Movies Books

Robin Hardy and Anthony Sheffer, The Wicker Man (Crown, 1978)

The emergence of a rabid cult following for the film version of The Wicker Man prompted the publication of the novel on which it was based. And a good thing, too. As fine as the film is, the book has its own special charm.

If you've been living in a cave the past thirty years, the plot of The Wicker Man goes as follows: Neil Howie, a Scots police Sergeant and fine upstanding Christian fellow, receives an anonymous letter saying that a girl has gone missing on Summerisle, a small island only barely under Scot protection, thirty-eight miles west of the last of the Outer Hebrides. Howie goes out to investigate, and finds that, while all the inhabitants of the island are seemingly quite forthcoming with what they know (save the none of them acknowledge the missing girl so much as exists), Howie is torn between his desire to see the case through and his offense at the various heathen goings-on on the decidedly non-Christian island.

The movie does an absolutely lovely job in detailing the various conflicting emotions of Neil Howie throughout, and in this it lies faithfully close to the book. Where the book does the movie one better is in the expanded opening (even the opening to the 104-minute version of the film, rarely seen, leaves quite a bit unanswered about the whole mess) and allowing us to get inside Howie's head for a few of the harder-to-understand decisions he makes over the course of his time on Summerisle. The downside of it all is that the same strengths one can get from a book opens up its weaknesses, and while The Wicker Man does handle sudden emotional changes with a more deft hand than most novels of its ilk, there are still some embarrassingly jarring ones (from offense to affability in an instant simply isn't convincing, no matter how you dress it up it still looks like an ogre). Still, it's obvious Hardy spent a lot of time thinking and plotting this one out before coming up with a final draft, and what finally got released is a pleasure. This is not at all easy to find these days, but whether you've seen the film or not, this is definitely one to pick up. **** ½

Based on the marvelous film of the same title, this book is a must for those who've seen the movie, whether the long or short version. Beyond filling in the gaps of the background and true personality of Sergeant Howie, it is, quite simply, a great read! Rather than a novelization of exact dialogue and events, this gives a more complete picture of Howie and Summerisle, why he feels so adamant about his Christianity and the need to mission to the "poor pagans." Unfortunately out of print in the US (I purchased my copy used), it was available from Amazon UK last time I checked.

I won't bore you with details since someone has essentially given you most of the plot. The film as well as the book adaption are absolutely brilliant, a believable Horror story hasn't been done better before or since. Get ready for the American film remake/reimagining starring Nicholas Cage/aka The Wooden Indian, The man who acts the same, sounds the same(monotone) in everything he's ever made and it will probably have a rap or hiphop soundtrack even though it takes place on an island off the coast of Scotland, EEWWWWW!...God! I dread it. This is almost guaranteed to suck s#!t out of a Horses A$$!!, read the book or see the classic original movie before the new one spoils it for you.

The book makes for enjoyable, easy reading. I've never seen the movie, so I cannot comment on its resemblance to it. The plot is interesting and moves fluidly. The books only weak points are its somewhat lackluster prose and the main character's self-righteousness, which becomes nauseous at times. Also, I wish the author would've delved a bit deeper into the pagan rites. Overall, its a good read.

You've seen the show, now you can read the books. It's always a new story in this crazy family and you never know what will happen. If you like the show, you will love these books.

You've seen the show, now you can read the books. It's always a new story in this crazy family and you never know what will happen. If you like the show, you will love these booka

This is a great book and Lucy has to face a lot of dicisions about doing something illegal but will she do it? read to find out. This book is great for unger readers because it has a great
moral.

I got my daughter this book for Christmas and she had finished reading it by 8 that night. This book is great for younger kids because it tells about how Lucy must make the decision on whether to go with the crowd or stand up for her beliefs on a decison that could be life threatning and illegal.
If your kids like the show I would really suggest the book.

It's 2005 and finally, finally an American woman film director has written her memoir, "The Woman Director: The Adventures of a Really Independent Filmmaker, Ages 6-36;" and brother, is this one REALLY independent filmmaker! This is one of those rare books - like John Sayles's "Thinking in Pictures" - that really lays out the difficulties of shooting on low budgets. It's both inspiring and, at the same time, will probably make a lot of women think twice about going for the director's chair. Jurgen Vsych survived physical attacks and unbelievable harassment. If things in Hollywood are better now than in 1973, it's because of women like Vsych, who gained ground by sheer artistic excellence. If nothing else, this book explains why there are so few women directors. This is one tough dame. Her nickname is "Rommel," and not for nuthin' - this woman is a tank, taking missile fire and staying on course. She'll probably be the first woman to win the best director Oscar.

