for the sake of filming "Dukes of Hazzard" - but that is beside the point. Our relationship is far beyond his connection to a television show I love to this day. If he were my crazy neighbor and not a movie star I would love him just the same - a true testament to the nature and character of this Southern Boy named James Best. I only wish I might have been part of the "Greatest Generation" and been around for the early chapters of this roller coaster ride.
No matter where life has taken him - he is still that Good Ole' Boy from the South that I identify with. I often tell people that deep down everyone wants to be Southern no matter where they are from - and you never hear a Southerner wishing they were from anywhere else. I have seen photos of Confederate Flags in Canada, Ireland, Austrailia - and I have never heard of anyone retiring from here and moving North. For that matter - there are more General Lee replicas in the North than in the South! Southerners can go to Hollywood, beat them at their own game and come back home and be the same neighborly people they were when they left. This holds true for most American Idol winners, the King of Rock N'Roll and especially the legendary James Best.
I am excited about this book because it gives his many fans the opportunity to know Jimmie and love him as I do. I was absolutely thrilled to be included in the book - but struggle to understand why God handed me this wonderful friendship or why God felt I deserved it. I really feel that way - because when you read this book - you are reading about your childhood hero. To personally know your childhood hero is incredible, and just hearing him speak your first name with the voice you have looked up to forever is enough recognition to last a lifetime. To be recognized in his autobiography is overwhelming. I am deeply honored - but in some way it registers to me like the off-key discount birthday-party Elvis being mentioned in the memoirs of the real King.
Jimmie, Dorothy, and my brother Kevin Lang and I have worked hard to keep the spirit of the "Dukes of Hazzard" alive with our DVDs - but believe me, NOTHING released related to Jimmie or the Dukes in the last 30 years compares. It is a must have and it will be enjoyed for generations. I have #5 of 250 - and inside the back cover I am handwriting my thoughts about this wonderful man and addressing it to my children and the grandchildren I do not yet have. I want them to know that their daddy/grandad knew and worked with one of the most talented men that has ever lived. My copy is the only thing kept in my fireproof gun safe that is not a gun - and will be cherished forever and passed down through our family.
I love you Jimmie and wish you the best with this incredible book. I encourage everyone to "go to the hip" like Jimmie says and pick up a copy today. There are many things that Jimmie has left to do and wants to do - including shooting some of the screenplays mentioned in this book. If we the fans can spread the word and turn this into a Best Seller - I believe the road to those goals will be paved, and the necessary resources will be made available. Spread the word to family and friends - it would make a great Christmas present - and people need a positive uplifting story once in a while in this old world.
Your friend,
Scott Romine
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My wife Debi called at noon and said your book was in. I was home by 1:00,
started reading and just finished at 7:00. I could have been done
sooner but I had to keep wiping my eyes after prolonged bouts of
laughter. It is GREAT. I could not put it down. I can't wait to see
you and re-live every page. I know it will be boring for you but you
might as well get used to it. You will be like a singer with their
first number one hit, you better love it because all your fans do and
we will expect to hear it everytime we see you. Great! Great! Job.
You are a class act and I knew you would produce nothing less.
I love ya,
Stay young
Roger Yarborough
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"Mr.Best, I received my book today, signed and numbered 250 out of 250! How awesome is that!? I have a birthday in a couple of days, and this was my little present to myself. I finished a couple of chapters tonight and it is a WONDERFUL READ. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You paint as beautiful a picture with your words as you do with your paintbrush."
Brian Carpenter
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I just finished my autographed copy of best in hollywood I couldn't put it down after I opened it,and all the great pictures what a career, just wanted to say hi and thank you and hope to someday buy a original painting. Thank you!
a fan
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James-
I don't know that you realize it, but I would like to convey to you how much of an impact you have had. Growing up in the early eighties, I obviously was a fan of the Dukes of Hazzard. I know that you distance yourself from that a bit these days, and I understand why. However, that show had such an influence on me in terms of the ideas of family and right and wrong.
Now being an adult, I tend to agree with your views on Hollywood, music, order in society etc. It is nice to be able to keep up with what you are up to with facebook. I guess that my point is that many of my friends and certainly I look upon you as almost a part of the family. You have been, be it through your art, your commentary, or even your persona, an anchor to what was (and really should be) normal life in this country.
I thank you for your book.
-Jason Feldman
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Jimmie, I was so please to receive your new book today. I was very thrilled to get one under 100. I tried to jump on it early. I read a bit this evening and it is going to be very interesting. I met you once in Salem Indiana at the speedway. I was the fellow with the young singer. you may not remember, I realize you have so much to do and so many to meet. I wanted to say, I was raised in the coal fields of West Virginia. My father passed away from Black lung and I know the suffering involved with the disease. I know your acting career was a job to you, but I wanted you to know the joy you brought to my father and I. I have some very fond memories of watching you on Dukes with my dad. It was a show he would rarely miss, and would watch the reruns with the same enthusiasm. We used to sit and laugh at you and Boss Hogg so many times. It was a much simpler time when a show's success hinged on the creativity and professionalism of the actor. Now it seems so much is digitized and the craft of acting is being lost. There is a lot to say about making a movie with film, and raw talent which rarely exists now. May Dad has gone on to be with the love of his life, and I am left here with a part of my heart missing. Reading about your struggles, failures and success make me feel a bit closer to you the man that brought so much joy, and a wealth of memories to me. I will keep you in my Prayers, and I only wish my dad had been able to meet you one time before he passed. Your still a joy to watch and I hope you have a long healthy life ahead. To me you will always be young. May God Bless you and keep you and Dorothy safe.......
Jim Adkins
Pekin, Indiana
30 miles from Corydon your home.
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hi james
just got to chapter 11 of your book,i did,t know you were so tough in your younger years,you look like your natural mother,and i was very surprised you were on the streets in new york,i also like your wording of things in your book,its so honest and refreshing.
see you got your love for fishing from your father,its a great book,and ill read some more tonight,thanks for sharing all your personal stuff.
take care
anthony
