Movies Books

OK account of the making of Casablanca moves well when talking about the history of the movie, but is dragged down when the last third of the book focuses on film making and film censorship during the war. Not that that's a bad thing, but it's the subject for another book.

This 1992 book tells about the 1942 film "Casablanca". No one expected this romantic suspense film to become so great. Aljean Harmetz spent years of research and interviewed those who worked on the film, and read the Warner Bros. archives. Harmetz described the studio system and tells about the personalities and politics. The Hollywood studio was like a factory assembly line, not a glamorous fantasy. The actors who played refugees were often in fact refugees from Nazi Europe. Hollywood's production code played down the scandalous affair between Rick and Ilsa. [The film would be little remembered if that final shootout left Strasser, Laszlo, and Renault dead so Rick could run off with Ilsa.] The morally right ending meant a stronger ending (p.229).

The 'Acknowledgments' thanks the people who helped in the writing of this book. There seemed to be more people than the actors on the screen. Harmetz grew up near M-G-M, her mother worked for them (p.xii). The film had a "blend of romance and sacrifice", as if it was a lesson for WW II America. It was a dirty dangerous job but we had to do it. The script was developed along with the film. Hundreds of other films were built the same way, but "Casablanca" remains a classic. I think the idea of self-sacrifice is overstated, Rick had too much experience to become sentimental Its basic unity of time, place, and action makes it a better film than "Citizen Kane" (which is more cynical). The author explains the interplay of production that formed this film (p.xiv).

Harmetz says the popularity of the film is the way its mythology echoes America's self-image (p.6): tough on the outside but moral within. [An echo of the Cowboy Hero?] This film was a combination of accidents and luck, a haphazard picture that turned into a favorite movie (p.7). Warner movies were topical, based on the news (p.8); their films had a rawness or edge lacking at other studios. Their style was distrust of authority, suspicion of human nature (p.25). Chapter 3 has the story of Murray Burnett, the vocational high school English teacher who wrote "Everybody Comes to Rick's". Every character in the film is in his play (p.36), the dialogue too (p.38). The writers made many changes (p.39) and took the credit (collective work). Rewriting sharpened the script, scenes were rearranged for more dramatic effect (p.56). The collaboration was interactive.

Chapter 4 tells of the director Michael Curtiz and the producer Hal Wallis. They and their wives were close friends (p.64). More people went to the movies during wartime (p.66). Warners made the first anti-Nazi film in 1939. They encouraged their employees to join the Rifle and Pistol Club (p.68). Southern Californians favored imprisoning the Japanese, there was fear of an attack (p.69). Bergman "projected an innocence and purity" that made her popular (p.118). The real life of Bogart and Bergman was the near opposite from the screen. They thought the dialogue was ridiculous and the situations unbelievable (p.119). Were movies better then because of the layers of character actors (p.145)? Why did those Germans sing "Watch on the Rhine" (p.169)? Casey Robinson rewrote the romantic relationships (p.175). Chapter 11 tells what the actors did off the set. Later written accounts contradicted each other (p.203). The music in the film is covered in Chapter 15. Government control of Hollywood is described in Chapter 17; preaching propaganda wasn't popular. The history of the stars of "Casablanca" is in Chapter 19. Chapter 20 has the hodgepodge of various comments on the film. They seem to treat this work of fiction as realistic fact. Harmetz summarizes the film on the last paragraph (p.354).

Could this film be compared to a classic western film? Strasser is the foreman for the Big Rancher who wants to take over the smaller ranches. Renault is the sheriff in cahoots with him. Preacher Victor spoke out against the takeover, and is in trouble. Schoolmarm Ilsa loves Victor for his politics. Rick acts like a Cowboy Hero who defeats the evil Big Rancher to assure the escape of Victor and Ilsa; Rick knows his relationship with Ilsa would not survive out on the lone prairie.

"Casablanca" is, unarguably, one of the greatest films ever to emerge from the Hollywood dream factory. So, it's entirely fitting that the prolific and hugely talented Aljean Harmetz should give us the ultimate bible, road-map and encyclopedia of this Bogart-Bergman classic.
It's a fascinating read from cover to cover, including scores of back stories relating to every stage of the film's development. What's more, it will help settle hundreds of bar-room bets, thus paying for itself many times over! To author Harmetz, I can only say, "Here's looking at you kid!"

