Television Books

Wonderful to see all the behind the scenes photos. I look at them all the time.

At what went on behind the scenes of M*A*S*H, particularly during the final week or so of filming. I found this book at the Boston Public Library and, as it was in the reserved books section, read it in less than an hour. And I'm glad I did--I learned more about both M*A*S*H and the show's actors than I could have without interviewing them myself. Arlene Alda did a superb job with the photography, and Alan Alda's commentary is not only insightful, but also makes me wish I was old enough then (I was two in 1983) to appreciate the show, and lets me appreciate it--and the hard work of everyone involved--even more now.

Delightful, great photos and a MUST have for all MASH junkies. Alan Alada has just come out with his own autobiography, so this may be harder to find.

THE LAST DAYS OF MASH IS A GREAT BOOK EVERY MASH FAN SHOULD HAVE THIS BOOK!

ALAN & ARLENE ALDA DID A WONDERFUL JOB ON THIS BOOK!

FROM A BIG MASH FAN FOR 6 YEARS NOW KIRSTEN

If you're a M*A*S*H fan--or just have one in your life--you'll want to go to the extra trouble of trying to find this out-of-print volume. It's a photo-journal of the last week of filming M*A*S*H, with all the pictures provided by Alan Alda's talented wife. She had unusual access to a very closed set and was therefore able to capture a lot of raw emotion. Her photos, combined with her husband's often poignant commentary, do much to convey a sense of what was happening to the group of players that had called the 4077th their home. Perhaps because the initial profits went to charity--though probably because it was genuinely there--a real sense of love permeates this work. THE LAST DAYS OF M*A*S*H was no attempt to capitalize on the hysteria surrounding the end of the series, but an authentic documentary effort.

Anyone with an interest in classic comedy writing will find this book to be an absolute treasure trove. It is a fascinating and comprehensive work consisting of interviews with the men (almost exclusively, men) who created the industry of modern comedy writing and, thus, the television industry as we all know it. I enjoyed every page!

The interview subjects in this book really get down to the nuts and bolts of writing comedy for radio. Excellent material, well organized and presented. There's a lot to learn here.

What a delightful book! Full of insights into the process of writing comedy and how "lively" live radio and TV could be. Paints a clear and not always pretty picture of some of the funniest folk in comedy, including Bob Hope, Eddie Cantor, Fred Allen. The format lets the writers express themselves, and it's not always good memories they're sharing. A must for any fan of old-time radio, comedy, writing, and television. The stories are not always sweet and nostalgic, but accurate and, above-all, honest. I loved this book!

I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Gerald Nachman's "Raised on Radio." I liked the format: each chapter was laid out by writer's name, his recollections and thoughts on the shows he worked on, and his credits by medium; (radio, TV, Movies, etc). You really got a feel for who was a major talent vs. who was lucky in show business. The writers really didn't get their due from the public, now here's your chance to find out who was responsible for "making" certain stars legends!

Jordan Young's interviews with some of Hollywood's top radio comedy writers in the thirties, forties and fifties gives the reader interested in show business nostalgia so much more than could be reasonably expected. While I was reading the book, I felt that I went back in time and I throughly enjoyed every hour.

We don't read transcripts of old radio shows--instead, we get a front row seat on Sunset and Vine in Hollywood and find out--through the writers--all that went on before the show went on the air and how the whole frenzied process began again immediately after the show went off the air.

I always wondered how these old radio shows were put together. What we learn is that each comedy star had his own system. While Eddie Cantor may have employed a hundred writers in a chaotic fashion over his long radio career with only modest results, Jack Benny had a long-time stable of six or seven writers and by consensus, had established, along with Fred Allen, the "gold standard" in radio comedy.

I loved this book!

A Life Full Of Days ( Publisher: Authorhouse (May 1, 2003) ISBN: 141072607X) is a sincere and genuine memoir by Chalmers (Chum) Dale. Chalmers Dale is a (now retired) Emmy award-winning CBS news producer whose journalism career brought him face-to-face with distinguished citizens ranging from Martin Luther King Jr. to Bob Hope.

While reading A Life Full Of Days, I couldn't help but hear the song The Long And Winding Road by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

"The long and winding road that leads to your door
Will never disappear
I've seen that road before it always leads me here
Leads me to your door..."

In his memoir Mr. Dale speaks from a life that has lived on both sides of the tracks -- A man who in his search for his true self and his honest sexual representation while living a double life as a gay man in a "straight" world. From a confused young man to WW2 military service to a ten-year marriage with two children, Chalmers endures to find his true self. Chalmers Dale does an exceptional job at sharing with us his 'personal' meaning of life and living that life as "who he is" and not what society dictates "who he should be".

