Entertainment Books

I'm not sure what I expected, but I assume that, when a book has a narrow focus, such as this one, there should be a very in depth discussion and understanding of the material covered. That, unfortunately, is not the case here. Some of these reviews are just as cursory as the ones in the 40 year old "Films of Charlie Chaplin" book. It's a shame, really, as all of these films are now available in some form (the Keystones on a multitude of cheap crummy ripoff dvds, and the Essanays on the superb series produced by David Shepard.).

Part of the problem with this book is that the audience is undefined. Is this book written for the rapidly diminishing group of fans who are still collecting 8mm films of Chaplin? Then a large portion of the book serves some purpose, as it is a listing of all the known films and their alternate titles. Most people, however, are content to watch this on dvds, so this section of the book is almost useless.

Also, I purchased this book expecting a new insight into the films as I watch them. Instead, many of films are quickly dismissed. I can dismiss a film quite easily by myself, thank you, I need help appreciating them!

It's a good read, but not really what I expected.

Perhaps the wierdest moment of all was realizing that several of my old Amazon reviews had been quoted (and fully acknowledged) in this book! It's a shame, really - they aren't even very good reviews!

Excellent book with great number of photographies and explained of very detailed form. I recommend them for buying futures.

Many books on Charlie Chaplin deal only summarily with his earliest (and often crudest) films, and authors almost apologize for having to mention them at all. This book reminds us that these Keystone and Essanay productions of 1913-16 represent more than half of Chaplin's output, and film buffs will enjoy reading so much new material.

When Ted Okuda and David Maska told this writer about the publication of this book, I was intrigued by their novel approach to the subject: concentrating entirely upon these often neglected comedies, Okuda and Maska viewed the films in chronological order. This is the first time, to my knowledge, that this simple and very effective approach has been applied to Chaplin. The results are praiseworthy.

We can follow Chaplin's screen character (and his own blossoming talents as a filmmaker) during its formative stages, in the proper sequence. The authors even offer some new evidence that certain films were produced or released in a different order than most Chaplin filmographies indicate.

Okuda and Maska examine the "body of evidence" with objective eyes. This isn't the usual pedantic Chaplin discourse; the tone is disarmingly casual, and meets the reader on common ground as a fellow viewer or a video enthusiast. There are so many alternate versions of the early Chaplin films, and so many bad bootleg prints and videos, that the authors take pains to steer readers toward the optimal viewing experience, and warn them about films that are incomplete or not well preserved.

Not everything Chaplin did was golden: Okuda and Maska are sometimes candid about those improvisational films that were simply haphazard fights or pants-kicking festivals. But the authors do show respect for other tastes, by following their own assessments with a variety of critical viewpoints.

Longtime collectors and home-movie enthusiasts will especially enjoy reading about the dozens and dozens of alternate versions of the Keystones and Essanays. There are also some excellent vintage illustrations, including a beauty of a one-sheet poster from the 1914 comedy "The Knockout" -- this 1920 reissue boldly promotes Chaplin over the actual star, Roscoe Arbuckle.

If you like Charlie Chaplin, you'll like this book. If you love Charlie Chaplin, it's essential reading.

The primitive Keystones and transitional Essanays have been terribly overlooked in studies of Chaplin when compared to coverage from the Mutual period and after. Ted Okuda and Dave Maska have done a nice job of examining this early period of Chaplin's career, when crude slapstick evolved into physical comedy with finesse, and primitive acting techniques evolved into a timeless character with substance. Their assessments and accompanying reviews from a variety of disparate sources for each film makes for a fascinating study about some very significant early movies. The only period of Chaplin's career that has gotten little analysis, the Keystone and Essanay films are essential early efforts from perhaps the single most important figure in the history of motion pictures.

