Doris Day, Reluctant Star by David Bret

Review by Maggie Perkovic October 2008
Like many of us Doris Day has been a firm favourite in my life. From 'Calamity Jane' to 'Love me or Leave Me' she has always given the very best performance. She was a top selling star both in films and on records, with a top TV show for many years.
However, behind all this success was a sad story of brutal husbands who manipulated her and used her talent to furnish their lifestyles. her one son from the marriage to her first husband endured an unhappy childhood despite her best efforts. He died aged 62 in 2004 and Doris Day now lives a virtual recluse with only her work for her beloved animals keeping her very busy and fulfilled.
She stated she would have preferred to be a happy housewife with a houseful of children than the star which she no doubt was. Any money she made was taken and 'invested' by Marty Melcher (her 3rd husband), which left her destitute after his death. She had to work for many years just to repay her taxes due to Melchers bad business dealings.
This book which only relates facts Doris herself told in her autobiography sets out the facts very clearly and of course numbers all the films which starred this very lovely and talented lady.