A Life Full Of Days is an important book with a more important message. As the author says, "Was it time to stop kidding myself and recognize that I was a homosexual? The answer was yes." Chalmers Dale's story is one that will reach and enlighten everyone who reads it but especially this book puts his life out there for young people to see and possibly to "...ease some pain they feel during adolescence, with sexual confusion nagging at them." Mr. Dale's life and story also explores the compassion and understanding he brought to his assignments at CBS -- shows that "made a difference" for millions of viewers."

A Life Full Of Days is the verse and soul of a life and author who so perfectly sums everything up in a quote by Soren Kierkegaard that says, "LIFE CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BACKWARDS: BUT MUST BE LIVED FORWARDS." In this outstanding and well-written memoir this particular reader traveled "The long and winding road" that was and is the life of Chalmers "Chum" Dale. Thank you Mr. Dale for your story and your life. Hopefully many will read A Life Full Of Days, a book, that leads to your door.
John Weaver -Editor BooksandAuthors.net

A Life Full Of Days is the personal memoir of Emmy award-winning CBS news producer Chalmers (Chum) Dale, and entails the globe-spanning journalism that brought him face-to-face with distinguished citizens ranging from Martin Luther King Jr. to Bob Hope. Recounting his life from a confused childhood to his adult determination to seek out evidence of the human condition for all to see, A Life Full Of Days is an absorbing read and a highly recommended addition to community library American Biography collections.

These were the most exciting times in television history. This personal narrative--fascinating, difficult, ironic, and funny--tells of an ordinary life filled with extraordinary moments. Emmy Award-winning CBS News producer Chalmers (Chum) Dale examined and documented the human condition in over 300 shows. His work took him around the world, introducing him to many of the most distinguished citizens and celebrities of our time, from Martin Luther King Jr. to Bob Hope.
This compelling memoir, written in an approachable, conversational style, also tells of Chum's lonely struggle in leading a double life: A search for true sexual identity during adolescence, WW2 military service, a short teaching career, and a ten-year marriage with two children. His existence begins to make sense when he meets his significant other of forty-two years and starts piecing his life together. Through these enduring experiences, Chum's story also explores the compassion and understanding he brought to his assignments at CBS--shows that "made a difference" for millions of viewers.

Chalmers Dale reveals all about his interesting life. Dale was truly a pioneer, and his courage, integrity, and creativity are evident on every page.

The author tells his story in an honest but tasteful way. Seems like he did some cool things over the years even if it did take him a while to figure out who he was.

There are interesting reflections on music, sports, urban and suburban life in the 20th century and especially TV. The guy was on hand as TV became basically what it is today.

This book'd make great reading for young people in a similar position: figuring out their sexuality and family while trying to make the most of thier time.

His style is unpretentious and relaxed. I felt like I was sitting around one afternoon having a chat. There are photos.

This easy-to-read guide is a must for anyone looking to break into the entertainment industry. It's chock full of advice and anecdotes that highlights the authors knowledge of the field. With Maniscalco-Blasi's insider advice it seems almost possible to navigate and succeed as an actor.

An inside look at the casting process to help aspiring actors know what to expect, and give non-aspiring actors a chance to experience life behind the scenes in the acting industry. Anna Maniscalco-Blasi does an excellent job in exposing valuable insider casting tips, while bringing you behind the scenes of some major motion pictures and the HBO series, the Sopranos. Her experience as a casting director in New York City makes this a "must read" for newcomers trying to break into the industry. An enjoyable read for anyone.

This book was entertaining,informative & easy to read. If you are looking to get into acting,it zeros in on where to go & what to do.I would highly recomend "Lighs,Camera,Action".

Anna Maniscalco-Blasi does a tremendous job in inspiring a novice actor giving him/her a down to earth look into what it takes to be a successful actor. Her knowledge is from experience, and it is my opinion that it is an amazing resource and has opened my eyes to a lot of valuable information.

I highly recommend this to anyone who has a list of unanswered questions and no clue where to begin. This book really has every aspect of getting yourself out there covered. Very impressive.

I enjoyed this book, it has witty stories about the author's experences in the industry, and it gave me some great insight about launching my acting career! A must have for an aspiring actor !

