Book Review: The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier

Born and raised in a small and isolated place, Cat Island, The Bahamas.

Only two or three years of formal schooling.

An immigrant to Miami at the age of 15.

Followed by police for 100 blocks while at gunpoint in Miami.

In and out of the US Army by the age of 18.

Learned to read while working in a restaurant in New York City.

Told he should return to washing dishes after his first foray into acting.

The first black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.

A classic, cultured, dignified, an elegant man with a face and voice known to millions around the world. But he can talk trash with the best of them. :-)

Who is this man?

Sidney Poitier, a national treasure.

In his memoir, "The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography," Mr. Poitier takes us on the journey of a remarkable life. He describes in great detail his life, on and off the silver screen, with compelling grace and fortitude. From Cat Island to the red carpets of Hollywood, Mr. Poitier paints an unlikely but utterly believable canvas of his spectacular life. Great actor, social activist, father, husband, son, and friend. One senses that he approached each of his roles in life with the same commitment and vigor.

Title of the Book

"The measure of a man is how well he provides for his children." This was an oft repeated quote by his father, Reginald. It would become his son's value system. At times during his career, he rejected roles that didn't "measure up" to his father's standard. "The importance of bloodline, the primal connection." That is also a recurring theme in this book.

Before he became famous, he turned down a role that would have paid him $750 per week. "He (the character) didn't behave with dignity." Six months later, the agent, Martin Baum, called Mr. Poitier to ask what he had been doing. "No acting and still working in the restaurant."

Mr. Baum knew a star when he saw one. The rest, as they say, was history.

A Famous Scene from "Guess Who is Coming to Dinner."



Some of His Notable Films

"A Patch of Blue."

"Blackboard Jungle."

"Guess Who is Coming to Dinner."

"In the Heat of the Night."

"Lillies of the Field." (His first Oscar winning performance).

"The Defiant Ones."

"To Sir With Love."

My Rating

Five Stars: *****

To learn more about the book on Amazon.com, please click here.