Book Description

The actor who first epitomised the Action Hero; a complex man, prone to casual affairs and violence, capable of helping those more unfortunate than him. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent biography about the King of Cool
McQueen: The Biography is an excellent read for fans trying to learn more about McQueen's life. One of the biggest movie stars of all time and loved by fans all over the world, this book tells everything you need to know about his life. It covers everything from his movie career, covering all 28 films he starred in, his role on Wanted: Dead or Alive, his troubled childhood, and also his struggle to survive everyday life. As a child, McQueen often had to fend for himself which impacted him greatly for the rest of his life.

I highly recommend this book for someone trying to learn more about Steve McQueen. Not many people know how much money he gave to charities over the course of his career, all of it anonymously too. The book also covers all three of his marriages which tends to show the darker side of his life. As well, fans of McQueen won't be disappointed since there is plenty here about all his movies, including The Great Escape, Bullitt, The Getaway, and Papillon and all his other classics. My only problem with the book, and this is nitpicking, is Sandford's writing style. The man does not know how to use a comma, and I often found myself reading sentences repeatedly to try and figure out what he meant. Either way, this is a great buy. For an excellent biography about Steve McQueen, check out McQueen: The Biography!

an icon captured.
Chris captures the essential myth behind steve mcqueen. He writes in parallel with Jung about 'soul-image', which is one of the archetypal images. For a man this is the 'anima; for a woman, the animus. Chris shows how both sides were present in Steve, thus giving his strength and appeal. The brilliance of the book is in the view of mcqueen from the "archetypes", how he fills many of the the simple american and suave european ideals. Energies both male and female, make mcqueen larger than us. A brilliant view into a great man ... Read more

Book Description

A most rare and unbelievable treasure

After sitting in storage since his death in 1985, André de Dienes's complete Marilyn archives have finally been gathered together for this exclusive publication!

Photographer André de Dienes's life was changed forever one day in 1945 when he met an aspiring young model named Norma Jeane Baker. They immediately took off on the road together so that André could photograph her in natural settings across the West; during their travels, they fell in love and were briefly engaged. After their romance ended, they remained friends and de Dienes continued to photograph her. His unique, loving photographs of Norma Jeane helped to launch her model career and, a few years later, the film career that was to make her a legend. His entire relationship with the star, including many private moments never before revealed, is detailed in de Dienes's memoirs, which were written shortly before his death in 1985. Recently uncovered and published here for the first time, these unknown memoirs tell a bittersweet story of love and friendship, tracing the evolution of a sensitive, ambitious girl into a deeply troubled megastar. From their trip to see Norma Jeane's mother in an Oregon mental hospital to Marilyn's visit to his home the year before her death, de Dienes recounts all of the emotional moments they shared. This special edition, combining de Dienes's memoirs and photographs, is at once a touching autobiography and an exclusive personal exploration into the psychology, history, and iconography of Marilyn Monroe.

Worldwide limited edition of 20,000 individually numbered copies

Tucked into the enlarged facsimile of de Dienes's Kodak film box are:

an extra-large format, 240-page hardcover book featuring a vast selection of sumptuous photographs and excerpts from de Dienes's memoirs, printed on 150g matte stock

a 608 page softcover facsimile of de Dienes's complete Marilyn memoirs and his Marilyn composite book (which includes the complete set of nearly 1000 Marilyn photos in contactsized prints)

a brochure containing all 24 of Marilyn's magazine covers shot by de Dienes

With some notable exceptions, the vast majority of these images–especially those in color–have never been seen before! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

beautiful, sumptuous package
When I opened this box on Christmas morning, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. A recent convert to Marilyn-ism, this was one of the first books about her I owned, and I'm so glad, because I think it's important to know Norma Jeane before you know Marilyn. These huge, glorious photographs taken by Andre de Dienes capture her innocence and natural beauty at a time when she was an unknown model. De Dienes' memoirs are touching and reveal Norma Jeane as she was to him, a man who fell in love with her, as so many would in the future. After paging through these books, you are left to feel as though Norma Jeane Dougherty would never look quite as beautiful again (and of course she would, but not in the same way). Revealing Marilyn Monroe at her earliest beginnings, this limited edition package is definitely worth the money.

Marilyn boxed.
I've got copy 4066 of this sumptuous (and reassuringly?) expensive package and I thought this review should really detail what you'll get for your money.

ONE: An oversize Kodak color film box, nineteen inches high by sixteen wide and three deep, this is a big facsimile of the box that De Dienes kept some of his Marilyn prints in. The package weighs twelve pounds and will hardly fit any bookcase. The inside has recesses for the two books and one booklet. Black silk tape allows for easy access of the contents.

TWO: A large, beautifully designed and printed, 240 page book of Marilyn photos printed on thick paper. Although the printing screen is not the highest (150 dpi) the photos leap off the page, especially the full-page color ones. Many of these photos seem to be very private shots of Marilyn that De Dienes took during her career (a few show her with other people, a hairdresser and bookseller). Several at the back of the book show Marilyn's face montaged into clouds or surrounded by celestial bodies. Between the photos, printed in silver ink and in a large typewriter font, there are excepts from De Dienes memoirs. Also printed in silver are smaller photos with his hand-written captions.

THREE: A booklet with twenty-four, one to a page, magazine covers featuring De Dienes photos of Marilyn. Seventeen of them are European titles. Predictably, great photos are weakened by logos, cover lines and generally poor cropping. I thought this booklet was rather disappointing in its production.

FOUR: The 608 page facsimile of De Dienes manuscript and composite book. I think this is the most fascinating item in the box because of the production problems. The original pages were typed on one side of a sheet of ordinary paper and this facsimile is on similar weight stock so that the back of each page has some text showing through, as the original (There is a production problem here though, the paper rightly has text show-through but the photos do as well, on the original paper only the white back of the photo would have been visible). Although the manuscript was in black and white it has been printed in four colors to create the aged paper look and the few handwritten numbers in green and red that De Dienes wrote on the photos. You can see all of his corrections and deletions to the manuscript and read the comments he wrote about the various contact prints of Marilyn and other printed ephemera he stuck on back of each page.

The original composite section has a hundred pages (it becomes two-hundred pages in this facsimile) of cut-out contact prints which De Dienes stuck on the typewriter paper, again they are reproduced in four-color black because of the occasional handwritten colored numbers, even the image of the punched file holes on each page is reproduced. Hundreds of these contacts show how he photographed Marilyn and you can see how dozens of shots were taken of which only one or two were probably published. Most of these images have never been seen before and certainly never in the form that they are presented here.