She wrote, directed and produced "Ophelia Learns to Swim" (which you can get on Amazon.com) and the shorts "Pay Your Rent, Beethoven" and "Ralph Nader Crashes the Two Parties (they're only available on TheWomanDirector.com) - pure dead brilliant! She was obviously inspired by Buster Keaton and the great silent comedians, but dialogue is her true strength - she has a great ear (she's a professional musician, and her scores and sound effects are top-notch). She obviously likes actors (she even got a good performance out of Ralph Nader!), and she tells great stories about working with John Gielgud, Max Von Sydow and Dudley Moore.

The cover photo, like the book, is both funny and sad - a woman who has spent all her money on an Arri 35mm camera and has no money left over for a proper dolly, so she's forced to use a shopping cart. If Vsych were a man - or the daughter of a famous director - she'd be as famous as Steven Soderbergh, Alexander Payne and Sofia Coppola. I hope this book will help her get the recognition - and the budgets - she deserves.

This is the only memoir I've ever read that was written in present tense, which does really put you in the rollercoaster alongside Vsych (pronounced "Vy-zick," according to the handy pronunciation guide on her book cover); it makes the story seem like it's happening as you read it. My only beef is that it's way too short. Her diary at the time she wrote this book was 17,256 pages long. I hope she'll publish the rest someday. She's written a book about Nader's campaign - I'm counting the days 'til it comes out!

I hope Vsych one day writes a book about film technique - it would be The Missing Manual for young filmmakers.

The writer-director-producer-credit-card-goddess of the cult classic "Ophelia Learns to Swim" and 29 other films is the first American woman director - and only the third woman director ever -to write her autobiography. This is a historic book, a classic which not only describes her personal struggles, but illuminates the climate from 1973 - when women were unable to pass the Equal Rights Amendment and there were virtually no women directors - to 2003, when women were still only making 73 cents to a man's dollar and women directors were still viewed as an oddity.

Vsych was born in Hollywood, but never went Hollywood. Growing up in the worst place on earth for an independent film maker, she eventually escaped and made films in Scotland, England, Seattle and New York (she's now based in Washington DC, having worked as Ralph Nader's 2004 campaign videographer - she wrote and directed the brilliant "Ralph Nader Crashes the Two Parties," a mock debate with Nader debating Bush and Kerry [as portrayed by GI Joe dolls]). She did whatever it took to raise money for her films - digging for food in trash cans, living in her car, working as a bookseller, a butler and a bagpiper.

"The Woman Director" is written in the rarely-used present-tense, which puts you smack inside this most unusual brain. Vsych edited 17,000 pages of journals into 226 fast-paced pages - let's hope a publisher one day publishes the entire diary - it will be the Pepys Diary of its day.

Vsych is a true Renaissance Woman. Unlike many other memoirs, there is nothing whiney, self-pitying or self-indulgent in her book. Vsych will stand with Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Olivia DeHavilland as one of the great women artists and role models in cinema history. I can't wait for the sequel, "The Old Lady Director: The Adventures of a Really Wealthy Filmmaker, Ages 37-97."

(Incidentally, I display this book on my bookcase facing out - the photo of Vsych in her shopping cart dolly is a great metaphor for women; no matter how high we climb, we always get stuck doing the shopping.)

"The Woman Director" is an insider's journey through the triumphs and tragedies of film-making for the love of the art - rather than for the love of the money. Our tour guide is the archetype-incarnate of a female Don Quixote, jousting with and jutting at the windmills of Hollywood.

Along the way she has encounters with several characters you will recognize, several prima donnas, a gaggle of weasels and even a few decent human beings.

Her travels to Scotland and Seattle, attempts at finding more supportive environments for her film-making, make for interesting travelogues and could have each stood alone as fascinating peeks into the veiled culture of the independent cinematic arts community.

But it is in Hollywood where our author, Ms. Jurgen Vsych, is able to show us the biggest obstacles in the way of the independent film maker as well as giving us a look we can not get anywhere else into how "indies" are made.

Ms. Vsych brings to her story the same combination of sharp - even piercing - social commentary and zany comedy as we find in her films. This is one not to miss if you are "in to" indies or wonder why there are so few women in that field. Oh, and by the way, this book reads like a novel; each page has something to titillate your fancy and keep you reading on to the end.

Jurgen Vsych must be the best-kept secret in independent films. Her memoir is just as original, funny and idiosyncratic as her movies. The writer-director-producer of the cult classics "Ophelia Learns to Swim" and "Pay Your Rent, Beethoven" is the first American woman director to write her autobiography. You don't have to have seen her films to enjoy reading about how she made 30 movies on shoestring budgets, under often nightmarish circumstances and against major parental objections.

This book is amazing work of art, with vivid details (and no wonder - Vsych had over 17,000 pages of diaries to jog her memory). It's also funny as hell. The photos and illustrations are great (most of them are by Vsych herself).