" The charm of evil " is until today the most exhaustively documented book about the work and life of horror movies' master Terence Fisher -or as he prefered to named them " adult fairy tales " - the most influential film creator in the ground of the " fantastique " who took the genre into a more artistic and symbolic way. The book ( almost 600 pages ) contains comments of Fisher himself and from many members of Hammer about his filmwork, many photographs taken during his shootings, the plot of all his movies and his complete filmography chronologically arranged with technician remarks and the complete cast. The book is opened with a beautiful introduction by John Carpenter ( " The fog " ; " The thing " ). A must to have for all Fisher's fetishists.

Terence Fisher,--what more can i say or comment on who to me ismy all-time favorite director of film (thus,most notably the horrorfield) Terence Fisher not only gave birth to the modern horror film(The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), but his work enfluenced generationsto come,(people who we know today, martin Scorseasee, Steveinspeilberg ext,) with his masterful works of art. With supream reigningmasterpeices such as his 3 best(my opinion) Frankenstein must beDestroyed (1969), wich is a technical masterpeice, not have i seen afilm that clicks so well, in it's flawless compostion, and pacing, andstory narritive, it's whole cynical veiw of the world,. This with outdoubt is Fisher's most cynical piece. The Devil Rides out (1968), isanother prime example as being fisher at his very best, exploringhuman realationships, and his facination for the romantism that he hasbrought to most his best and personal works. And finnaly The Horror ofDracula (1958), often considered Hammer's crown jewl of horror. Thisperfectly captures the essence of the stoker novel, and his take onvictorian society is superaltive, and not to mention the execution inevery scene and shot is absolultely flawless (possiably D.P. JackAsher's best work). So if u have a great admiration for Terencefisher and his films this is the book to get, trust me, even if u knowquit a bit, there is with out a doubt that u will indeed learn moreabout One of the greatest British-film directors who ever made theirmark on the silver screen. "Long live the King!"-

Terence Fisher,--what more can i say or comment on who to me is my all-time favorite director of film (thus,most notably the horror field) Terence Fisher not only gave birth to the modern horror film (The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), but his work enfluenced generations to come,(people who we know today, martin Scorseasee, Stevein speilberg ext,) with his masterful works of art. With supream reigning masterpeices such as his 3 best(my opinion) Frankenstein must be Destroyed (1969), wich is a technical masterpeice, not have i seen a film that clicks so well, in it's flawless compostion, and pacing, and story narritive, it's whole cynical veiw of the world,. This with out doubt is Fisher's most cynical piece. The Devil Rides out (1968), is another prime example as being fisher at his very best, exploring human realationships, and his facination for the romantism that he has brought to most his best and personal works. And finnaly The Horror of Dracula (1958), often considered Hammer's crown jewl of horror. This perfectly captures the essence of the stoker novel, and his take on victorian society is superaltive, and not to mention the execution in every scene and shot is absolultely flawless (possiably D.P. Jack Asher's best work). So if u have a great admiration for Terence fisher and his films this is the book to get, trust me, even if u know quit a bit, there is with out a doubt that u will indeed learn more about One of the greatest British-film directors who ever made their mark on the silver screen. "Long live the King!"-

It's sad to think that there's only one book in English that deals with the life and work of Terence Fisher. Working within a limited form and exploitation industry, the best of Fisher's films transend craft. There is poetry in the economic way this director manipulates the conventions we take for granted in Horror Movies. Mr. Dixon's book takes Fisher's sense of craft and style seriously. He shows us that Fisher became one of the major artist working in the British film industry. Other well known directors became famous directing big budget projects. But what would a David Lean do if he had to work with the tight budgets, short shooting schedules, and often on the same sets from film to film the way Terence Fisher had to work? One of the most remarkable things about Fisher is that he took what others would consider limitations and created enduring works of art; visually stunning, compelling and poetic works of art. Dixon's book validates this fact. I learned a great deal from it and enjoyed the insider's view it communicates. Thank-you, Mr. Dixon.

I loved this book and liked the mix-ups about Cher and "Shar" you should read it.

This book was awesome!!!!!! I love it when Cher and De do makeovers, and it was cool how the story tied in with Frankentstein (dont worry, it isnt dorky, its awesome). This is a total must read!!!!!!!!!