Overall I think the Marilyn Box is an amazing production package. A world famous visual icon is presented in a unique way.

Marilyn Masterpiece
A truly wonderful pictorial memory of Marilyns early modelling years.The photos capture the emotion that exsisted between Marilyn and Andres and are uniquely presented in the large book.The box containing the books is truly one of a kind making the entire publication very special and authentic.

A book for a sturdy coffee table
For the Marilyn fan, this is a great book. The photographs reproduced in the large book are magnificent. The large book is difficult to read with silver ink on white paper, but it is cleaned up excerpts from the smaller facsimile typed recollections of De Dienes. It is heavy, thus a sturdy coffee table is required.

WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK!
This book by Andre de Dienes is the most amazing title ever assembled on Marilyn Monore. ANY fan of Marilyn's will find this book worth every dollar. The design and reproductions are amazing! The diaries are a wonderful read! ... ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The only thorough and ojective source on Lon Chaney
This was the most extensive biography I've ever read on Lon Chaney. Micheal F. Blake's account of Chaney was excellent becuase the author explains why the man was so sucsessful.
The book mainly concentrates on the impact he left on critics and movie goers. Also,his agenda and work relationships with film makers and various experts needed for subject matter that was essential for unusual plot elements in some of his greatest films. The author further demonstrates how these relationships enhanced his skill, and how that would inspire him to progress beyond what he already achieved in prior films for futer projects.
The auther accounts for his private life with integrity and honor. However, you'll learn of the private life he wanted people to think he had, regardless of how accurate it was, in comparrisson to the truth, and why.
I am a horror/sci-fi fanatic, with an extensive collection of films, novels and magazines spawned from those very genres-minus Lon Chaney!!! I can only account for two Fangoria magazines that have articles profiling him, and they are not very extensive. It's very hard to find information and literature about this man, which is a shame, considering how much he inspired present day movie makers. That's why this book is a must read, especially for those interested in a medium leading to any type of film carreer. If not, if you want to read something different, Lon Chaney is definately that in every which way, and Micheal F. Blake explains why!

The life of a fascinating personality revealed
For the decades since his death, Lon Chaney, while one of the biggest stars of the silent era, had remained one of the least-known (about) talents of said era. The life of this amazing, multi-talented individual is finally revealed to us with Lon Chaney: The Man Behind The Thousand Faces. Chaney fans reap the benefits of author Michael F. Blake's 6 years of research. Of the many things we learn: the son, born to deaf parents and his early mastery of pantomime for the sake of communicating with (and entertaining) them. His rather extensive list of theater credits where he practiced and honed his skills at make-up. His entry into films and the amazing body of work that resulted. His rise from bit player to hugely popular character-actor, adored by the public and respected by his peers. His marriages. All this and much, much more (who knew that Chaney was an adept dancer!). A filmography (as complete as can be known), chronology of major events in Chaney's life, and even a glossary of make-up terminology is also provided.

Two highlights: numerous, never-before-seen (at least by me) photos and Blake (himself a make-up artist) reveals the secrets behind many of the actor's "thousand faces", at the same time dispelling many inaccurate "facts" that have been perpetuated over the years concerning said make-up creations.

Whether you're a fan of Chaney or of film history in general, you will find this book invaluable.

Excellent treatment
Mr. Blake presented a thorough and convincing telling of Mr. Chaney's life and career. I found it to be quite readable, informative, and delightful in opening to me the life of one of my favorite screen personalities. Blake's book, as well as its subject, Lon Chaney, deserve a place in the highest levels of cinematic lore and recognition. I recommend this book to anyone wishing to know more about Lon Chaney and his times.

If you want to know who Lon Chaney was, this is THE book!
The fans of Lon Chaney have never had a detailed biography of the "Man of a Thousand Faces", but no more! Michael F. Blake has written THE BOOK on Chaney, uncovering a tremendous amount of rare material on the actor's life and career. A film/TV makeup artist himself, Blake is able to finally tell us how Chaney really created his famous makeups. The 120 photos, many I've never seen before, are just amazing! This is the book Chaney fans have been waiting for. ... Read more

Book Description

Gee, what was the Beav really like?Was Wally actually that squeaky-in-his-sneakers clean?Was Eddie Haskell the personification of every parents nightmare?Well Frank Bank is here to tell you everything about life with America's most-loved family, the Cleavers.Frank played Clarence Rutherford, something of a teenage misfit himself.He was always telling other kids, "Don't call me Lumpy," (but of course that is what they called him).Find out about Frank's Leave it to Beaver Days and Other Wild Hollywood Life. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I feel disloyal by writing this
I am not just a very big fan of Leave it to Beaver, but I am also interested in 1950's culture and nostalgia. I did like the first few chapters. Fred Bank (so I'm not calling him Lumpy) writes about some great LTB behind the scenes shenanigans that made what I paid for the book worthwhile. Chapter three is the beginning of the rest of the book, mostly about his sexual exploits and how he started every cool trend in California during his day. That's why I am only giving it two stars-- I can only recommend the beginning of the book.

I worried about writing this. I wondered, what if "Lumpy" reads this review?? I'm such a LTB fan!!! But then I realized after reading his book that his ego isn't in danger of being injured. So, I would recommend buying this book for the first two chapters only.

Now, if only Tony Dow would write HIS book! :)

Beaver-Lovers Beware
I only gave this one star because [Amazon.com's] format doesn't allow for zero stars. Frank Bank is like one of those irritating guys you meet at airport bars when your flight is delayed: on his sixth Scotch-rocks, won't shut up. Every topic that comes up he was there, he had the first one, everybody copied him, he had the best, the biggest, the coolest. What's saddest about this exercise in mind-numbing ego is that Bank apparently doesn't realize that the only thing interesting about him is his involvement in "Leave it to Beaver," to which he devotes very few pages and about which he gives absolutely no insight. He doesn't even get the details right in what little he says about the series: Wally and the Beaver did not go apologize to Mr. Rutherford after putting barrel hoops in his driveway, Ward (in a scene that takes place off camera) worked things out with Rutherford, which is the whole point of the show (since it was Ward who gave them the barrel hoop idea in the first place). But of course, accuracy is not anything Bank cares about, what matters to him is that this was the first episode in which Frank Bank appeared (one wonders if he ever bothered to read the rest of the script). Although Bank had a co-writer, Gib Twyman, "an award winning former sportswriter," this is possibly the worst written book I've ever read. There are no paragraphs, just short, repetitive, jargon-filled sentences (fills more pages that way, I guess). Jerry Mathers' book ("And Jerry Mathers as the Beaver") may not have been any work of art, but at least he respected what brought readers to the book. Bank does not. It's no surprise when, in a late chapter, he reveals that he's the President of the alumni organization of his high school social club, The Knights (the coolest guys on campus, of course). Bank -- emotionally and perceptually -- is still in high school. Don't waste your time or money on this flatulent, boring piece of self-inflation.

