Katharine Hepburn: The Untold Story

One of the most singular performers of the 20th century, Hepburn was known as a no-nonsense woman who flouted the rules of stardom. Yet Parish, author of several celebrity bios (of Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O'Donnell, Gus Van Sant and others), believes Hepburn's "mannish attitudes, attire, and manners were far more indicative of her sexual nature than a reflection of her role as a pioneering feminist." According to the author, Hepburn's offstage image as a frank, plainspeaking woman was a sham, a role she adopted to deflect accusations of being a lesbian. The case, which Parish builds on gossip and hearsay, suggests her love affairs with men were business maneuvers or publicity stunts. Her relationships with Howard Hughes, John Ford and Spencer Tracey were more platonic than physical, Parish insists, since these men were ambivalent about their own sexual preferences. Despite claims of a great love affair with Tracey, "Kate never remembered Spencer ever saying specifically he loved her." Conversely, Parish speculates Hepburn had romantic liaisons with Broadway producer Irene Selznick and socialite Laura Harding. Though some readers may find Parish's use of terms like "maiden women" and "spinsters" problematic, his probing biography will pique the interest of Hepburn addicts. 30 b&w photos. Agent, Stuart Bernstein. (Nov.)