As a Casablanca lover (words don't do it justice), I ate this book up. Harmetz writes with warmth about nearly everyone involved in the film except Jack Warner, about whom she writes with a deserved respect. The stories of the bit players, most refugees, expanded the Casablanca context tremendously for me. The suspense, and the tale of how this gem could have been different in so many ways (or not produced at all), made me appreciate this cultural icon even more. I haven't seen the film since reading this book, but you bet when I do I'm going to turn off the phone.

Aljean Harmetz's "Round Up the Usual Suspects" is one of the best books on the making of what is probably the best film of the 1940s (and possibly of all time). Harmetz explains almost every aspect of the story--often sounding more like fiction than fact--of the making of this all-time winner. These aspects include who was behind the camera, the actors, and the writers. She provides many details about life behind the WB shield--which collaborates the view of Jack Warner as a jerk seen in a fine book,"Hollywood Be Thy Name"--the fights on who wrote the screenplay, and how they all meshed together to create an enduring classic. She also explains how the film escaped the propanganda machine of later 1940 films. If you love this film, you should read this book! Let us hope that it returns to print witht he release of the special DVD edition of "Casablanca".

This book is a small miracle. (Please see my review of the A&E Ruby Slippers documentary.) I think Rhys Thomas is an angel. The fact that he could research and write this book is jaw-dropping. If you love real-life intrigue, you'll get a big kick out of this book. It's an astounding story, and should be made into a film. I think much of the material here is controversial. It would be fascinating to have some linear insights on the Ruby Slippers. The phenomena of those sets of shoes and their copies (7 known sets) remain mysterious to this day. (The most used-pair was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum, the day New Orleans was crushed by Katrina.)

Rhys is simply a witness, a record-keeper and a facilitator of information. He describes his quest to find these authentic movie relics. Sadly, this becomes the story of a young man by the name of Kent, who was a costumer and collector in the '70's. In the end, Kent died, bitterly, with AIDS in his 30's. So here, you learn a bit about this young man and his passion for old Hollywood. Also the rapid deterioration of MGM. Keep in mind, during the '30's and '40's, Louis B. Mayer was one of the richest men in the nation. This is a fascinating study. I'm so stunned to think of the MGM auctions happening when I was a young woman in my 20's. What a historical loss! Rhys describes that. And here, you get the first bit of insight on how people began to place monetary value on movie collectibles. You see, the Ruby Slippers were the Holy Grail of Hollywood in the '80's. Rhys documents the greed and loss involved as individuals searched for and created replicas of the shoes. I wonder why Judy Garland never bothered to keep a pair of those shoes? It's fascinating to compare her habits and behaviors to those of some of the personalities in this book. At the end of her life, Judy was known to do things like sleep in her gorgeous designer clothes, rip them up in one night's use, etc. Like the personalities in this book, Judy's mind was distorted by the end of her life. She lived simply, out of a few paper bags.

This book takes the reader far beyond the flatlands of Kansas and on an incredeible tour of Hollywood Movie Memorabilia. It brings to life people and movies who are long dead but not forgotten. Each page pulls the reader in and makes them take notice just like the sparkling ruby red slippers. You can't look away and you can't stop reading. When I reached the last page I found myself, like the author, realizing that there can't be an end to the story as long as people want the slippers...and face it how can you not love the slippers??? I think the best ending of all would be if this book was updated so we could all know the path the slippers have taken since the book was first published.

This book is one of the most fascinating things I have ever read. The descriptions of the MGM auction and the details of the days leading up to it are priceless. As another reviewer has stated, I also think this book should be expanded/updated and re-released.... possibly as a hardcover coffee table book. Since it was written, Debbie Reynolds has publicly shown her Arabian test shoes and has admitted her dealings with Kent Warner. Also, at least one pair of slippers has changed hands again and one pair has been stolen.

I first heard about this wonderful story when I caught the Discovery Channel's documentary of the same story, but they mentioned the book and I *had to have it*!

I was not disappointed; I've reread it two or three times already and am continually delighted. If you are an "OZ" fan in the *slightest*, you cannot let this one go unread!

This book is absolutely amazing!!!! If this book has taught me one thing it's this: there's more to those ruby slippers than meets the eye!!!!

The photographs alone in this book justify the purchase price. Heck, the cover photo of Clara Bow justifies the price! The text was interesting but not overly enlightening; however, every photo was one I'd not seen before. I found the author's choice of biographic subjects to be intriguing since it included actors I might have overlooked. If you love the silent movie era, this is a good addition to your library.