I love these books!I's really funny how Cher talks using words like chronic,betty, baldwin,rampant,snaps,etc. and how she's always talking about her designer clothing.Aside from that,these are very humorous books.All of them are great!

another one of the best clueless books. i really enjoy reading it. and all you people out there, read this book!!!

I love this book. It's so honest about what it's like to be a kid, the good the bad and the ugly. Love the types of moms and dads, the stuff about growing up at every age. "Your Childhood Trauma Checklist" is the best. I think I never knew that anyone else felt this way before I saw this book!

After a while Bongo, the young rabbit that Matt Groening insists on drawing with ony one ear (I think the left one is right) really creeps me out after a while. I prefer to get my insolent wisdom from Binky or even Akbar and Jeff, but Bongo shows up in the fast majority of the 48 cartoons from Groening's syndicated "Life is Hell" comic circa 1983-1988. The actual "Childhood is Hell" maxi-series consists of 25 chapters specifically intended to teach kids about wising up before it is too late, starting with "Tips for Tots" and providing sage advise for being all you can be for kids at odd ages 1 (Wily) through 9 (Naughty), with 10 (Twisted) thrown in for good measure. There are also several one panel cartoons, including two that totally capture the Christmas spirit that parents will find useful at before and after the opening of presents (show the little kiddies that Santa is not the only one who knows exactly what they are thinking in their warped little minds). As is the case with the more famous Matt Groening creation, "The Simpsons," the sad truth is that "Childhood is Hell" is too good for those who are still experiencing that particular state of arrested development. But unlike Bart and company, Binky, Bongo, Sheba and the rest of the gang are all wallowing much more in the depth of despair. However, if you are actually part of the age group that is intended to benefit from the weird wisdom collected within these pages, do follow the instructions provided on the back cover: read this book under the covers late at night with a secret flashlight and a bowl of ice cream for nourishment. But even if your Mom does not catch you remember that childhood is hell and none of us get out of it alive.

This book in the life is hell series is a great parady of childhood.I am 40 years old and this book brought back memories I forgot that I ever had of being a kid.Every page is full of #%&@s and giggles!!If you are a fan of kids and old memories of childhood past? you will enjoy every page of this Mat Groening satire.

I first bought this book in the eight grade and Matt Groening's wry humor got me to understand that I wasn't the only kid with these problems; and that when you think about it, it's all pretty funny. I still have have my original copy and evey other "Life is Hell" book. An early fan has become a life-long fan! EXCELLENT! :)

Best Book Written On This Subject!

I have read many books on numerology, but he describes in full detail the solar/lunar conversion that I have never heard about before that is very accurate. It is very insightful into other realms I didn't think possible to understand. He has done a great job explaining exactly how to interpret what these numbers mean also.

This book is very comprehensive, clearly, well organized and explaind, easy to understand. The book is realy fabulous. I highly recommend it.

Chinese Numerology: The Way to Prosperity & Fulfillment is Richard Webster's latest book, and it's a fascinating guide to the arcane world of numerology.

Webster explains how, nearly 4,000 years ago, Wu of Hsia discovered a special tortoise shell. The markings on the back of the shell formed a magic three-by-three square. Named the Lo Shu grid, the square was regarded as magic "because every horizontal, vertical, and diagonal row added up to fifteen," a number of great significance in ancient China.

Chinese numerology, as well as I Ching, feng shui, and other Chinese divination techniques, evolved from the Lo Shu grid.

Three systems of Chinese numerology are currently in use, and Webster presents complete directions on how to use each of them. He starts with the Western version of Chinese numerology, which is the easiest to learn. He explains how to calculate your life path number, and the significance of each number. For example, "people with a life path number of 6 are nurturing, caring, and responsible," while 22's "are able to achieve anything they set their minds on."

He then shows how to calculate individual strengths and weaknesses, using personal Lo Shu grids. He presents grids of celebrities as examples. Edgar Cayce, Beethoven, and Mozart all had grids indicating growth in knowledge and wisdom through great personal losses.