Little Miss Sunshine is one of very few movies that literally left me with my mouth hanging open as I left the theater, exclaiming about how well written and produced it was. Then I attended a screenwritnig lecture by Michael Arndt, and later had the opportunity to attend a screening of the movie where he answered questions. Fascinating guy who really understands his craft.

The Shooting Script is a great read, and Michael lets us peak behind the script at sections that were changed in the actual shooting, and several times comments on how wise the directors were when they cut out scenes that are in the script. He also reveals places where ad libs added to the spontaneity of the finished product. The book is fun to read, not just because it's a great script, but because you'll learn about the craft of screenwriting.

I love the movie Little Miss Sunshine, and am an aspiring screenwriter and director, so I decided to buy the screenplay. I watched the movie, read the screenplay, and did both at the same time. The screenplay is slightly different than the movie because scenes got cut and actors changed the lines which is common, so it was a little difficult to follow which did not take away from the experience at all. He wrote notes on the scenes about the changes like why a scene was cut or a line added. The only reason I did not give it four stars is at the end of the screenplay is a list of nine steps on how to write a sundance hit. I took the Robert McKee Story seminar, and some of his suggestions contradicts Michael Arndt's which simply proves that different techniques work for different people. However, being the McKee purist that I am, I'm going to follow his suggestions as opposed to Michael's. Even though I don't necessarily recommend that you follow his steps, it is an interesting look into the process of the success of LMS and how it got from an idea to a screenplay to a film. Which is definitely a plus. All in all, I definitely recommend the screenplay to any fan of the movie even if just to read it. Oh! and the pictures are really cool too.

This is a marvelous script by Michael Arndt. The story is small and it reaches so many. The characters are very well developed. It's just a joy to read such a great script!

Entertaining and heartwarming. A nice, sweet movie with many important insights into human values of self-worth, self-esteem, and family solidarity.

This is a delightful script. The shared goal of all the characters provides the reader with a warmth and investment in the characters individual journeys. It's so funny and touching. I also appreciated the scripts editing process that Arndt provides for us at the end of the screenplay. It is a valuable learning tool for those who are interested in writing screenplays.

I had no idea of the things Arnett had done before the 1st Iraq war. He has led quite an amazing journalistic life. Very enjoyable read.

I have read several reporters auto-biographies but Peter's is the most interesting and gripping. It is full of insightful detail that really makes you feel the excitement and terror of being a war correspondent.

For anyone with the least bit of interest in the Vietnam "police action" and the Gulf War, and honest wartime reporting from someone with an impenetrable sense of integrity, this autobiography is a "must read." Dr. Arnett's autobiography should also be required reading for all jounalism students as a measure of their worth and what it takes to persevere when the "real story," the story on the ground, may not necessarily match that of the "party line."

Want to know what really happened on the battlefield in Vietnam and else where? Read this book. As with most good journalists who stood firm maintaining the freedom of the press, and gave the public a true picture of what was happening abroad, he was railed on by the Pentagon and Whitehouse officials throughout his career. I've just read the book and something especially haunting was the last chapter. He is covering Afghanistan, the year was about 1993 after the 'freedom fighters' got rid of the communists and the entire country is ridden with corruption, violence, and warring factions. While waiting for his plane to Kabul he has a conversation with an influential Pakistani who blamed the chaos on the "mercurial American foreign policy". Saying "all you Americans cared about was destroying communism, and you welcomed extremists to the struggle and trained them to kill. But many of those people don't like you either, and you're the next target". On the very last page, Arnett ends the book as he is leaving Afghanistan, he writes: "The collapse of the Soviet empire, the end of the Cold War, had not brought harmony to Afghanistan, merely conflict and criminality. And the United States would reap a bitter harvest from the seeds of the Islamic revolution it helped sow. I was glad to be leaving Afghanistan but I knew that the story was not over". I would probably have to go back". As usual,the Pentagon and their right-wing pundits who attack people like Arnett as sympathizers, and conspiracy theorists, have been proven wrong by history, and the current events today.

A thrilling account by a master journalist who pursued `the story' for four decades over four continents. Guided by a determination to write only what he himself saw, Arnett sent out a steady stream of reports about what was actually happening in Vietnam, shrugging off the official military handouts as the "Five O'Clock Follies." His doggedness, bravery and resourcefulness in getting to where the action was resulted in Pulitzer Prize winning reports. He later became famous, if controversial, as one of the few American reporters to cover the Gulf War from inside Baghdad. An exhilarating read.