This is the first modern book I have seen in a long time that covers the silent era of film with the right combination of good textbook information and photographs to illustrate the era. There are many production stills, behind the scenes photos and poster and other advertising art work for illustration. A history of the development of Hollywood as the center of the film industry is given as well as coverage of different genres and the key players of the era. Overall, a handsome coffeetable edition with good general information about the best of Silent Film.

This gorgeous, glossy coffee-table-style book is a must-have for serious silent movie fans. Fascinating information on the golden age of silent movies and full of wonderful photographs.

This book is crammed with lush photos and fantastic ad materials from the silent era. The text is thorough, informative, and presented in an organized and entertaining manner, but the book is worth the price for the illustration alone.

I received this book as a Christmas gift and while not a definitive volume on the Silent Era, it is truly beautiful. They have various chapters from the stars, the directors, genres and etc. This book is loaded with photos of stars and posters and is a large coffee table book. I have read bits and pieces but not cover to cover, yet. Still, I can highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this forgotten time in cinema history.

My 22 month old daughter wants me to read this book to her every night! If your child is a Sesame Street fan then this little book will be a big hit.

My 17 month old usually has a hard time settling down at bedtime. She adores the Sesame Street characters, especially Elmo, and we read this book just before tucking her in and turning out the light. Elmo and Big Bird and their friends are getting ready for bed, and showing them all sleeping helps my little girl to accept bedtime a little more readily, since anything Elmo does is automatically cool!

My daughter and I have read this book over 100 times, at naptime and bedtime. She seems to never get tired of it, and is now reading it to me! It's a great book that seems to be perfect for a 2 to 2-1/2 year old attention span.

My 22 month old son loves this book. It very sweetly winds him down by saying good night all of his favorite friends as they go to sleep. It starts with Elmo at the park playing and ends with him being tucked in for bed. Therefore the child is able to relate to being awake and playing and is then brought down to falling asleep with all his Sesame Street friends. This is a wonderful book to lull your child to sleep with.

Our 21 month old son loves reading this book, both at bedtime and anytime we are reading together. It starts with Elmo at the park with his Dad, and they head home to get ready for bed. Along the way, Elmo sees different Sesame Street Monsters getting ready for bed by brushing their teeth, jumping on the bed, reading to their teddy bears, etc. Everyone is getting ready for bed, and at the end, it's Elmo who is fast asleep in his bed. This is a wonderful bed time storybook, but note it's paper pages not a boardbook so be careful with toddlers who like to grab pages.

It's been a few years since we last bought one of the Star Trek wall calendars. It's good to have one again. We prefer the original series calendars to the more recent sequels and to the "Ships of the Line." Overall size of the calendar is more than adequate and color photos are great. This year's (2008) version has shots from the original TV series, starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and the late DeForest Kelley. We believe each of the first three years of the series are represented. The calendar also has two months with photos from the Star Trek movies, "Wrath of Khan" and "Search for Spock." Key dates related to the series, stars, and international holidays are included. Finally, there's a centerfold of the original starship Enterprise, with a space station floating in the distance. Quite well done.

Calendar was in stellar condition, exactly as described. I highly recommend it to any fan of the oridional series.

This calendar is really fantastic. The pictures are great! Also, it features important dates/birthdays pertaining to the Original Series cast! The font of the calendar is in line with the Star Trek font. This is a great gift for that serious Star Trek Fan! Highly recommend it!

I look forward to the annual classic Star Trek wall calendar. This year was no exception. The pictures are full of color with clean, crisp images. The vibrant colors that classic Trek was famous for come shining through. Nice to liven up any room or to keep as a collectible.

it was a bit banged up when it arrived, but I feel it was no fault of the company that sent it, just the post office which mangles everything. So, over all, the company was prompt in shipping, and made every effort to send it so it wouldn't get bent.

This is a great sg1 novel and I would recommend this book and the author to anyone. She captures the series perfectly. The plot is so well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat. When I found out that Cost of Honor was the sequel I instantly set out to by it. It was worth all the effort!!!! No matter what you have to do to get these books get them you will not be disappointed.