Call me ...
This book has little to do with the Leave it to Beaver show. It was written for [fools] by a [fool]. After reading a few chapters of teeny bopper prose, I could go no further...

This is a funny read from a "tell-it-like-it-is" guy!
Oh, this is no War and Peace, but it is an interesting read. Written as if Frank "Lumpy" is speaking directly to you. You will laugh out loud as he gives you details of his coming-of-age years in California and how he kept his head screwed on straight to become a success in the financial world as an adult, unlike so many other child stars from his era and before. I loved his sense of humor and knack for story telling, it was almost like having a long conversation with the author, except you weren't able to get in a word edgewise! Some of it, if you can believe it, may shock you. He has alot of nice things to say about his peers from "Leave It To Beaver", too. Must have been a happy set to come to work to. Imagine being on TV in the fifties and sixties and rubbing elbows with some of the rich and famous....well, Lumpy did and he gives us a little insight into what it was like. Thanks, Frank.

Mindblowing. Inspirational. Long live Lumpy.
Frank Bank squeezed more out of a several year stint as Tony Dow's lumpy friend than most men squeeze out of a lifetime. What I found so brilliant about this book was Bank's shameless estimation of the importance and grandeur of his own life. And why wouldn't he be proud? Any man who could get that much mileage out of the role of Lumpy and still not compromise any of his essential Lumpiness deserves all the accolades he gets. Frank's self-assuredness and moxie made me think "hell, if this guy can make a case out of all the fame, money and women he got from starring as Lumpy, what the hell does any other guy have to complain about?" Particulary poignant is his run-in with Marlon Brando (hey man, at least Lumpy was always fat) and his details of the "Lumpy Philosophy" which has obviously guided him through life. An inspiration. ... Read more

Book Description

"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get--only with what you are expecting to give--which is everything."-- Katherine Hepburn

An Intimate Portrait of Film's Legendary Lovers--On Screen and Off.

During their twenty-six years together, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy mesmerized movie audiences worldwide with their famous on-screen chemistry like no other couple. Yet their private love affair--which ended only with Tracy's death in 1967--remained shrouded in secrecy.

Now, international best-selling author Christopher Andersen draws on his own extensive conversations with the immortal Hepburn as well as others who knew the legendary duo intimately to tell the poignant yet often heartbreaking love story of these beloved American icons and the life they shared. Revealing the strength, wit and dignity that characterized this historic partnership, Andersen offers a captivating portrait of a great American romance. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Spence and Kate: the secret romance
These two screen giants met on the set of Woman of the Year in 1942 and were together until Spencer died of a heart attack, shortly after wrapping up Guess Whose Coming to Dinner in 1967. This book chronicles their remarkable, romantic pairing in an era where a movie star's private life could remain hidden from a prying public. Spencer was married to a devoted Catholic, Louise, and he refused to divorce her. He also felt a tremendous sense of guilty about his deaf son. So marriage was out of the question, but Kate didn't care, she just wanted she be with Spencer, and she was, following him all over the world to sit worshipfully at his feet.

Andersen dutifully chronicles the nine classic Tracy-Hepburn films and gives some intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpses into each movie. There is also much information about Tracy's legendary bouts with the bottle, his brief fling with Gene Tierney in the early 50's and Kate's affair with Howard Hughes in the 1930's. All the bases are covered, but I wish Andersen would have interviewed more people close to the duo. Still, an engrossing read and essential for anyone enamored with either Spencer or Kate.

Memorable
I found An Affair to Remember a truly remarkable portrait of Hepburn and Spencer's lives (before and after they met). The book was interesting and well written. A great pick for anyone interested in either actor.

Star-Crossed Lovers
This novel opened up a world that I knew nothing about. The world that only Katharine & Spencer lived in, together... I've been a huge fan of the acting duo for years. Now I feel like I almost know them. Reading this book is like taking a quick peek behind the scenes. It gives details into their lives prior to their initial meeting. Then continues describing how they had to sneak around in order to keep their affair out of the papers. This novel is heartwarming & also tragic. I loved it. If you're a romantic, you'll love it, too.

A book for all the hopless romantics out there.
One of the best books I have ever read. A great love story for the romantic in all of us. Chronicals the ups and downs of a relationship on the sly with a love that would last a lifetime. Very sad, yet a love we all wish we could find. I couldn't put it down.

Very intriguing.
It was filled with great information about Katharine and Spencer - seperately and together. It is unbelievable that they existed in a 26 year relationship and nobody talked about it until Katharine started talking about it herself. Amazing. ... Read more

Book Description

Jeremy Brett was, for millions of television viewers worldwide the quintessential Sherlock Holmes. However he became obsessed by the role and his body and soul were taken over in his quest to become the ultimate Sherlock Holmes, until his untimely death in 1995. Brett's earlier acting career spanned the greats of the English stage - Laurence Olivier was his mentor - as well as the trappings of Hollywood. Terry Manner's insightful biography considers Brett's contribution to the theatre, but concentrates on the turmoil of his life as Baker Street's world-famous sleuth, and his battle with manic depression. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Don't buy
The author of this book has taken a few facts in Jeremy Brett's life, and has let his imagination soar -- not good to do when writing a biograghy. Manner's depiction of Brett is inaccurate, misleading, and insulting. Not for someone who wants the real story behind the Holmesian actor. I recommend "Bending the Willow" by David Stuart Davies as a truer telling of Brett's story.

Wonderfully Introspective
You get an insight into Jeremy's character and exactly why his Sherlock Holmes is brilliant. I have often wondered why he wasn't as big a star as his English counterparts, certainly the talent was there. This book is heart-warming and gut-wretching.
It will keep you captivated. A good read.