It has some hilarious stories about her encounters with Sir John Gielgud, Dudley Moore, Dr. Jonathan Miller, Terry Gilliam, Gene Hackman, Guy Green, John Sayles, Brian Cox, Spike Lee and Max von Sydow. I'm not surprised Ralph Nader hired Vsych to be his 2004 campaign videographer - a crusading director for a crusading presidential candidate.

Vsych's a fine role model. "The Woman Director" is a must for film buffs and students, and any girl who aspires to succeed in a male-dominated profession.

The book x-files "voltage" by Easton Royce was very well written and had many issues and events to deal with including suspence. The story starts off in a small Oklahoma town when a 17 year old boy is struck by lightning and is able to tame electricity...
A must read book for all ages that will get you hooked!

This book is written extremely well throughout. It is the kind of short book that you feel you want to and should just read all through, from front to back. I almost did (if it wasn't for starting it late at night!) It is almost exactly as the episode on TV portrayed it, which is also a good point. Well worth a read even if you're not an x-phile, if you are, then it's a must-read book.

This book is rally good because it has a good climax. The story they give is expression because Darin loved Mrs.Kiveat and he wanted to show her how he feels.Darin has power to make ligthing strike any time he wants.The book is good I recamended.

How is lightning so accurate to kill residents in a small Oklahoma town every time it strikes? Lightning can't do that...can it? Ask Darrin Oswald, a big video game wiz, but a big geek who has a crush on Sharon Kiveat, married to Frank Kiveat. His crush won't go too far...will it? Does he have any paranormal powers? Naw...that's Mulder talk, a boy can't make lightning. Right?

This book is about little Dalmatian puppies that get dognapped. Their parents sound the alarm so the other dogs will look for their puppies. The people stole the puppies so they could sell them to the circus and get rich. The lesson this book teaches is that if you loose something and you look hard enough you will most likely find it. The book is good especially if you like dogs.

This was a great book for childerent to read. i recomend it for all childeren.

This book is one of the best and most adorable children's books I have ever read! "101 Dalmations" was already one of my favorite movies, but now I have a travel-size tale to carry with me! Kids of all ages will love this remarkable story! A Real Classic! Exceptional Illustrations! A Very Good Book!

I love the pictures! This is a must for 24 fans, or anyone who likes Kiefer.

This is such an Awesome Show, It's nice to actually see what's behind the cameras and this book does it well

If you are a fan of 24 then this book is a MUST BUY! Tara goes very in depth for each season, hour by hour. It is put together perfectly and is LOADED with information on the show and the behind the scene stuff as well. GREAT book for the 24 fan in your life! Tara also wrote a companion guide for Seasons 1 and 2 also and again...you must get that one also. She interviews all the stars of 24 on a regular basis and that, along with her gift of writing, makes this book stand out. Again, you HAVE TO BUY THIS BOOK if you are a 24 fan!

For years.The fans of Abbott & Costello wanted to find out how their most famous film parody of horror movies"Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein!"came about.A few books have come to light in recent years:"Movie Comedy Teams"by Leonard Maltin,"The Abbott & Costello Book"By Jim Mullholland and:"Abbott & Costello In Hollywood!"by Ron Palumbo & Bob Furnemack.Now..As a companion to These three manuscripts is the paperback edition of the film's script.Film historian Phil Riley has found an early draft of the script that shows us all scenes and dialogue that never appeared in the final release print:"Oh Oh! And Up Pops The Devil","You're not going to leave me with all of this work"."You're not suppose to throw away all of that fat wasite".etc in terms of the film's dialogue.There is one scene that was never used in the film and sadly.It prohibieted Poor Lou from using his improvational skills as a true movie clown.The scene has "Dracula"(Bela Lugosi)using his hyponotic powers to lure poor"Wilber Brown"(Costello)back into the castle for the brain transplaint.Lou keeps trying to run away.But the power of the evil vampire's spell is so strong that he is constantly being pulled back into the castle via the cave entrance.He finds a rock and sits there."Dracula"(Bela) by now is getting madder than hell! And he says to "Wilber"(Lou)"I Said Come Back!"."Wilber Brown"sits on the rock and says"'No! I'm sitting right here and I'm not going back!".Until both Lou and the rock are zipped back into the cave and into the evil clutches of "Dracula"(Bele Lugosi) and "Dr.Sandra Morney"(Lenore Aubert).The book also shows some photos from the film and some wonderful behind the scenes candid pictures from the cast members,the film's director(Charlie Barton),The film's producer(Bob Arthur)and Dialogue Director(Norman Abbott..Bud's newphew)and the members of the Abbott & Costello families.There are also some thoughts about the making of the film from the team's family members and the true story of how this classic parody was conceived and filmed by the book's author:Mr.Riley.For fans of horror movies and for fans of classic comedy movies.This is one book to have in your collection.Bravo Phil! Kevin S.Butler.

