Includes bibliographical references (p. [301]-322) and index.

Introduction -- Parents -- Connecticut to Santa Barbara to New York -- Into the cuckoo's nest -- Action star -- Sex symbol -- The flawed contemporary male -- Radiance and radiation.

A groundbreaking portrait of one of Hollywood's most successful stars, from critically acclaimed and bestselling biographer Marc Eliot. Douglas emerged from the long shadow cast by his movie-legend father, Kirk, to establish a reputation for producing and starring in hugely successful movies. While cultivating a multifaceted action persona, his personal life floundered amid a series of tragedies, until Douglas emerged triumphant. Eliot shows how Douglas' life and work broke boundaries.