Bad Manners
If only I could rate this book less than one star ... very disappointing to anyone who is interested in learning more about Jeremy Brett. I put this book down before I half finished it, and feel he has been dishonored.

Great!
A sad but thrilling tale of one of the most brilliant actors of his day

Deeper than most actor bios and the better for it
Jeremy Brett was a brilliant actor and the best Sherlock Holmes ever, in my opinion. Knowing little of Mr. Brett other than his Holmes role and some films like "My Fair Lady", in which he played Freddy, there was much of interest here, from his childhood and youth, life as a young actor and with his wife and son, and his lifelong struggle with manic-depression and his own bisexuality. About half the book deals with his Holmes-era life and his love/hate relationship with the role that made him most famous. Well recommended for fans of Mr. Brett and Holmes afficionados. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Pretty good, but...
It was a pretty good book, however, like people have mentioned, some of the stuff is repeated. A lot. I don't know how many interviews he did in that period of time, but I wish they had done better choosing what they did instead of repeating so much of the same stuff. The one I really wish they had put in there was his most famous interview. The one they video taped, where he talks about everything while trying out for a tv show. If you've seen the new Enter the Dragon 25 year anniversary, its the one before the movie that lasts like 15 minutes. They should have included a text version in this book.

If you find this book on sale at a used book store or something, pick it up, it's worth it. But don't go spending full price for this, because it isn't worth it. If you find it on Amazon here along with another book (like Tao of Gung Fu and this together) then go ahead and get them. To buy this book solo though would just be a waste, you would have it done within a couple of hours.

Still Bruce, but...
I heard several of these interviews from other sources. If YOU haven't then the book might be worth your time and money, but then again even the interviews in the book get old. Each interviewer asks the same questions and Bruce gives the same answers. It's less thrilling than other Bruce Lee books.

words of the dragon
This book gave me an insight into the personality of Bruce Lee. it is the second book about him i have read. The only thing i do not like about this book is one peice of information which it gives without correcting it in the notes. He didn't die in hospital; he died in the house of an actress which he and Raymond Chow had gone to see about offering her a role in the film Game of Death. While they were there, Bruce got a headache and took a pill and retired to the bedroom. That's where he died.

better title 'Words about the Dragon, Press Reports'
The title of the book „Words of the Dragon, Interviews 1985-1973" reflects a little bit a wrong impression of the book. A better title would be „Words about the Dragon, Press Report 1958-1973". At the beginning of the book a few things are repeated over and over again. It seems that it would be difficult to investigate e.g. how old Bruce Lee was when his parents returned to Hong Kong. Only at the end of this book one could catch a small impression of Bruce Lee's philosophy. His carrier as an actor comes primarily up. The US Press didn't understand until Bruce Lee's death that his art wasn't Karate. I expected more philosophically thoughts and background knowledge of his martial art. The Bruce Lee connoisseur gained no really news and I thing the book isn't stimulating for beginners. I was impressed by the letter of Brandon Lee, which is printed at the end of the book.

"words of the dragon": a unique perspective on bruce lee.
for lee fans and martial arts fans alike, "words of the dragon" provides a unique perspective on the life of an extraordinary man. through newspaper articles, tv and radio interviews, etc. mr. little (with kind cooperation of linda lee cadwell)has pieced together a media history of bruce lee. readers find a chance to get to know the lighthearted and the intense mr. lee, the fighter, the artist, the family man. though we all realize how the media can turn words around, or add them, etc., the author has included corrections at the end of each chapter, which, in themselves, must be read to understand the full story.very well-crafted, and intelligently pieced together, "words of the dragon" will take the reader to a new level of understanding of the mind and heart of the great bruce lee. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (11)

I love Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn is my idol.When I grow up I'd love to be like her.When i saw this book,I didn't know wheter to buy it until I read some of the reviews.After I read a few of the reviews I placed an order and I received this book a few weeks later!It is a great book and an ideal present for someone who is a fan of Audrey Hepburn..(like me)...,because I know I would have loved it if I got it as a present."Audrey:Her Real Story"by Alexander Walker is one of the best of all my collecter's items!It tells you a lot about Audrey Hepburn...things like,how she felt when her mother and father divorced and when she went through malnutrition in the early stages of her life.Audrey starred in 27 films.She won an academy award for best actress in 1953 in the film "Roman Holiday"..(which is a great film too)The book also tells you about her miscarriage and her two sons Sean and Lucas,and her two husbands Mel Ferrer and Dr.Andrea.Dotti,and it tells you a lot more.IF I LOVE THIS BOOK,I KNOW YOU WOULD TOO! Love Danielle..Age:14..

Not a coffee table - pretty picture book - still a MUST read
Another well written biography by Alexander Walker. Not only handles the mechanics of her films, but also gets into her personal life the ups and downs (mostly downs). This is not a coffee table - pretty picture book (Although there are gorgeous pictures of her, as any and all pictures of Audrey are). This book is a serious read. If you are a new found fan of Audrey Hepburn, this may not be the best book for you to start with, she was a very wonderful - but lonely lady. It is a sad story, a complete chronicle of her very private life including her work with UNICEF. A life very much meant to be cherished and remembered. This is my 3rd biography by Alexander Walker - I also recommend Vivien Leigh and Bette Davis. Vivien Leigh was the first A.W. biography I read and I have been hooked ever since.

She will always be my favorite actress
This book,(like so many other books on Audrey) explains the compassion,love, and charm that this lovely lady had. No wonder she is regarded as one of the most beloved actresses.I couldn't agree more.A wonderfully written book.

A wonderful book on a very lovely and talented actress!
I am a big fan of Audrey Hepburn's. This is a truly wonderful biography on her. I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.
I'd give it ten stars if I could! You learn so much about her life and career from it.

