This biography investigates the transformation of Archibald Leach into the iconic screen persona of Cary Grant. Mark Glancy, a film historian, utilizes extensive archival research, personal correspondence, and film analysis to reconstruct the life of the actor. The book argues that Grant’s public image was a carefully constructed performance that masked a complex, often troubled personal history.

Critics and film scholars frequently cite this work for its rigorous archival approach and its ability to separate the man from the myth. It is widely regarded as a definitive academic study of Grant's career and the mechanics of the Hollywood studio system.