Movies Books

Brown has done Pakula proud. This is an important book for anyone interested in one of America's greatest filmmakers.

As with all of Jared Brown's biographies, "Alan J. Pakula His Films and His Life" is beautifully written and researched. It's a fascinating book about a fascinating man, rich in details and characters, easy to read. Pakula's life is chronicled, and his movies examined. This alone makes the book memorable, but to have even more fun I suggest you watch the movies as you read about them. Brown goes into the movies' production, the stars and their association with Pakula. Some of the details are particular to a certain movie; to see their fruition in the actual movie is eye-opening. I highly recommend the book.

"Alan J. Pakula" by Jared Brown is among the best film bios I have ever read, for the way it is written and for inviting me into the world of Pakula on a whole new level.

It's not enough to say the book was thoroughly researched, though it was. Clearly, Brown had access that allowed him to explore Paluka's life at a particularly meaningful level. But it is also a highly engaging journey. A really fun read. I realized, as I read it, how iconographic are many scenes from Pakula's best films. Just mention the titles and these scenes pop out, full blown: the face of Meryl Streep's Sophie on that bed, suffused with the overwhelming pain of her past, Jane Fonda's low, droning voice in the most chilling seduction scene I can recall, Robert Redford making phone call after phone call, plodding toward a story that refuses to reveal itself. And how many scenes from "To Kill a Mockingbird" are burned into the brain? I mentioned this to my husband as I was reading and he remarked he had similar recollections of the same films. They are part of our movie-going psyche and had become the standard by which we subconsciously measure many films we have seen since.

Reading about how these scenes came about created a whole new dimension. A new phenomenon are the behind-the-scenes extra material that comes with many DVD's; this book takes you places such films just can't go,: the mental journey of the creator.
Had anyone asked before who made these films, I couldn't have answered. They just "were". Like the technique, the director had kept himself invisible. How gutsy. So this book was a double joy, not only taking me back to some of the best films Hollywood has produced (we have begun renting each of them to see again; they are astoundingly fresh) but providing a chance to meet a director who was not only supremely talented but such a fine person. Getting into his head and heart has been delightful. And seeing his process was magical. After seeing today's film techniques, the hand-held camera with all the distracting jumping about, how refreshing to discover and appreciate the thought and consideration that went into Pakula's films, the respect for the stories, the characters, the actors and above all, the audience, that he demonstrated. Each of the scenes referred to above are remarkable in their stillness but until I read this bio, I had not appreciated how much thought and insight and sheer talent went into creating that stillness. And the love and passion he brought to the films was obviously returned by those with whom he worked. These films told a story in a way we just don't see today. Maybe this biography will give current directors some pause to reconsider how to tell a story. For myself, I already loved his films. Having read this wonderful biography, now I know why and can enjoy them even more.

Among the best sections of the book are the two extensive chapters on the making of "All the President's Men". Brown must live a charmed life; his book has come out the same time as Deep Throat. So if all you are interested in is politics, these chapters alone are worth getting the book. I had just read Vanity Fair's Bernstein article on Deep Throat. Sequeing into these two chapters could not have been more perfect. Or addictive. I didn't want them to end.

This book is a truly absorbing read on a multitude of levels. I highly recommend it.

This is the GREATEST AMC Book ever written.Very informative and entertaining, and filled with memories that I have cherished and will now be able to cherish forever!!!As a 20+year fan of the show, I can only say I can't wait for the 50th anniversary scrapbook!

This is an excellent book for anyone who loves All My Children. I bought mine used and it was in excellent condition. As a long time All My Children viewer (from the beginning) this was a trip down memory lane for me. It covered all the years from 1970 to 1995. The color pictures were beautiful and the trivia section in the back was wonderful. This is a must have book for all serious and long time viewers of All My Children.

Have you ever had a question about AMC? What actor played what role or who married who? You will find answers to your questions in this big AMC book. What I loved about this book is that it has a thorough plot summary of every year since it's debut in 1970. The book includes family photos, wedding photos, behind the scenes info, AMC trivia, actor quotes, interesting facts, a complete cast list and much more. This is a wonderful coffee table book!

History, a great story and an authentic historical craft! Not only that, but just the right size for girl-sized hands. A+++++++ Cannot be beat!

My almost seven year old daughter has been enjoying AG books on tape and has had at least 20 read to her. Our favorites are the short stories though, because they can be read in one sitting and they have great project ideas geared to the age group. We bought the newest series on July 1 and have read four out of six of the short stories. These books will become favorites for sure, just as the first short story set books are still read over and over again. Thanks for the intro to history in an appropriate format for the early grades.

