Can I Go Now?

The Life of Sue Mengers, Hollywood's First Superagent

By: Brian Kellow

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

A lively and colorful biography of Hollywood's first superagent - one of the most outrageous showbiz characters of the 1960s and 1970s, whose clients included Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neal, Faye Dunaway, Michael Caine, and Candice Bergen.

Before Sue Mengers hit the scene in the mid-1960s, talent agents remained quietly in the background. But staying in the background was not possible for Mengers. Irrepressible and loaded with chutzpah, she became a driving force of Creative Management Associates (which later became ICM), handling the era's preeminent stars. A true original with a gift for making the biggest stars in Hollywood listen to hard truths about their careers and personal lives, Mengers became a force to be reckoned with. Her salesmanship never stopped. In 1979 she was on a plane that was commandeered by a hijacker who wanted Charlton Heston to deliver a message on television. Mengers was incensed, wondering why the hijacker wanted Heston when she could get him Barbra Streisand. Acclaimed biographer Brian Kellow spins an irresistible tale, exhaustively researched and filled with anecdotes about and interviews more than 200 show-business luminaries. A riveting biography of a powerful woman that charts show business as it evolved from New York City in the 1950s through Hollywood in the early 1980s, Can I Go Now? will mesmerize anyone who loves cinema's most fruitful period.

©2015 Brian Kellow (P)2015 Recorded Books

Easy Listening

The book is about a Hollywood agent. Well told and researched for a book this long about someone with such a narrow and exclusive influence in a particular industry. I thought it would be about her growing up and overcoming challenges to assume a break-out role but it was mostly stories recounted by friends later on. Still an interesting book about an unusual woman.

Antidotes aplenty in Hollywood tale

This book is a memorable journey through the glitter of Hollywood in the wild days of 1970's Hollywood. Most of the tales antidotal and border on gossip, but there are few that are not entertaining. The bigger stories are in the deal making that matched stars with directors to make these movies. The 70's was a time of the after director and actors willing to stretch themselves artistically. The result was memorable movies and there are passing references to the events that made these movies happen. Unfortunetly , they are few and far between. Instead we are given light, gossipy tales concerning the stars that circled the orbit of Hollywoods first superagent. These are entertaining but lacking the insight I had hoped to find.

A little long.

Her life was amazing. She was part of a "heady" time in Hollywood. I started to get a little worn out and wonder when it would end. I think it would have been far better if it had been an hour or two shorter.

Terrific Bio and History of Hollywood

I worked in the entertainment business during her heyday. She was a legend and legendary. This book gives a side history of Hollywood as you learn about her life. It is insightful and well written.

Inspiration-wise, it doesn't get any better

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. A true rags to riches story. This woman made her way to the top by making her wonderfully big mouth back up her equally wonderfully big brain.

What did you like best about this story?

It shows what can happen when you believe in yourself, and take huge risks. A woman who didn't let any doubts or fears stand in the way of her ambitions.