As always, stars disillusion us:
From Audrey's facinating childhood and tragic war experience and her sad rejection in dance, to her fabulous movie career and multiple marriages, we find that stars always confuse us with the images that they portray on the screen. Not that Audrey was a bad person, just different from what you would think her as. Whatever she may have been, she had a wonderful and strong personality and a dear, giving heart. A wonderful telling of her life which I recommend for biography readers everywhere. ... Read more

Book Description

Silent screen goddess Clara Bow was the embodiment of the Roaring Twenties, Hollywood's first sex symbol and a natural talent with an independent heart. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

One of the Best Entertainment Biographies Ever
When Clara Bow died in 1965, her death generated little excitement other than a faint nod to an era that had long passed. Modern audiences did not know who this woman was and had little interest in her career.
This book has revived public interest in her as an actress and as a person who battled a lot of demons and was never completely successful in freeing herself of those demons.
I knew very little about Clara Bow when I started reading this book except snippets of lurid gossip regarding her private life. Through his exhaustive research, David Stenn has managed to separate fact from fiction and present the story of an interesting woman whose life was a lot stranger than any of the characters she portrayed on the screen. I just couldn't put this book down!
Stenn's writing style managed to keep me interested in the subject. Of course, it can be said that Stenn seems to write exclusively about very interesting people. Whatever the case, I found myself feeling a lot of sympathy for a lady who was not emotionally equipped to handle life. I also found myself amazed that this woman was able to succeed as fabulously as she did given all the problems she faced.
I think most readers will find this a compelling read. It is one of the best biographies I've ever read.

This Bow Bio Sure Has "IT"!
Clara Bow's incredible journey through life --- the child abuse, boundless energy, ambition, heartbreak and ostracism ---- is enough for any five soap operas. But it all happened to her, and David Stenn's flawless writing brings it all to life. Even hardcore film mavens who THINK they know Bow's story need to read this book. Bow was a highly complex, yet simple, person used by Hollywood's machine then cast aside when she seemed ill suited for talkies. Stenn iss particularly good at covering Bow's many valleys and how the tinsel town users almost zeroed-in on her. Unlike any bio I've ever read, RUNNING WILD truly blends outstanding research, often minute facts (there are many additions in this updated version), and a deep feeling for the Bow the public never saw. I HIGHLY recommend this book to teenagers! My 16 year old was fascinated with Bow's story, one which could have happened yesterday. Congratulations to David Stenn for a magnificent bio that no film buff --- or teenager --- should miss.

Interesting and well written bio
This is a readable and well-organized biography that gives a vivid impression of Clara Bow's personality and the predicaments into which that personality repeatedly and unwittingly led her. Born into abject poverty in conditions where she was neither wanted nor nurtured, Bow led a scrappy survival-driven existence which was entirely free of artifice or pretension or social grace. This unthinking and natural vitality was at once her greatest gift (as a screen personality) and her ultimate curse, as it enabled the naive actress to be repeatedly exploited and betrayed by everyone from her career managers to her lovers to her friends. Her tragic life is told in a style that keeps you engaged and conveys the pathos of this really likeable person's life.

A must have for the classic Hollywood fan
Clara Bow is one of several women who define Hollywood and Star to me. Her moment of white-hot fame is long faded and Clara Bow would not be a name remember by the average moviegoer. If she is remembered, it is for wild rumors about her instatible love life with anyone and anything to cross her path.

Thankfully David Stern has taken the time to carefully look at the true facts of Clara Bow, a film star so popular at one point that there would be a Clara Bow film for each season to meet the public's Bow fix.

Clara Bow could be consider the Uber-Star Rises From the Depths of Poverty to Incite the World. She was born in poverty, raised in a fractured home with a mother who turned tricks to make ends meet. Like so many other film stars, the young Clara was sexually abused. Her exceptional looks brought her to Hollywood.

Once in Hollywood, Clara defined sex for the nation, being crowned as having "IT" by no one less than Elinor Glyn (think a 1920s Jackie Collins or Judth Krantz).

After a series of scandals, Clara went from IT girl to reclusion, spending her remaining years with her film-star turned politican spouse.

For those willing to look beyond the scandal and rumors, "Clara Bow: Runnin' Wild" is a must read.

Clara the Brave
There she is, Clara Bow, the most magnetic presence to ever come across on film (if you haven't seen her, you don't know what you're missing!) The icon of 1920's flare and flash. We've all heard the nasty, whispered rumors about Clara. Then you read this book and you finally understand she's just another pitiful abuse victim trying desperately to find some love and affection in this world. Takes all the air out of that wild flapper image...
But don't think its all just a pity pot story. This girl is strong, sweet, independent and puts up a real fight to the crazy forces whirling around her. If she had never been the Queen of Gibson Girl mold breaking, the human struggle of her life
still makes an incredible story. READ THIS BOOK! ... Read more

Book Description

"I believe that many people may think I went insane. I do not believe I am insane. I believe I went through a period of my life that was insane and it lasted thirty-one years," writes Anne Heche in Call Me Crazy.

Yet what is truly surprising is that the most publicized event of her personal life -- her romance with Ellen DeGeneres -- is only one development in a fascinating and difficult life that has included more than its share of heartache and tragedy.

Anee, the youngest of four children, moved nine times before the age of 12. During that year, Anne discovered that during her father's frequent absences, he'd been leading a double life. He died of AIDS when Anne was 13, leaving the family in poverty. Throughout her childhood, she acted in school plays and local dinner theater. After graduating high shcool, Anne began a four-year stint on Another World. During this period she began to face the horror of a childhood filled with unspeakable abuse. In the ensuing twelve years she struggled with her past, all the while experiencing success as an actress, screenwriter and director.

Filled with unsparing candor and honesty, Call Me Crazy captures Anne's struggle to face her demons, including a period in which she was, quite literally, insane. Heche's memoir reveals the woman behind the headlines, one who has conquered overwhelming odds. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Amazing Story / Tortured Life
I had purchased this book from a clearance rack to read while driving to pick up my daughter at day camp every day last week. I was amazed at the intensity. I couldn't shut it off, but knew I couldn't listen to it when my daughter was in the car.

Anne was so frank. There were times when I wondered if she was just being a "good actress", but then I remember my years being raised in a fanatically religious community (at one point I lived in a commune setting). Like her, I had also been molested by a family member that I trusted (but definitely not to the extent that she had). With these two things in common, I could relate to the songs that she sang versus of to illustrate her message as well as techniques learned to "escape" to torment of her oppressor.

Anne had to overcome a great deal to become a new person. I have a greater respect for her as a person, as well as a better understanding of her choice in sexual partners. I applaud her for standing up for what she believes in.