I found this book extremely difficult to put down. The story line is fantastic, the characters are almost perfectly captured in mannerisms and speech patterns. The author describes scenes vividly so that you can 'see' everything clearly. This is the second book in the Fandemonium SG-1 series that really focuses on the psychological aftermath of Jack O'Neill's torture by Baal. The TV show didn't make that big of a deal of this, but these wonderful tie-in novels use it as grist for a lot of internal angst. In this book we also again see Daniel's guiltly feelings for not helping Jack die when he was being tortured. More grist for internal angst. And then Sam is captured by Baal's Jaffa and receives her own package of angst. So far we don't really see Teal'c with baggage... perhaps in another book. Since this is just part one of the story, I recommend that you acquire SG-1 "The Cost of Honor" at the same time as this book so that you're not left hanging with the "To be continued" effect.

"A Matter of Honor" by Sally Malcolm is exactly what SG1 is about. I could not put the book down it was such a page turner! The characters were to a 'T', the humor, sensitivity, and loyalty. You can picture everything in your mind. It is written so well that there is enough description for you to picture what is going on, however, not too much to bore you. I can't wait to read part 2. I was captured from the very beginning. Also I didn't have to wait for action. It is loaded with it as well as suspense. It takes place in the 7th season after Daniel returns, which plays a part in the book. A must read for Stargate fans!

If you are a true fan of the show - then you will love this book. This reads just like and episode and the dialog is perfect and true to the TV characters. It will keep you turning the page.

The author did a fantastic job and would love to see more from them.

The story continues with the book "Cost of Honor" and picks up right where this one leaves off - it was just like watching a two part episode.

Fun read.

This book is sooooo good!!! This is the type of book that makes me love reading and never want to stop! This book has tons of excitement on every page! It never gets dull! I couldn't wait to pick up my book the next morning. And I couldn't put it down even at 10:00pm! I couldn't stop till I'd read a paragraph and not understand a single word! That's when I figured I should get some sleep. This book has everything Stargate fans have been waiting for! YOU SHOULD TOTALLY READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In his sequel of The Raj Quartet Paul Scott depicts the life of two of the minor characters Tusker and Lucy Smalley. This is the appealing story of the last surviving members of the old school of British in Pankot, a town in India, 24 years after the Independence. Covering only a few months, it makes us witnesses of a whole lifetime. Frankly told, often causing us to feel a lump in our throats, Scott's novel skillfully pictures the emotional impact the débãcle of the British imperialism in India has on a family who chose to stay on.
It took me a while to become fully immersed in the book due to its unusual beginning. The very first page tells of the death of Tusker Smalley, which, in fact, is also the end of that elegiac psychological novel. As I read pretty much the same description of the very same episode at the end of the book, I felt something totally different. Since Tusker was already a friend of mine, his ways not just a weird old man's habitudes, his life not merely a consecution of events, but the result of unfavourable circumstances and crucial decisions, his death grieved me deeply.
The divergence between the story and the plot draws us into a mazy time puzzle, which we have to arrange for ourselves. We are shown into the all-embracing socio-historical setting both before and after the Independence in 1947 through the eyes of Mr and Mrs Smalley, their servant Ibrahim, and the manager of the hotel where they live, Mr Bhoolobhoy. The various perspectives contribute to the comprehension and comprehensiveness of this fading Anglo-Indian portrait of a whole civilization in miniature.
The character of Lucy Smalley is similarly developed through a number of retrospections. In her imaginary conversations with the young Englishman Mr Turner she looks back with bitterness on the days of the raj, most of which pass under the sign of the imposed British hierarchy. Just when she achieves the aspired position of Colonel's Lady "the old hierarchy collapsed and a new one, the Indian one, took its place". Thus, nothing changes for them because the new race of sahibs and memashibs places them as far down in the social scale as the Eurasians in the days of the raj.
The changes brought about by the Independence estrange Lucy and Tusker even more than before. The lack of communication cuts them off from one another and makes them live separate lives under the same roof. He has a rude awakening when he realizes that the huge rise in the cost of living in England prices them out of the home market and they must stay on in India. This leads to his "personality change", as Lucy calls it. She, for her part, is terribly lonely because in this new world she has become "a black sheep in reverse exposure". She fears the moment when her ill husband will pass away and she will be destitute because, `She would be alone in a foreign country. There would be no one of her own kind, her own colour, no close friend by whom to be comforted or on whom she could rely for help and guidance."
Staying on is not a novel of action, but one of contemplation and speculation. Its very title implies passivity. It however, turns out to be misleading for in Tusker and Lucy's case staying on in India requires strong will and endurance. In fact, this paradox makes Tusker and Lucy analyze and reconsider their lives; makes them realize that their happiness was sacrificed part because of circumstances, part for habits' sake. The profundity of their psychological portraits, the moving episodes, even the purifying humour turn this novel into a quest for our own inner selves. Thus, even though the end of Staying On is well-known from the very first line, it still strikes us with its poignancy for we have changed our perception and have turned into Tusker and Lucy's best friend who knows all they've been through,
So when Lucy sits on her "throne" in the bathroom, appealing to Tusker:
...Tusker, I hold out my hand, and beg you, Tusker, beg, beg you to take it and take me with you. How can you not, Tusker? Oh, Tusker, Tusker, Tusker, how can you make me stay here by myself while you yourself go home?
what I hear is the echo of the record Lucy loves best, Chloë:
Oh through the black of night, I gotta be where you are. If it's wrong or right, I gotta go where you are. I'll roam through the dismal swamplands, searching for you. If you are lost there let me be there too...

