Breaking the Silence

Sometimes hilarious, sometimes horrifying, always on target, this splendid autobiography by Emmy-winning actress Hartley and playwright Commire rises well above other efforts of its kind. Many of Hartley's themes are familiar--alcoholism, physical and mental abuse, psychoanalysis and eventual redemption--but her intelligence, candor and uncluttered prose cast all afresh. Whether she is describing an outrageous series of outtakes on the set of Gunsmoke or her father's decline and eventual bloody suicide, she offers substance and style. A special pleasure is her humor. On an adolescent rival: ``I'll bet she saves all her kilt pins in a little box that says `Kilt Pins.' '' On Fay Wray: ``I just wish my demons had been large, furry and visible. They weren't.'' Photos not seen by PW. First serial to People; BOMC featured alternate. (Oct.)