Courage under fire....
I have just finished my second listening to Anne Heche's powerful memoir of her short but troubled life. At times I winced, at times I gasped, at times I even laughed. This is a riveting story, all the more so hearing it in her own voice. - - - Some of the negative reviews preceding attack Heche for revealing the reality of her childhood. Is this the 'bell curve' of life, e.g. one persons pleasure is another person's poison. Or does her honesty strike a chord in the lives of those who listened long enough to eventually recoil in pain. Their own pain which they do not want to be reminded of?

She is not crazy.
It takes courage to open up like she has about her experiences. Having grown up in a very stable, normal household, I found it moving that this young lady has not allowed bitterness to overwhelm her life and bring her down. She has evidently provoked some extreme negative reactions in some of the other reviewers. I don't agree with them. If you have any interest in this talented actress, or in the experiences of "dysfunctional" families, Anne Heche's book is worth looking into. Also, In my opinion, she performs it very well in the book on tape.

ummm....
ok i can understand the mental anguish from having such a painful childhood and being molested by your own father....
But hey I was molested by my grandfather from birth to age 14 and I never saw any stinking spaceship!Yes I can joke about it now, and still no spaceship. Should I feel cheated? LOL

FREAK SHOW
This is one of the most self-absorbed, delusional diatribes ever committed to tape ("committed" being the operative word). Ms. Heche retrieves every piece of "pain" from her emotional toilet and lovingly examines it, before smearing it all over herself and the unsuspecting listener. Between the self important tone of every sentence and her staggeringly annoying nasal whine, I too wanted to escape to another planet. I had to give it at least one star for the comedic quotient, which is high. Consider using some of Anne's alien-speak passages as outgoing messages on your voicemail. ... Read more

Book Description

From his amazing feature film performances to his roles as producer and director to his many notable guest appearances, De Niro started his career as early as 1965 and has since dominated the world of Hollywood. Untouchable will take you inside the life of this astonishing actor to provide a revealing and sometimes startling account of an intensely private man. Dougan provides information on actual life events that seemed to have had a profound effect on De Niro emotionally, and discusses De Niro’s working and personal relationships with personalities such as Martin Scorcese, Jack Nicholson, Jodie Foster, and Sharon Stone. With an updated epilogue and filmography, this new edition will also include De Niro’s entrepreneurial and behind-the-scenes role in co-founding Tribeca Productions in 1988 and the works he has since produced and directed. Although De Niro continues his work as an actor, it is his vision for Tribeca to be the axis of the film industry and the heart of New York City’s film community that currently takes up most of his time. 24 black-and-white photos are included. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Untouchable...
I'm a big fan of Robert DeNiro.This book help me to see him in different view.The way he's prepare for each role his endeless hard work and great performing.He's know as a private person and the book is not only talk about his great movies,but tell a lot of his private life.I learn so much and I recomended everybody who loves him.

De Niro
UNTOUCHABLE is a decent book. I agree with the others that state some obvious errors, such as the famous Godfather quote. Another is the Scorsese/Raging Bull quote. Scorsese actually greatly admired Buster Keaton's work in Battling Butler (and Keaton never hit anyone over the head with a chair in it). Dougan has it all wrong.

Having said that, this is about the only biography of Robert De Niro available and Dougan does a good job of covering his personal life which is not well known.

GOOD BOOK LOTS OF INFO.
It took me a long time and I mean a very long time about 6 mths. to actually get into this book but after I did I enjoyed it and found out alot of information that I never knew about Deniro.The one thing that bothered me about this book and took me so long to get into it was the grammar in this book I mean I am no English lit. teacher but at least proofread the book before publishing it.I mean come on there was alot of mispelling of words and missing words that you just kind of had to fill in for yourself along the way, and it was a little confusing the way the author went back and forth with certain events and movies you really had to follow along every single step of the way.Overall I liked it because it was a good book as far as info. was concerned. I really only bought the book because I love Deniro as an actor and think he is THE sexiest man alive!!!

DEE-Cleveland,OHIO

"Anytime, anywhere."
It took me a while to decide whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars.As you can see, I decided on the lower number.I have many reasons for this:
1.This is an interesting book, but only because it is about Robert De Niro.Not because the information is presented in an interesting fashion.In fact, my Calculus textbook presents its information more interestingly than this bio.Mr. Dougan either doesn't know how to write, or had his 9 year old write this book for him.The language of his writing is awful.The way he states things is bad (he also uses the word "keen" at least once every 2 pages-what's up with that?)You'll understand what I mean
if you have read this.
3.He doesn't do everything in chronological order.For example, he'll go on for a few pages about a movie De Niro was doing, than he'll suddenly go back five years and tell us about De Niro's relationship with one of his wives or something like that.He could definately have done this in a way so that it isn't so grating on the reader.
4.He uses quotes that are at times unrelated to what he's talking about.
5.He repeats the same information multiple times.For example, I think that he has John Belushi dying about 5 times in 2 chapters.In fact chapters 22 and 23 three begin with almost the exact same sentence ("The death of John Belushi was a devastating blow for De Niro." and "Since the death of John Belushi, De Niro had been taking stock of his life."Tell me that those two chapters don't sound like they are both about the same thing, De Niro dealing with Belushi's death.)
6.He uses unrelated things to make the book seem bigger.For example, a little over two chapters are devoted to John Belushi's life, his relatationship with De Niro, his death, and the investigation after his death.
7.He doesn't have enough actual information about De Niro preparing and making his movies.He tends to spend much more time quoting reviews that various critics gave of De Niro's performances.In fact, I'd say that the critic quotes outnumber actual facts about making the movies 3 to 1.
8.He has absolutely no interviews that he specifically did for this book with anyone who would know anything about De Niro's life, preparing for roles, making his movies, anything!Instead he relies on past interviews that other people have conducted with De Niro and people who know him.
So, overall this was an interesting book since it is the first bio of Robert De Niro that I read.However, that is the only thing it has going for it.Unless you can't find ANYTHING at all better, don't read this.If you have to read this because your library doesn't have any other bios on De Niro (the unfortunate situation that I fell into), then I guess this is okay.
Oh, I almost forgot one more thing:
9.He gets a lot of his facts wrong.For instance, he says that De Niro, playing Vito Corleone in Godfather II, was the only one to say the famous "offer he can't refuse" line.While in fact, Brando says it in the first one when telling Tom Hagen what to do about Woltz, the movie producer, AND Michael (Pacino) also says it in the first one when Fredo asks how he will convince Moe Greene to sell the casino.And those two are just off of my head (he does say that Pacino "alluded" to the famous line while telling Kay about Luca Brasi and the band leader during the wedding scene, but he says that that apparently doesn't count).