Webster explains that "we live our lives in nine-year cycles. Each year contains a different energy, and if we work with the energy, or tone, of the year we will progress smoothly and quickly. Conversely, if we fight the tone of the year, we will struggle all year long." He then presents a simple way to determine which year you are in and gives examples of what kinds of activities are good for each year of the cycle.

Traditional Chinese numerology uses the Lo Shu grid, but the numbers are determined using the lunar calendar rather than the Western solar calendar. Not to worry--Webster includes an extensive solar-lunar conversion chart in the appendix.

The Ki, or Nine House Divination, is more complex. It "starts with the same magic square, but the numbers change position every year creating nine different combinations." In addition, the numbers are associated with the basic elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each number also has its own color.

Whether you are simply interested in learning what numerology is all about, or wish to use it for character analysis or planning your future, you'll find Chinese Numerology informative and helpful.

But I give it five stars anyway. Just when I thought that I'd learned all there was to learn about numerology, and just when I thought that I'd heard of every possible way to use numbers to diagram lives, along comes this book. It has many "innovative" methods to tell lots about different personality types using personal info such as date of birth, name, etc. It also gives compatability information along with number and personality signs. There are methods of numerology in this book that most practicing "numerologists" probably don't even know about--it's that diverse, interesting, and innovative. Though I'm interested in these things, I'm a die-hard skeptic. I was a non-believer until I did a few diagrams for myself, and then for people that I know. The nail was hit dead on the head each time. Move over, Western astrology, and make room for Chinese numerology!

I noticed a copy of this book at the local music store while I was searching for "the Advancing Guitarist - by Mick Goodrick" and "Chord Chemistry - by Greene".
As many already know, the Advancing Guitarist and Chord Chemistry are premier guitar chord books that have stood the test of time.

The Chord Factory by Jon Damian, is an outstanding book and is on par, with the best. Jon's method of teaching is ideal. His style of writing does not come off as the "know-it-all" style where the author attempts to pack as much technical detail into the book as possible.
Jon teaches the reader through this book and teaches him/her the theory and practical construction/application of guitar chords.
This book will set a strong foundation for students of the guitar who desire a solid understanding of the instrument.

Kudos to Jon for writing such an excellent book!

With this, his second book, Jon has once again put into print what hundreds of current (and former, like myself) students have always known: guitar is an infinite and fun jigsaw puzzle that, if approached with openness and mindfulness, can provide a lifetime of challenge and joy. his humor, articulation and broad range of cross-medium influences inform and enliven this book; to not purchase could leave a hole in your six-string sky!

I've been playing guitar for about 30 yrs and I'm always looking for new books to spark some creativity and improve my playing. When I say I've bought a lot of guitar/music books over the years...that's an understatement...from Greene to Goodrick and everything in between,... and can honestly say this book along with Jon's first book, are two of the most important and useful books you will ever get. Seriously...I've read 'em all and these 2 books by Jon Damian are special. If you like Wayne Krantz(like me)...or Bill Frisell...or Jim Hall, this book will put you on the fast track....not many... if any, other books I've come across can do this. Jon is a fantastic teacher....that in itself is priceless...combine that with the information in this book and you have gold my friends. Think about what you pay for one guitar lesson....this book is worth that many times over....this is a no-brainer...BUY IT.

Jon Damian did it again. Six years after his great first book, he created a book about chords. Again it's full of great ideas, lessons and highly motivational - and, as is the first book - full of Jon's great sense of humor so often missed in the "jazz world". But this book is definetely not only for jazz guitarists, but for guitarists of all styles and levels. Everyone can learn from this book.
It's a DIY-book of some special sort. Jon delivers ideas and starting points, the rest is up to us students - I prefer this method over 1000- page- Chord- bibles, where you don't have to think.
The book is about music and discovery and about our love for the guitar AND full of great-sounding chords. So, buy it, sharpen your pencils and get started in the Chord Factory to build your own chord dictionary.
Both of Jon's book and Mick Goodrick's books are "for the island" - lifetime study material....

