As both producer and star of the film, he faced explosive moments with young director Stanley Kubrick, struggles with a leading lady, and negotiations with giant personalities, including Sir Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, and Lew Wasserman.

With the financial future of his young family at stake, Douglas plunged into a tumultuous production both on- and off-screen.

Douglas's source material was already a hot property, as the novel Spartacus was written by Howard Fast while he was in jail for defying HUAC. Trumbo was one of the 'Unfriendly Ten', men who had gone to prison rather than testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee about their political affiliations. In a risky move, Douglas chose Dalton Trumbo, a blacklisted screenwriter, to write Spartacus. Douglas began producing the movie in the midst of the politically charged era when Hollywood's moguls refused to hire anyone accused of Communist sympathies. Now, more than fifty years after the release of his enduring epic Spartacus, Douglas reveals the riveting drama behind the making of the legendary gladiator film. One of the world's most iconic movie stars, Kirk Douglas has distinguished himself as a producer, philanthropist, and author of ten works of fiction and memoir. 5.5' x 8.5' and 216 pages.įrom Kirk Douglas, Hollywood royalty and bestselling author of The Ragman's Son and My Stroke of Luck, comes the candid story of the making of Spartacus, the blockbuster film that broke the blacklist This edition also includes the original collector's notes and unattached 'Signed First Edition' book-plate for your own personalization. The COA is signed and dated by Douglas along with a witness. This signed first edition has been personally signed by the author Kirk Douglas on a special limitation page.Ĭertificate of Authenticity from Easton Press guarantees the signature as genuine. Kirk Douglas 'I Am Spartacus!: Making a Film, Breaking the Blacklist' Signed First Edition of only 700 produced in this special collector's edition.

A wonderful leather bound heirloom, personally signed by Kirk Douglas, one of the world's most iconic movie stars.Įaston Press, Norwalk, CT.

I Am Spartacus! by Kirk Douglas