A Third Face

A Third Face is Samuel Fuller's autobiography, chronicling his journey from New York crime reporter to Hollywood filmmaker. As both a memoir and historical document, it traces Fuller's experiences through the major events of the 20th century. The book follows Fuller's evolution across multiple careers - from his teenage years as a tabloid journalist, through his service in World War II, to his eventual work as a director of pulp and noir films. His direct, uncompromising writing style mirrors the approach he took in his filmmaking. Fuller recounts his relationships with studio executives, actors, fellow directors and other figures from Hollywood's golden age. The narrative provides an insider's perspective on both the creative and business aspects of the American film industry from the 1940s through the 1960s. The autobiography serves as a testament to Fuller's dedication to telling raw, honest stories regardless of medium or commercial pressures. His unflinching examination of violence, politics and human nature in his films finds its origin in his early experiences as a crime reporter and soldier.

Readers found Fuller's memoir raw and unfiltered, matching his filmmaking style. The book follows his path from crime reporter to soldier to director, told in candid, straightforward prose. Liked: - Behind-the-scenes accounts of classic films - Details about his WWII experiences and journalism career - No-nonsense, direct writing approach - Insight into low-budget filmmaking in the 1950s - Personal stories about Hollywood figures Disliked: - Some readers found the tone too blunt or boastful - Later chapters felt rushed compared to early life details - Limited reflection on personal relationships - Occasional chronological jumps created confusion Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (241 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (54 ratings) Sample review: "Fuller writes exactly like he makes movies - brutal, honest, and straight to the point. No flowery prose here." - Goodreads reviewer "The first half about his newspaper days is stronger than the Hollywood section" - Amazon reviewer

Picture by Lillian Ross This behind-the-scenes chronicle of John Huston making "The Red Badge of Courage" reveals the same raw, unfiltered perspective on Hollywood filmmaking that Fuller provides in his memoir.

What Makes Sammy Run? by Budd Schulberg This novel presents the inner workings of the film industry through the story of an ambitious newspaper copy boy who claws his way to the top of Hollywood, mirroring Fuller's own journey from journalist to filmmaker.

The Friedkin Connection by William Friedkin The memoir traces Friedkin's path from Chicago documentary filmmaker to Hollywood director, sharing Fuller's straightforward approach to discussing the craft of filmmaking and the realities of the movie business.

You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again by Julia Phillips This first-hand account from Hollywood's first female producer delivers an unvarnished look at the film industry's power dynamics and behind-the-scenes dealings during the 1970s and 1980s.

On Film-making by Alexander Mackendrick These collected teachings from the director of "Sweet Smell of Success" provide insights into the technical and philosophical aspects of filmmaking with the same practical wisdom Fuller shares in his autobiography.

🎬 Samuel Fuller began his career as a crime reporter at age 17, covering New York's gritty underworld for tabloids—experiences that heavily influenced his later filmmaking style. 📝 The memoir was completed just weeks before Fuller's death in 1997, with the help of his wife Christa Lang-Fuller and daughter Samantha Fuller, who published it posthumously in 2002. 🎯 The book's title refers to Fuller's belief that everyone has three faces: the one they show to the world, the one they show to close friends and family, and their true self. 🎥 During WWII, Fuller carried a 16mm camera while serving in the First Infantry Division, capturing footage that would later influence his war films, including "The Big Red One." 📰 Before becoming a filmmaker, Fuller sold his first movie script at age 24 while working as a ghostwriter for Hecht-MacArthur Productions, launching his Hollywood career.