many interviews - very little acting know-how
The book is a good account of probably all interviews that de Niro has ever given. Moreover, the statements of people who have worked with him are mostly interesting and provide further insight in de Niro's work. BUT: Writing a book on this actor and his art and NOT mentioning the term 'EXTERNALS' (animal work) once is a sign of poor research and a total lack of understanding of method acting. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

David Janssen : My Fugitive
I have been waiting along time for this book and i really enjoyed it....I feel that Ellie and David made a lovely couple and it really touched my heart to read all the ups and downs that they went thur during their marriage. I hope that Ellie finds some peace in her life..........Sincerely, a true fan....Roxiann D. Hill, Indpls, IN

An interesting but subjective read...
The book title tells it all: Ellie Janssen, the author, tells the story of how former husband David became successful as TV's Dr. Kimble during the 1960s. She highlights the factors contributing to the downfall of their marriage, particularly David's drinking and extramarital affairs. If you are a David Janssen or Fugitive fan, this book lends an interesting perspective, along with several rare photos. However, it is understandably subjective, as Ms. Janssen struggles to explain the tumultuous nature of her relationship with David. The book raises some suspicion as to the circumstances surrounding David's untimely death in 1980.

His death appears suspicious.
All 120 episodes of the tv series "The Fugitive" out shine the movie version, although Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones were excellent. This book proves to be an insightful and significant look into the life of David Janssen. He died too young. I would like to hear more about how he REALLY died. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Movie Star Vamp: Available for Dinner Parties and Scrabble
My exposure to Theda Bara and her career in silent films was very minimal when I decided to pick up this book. Basically, I knew she was the original "Vamp", that Theda Bara was not her birth name and that her name was an anagram for Arab Death. My knowledge, for lack of a better word, was encyclopedic. All I knew was that she had dark haunting eyes, reeked of glamour and was so, so Silent Film-ish. I had to know more. Thankfully, the first book I picked up on this underappreciated film legend was "VAMP: The Rise and Fall of Theda Bara" by Eve Golden. Ms. Golden's well-researched material is nicely presented through a gauzy veil of wit, aptly aimed sarcasm and insight. She presents the new film industry as it was at that time-assembly line production of films mixed with bizarre PR schemes, a now far outdated style of acting, tedium and excitement. Theda Bara may have been one of the first actresses to be treated like a true movie star but off-screen she was no "vampire"; on the contrary, she was college-educated bookworm Theodosia Goodman from Cincinnati, OH. Off screen, Theda Bara much preferred a good book or a small dinner gathering to "vamping" it up. (In contemporary Colleen Moore's autobiography "Silent Star", Ms. Moore praised Ms. Bara for her delectable wit and lack of pretentiousness. With her interest in entertaining, Ms. Bara ended up being one of the most sought after hostesses in Hollywood, as mentioned in Anita Loos' "The Talmadge Girls".)

Eve Golden does a praiseworthy job of combining the "otherness" of the film industry with the surprising pragmatism of its first star-Theda Bara. The inspired, sometimes sarcastic writing of Ms. Golden seems only appropriate when one thinks of how Ms. Bara was known by her contemporaries for her snappy witticisms. So many books written on the Silent Era take on the tone of a college lecture and I commend Ms. Golden for giving the subject matter a life and vibrancy due the often under-appreciated Theda Bara. And lest I forget, a comment about the included photos: they are simply stunning. A myriad of Hollywood movie stills and personal photos, the included pictures bring a realness to the era and to Theodosia Goodman/Theda Bara that is often overlooked. These shots become even more of a treasure when one learns that only 4 of Theda's many films are still in existence-and none still exists from her most lavish and sensational performances, like Cleopatra, Salome, and Kathleen Mavoureen.

A Fascinating Woman
I'm not sure where or when I first heard of Theda Bara, but ever since I did, I thought it was a 'cool' name. The name --- and that she was an actress in the distant past --- was about all I knew about her ... until I read Eve Golden's excellent book. I got this book more or less on a whim; but from it I learned a great deal about this fascinating actress with the cool name. It turns out that she probably was a pretty 'cool' person as well! In fact, this book led me to seek out copies of the few remaining movies Miss Bara made --- such a pity that more examples of her work don't exist. The examples I've seen are, it is often said, not her best; but she seems to have been quite a capable actress.

This is not a review of Miss Bara, however, but of Ms. Golden's book. And a great book it is: informative, well-illustrated (I agree with the author's philosophy that 'a biography without pictures is like a cake without icing'), and with a clear writing style. It is extremely well-researched too --- the numerous quotes from contemporary reviews of Miss Bara's movies shows that Ms. Golden did her homework.

I don't know exactly what some reviewers meant when they noted Ms. Golden's 'sarcastic' attitude. I enjoyed her writing. Her book was informative, not too scholarly, and written with good humor. I think it's a book Miss Bara herself might have liked. It certainly succeeded in sparking my interest in this actress, and in the genre of silent films in general.

In this book you will learn not only about Theda Bara's life and work; you will also discover much about the early film industry, and about Hollywood publicity operations too. And here's an interesting tidbit: the 'cool' name was not really an invention of a Hollywood studio at all; in fact, the 'Arab Death' story came about as an afterthought, long after the name itself had stuck on Theodosia ('Theda') Goodman.

Great Look Into Hollywoods First Bad Girl
I have always had an interest in the Silent Era this was one of the first books I read on this era.Theda Bara was the movies first bad girl in reality the book will show that she was happiest with a book in her lap. What I mostly enjoy about Eve Golden and her work is her ability to write a biography without showing bias.This is a great intersting account into the life of Hollywoods "Vamp".

Short and Sweet
The problem with most biographies is that the authors seem to always have to prove how brilliant they are by rambling on about boring, unimportant things. NOT Eve Golden in her great book about Theda Bara! In the beginning she does make a disclaimer that Theda was a very inaccessible star and her research was exhausting, but she somehow managed to keep the book somewhat short and very, very sweet! Her wit and sarcasm ADD to the readabilty of the book! All the facts of Theda's life and career are interesting and fresh and never once does she drag something out just to make the book longer/more impressive. Reccommended for silent film fans!