This is a great treasure for Abbott and Costello fans as well as Chaney, Lugosi, or Universal fans. The pictures alone are worth the price of the book. The script is still titled "The Brain of Frankenstein" and includes deleted scenes which further add to the story. As someone who has seen the film many times the added info gives new insights as to the characters performances.

Classic horror film stars meet legendery comic duo make for great film and great book. behind the scenes info with rare photographs and insight into the relationships with all protagonist's. Also critic's reviews and posters and billboards from the orginal time of film's release.

Sophie Aldred was the last companion for the longed lived Doctor Who program. She and special effects wizard Mike Tucker give their thoughts on the last three seasons of the show. The book is filled with pictures from the show and behind the scenes. It also contains quotes from various people including Sylvester McCoy, AKA the Seventh (and final of the series) Doctor. It really is a good read, whether you like Sophie or just like Doctor Who in general. It also contains mainly behind the scenes antics, even the infamous tank scene, where Sylvester became an actual hero.

This really is a perfect companion book to go in any collection.

This book has it all; full colour pictures, many from the private collections of Sophie and SFX creator Mike Tucker, the technical working of the show, and witty, genuine commentary from Sophie herself. By reading this book you get a real understanding of how episodes in the Ace era were produced, what the cast and crew thought of them, and what they got up to on set. Sophie is full of information, and you'll want go back and watch all your videos again and go "Ah! i know how they did that!"

If the cover of Sophie Aldred having dealt the Black Dalek with her aluminum bat doesn't convince Who fans that she's the toughest companion since Leela of the Tom Baker era, nothing will. Sophie is well-placed to tell her experiences in Doctor Who, as she was the series' last companion. She came in the wake of a tough transition in Doctor Who's history--following the dismissal of Colin Baker and the installing of Sylvester McCoy, Sophie was chosen to succeed Bonnie Langford as the new companion.

Mike Tucker, her collaborator of this work, was the visual effects designer during Doctor Who's dying days. He too provides his point of view and remembrances with equal aplomb.
In each of her nine stories (Dragonfire, Remembrance Of The Daleks, The Happiness Patrol, Silver Nemesis, The Greatest Show In The Galaxy, Battlefield, Ghost Light, The Curse Of Fenric, and Survival) she provides vivid commentary and detail from her diary of her experiences. There's lots of behind the scenes photographs in B&W and colour, early design sketches, listings of the cast and production team, director, story number, number of episodes and date broadcast--it's pretty comprehensive.

And yes, the famous incident of her while shooting Battlefield is included. Basically, she was in a water-filled tank and was to be pulled up. Sylvester McCoy noticed the glass bulging and then... CRACK! Sylvester shouted for the crew to lift her out, which they did, before anything happened to her. She also tells about this in the More Than 30 Years In The TARDIS video.

Considering how she was one of the few ex-alumni of Who to come out in the More Than... video, it shows how much she loved the show. She was very heartbroken when Sylvester McCoy told her that there wasn't going to be a 27th season, and that too is included in the book.

At the end of the book are photos and text of some of her post-Who efforts, including More Than A Messiah, an episode of the Stranger, the short-lived Colin Baker series, and Shakedown, a Who-spin off that not only featured the return of the troll-like Sontarans but paired her with Carole Ann Ford, Dr. Who's first ever companion. Then there's an interview where she tells what her favourite story was, plus her favourite Doctor. I have to commend her on her answer--she has good taste.

This is a splendid companion-piece after watching any of the 7th-Doctor/Ace stories. If you can find this book--get it. Break through hoardes of Daleks to get this treasure.

This Book Rocks! This is for anyone whos a fan of Adventures from the Book of Virtues.

My children enjoy listening to a story, poem or two during lunch and on car rides. We especially like "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde and the selection from "A Christmas Carol" by Dickens. I am definatly going to invest in the first volume! These stories are entertainng and educational in a way no lecture on virtue can ever be.

My children enjoy listening to a story, poem or two during lunch and on car rides. We especially like "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde and the selection from "A Christmas Carol" by Dickens. I am definatly going to invest in the first volume! These stories are entertainng and educational in a way no lecture on virtue can ever be.

If you love the stories of Robin Hood then you'll love this book.It's some of the many stories of Robin Hood with Wishbone as your guide.It's good for young kids because Wishbone is right there explaining things like what is chain mail armor.I don't think I could give this book any thing but 5 stars.

I read a book called: WISHBONE THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD. It was really good.A funny part was when little John tricked the sheriff that he was bad.I liked it a lot. The author is Joan Mattern.The book had a lot of bow and arrow shooting and a lot of fighting so if you like books with kings and knights and outlaws you'll like this one!

This author is truly wonderful,because he/she uses action, horror, fantsy and suprise.