Video Books
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A Woman's View: How Hollywood Spoke to Women, 1930-1960
Published in Paperback by Wesleyan (1995-05-15)
List price: $29.95
New price: $17.50
Used price: $3.96
Used price: $3.96
Average review score: 

Basinger's "A Woman's View" is a Great History Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-02
Review Date: 2004-12-02
Now I know why I enjoy this type of film so much.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1998-09-15
Review Date: 1998-09-15
This book articulates for me why I have always loved this genre of film. The author highlights the work of many fine actresses of the period whose work is overlooked in many film books. Although the ideas they espoused may be dated, the desire of women to see the concerns of their private lives played out on screen still exists. I believe that the next century may bring a resurgurce of this type of film.
Any Book That Will Quote A Cleo Moore Film Deserves 5 Stars
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-11
Review Date: 2005-09-11
This is one of the most enjoyable "film studies" I have ever come across, essentially about "soap opera" 'women's pictures' of the 1930's and 1940's but expanding into the 1920's and 1950's a bit and touching on other types of films and the great women stars from this time period. From Kay Francis (who is the cover girl and Basinger's main muse for this tome) to Rita Hayworth, this is a wonderful book for any one obssessed with films from the era, it's like finding a new best friend to talk about these classic films. Basinger writes informatively yet in plain academic-free language making the book a pleasuer to read - and she knows when to crack wise and when to be serious, no mean feat. It's a skill a lot of "movie historians" don't have.
One of my all time favorite books
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-05
Review Date: 2005-04-05
If you love movies you must read Ms. Basinger's marvelous study of "women's pictures" which encompasses the stars that acted in them, the directors that guided them, the writers that gave them life and the studios that distributed them. Hollywood history, women's history, art history all rolled into one readable and thought provoking volume. This one is right up there with Louise Brooks by Barry Paris as one of the best books on film and those who created it.
When Women Ruled the Screen
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1998-05-01
Review Date: 1998-05-01
Jeanine Basinger is to be congratulated for shedding light on a too-little studied aspect of Hollywood history. She puts the movies and the stars she discusses in the context of how movie-going women perceived them at the time. In doing so, she concentrates not on the "greatest" stars, but rather on secondary figures like Kay Francis, Ann Dvorak, and Loretta Young, women who had (sometimes surprisingly) immense popular appeal while they were making movies but whose careers either faded, made the transition to character rather than leading-lady status, or moved to television. She reminds us that the "woman's picture" was far more than the drama of suffering and renunciation (like "Now, Voyager", "Back Street", or "Autumn Leaves") we most commonly think of today. She broadens her definition to include virtually any film that either focused on a woman as its central character or concerned itself with traditionally "women's" concerns.
What she makes clear is that, despite the pronounced limitations of the world view of the woman's picture, it represented a varied and vigorous film culture in which (as she writes) "on the screen ... the woman will decide. She is important. She matters. She is the Center of the Universe."
"A Woman's View" is that rare thing -- a scholarly examination of mostly obscure figures and works that is at the same time an excellent and entertaining read.
Writing the Screenplay: TV and Film
Published in Paperback by Wadsworth Publishing Company (1992-09)
List price: $52.95
Used price: $1.99
Average review score: 

Excellent resource!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-31
Review Date: 1999-10-31
I recommend this book to my screenwriting students.
A Great Book from a Great Writing Teacher
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-21
Review Date: 2003-07-21
Alan Armer will take you through every step of creating your screenplay masterpiece with the most valuable and practical advice you could ever wish to have. His words are worth reading to anyone who cares about the craft of screenwriting.
Armer: The Greatest Screenwriting Teacher of All Time
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-24
Review Date: 2002-10-24
I was most fortunate to be a screenwriting student of Alan Armer's at Cal State Northridge and I can tell you this man knows ALL when it comes to the subject of writing and how to inspire people to follow their dreams. His books are probably the most valuable tool any screenwriter could have. If you are serious about your writing, you will buy this book.
The best screenwriting book out there.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-03
Review Date: 1999-03-03
Alan armer lays out the fundamentals of screenwriting in an easy to understand and apply way. Since reading the book I have taken three classes from him. He is incredible and his book can only improve your writing. It's worth the price!
The Best Screenplay Book I Know (By Far)
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-15
Review Date: 2003-01-15
I've been a professional television writer for twenty years, including "Remington Steele," "Hill Street Blues," "Northern Exposure," "Picket Fences," and "Early Edition." I have won an Emmy and Golden Globes for my work and have taught at UCLA Extension among other places. For my money, Alan Armer's book is the best guide to the actual work of professional screenwriting that exists. This is the real thing. It is honest, wise, and free of jargon. It contains useful exercises so that both instructor and student can concentrate on the work at hand rather than spend a lot of initial time and emotional energy discussing an aspiring writer's personal work, a process which often puts unnecessary and unfortunate obstacles in the way of learning the craft. Armer doesn't try to sell you any shortcuts, smake oil, or magic formulas. Quite the contrary, he encourages you to open your mind and imagination through the discipline of solid craftsmanship. He understands the process of writing. He gives many examples about what works and what doesn't and explains why. He includes priceless interviews with some great writers. It's simply a marvelous textbook from a great teacher, a lovely man, and a master practitioner of the art.