An outstanding script from an outstanding musical.

When I saw it in London many years ago, the production's days were already numbered, even though the house was packed and the audience in raptures. I could not understand why it was not a massive hit. I still can't.

I already had a cd of the music; it's good to relive the twists and turns of the plot and the hard-boiled wisecracks.

If you never saw it on stage, you really missed out. A must for fans of detective fiction, film noir or just good music.

I first heard of City of Angels after hearing Anthony Warlow's recoridng of 'You're Nothing Without Me'. I bought the CD to hear more from the musical. I instantly fell in love with the soundtrack, then sought the libretto to find out what happens in between.

As soon as I started reading this, i couldn't put it down. I had no idea what to really expect, and it's the first book that i've laughed out loud while reading.

In this book, you get Larry Gelbart's words and David Zippel's lyrics. The best way to compliment this book is to also get the OB Cast Recording to really get a feel for Cy Coleman's wonderful music.

Not to be confused with the recent Cage/Ryan flick, this book is the libretto of a little-known musical with music by Cy Coleman ("Sweet Charity", "The Life"), book by Larry Gelbart ("A Funny Thing...", "Tootsie"), and lyrics by David Zippel (Disney's "Hercules" and "Mulan"). "City of Angels" won the 1989 Tony Award for Best Musical and is the story of a detective novelist named Stine and the perils he encounters while trying to adapt his novels for the silver screen. In the play, scenes about Stine (in color) are juxtaposed with scenes about his private-eye creation, Stone (in black and white). Besides building some genuine film noir detective-mystery suspense, the musical offers an insightful commentary on how art imitates life, and vice versa. Unfortunately, one misses out on the marvelous jazz-infected music that accompanies the adventures of Stine and Stone if one merely reads the libretto, so grab a copy of one of the cast recordings (Broadway or London) as well!

When City of Angels premiered on Broadway in 1989, it ran for fewer than 1000 performances. When you read this libretto, which you absolutely must do if you like musical theatre at all, you'll wonder why it isn't running today. The book is full of wit, and is incredibly funny and biting as it satirizes Hollywood movie-making. The stage directions keep you fully abreast of what's going on (even if you've never seen a show), and they allow you to easily keep track of where the action is happening. The only thing missing from this wonderful volume is, of course, the great music that goes with the song. All the more reason to buy the OCR of the show and listen to it at the same time! City of Angels is a great musical, and one you'll enjoy reading (and listening to!) time and time again.

Excellent book, a must for any rock music fan. Author John Perry has several books in this series and I loved them all. Crank up that trivia and play it loud!
Steveritt

Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy

This is the real Who; the Rock'n Roll years when they wrote disposable hits that lasted all the way to the next one, a few weeks later. They just happened to be some of the greatest tunes ever written and MBBB is the account of how they came to be.

Author John Perry was one of the most elegant Rock'n Roll guitarists, and it shows. He knows his stuff; how the group set about producing its sounds, the history of the Who's management (surely one of the more colourful in the business) and he has viewed unique early material in the BBC's archives.

This is a great story, a cracking read and you earn a lot on the way.

Excellent book, and very funny. Most Who books are so serious. Not a all like The Who I know. The chapter on 'I'm a Boy', and the stuff about Zeppelin, I couldn't stop laughing.

Dave Marsh's 'Before I Get Old' is very thorough, but it's a bit dry. You can tell Meaty, Beaty, Big & Bouncy is written by a musician by the way the author conveys the feel of the music.

Tells you more about Townshend's best song than any other book I've come across.

Great pictures too.

A thoroughly well researched, entertaining and witty look into the madcap world of the Who and their rather fine music...buy this book now, or your life shall feel empty.

This book is exactly what it says, it is comprehensive (it covers his whole life in great detail). It's Illustrated (it has pictures and photographs throughout the book). It can most definitely be used as a reference to many things, Drama, The Arts, Claude rains, life in british poverty. Overall this is a very good book.