That O'Toole can write is no surprise to anyone who has seen him act, since--although he is saying others' lines on screen--a pulsing intelligence comes through in his performances. (Brando can't write in SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME, and neither could KATHERINE HEPBURN in her autobiography. As good as they are as actors, they don't suggest eloquence on the screen...despite the quality of the lines they say). But O'Toole is not one of the greatest writers alive. This volume shows that. His writing needs to be more linear. He IS one of the greatest actors alive, however. So I wish he would leave his desk and get in front of a movie camera or on stage instead. I don't believe there is such a thing as a genius actor. But if there is, O'Toole is it (and the only one). There has certainly never been an actor as charismatic (well, maybe Cary Grant. But could Grant have played serious drama as well as light comedy? He never played in a drama that I know of).

I want Peter O'Toole to scrible my life story. One of our grandest actors turns out to be a remarkable writer. If he was writing about any other person than himself, this would be a great book; a most enjoyable reading experience; and a primer in how to tell the story of a larger than life person. As it happens, Peter O'Toole, the exceptional writer, is writing about Peter O'Toole, the peerless actor.

And this is Volume Two! Do grab the first book, "Loitering With Intent: The Child." It is not only a fascinating story of the very early years of O'Toole's boyhood in Ireland, it is also a personal account of the world plunging into the chaos of the 1930s that became World War II.

Read them both...preferasbly in order. And pray Mr O'Toole is with us long enough to craft volume three!

Peter O'Toole continues recounting his early years in the second volume of his biography. It has a slightly different style than the first volume (The Child), but is still extremely enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Who says a great actor has to be a self-absorbed boor with no life or thoughts of his own offstage or off-camera? This second installment of noted actor O'Toole's autobiography brims over with vitality, quirky charm, and loving reminiscences of fellow drama school students, teachers, and a host of other fascinating souls. O'Toole is clearly one of those people who makes his own fun, and naturally finds kindred spirits wherever he goes in life. He doesn't choose his friends based on their status or what they can do for him, he just enjoys their company. And how! The myriad, unorthodox ways O'Toole and his pals devise to obtain lodgings, food, semi-clean laundry and other of life's necessities will have you laughing out loud. One of many highlights concerns the delightful, party given to celebrate the final hours of leaky old houseboat, where guests take turns pumping the sea back out even as it sloshes at their ankles. A rip-roaring good time was had by the artist as a young apprentice, and his mates!

O'Toole has a gift for the English language -- you just want to read whole chapters aloud, to enjoy the sound of the words. There are also scores of laugh-out-loud funny anecdotes sprinkled throughout, all told with wry joy. This isn't a typical actor's memoir -- this is way more fun.

One of the most in-depth biopics on Lon Chaney that I've read. Fantastic rare photos & so much insite about this man-family life-work etc. The best out of many books written about Lon. Well worth it!

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.

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.

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!

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.

This Bio does not look upon Louise Brooks as sympathetically as other's Bio's do. Here we feel that we are being told the truth - as not everything in her life was perfect, or admirable, or even sympathetic. Louise Brooks was still a person who did things her way. And this books tells us what her was. A wonderful look at a wonderful Actress, Dancer and Writer.

An all-emcompassing book for fans of Louise Brooks. It has interesting stories and beautiful photos.

This is a great biography of an obscure, but fascinating silent film star. Barry Paris has done a great job researching the life and times of Louise Brooks. A must-read for any Brooks fan.

This book was wonderful, before I read it I had no idea in the world who Louise Brooks was or what an impression she had on the motion picture industry. While this book is full of information and well written there are some slow points. A wonderful book for anyone interested in films.

I am one of those who became entranced by Louise Brooks after seeing her in "Pandora's Box". She appeared to be highly sexual, intelligent, and to be marching to the sound of a drummer that she alone heard within herself. It turns out that she was all of this. This is an excellent biography and a lesson about what happens to those who despise the opportunities that life presents to us and to those whose lives are driven by sex rather than common sense. Louise Brooks was a very modern woman despite having been a star of the silent screen. She made only a few films but her performances in those films stand up with the great performances of today and their naturalism makes the acting of most silent screen starlets seem idiotic. While other actresses were concerned with nothing but their looks, Brooks was reading Shaw and Proust. While others did all they could to ingratiate themselves with the movie studios, Brooks had nothing but indifference for them. She turned her back on fame, fortune, and power. She could have had a brilliant career but always sabotaged her chances. She had beauty and incredible sex appeal. She had Chaplin as a lover. She wrote. She lives on today as an image of a woman ahead of her time and also as a tragic waste. Her own difficult personality drove everyone away. Her lack of discipline was childish. She fascinates. This is the best biography we will ever get of her. Recommended.

