‘Tis Herself by Maureen O’Hara

Reviewed by Vicki Carver

The term “movie star” usually is associated with a life of wealth, fame, beauty and glamour. Maureen O’Hara’s new autobiography, ‘Tis Herself, tells of a famous movie star’s life during the golden days of Hollywood.

Maureen O’Hara was born in 1920 into a large, loving family who lived in Dublin, Ireland. She studied acting as a child and was “discovered” by Charles Laughton who eventually brought her to Hollywood to being her film career. O’Hara was 19 years old when she made her American debut in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with Laughton. She was on her way as an actress which led to the role of Angharad in “How Green Was My Valley” in 1941.

Maureen O’Hara became established as an accomplished actress within a span of a couple years. Meanwhile her personal life was bumpy and unhappy. Her marriage in 1941 to William Houston Price was a disaster from the beginning. Price, an alcoholic, exploited his marriage to O’Hara and made her life miserable. In 1944, O’Hara’ only child, Bronwyn, was born which was the only positive aspect of her marriage.

Meanwhile, O’Hara’s professional life was thriving. Throughout the 1940’s she made many memorable movies including “The Black Swan” with Tyrone Power and “Miracle on 34th Street” with nine-year-old Natalie Wood. O’Hara was known for her undeniable beauty but she worked diligently to perfect her acting skills in the various roles she portrayed. In 1951 her career peaked in the making of the film, “The Quiet Man”, with John Wayne. Wayne was a close friend of O’Hara’s for more than 40 years.

‘Tis Herself explains O’Hara’s tumultuous relationship with director John Ford who was a critical influence in her career. Ford, who was called “Pappy”, was a highly talented director but he also had a dark side which caused much torment for O’Hara.

In March 1968, O’Hara married Charlie Blair. Blair was a pilot living in St. Croix who gave O’Hara eleven years of happiness until his mysterious death in 1979. O’Hara has never remarried but has continued to occasionally appear in movies such as “Only the Lonely” with John Candy in 1991.

Perhaps we baby boomers best remember Maureen O’Hara as Hayley Mills’ mother in “The Parent Trap” which was made in 1961. However, by reading ‘Tis Herself it becomes apparent that O’Hara has had a tremendous impact in the film industry with the diverse roles she has played through the years.

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