As a life-long film buff, I've long regarded Claude Rains as one of the finest screen actors in movie history. He stole every scene he was ever in and enlivened even the worst of his movies. His voice was incomparable, like "honey with a little gravel thrown in." In addition, there was his formal manner, the way he moved... the whole package was quite mesmerizing. Prior to this book, I had to glean my information on Claude from various Hollywood books and many interviews with the inimitable Bette Davis, who adored "my gorgeous Claude." I have to agree with Bette, Claude Rains was everything in a man that discerning women want: sweet, brilliant, a gentleman and sexy as hell. If you're a Claude-besotted soul, this book will please you enormously. The photos alone are worth the price, as are the all-too-brief recollections from his daughter. Excellent work on an essential actor.

Another great biography from John Soister. Mr. Soister wrote the definitive book on Universal horror films from the 1930's a year ago, now he publishes the definitive biography of one of filmdon's acting giants, Claude Rains. A book on this wonderful actor was way overdue. Soister proves it was well worth the wait! Each of Rains' films is recounted in detail, with Soister's well informed opinion on each film, and Mr. Rains' performance. If you are a fan of Claude Rains, or Hollywood's Golden Era, THIS is a must book for you! He may have been short in physical stature, but Claude Rains was a towering giant when it came to talent, style, and film presence. You won't be disappointed in buying this great work!

Claude Rains, A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference is the book Claude Rains fans have been waiting for for years. It starts off with a wonderful mini bio from his daughter, Jessica. Especially nice, is a charming story about them going to see 'The Invisible Man' together. The reader gets a sense of Claude Rains, the man as well as Claude Rains, the actor. Both are well worth reading about. There is a detailed synopsis for each movie with lots of little backround tidbits and loads of great photos. Also discussed, in less detail, is his stage, tv and radio career. The author says that the book is a 'labor of love' and it shows. If your a Claude Rains fan, and who isn't,buy the book... you'll love every minute of it.

While watching a drive-in movie as a teenager, I became aware of an incredible actress. She was playing a woman being stalked by the killer of children in the horror film, "When a Stranger Calls". I could not take my eyes off of this middle-aged actress who was... not beautiful in the classic sense, a bit heavy and possessing an unusally deep and gravelly voice, for a woman. Her character, a lonely, world-weary person, who although street smart and a bit jaded, would flash bits of the warmest eyes and smile that I had ever seen. This was Colleen Dewhurst. This was also the nature of Dewhurst's career in film and televisiom; too often, bringing much more to the materisal than it was capable of ever giving back.
This a very good autobiography, finished after her death by family, friends and lovers. It is loving account of the extraordinary life of an, equally, extraordinary woman. A fascinating and very fummy history of the world of American theatre, from the 1940's through the 80's and the myriad characters Dewhurst attracted to her during her time here.
The book makes one wish that one had been among the very fortunate "strays" that Colleen Dewhurst was famous for takiing into her home and her heart. I think that you, too, will enjoy her telling (and those who survived her) of her life on the "Farm".

Colleen was a true artist.The fact that her book was ultimately unfinished reflects her life. She did not acknowledge dying, so therefore, she left an unfinished book. It was great to learn more about her, both as an actress and mother, and I enjoyed reading others accounts of events.

This was a great biography to read. Not strictly an autiobiography because Colleen never finished working on it herself, but it makes up for that by including many stories & chapters written by her friends, fellow actors & family. This was the first biography I read that really made me wish I had a chance to know the person in life. I've always considered Colleen Dewhurst a respected actor but after reading this, I know that she was truly a warm & wonderful person. She will be missed.

If you're interested in the New York theatre during the 50s and 60s (and later), this book is not to be missed. Dewhurst procrastinated for years about this book; hence it was unfinished when she died. But the additional pieces from her family and colleagues add immeasurably to the book's richness. An unforgettable memoir from a very great artist and personality - her personal warmth and her professional dedication are evident on literally every page. If you care enough to have checked this book out, you will want to have it!