The X-Files: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
Published in Paperback by Prima Games (1999-11-23)
List price: $12.99
New price: $4.99
Used price: $2.17
Used price: $2.17
Average review score: 

Gets you through the game in no-time!
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-05
Review Date: 1999-08-05
This book was the most helpful guide I have ever had. I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to keep on going. It got me through the whole game in just over an hour, not even. If you are just dying to get through your game, you better buy this book. I garantee you'll get your moneys worth.
Finally a way to get past the Second disk!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1998-07-31
Review Date: 1998-07-31
I thought that this help book was very well written. Ithelped me a great deal getting through the game. I would recommend itto anyone.
Book for help.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-08-27
Review Date: 1998-08-27
This is a great book for The X-Files: The Game. It has everything you'll need to know about the game plus funny messages, a section that explains the little things you don't understand, a picture gallery, an interview with the director of the game, and a quick walkthrough for agents on the run.The only thing I didn't like about it was the small nit I found that made me have to hesitate to go on with the game. I would greatly recommend this book.
A useful guide to getting unstuck in The X-Files Game
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-07-27
Review Date: 1998-07-27
I'm generally not a big fan of "hint books" butPrima's Official Strategy Guide to The X-Files Game offers more thanan easy way out of those tight spots during game play. It also includes some valuable insights into the game's characters, plots, and a photo gallery.
X Files Strategy Guide
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-03
Review Date: 2000-04-03
This is an excellent guide. I would not have finished the game without it. It gives detailed instructions on what to do. It made the game alot less frustrating and alot more fun!

X-Rated: Adult Movie Posters Of The 60S And 70S
Published in Hardcover by Snoeck Publishers, Ghent (2004-04-02)
List price: $29.95
Average review score: 