A quick read of the original Vamp
This is a great book considering how little info is available on Theda Bara. The author put a lot of research and care into this book. It's a terrific book for both silent film buffs and femminists. Theda deserves her title as "The Woman Who Defined VAMP"! ... Read more

Book Description

An intimate and revealing biography of one of the world's greatest stars. Born into a poor Edinburgh family, Sean Connery pursued his ambition to become ana ctor and played the first James Bond in Dr No.He went on to star in many memorable movies such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jimmy Malone in The Untouchables. With in-depth interviews from his family, friends and co-stars, this is a must for all Connery and Bond fans. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Admiration for a Silent Giant
Almost forty years after his death, Buster Keaton is increasingly appreciated as a comic artist.The movies of his only real competitor for silent film clown, Charlie Chaplin, are usually marred by sentimentality, but Keaton was having none of that.As Edward McPherson writes, in _Buster Keaton: Tempest in a Flat Hat_ (Newmarket Press), "Keaton's films are witty, beautiful, unsentimental, moving, and - most of all - funny."McPherson writes that his book is "merely a fan's notes," a celebration of Keaton's work.As such, almost all its pages are lovingly devoted to Keaton's films of the twenties.There was a Keaton after the silent film days were over, and he did make a triumph over various adversities, but his silent shorts and full-length films are wonderful, and are still being mined as examples of timing and technical wizardry.This is not a full biography, but a celebration, and it is all the better for that.

Young Keaton joined his parents in vaudeville performances.He literally joined them by wandering onstage; the parents tried tying him offstage or putting him into a trunk, but it turned out that the best way to keep an eye on him was to bring him into the act.The usual skit involved Joe's helter-skelter efforts to discipline his son, and Keaton simply was tossed around on the stage, thrown into the orchestra pit, or used as a mop.It sounds rough, but Keaton was a ham and loved it, and always denied that he had anything to complain about.Fatty Arbuckle was a fan of the Keatons' act, and had already "borrowed" some of their gags for celluloid. When Keaton wandered into Arbuckle's studio in New York in 1917, he was invited to take part in a scene involving a mess of gooey molasses and being knocked for a backwards summersault from a store out into the street.Arbuckle recognized a movie natural immediately, and Buster signed on to the company.Arbuckle's collaborative and freeform way of making gags was just what Keaton wanted, and what he instituted when he started making his own movies in Hollywood.McPherson describes all of the great films here, with descriptions of how the stunts and the accomplished trick photography were done.It all ground down when Keaton lost his independent studio and went to work for MGM, which wanted scripts, budgets, and shooting schedules; the jolly, funny atmosphere of a team intoxicated by making comic movies evaporated.The other great impediment to Keaton's way of working was sound.The days of hooking the camera to a boat, car, or train and letting it go were over.Keaton was shoe-horned into drawing-room, all-talking productions.

McPherson describes but does not detail the years thereafter, when Keaton had embarrassing journeyman jobs as his only outlet, and then cameos in such films as _Sunset Boulevard_, and even in beach blanket movies.His troubles with alcoholism (eventually conquered) and two difficult marriages (the third one was charmed) are here.Here also, however, is mention of his lucrative career making guest spots and commercials on television, a medium that many moviemakers hated or dreaded but which he appreciated as the latest technology.Collectors ensured that his films were seen again in the fifties and sixties, and he got lifetime honors from the Academy and other appreciative organizations, so that when he died in 1966, he knew that his astonishing output from the twenties was going to be appreciated by every subsequent generation.As a appreciation of Keaton's work, McPherson's book is sweet and generous, and will send readers out to the video store to do their own appreciating.

Awesome!
McPherson brings the silent film star to life. A great read that is almost impossible to put down. Read it!

Facinating Read!
Charlie Chaplin gets all the glory, but Keaton's life story is as lively and captivating as any of his movies. The writer makes Keaton's films come to life on the page and provides the perfect amount of backstage anecdotes to get a real feel for the man behind the celluloid. A great read!

LOVED IT!
I bought this book in London and could not put it down. It was fascinating to read about Keaton's early years in show business and how he grew to be one of America's most admired actors.Mr. Mcpherson's book is hilarious, engrossing and full of surprises.He brings to life Buster Keaton's story. If you are a movie aficionado as I am, you will love this book.
... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (7)

Hearty and Heart-Felt
Doris Roberts seems to be a very hearty, generally happy woman at least that's what the book conveys. A fabulous collection of her very personal memoirs and stories and advice, it's almost like having a conversation with the archetypical grandmother. But far from old-fashioned and foppish, Miss Doris is downright hilarious at times and speaks with the energy and zeal of somebody less than half her age (in fact, she puts most young people to shame when it comes to fully embracing and enjoying life). Her stories, taking place everywhere from New York theatre to Los Angeles tv to her bedroom, are all colorful and more entertaining than fiction ever could be. You can't make this stuff up! She opens herself up admirably, sharing her personal struggles and her darkest times as well as her triumphs and good days. Throughout, the conversational style of her and Danelle Morton's writing makes you feel more like you are spending time with a friend than reading a book. If you want advice from somebody who has been there before, or colorful tales from the world of entertainment, or a touching autobiography, or an endless source of laughter, or just some fabulous recipes (which the book is peppered with) then this book is for you!

Not a Must-Read for Marie Fans
I love watching Everybody Loves Raymond. I love every character on the show, including Marie. And I've read and love the books by Patricia Heaton and Ray Ramano. There was no doubt in my mind that I'd love this book too.

I'm sorry to say this, but this book has been very disappointing.

The preface is good, where she makes the comment that "when you love someone you feed them." Fun reading. I enjoyed Parts One and Two, each (only) 3 chapters long, which deal with the tv show and motherhood.

That's why I gave the book 2 stars instead of 1.

But from Part 3 on, I've had trouble picking up the book to continue. It's not that it's bad, it's just boring. Much of her career has been in theater, so most of her experiences deal with people and shows in that field. (people I've never heard of.)

I have to be honest...I have not yet finished this book. If, as I continue reading, the book gets better, I'll come back and write a new review. But as of right now, I'm not even sure I'll be able to finish the book.

I was hoping for something more like the books by Patricia Heaton and Ray Ramano. Funny, remininds me of the show, and easy to relate to. This book is nothing like theirs. If that's what you want, don't bother with this one.

If you've been a fan of Doris Roberts for some time, if you know her work and the field