A bunch of little books for a bunch of little kids! a perfect christmas present for any young girl of any age! i know my little girl loves it!

Back cover reads:
*Leah Temple
is living a nightmare. Somewhere in her past--a past she cannot recall--is a secret she is terrified of uncovering.
*Paul Temple
is fighting his own demons. His wife is back! Or is she? Gone is the conniving, devious shrew who'd made his life hell. In her place, a stong, loving woman he doesn't know...and doesn't trust.

This wonderful book becomes a movie! Justine Bateman and Peter Outerbridge star in this movie premiering on July 11th on the Movie Channel!

I read this book some time ago...yet it continues to stay in my thoughts as an all-time favorite. I have probably re-read this book about four or five times, and each time, I still cry at the ending. For anyone who has ever struggled in an area of their lives that they thought would never be healed, this is a book that can show you that you are not alone... and that love conquers all.

Once again, this terrific series had me on the edge of my seat. I feel completely in love with this story. Geralad is his usual "realist" self. Helga is the obsessive, yet genuinely in love with Arnold, gal that she is and we love her for. Arnold is his ususal optimistic self. It's LAUGH OUT LOUD funny and Helga will make you say WOOOOOOOOAH (you'll know when, and I loved the scene). I personally didn't quite understand the ending with Helga and Arnold, if you did, please post your reply in a posting. don't e-mail me, I won't read it. Love Hey Arnold! Helga rocks!

I got it and I COULD NOT put it down! I thought it was really good. Except it was missing a few parts. Like in the commercials, there were parts shown that weren't in the book. Despite that though, it was really good and interesting. Before I read it, i couldn't understand why it was rated PG but now, after reading it, I did. Why they put that stuff in a ... movie is something that I have no clue of but I can't controll what they do over there. Anyway, if your thinking about buying it, I think you should.

A very colorful display of action, adventure, and romance. It has playful characters and great effects, with an ever-twisting plot and fun dialogue.

A monologue makes the speaker the sole star - no other people, no props, it's all on their own skill. "Art of the Monologue: Monologues They Haven't Heard Yet" is a guide to the art form and how to do it well. Ranging from an acting monologue, such as the famous ones from plays such as Hamlet, to soliloquy, to Stand-Up Comedy, to storytelling to any act of standing on a stage and speaking to entertain a crowd. "Art of the Monologue" is a great study for would be actors or comedians of any type, highly recommended.

Acting: Art of the Monologue by Frank Catalano.

If you are an aspiring actor you must read this book and you will go back to it a thousand times. Frank has a unique, ralaxed way of teaching and writing. After you read his book I'm sure you will wish you could attend his classes. I said an aspiring actor because I am one, but I really mean anyone can and will learn a great deal from this book. Don't wait. You will be many steps closer to succes with the use of this great book.

I have read many monologue compilations, but this one is excellent! The material is relevant and very good. I also loved the characters. Plus all of the pieces can be done together as a single work. Very cool book. I'd give it an A+ for originality.

I got this book because I'm a fan of Kennedy. As I expected I got a very good overview of Kennedy's acting career. But what surprised me is how this book places Kennedy's work in historical context. It's a remarkable achievement. The pages written by Kennedy's daughter are a great addition -- poignant and richly detailed.

This book brings to life a time when character actors were an integral part of a film. Arthur Kennedy's role in each of his films demonstrates the vitality of the character actor. His ability to give meaning to a scene by just a gesture, glance or reflection of his voice made the difference of caring about the story and its characters. He made each one come to life. From the beginning of his career on stage at the Globe Theatre in New York in 1937 to the end of his career in a film called Grandpa, in 1989, a span of 52 years, Kennedy gave us a quality of acting that even Laurence Olivier called him a "lovely" actor during their production of Becket in 1961. The book is a treasure.

It's about time that someone wrote a book about one of the greatest, and sometimes overlooked, American actors of the 20th Century. This book is one of the best film biographies I have ever read for two simple reasons (besides the fact that it is extremely well written and researched): 1) It is about the man and his WORK - and I emphasize W-O-R-K as apposed to G-O-S-S-I-P.
The main thrust is focused on the richeness that he has brought to the screen and shared with his audience. 2) It ties his life and work by interjecting what was going on in the world at each major step in his illustrious career. This is a very illuminating device for me as I believe that artists cannot separate themselves from the events and idiologies of their time. For actors, choices such as the roles they accept or reject and, needless to say, the films themselves are a reflection of their times. So this becomes a vaulable avenue by which one can better understand the artist.
The research that must have gone into writing this book, and the careful attention to detail is impressive. This a book that should set the standard for other books on actors and one that should be part of anyone's bookshelf if they are seriously interested in the history, art and legacy of a great actor. My only critisism is really directed toward the way the book is promoted. On the surface, it appears that the publisher is bent of promoting Kennedy as an actor in Westers when his greatest roles (such as in "Elmer Gantry and Lawrence of Arabia") were clearly not. So don't let the cover of the book deceive you. This is an exceptinal book about a very great artist who left an impressive body of work for us to enjoy. Meredith Macsoud, we can never thank you enough!