Paul Scott at his best. If you appreciated and was moved by The Raj Quartet, you'll find this book no less inspiring.

I didn't notice this until it was too late to return it to Amazon, but my new copy of this book was defective. A large section of the book appeared twice, and another section was not included at all. If you buy this book, I'd recommend checking your copy promptly to see if it has the same problem while there is still time to return it.

This is a coda to the wonderful RAJ QUARTET. It is nearly as good as the other four novels. Tusker Smalley dies of a heart attack. At the the time of his death Mrs. Bhoolabhoy owns Smith's Hotel. Tusker and Lucy stay in a lodge on the property. The hotel is no longer the grand place it used to be. Now the Shiraz, a newer enterprise, is the really stylish establishment.

Paul Scott portrays Mr. Bhoolabhoy in hilarious terms. Mr. Bhoolabhoy functions as management at his wife's place of business and also considers himself Tusker's best friend. Just before his death Tusker Smalley fired his servant Ibrahim. Ibrahim had been fired on other occasions by either Tusker or his wife, Lucy, but of course in this instance the action is final.

The Smalleys are the last of Pankot's permanent retired British residents. Hearing of the death of Colonel Layton in England, Lucy commences to write to Sarah Layton. It is learned subsequently that Sarah married Guy Perron and a friend of theirs, David Tucker, is scheduled to visit Pankot and complicates the action by causing Lucy to make provision for his stay under the circumstances where she does not truly understand Tusker's careful stewardship of the couple's rather limited resources.

Through the memory of Lucy the book circles back to the earlier incidents of Mabel Layton's death at Rose Cottage, the fate of her house guest, Barbie, and the residency of Tusker and Lucy at that abode. Mr. Bhoolabhoy has always felt that Lucy's presence in Smith's dining room makes the place seem less seedy. In the end Mrs. Bhoolabhoy sells out to a consortium and Tusker dies clutching the notice to quit prepared by his dear friend, Frank Bhoolabhoy, the management of Smith's Hotel.

If, like me, you've been meaning to read The Raj Quartet, but have been daunted by it's gargantuan bulk, this shorter sequel offers an ideal entree to Paul Scott's Anglo-Indian world. Here he takes what I understand are two very minor characters from the quartet, Colonel Tusker Smalley and his long-suffering wife Lucy, and makes their story the centerpiece of a sweetly elegiac comic novel.

The year is 1972 and the Smalleys have stayed on in Pankot, India even after Independence in 1947, less out of love of the country or it's people, than out of financial need and sheer spite on Tusker's part. Where the upper class Brits were able to just scamper home, the Smalleys represent the folk of the middle class, who felt that they had invested something in the colony and now deserved to get something out of it. As he explains to Lucy:

I know for years you've thought I was a damn' fool to have stayed on, but I was forty-six when Independence came, which is bloody early in life for a man to retire but too old to start afresh somewhere you don't know. I didn't fancy my chances back home, at that age, and I knew the pension would go further in India than in England. I still think we were right to stay on, though I don't think of it any longer as staying on , but just as hanging on, which people of our age and upbringing and limited talents, people who have never been really poor but never had any real money, never inherited money, never made real money, have to do, wherever they happen to be, when they can't work anymore. I'm happier hanging on in India, not for India as India but because I just can't merely think of it as a place where I drew my pay for 25 years of my working life, which is a hell of a long time anyway, though by rights it should have been longer.

