Draws on dozens of insider interviews in a portrait of the iconic Oscar nominee that discusses his traumatic childhood, sexual orientation and awareness-raising battle with AIDS. The icon worshiped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother. Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio's resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson's wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality. As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic. Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history. Worshiped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues, Hudson appeared to have it all. He grew up poor in Winnetka, Illinois; was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, Hudson was transformed, gaining a wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality. In 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. Griffin draws on interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions to create a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history. -- adapted from information provided.

Soon to be a major motion picture.

Introduction -- Winnetka -- Green gin -- A unique appeal -- Universal -- "We want Hudson!" -- Double technicolor -- Is Rock Hudson afraid of marriage? -- Giant -- Written on the wind -- A farewell to arms -- The tarnished angels -- Pillow talk -- Strange bedfellows -- SEconds -- Whistling away the dark -- McMillan & wife -- Blue snow -- Christian -- This is your life.