I thought I knew about this talented lady, Shirley Booth, from the awards for theater and movies and the wonderful television show. However, Jim Manago's book gives much more about her life and career. It's a very good read with so many beautiful pictures and I'm delighted I found it, and highly recommend this book. Wanda Clark

This is a very, very comprehensive accounting of Shirley Booth's work and includes everything you could want about the individual projects -- story line, co-stars, her feelings about it, co-stars' feelings about her, and critics' feelings about everything. Reading it, I learned that "Hazel" was just a small part of her very large career. She acted on radio, she acted on stage (Broadway, as well as stock), she acted in movies, and she acted on television, winning major, major awards along the way. I never knew before what high respect her peers had for her and that they were afraid that appearing as the title character in "Hazel" would cheapen her. Turns out it didn't. What it did was gave her a few million more fans. This book also tells us about her personal life, which didn't seem to be nearly as emotionally satisfying as her career was. Love was, indeed, the reason for it all. She loved her audiences and did her best to deliver a sterling performance every time.

Written By: Tommy Garrett, Editor in Chief For Canyon Newspaper in Beverly Hills California and for San Francisco News in San Francisco.

"Love Is The Reason For It All: The Shirley Booth Story" captured my attention this week while I was spending a few hours catching up on my reading. It was written by biographer and historian Jim Manago, who had previously written the very funny story on Gale Gordon. Manago manages to tell a story in the most honest but engaging manner. He is a fan of the people he writes about, and it shows.



Published by mega publisher Bear Manor, the book is well put together and the cover design is eye catching and showcases some of the scenes and stills from the career of the great star. This book is inspiring but most of all, it is honest. It tells of Shirley's dedication and burning desire to become a star, remain a star and compete in the toughest field second only to politics. Booth may have played an airhead in some roles, but it proves she was far from one in real life.

She's best described as a character actress, equally adept at playing smart-mouthed characters such as the cashier on radio in "Duffy's Tavern" or on TV as maid Hazel, or in films like "Come Back, Little Sheba," which she made in 1952. For those that only know her through her sitcom, it might be hard to believe she was a seasoned theatrical veteran, having appeared on Broadway from 1925-1970. She was highly regarded on stage and ranks as one of the premier talents of the 20th century theatre.

The three-time Tony winner is not demeaned or ridiculed in this very authentic and respectful biography. Recently some biographers seem to show disdain for their subject instead of admiration. But although Manago admires Booth, he's able to separate his affection and go in depth into her life story and does so with ease. The book is chronologically correct and he's an amazing fact checker.

The author describes how Booth was divorced from Ed Gardner in the 1940s; the marriage was a rocky one as Gardner was a drinker and habitual womanizer. She remarried in 1943 to William H. Baker, a kind investment banker. The union was a happy but relatively short one. She was in rehearsals for "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" when he died suddenly of a heart ailment. She had no children from either marriage.

The actress performed most famously in her debut with a young Humphrey Bogart in 1925. But the story doesn't start or end there. This book really covers the life and career of one of Hollywood's forgotten icons. Julie Harris is best quoted in this tome. "We were neighbors and best friends for a long time. She was funny, bright and a lovely person. I loved her very much." Miss Harris's theme is born out throughout this book. Despite the tough and aggressive nature of her business, you come across wanting to like and feeling like you know Shirley Booth in a way only Jim Manago could deliver.

This is a must read for historians and should be required reading for anyone interested in entering the field of acting via the Broadway stage.

I really enjoyed this book. I had never known much about Shirley Booth, other than her playing the role of Hazel. She was really quite an individual and Jim Manago did an excellent job on this biography. He gave the details of her accomplishments (theatrical experiences, awards, etc.), numerous quotes from her, and reviews and comments from others. I especially enjoyed the quotes from Shirley Booth because I was able to get a good feeling about her character through her own words. I applaud Jim for keeping it legit and not throwing in the trash and gossip that most biographies have. I can also appreciate the research and work that went into this endeavor - and he didn't have Shirley to consult with! Good book.

Jim Manago's biography of Shirley Booth is well-done. He uses many quotations from people who knew her (and quotes by Shirley herself) to support his assertions. The citations from reviews showed the author did his research. There is a nice selection of photographs showing Booth at various stages of her life. By giving us a complete picture of Shirley Booth's life, Jim Manago has done a valuable service by reminding readers that Shirley was a versatile performer, notable for her work on television, the stage, motion pictures, and radio.