As The World Turns is one of the longest running soap operas. This book is a wonderful gift to the numerous fans of the show. It has beautiful pictures and poignant stories about the characters, some who have been on the show from the beginning.

Yes, yes, I have been a fan of this show since I was 13, so it's a really guilty pleasure revisiting all the storylines that so enthralled me. This book has great pictures, and covers the entire history of the show from 1956-1996. That's a lot of twins, kidnappings, murders, and family drama. What comes through best about this book is its sense of history. I truly will always have a place in my heart for this show, and the Hughes family.

PS... even more fun is seeing the old pictures of Julianne Moore and Meg Ryan, both major characters in the 80's...

Whether you are a long-time fan of As The World Turns, or a new fan of this CBS daytime drama, you will want to add this book to your library. Lifelong fans of the show will enjoy re-living the rich history of As The World Turns, and new fans will enjoy learning the history of the plot twists and turns of this popular daytime drama.

The book is chock-full of pictures of cast members, and includes special sections on As The World Turns weddings, personal anecdotes from the actors, and features pieces on former ATWT actors who have achieved superstardom. A wonderful feature of the book is a complete cast list.

If you watch As The World Turns, you must add this book to your personal library.

All of Bruce Hershenon's books are worth a dozen times what he sells them for; flawless, stunning reproductions of great movie posters. Buy them ALL!

What a book! All the poster/lobby card compilations by Hershenson and Allen are great, particularly Volume 10, Serial Movie Posters, which I suspect is their best seller to date, soon to be topped by this one.

We can argue about the "B Movie" in the title, since many of the posters and lobby cards shown are for exploitation, road show, and drive-in films, and there are some A features to be found in these pages as well. But that's a quibble.

What images! These were intended to get the farmers off their wagons and into the theatre, and they do serve that purpose. Have a gander at the incredible poster for I LOVE TROUBLE (39), a masterpiece in several senses of the word and from many points of view. The poster for TOMCATS (237) exhibits a very poor understanding of human anatomy but it would cause any healthy male of any age to fumble unconsciously in the general direction of the fly of his trousers. A number of posters and lobby cards feature the immortal Mamie Van Doren, protruding further than seems humanly possible (100, for instance) and Jayne Mansfield (for example 112) is no slouch along those lines herself.

I'd love to have seen a poster for BOP GIRL GOES CALYPSO starring Judy Tyler, but one can't have everything! Highest possible recommendation, and keep those hands away from that fly.

This volume from the series of books from Bruce is fantastic.The beatifull artistic designs of the posters contained in this volume are true classic examples of the fond memories I have from my youth when drive-ins were at the peak of popularity. Although the films were Ed Wood grade z type shlock fare the posters promoting them were class a in artistic design. The general rule of thumbs used by us frequenting the weekly drive-ins was the more outragius off the wall display on those posters(usualy a scanty cladd female and verball quotation to entice the movie going individuals) the most likely the film is a real turkey.Many of us loved making the weekly treck to the driv-ins just to see if the latest presentation could topple the king Plan 9 From Outer Space in realy bad filmmaking.The color posters contained in this volume all are examples of classic poster designing that sadly is lacking in "bland" fare that has been created for film posters from the late 80's to the present day.I highly recomend this gem of a book to any lover of film posters, the price for it is "dirt cheap pocket change" considering the outstanding content it has.A truely unique one of a kind book that I long have searched for and untill now, was never available.

One of my favorite novels. Davies is harsh -- no fluff here -- but his writing is powerful and honest. Read it.

I ordered a copy of B Monkey just a few weeks back. I finally picked it up and couldn't but the darn thing down.It's style and voice, how he gives you Alan's point of view and B's. Heavens I didn't want it to end.

I first picked up a copy of B Monkey almost a year ago and was wonderfied with this book. The story of Alan Furnace and his beloved 'B. Monkey' (READ MY NAME) is anything but your average paperback love story. Both the story and the language of the book pull no punches. B Monkey is raw and unforgiving with it's truthfulness and candor, yet it reads and feels like the love story it is. If you're sick and tired of the average sap-fest you find in most love stories, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! You won't be disappointed!