But now, with Tusker's health in decline, Lucy has increasing concerns about her own future. As is, they have led a pretty precarious existence for the past 15 years, having been reduced to living in a hotel, the new owner of which is a ghastly Indian woman, who married the manager, Mr. Bhoolabhoy, one of Tusker's few remaining friends. The author etches a finely detailed portrait of his characters and in particular of the difficult marriage of the Smalleys. Tusker is an irascible curmudgeon straight out of an old British barracks. Lucy has been disappointed that their relationship did not fulfill her romantic ideals. These strains are exacerbated by the daily indignities they must now suffer as the last seedy remnants of the departed British Empire, looked down upon by the very natives they once lorded it over. In the final scenes of the novel, two letters are written which will change these peoples' lives, for better and for worse.

This is a very funny and ultimately a deeply moving story. The Smalleys are a couple the reader won't soon forget. I liked it so much, I think I may finally heft that colossal Quartet off of the shelf and give it a go.

GRADE: A-

This is a great companion piece to the film. The screenplay differs slightly from what is spoken in the film, but this is what Favreau originally wrote and is why the movie came about. The introduction, rules, and glossary are all nice added features.

A great book! A must have for the die-hard fan. Vince's rules of dating and the enclosed glossary of terms are hilarious! John Favreau and Vince Vaughn are here to stay!

I was blown away when I saw the movie. I watched it three times right afterwards and I watch it almost 3x a week. The expression is magnificant and the way they actors portray the characters is unbelievable. Right away I fell in love w/ vince vaughn and after I read the book and I love him even more! Fantastic!

This book is so MONEY, and you don't even know it! Everyone should buy this book, whether your a dork, a nerd, heck, even a ROUNDER should buy this book. Not only is Jon Favreau the man, but he is also the greatest inspration in my life. "Swingers: A Screenplay and the Swinger Rules" teaches the average joe everything from getting the DIGITS to catching a BEAUTIFUL BABY for yourself. Without this book, life is just PUPPY DOGS AND ICE CREAM. This is the one step-self-help guide to getting the BEAUTIFUL BABIES, using your WINGMAN effectively, and learning how to feel the VIBE a PARTY GIRL could be sending you at a PARTY. Although some DIGITS come with BUISNESS CLASS PARTY GIRLS, BUSINESS CLASS always equals BUSINESS A$$. With Favreau's "Swingers: A Screenplay and the Swinger Rules," you will never, ever be SHAQED. I guarentee it. So after you go to AMAZON.COM, and buy the book, you'll be MONEY, and YOU WILL KNOW IT!

I remember when i first heard about swingers many years ago. I didnt even know what it was about, but something made me want to see it. When i did i was blown away. I have never seen a movie like this. I was so use to the big action packed movies and never realized there was a whole other field of films out there. Ever since i saw swingers i have been a huge fan. I was also very infactuated by the character Mikey. He has become a sort of a idle for me, or at least someone who i look up too. A while ago i saw this screenplay and bought it. I was even more suprised to see that Jon Favreau was the writer. Jon Favreau was also Mikey in the film. Jon has inspired me to change who i am, and i have. I am also very interested in the film industry and started writing screenplays myself, and i used the screenplay to swingers to start me out writing my own. I owe everything to Jon Favreau I used to be a adolescent punk, now i live in hollywood and have friends that can't be better. I am also trying to get into directing. I learned that maturity means your pleasure isn't worth someone elses pain. Might i say all my friends now are very mature. Thanks alot Jon if i ever get a big movie deal i'm looking you up. take care all. bye.

Garry Marshall writes like he talks: FUNNY. His tales of happiness, hard work and inspiration are as entertaining as they are informative. This book has no lag, and actually should serve as a textbook to aspiring directors. I loved this book.

Garry Marshall is a true gem in Hollywood. He is a beloved and respected producer/director/writer/actor who never takes himself too seriously to appreciate life and his family and friends. In his own humorous way, Garry tells his story from his humble beginnings to his incredible career in TV and film. He has worked with some of the top actors in Hollywood and it is a total delight to read about the behind the scenes making of HAPPY DAYS, MORK AND MINDY and LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY along with his films BEACHES, FRANKIE AND JOHNNY, NOTHING IN COMMON and PRETTY WOMAN. Garry tells it like it is and doesn't hold back when talking about actors and studio executives. He also admits to his fondness for nepotism. Good timing and luck put Garry in the right place at the right time and he shared his good fortune with his sister Penny Marshall by helping launch her career. The book is filled with insight and revelations. Garry's anecdotes are too humorous to miss. How did they come up with the famous opening for LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY? How did he come to cast Robin Williams and Pam Dawber in MORK & MINDY? Despite budget restraints, Garry was able to create a very memorable opening for Bette Midler in the film BEACHES. It's fascinating to read how Garry created some of our most beloved TV shows and films. When a problem arose with a production, Garry found a solution. He never hestitates to admit to his failures and mistakes and never fails to give credit to others who have supported him. WAKE ME WHEN IT'S FUNNY is inspiring and a great motivator for anyone trying to aspire in any field...not just TV or film. Garry's honest and down to earth insight will leave the reader wanting more.

This book is a joy! Garry Marshall is a fine writer of jokes for stand-up comedians of yore, sitcoms &, apparently, of full-length show biz autobiographies. He discusses his life in an extremely entertaining way. His asides - about moviemaking, camerawork & tips on the directing/producing process - are enjoyable for everyone, not just aspiring filmmakers. There are (truly) laugh out loud sections as well (Two Words: Kathi Wathi)...this is a man who seems to live his life with passion & decency & drive, ALWAYS with the added bonus of humor. Yes, he dishes the "dirt" about his celeb peers, but in a completely non-malicious way. Best of all, here's a man who accomplishes much but doesn't take himself too seriously. Good-humored, good-hearted, crisply written & hilarious. Can't recommend this book highly enough!

Pretty Woman has been my favorite movie since I saw in in the theater at the age of fifteen and since then Garry Marshall has been my favorite director. But Garry proved what a great person he is when I attended a book signing for this book back in 1995. I was only twenty, and pretty much the only young woman in line. Most of the people in line were young men giving him treatments, which really disgusted me. But when I finally got up there I just stared at him, the first thing he said to me was that I was very pretty, so I started crying like the girl that I am. He held my hands and just smiled at me, and I told him that Pretty Woman was my favorite movie and thanked him for making it and told him that I wanted to be an actress, so he signed my book "Andrea a very Pretty Woman here's hoping you Happy Days as an actress." that made me cry as well:) His daughter Lori was also very sweet which just proves what a great dad he is as well.

As for the book, of course it's fabulous! You get to learn behind the scenes info on, of course Pretty Woman, but all his other shows and movies as well. His sense of humor cracks me up, especially when he overheard someone talking about Exit To Eden saying "That movie was so bad he doesn't deserve to be Penny Marshalls father!" I laughed SOO hard at that. Not to mention that you can't help but love a director who thanks his wife at the end of every one of his films.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the ends and outs of the entertainment industry from a vetern who knows what he's talking about!:)

A most amazing book about a most amazing man. Follow Mr. Marshall's assertive and generally hilarious approach to breaking into the world of comedy writing - and beyond. The book is a bit of a family affair (forward by sister Penny Marshall, and co-authored by daughter, Lori) chronicling his often hysterical trek from an allergy-laden childhood to the life of a very successful actor, writer, producer, and director. I've had the unique pleasure of meeting this man in person, and he truly is as determined, grounded and compassionate a man as this book reflects...all with that sparkling sense of humor!

Wonderful fun for Barbie lovers everywhere. My child completed the book the first week!

My daughter just got this book and she keeps it next to her 24/7! Colorful,cute,magic! She loves it, and she's 13 years old! I mean this book has to be pretty good if a girl her age reads it. The pictures are just so pretty, and everyone I know loves it! Please get this book while you can!
YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT!

My mom wouldn't let me get the book,until she read the reviews. When she finally read them, all had 5 stars, and good comments. So, she got it for me... FINALLY. As soon as I read it, i just had to get on and review it too. If you don't get this fairytopia book, no other book is good enough.

It's a nice coloring book, but nothing really different from other coloring books. Unless you really like Fairytopia/fairies.

Is your daughter a fairy lover?
Does she looooove to read?
Well if she is those two things, than this is the book for her. I got this book as a gift and I just keep reading it and reading it. I can't put it down! Come on moms, you have to get this book for your special little girl! ENJOY!
Believe me,
Dina Rollander