This is a cornucopia of dirty delight!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-24
Review Date: 2004-05-24
Over 150 adult movie posters from the 60's and 70's are inside, all of them full page and almost every one in color too! Classic taboo fare like "Debbie Does Dallas" and "The Opening of Misty Beethoven" is represented alongside such forgotten wonders as "Lust Combo", "Room and Broad" and "Assignment: Female". Some posters feature photographic images while others have very nice art work that would appeal to fans of pulp paperback or magazine covers. Almost every one has a fantastic blurb designed to titillate and seduce the movie-goer into buying a ticket. As you gaze in wild wonder at each provocative image you come to realize that the posters are far more interesting than the movie could ever be! Many say things like, "A Film So Incredible You Must See It To Believe It!" I can't think of a more fitting description for this marvelous book! I wait patiently for Volume 2!
An Obscure Treasure
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-12
Review Date: 2004-12-12
This book is to adult movie posters as Art of Rock is to music posters. The posters themselves are great, and the book is in itself a great reference guide to exploitation films of the era. These posters are not obscene by any means, and so even if you are not interested in adult films you may enjoy the posters based solely on their artistic originality and merit. They surely bespeak a more creative and exciting time in world culture. I advise listening to some good lounge music and sipping an ice-cold martini as you flip through this first-rate book. Truly, this will be a collector's item.
But I must add that I share a frustration with the other reviewers: Where is Volume II???? Once that is released and I have it on my shelf, I would like to extend my congratulations to the producers of this work: you did it right and created a valuable documentation of this aspect of 20th century social history, an interesting aspect indeed.
But I must add that I share a frustration with the other reviewers: Where is Volume II???? Once that is released and I have it on my shelf, I would like to extend my congratulations to the producers of this work: you did it right and created a valuable documentation of this aspect of 20th century social history, an interesting aspect indeed.
I WANT MORE!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-29
Review Date: 2004-04-29
This book is fantastic. Nourmand and Marsh rock for compiling all these great old posters for this book. The book says it is Volume One -- is there a Volume Two yet?
Good book of sexploitation and porn posters
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-17
Review Date: 2004-09-17
One thing I would like to clarify: Most of the films whose posters are in this book were done during the period where there was no X rating(which came in October 1968), but instead they were "adults only" films. Approximately 80% of the posters are of such films(many of which are considered lost or perhaps hidden in a basement or ???), usually companies like Something Weird video puts out these films.
There are some posters of XXX films in here(Deep Throat, Misty Beethoven, Debbie Does Dallas, a couple with John Holmes), but I would have liked to see more of those, hence my rating goes down a notch. I still recommend this book. (The most interesting poster to me was an "adults only" film with cowboy star Lash LaRue--I hope this film surfaces someday.)
There are some posters of XXX films in here(Deep Throat, Misty Beethoven, Debbie Does Dallas, a couple with John Holmes), but I would have liked to see more of those, hence my rating goes down a notch. I still recommend this book. (The most interesting poster to me was an "adults only" film with cowboy star Lash LaRue--I hope this film surfaces someday.)
This is a cornucopia of dirty delight!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-22
Review Date: 2004-05-22
Over 150 pornographic movie posters from the 60's and 70's are inside, all of them full page and almost every one in color too! Classic taboo fare like "Debbie Does Dallas" and "The Opening of Misty Beethoven" is represented alongside such forgotten wonders as "Lust Combo", "Room and Broad" and "Assignment: Female". Some posters feature nude or semi-nude photographic images while others have very nice art work that would appeal to fans of pulp paperback or magazine covers. Almost every one has a fantastic blurb designed to titillate and seduce the movie-goer into buying a ticket. As you gaze in wild wonder at each provocative image you come to realize that the posters are far more interesting than the movie could ever be! Many say things like, "A Film So Incredible You Must See It To Believe It!" I can't think of a more fitting description for this marvelous book! I wait patiently for Volume 2!

The 12 O'Clock High Logbook
Published in Paperback by BearManor Media (2005-09-30)
List price: $29.95
New price: $26.96
Used price: $19.99
Used price: $19.99
Average review score: 

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-26
Review Date: 2007-07-26
This is a really neat book. I like the way it has been set up and the information included as well as the order in which it was laid out. Very nice. My only complaint is the darknest of some of the photos. I do believe the publisher surely could have done better than that.
A Unique and Informative Book
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-09
Review Date: 2006-07-09
An amazingly detailed analysis of EVERY version of 12 O'CLOCK HIGH. Whether or not you are a fan of the book, the movie or the TV series, this is a fascinating and informative look at how a single "property" was exploited across three different mediums. Just the section on the TV series is worth the purchase price for the inside glimpse at how the show was developed and produced, from pilot to cancellation. A must-read for students of television and the entertainment industry.
Definitive Guide to a Classic Novel/Movie/TV Show!
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-10
Review Date: 2007-02-10
"Twelve O'Clock High" is that rara avis -a bestselling novel turned into a hit movie turned into a successful TV series. This exhaustively researched, comprehensive and well-written book is what every fan of the book/movie/series was waiting for!
Written by two 8th Air Force veterans, "Twelve O'Clock High" the novel followed the trials and tribulations of General Frank Savage, a tough-as-nails commander, as he labored to salvage a demoralized Bomb Group that has suffered heavy losses to the Luftwaffe. Savage is successful in his efforts but at a great personal cost. In 1949 the novel became an Academy Award winning box office hit starring Gregory Peck. Frankly I have always enjoyed the movie more than the novel because it sliced away anything not related to Savage's struggle, turning it into a lean, mean chronicle of men at war. Then, in 1964, ABC and Quinn Martin Productions created a one-hour series starring Robert Lansing as General Savage. I rate Lansing's portrayal of Savage as THE BEST on film. Make no mistake about it; Lansing was MAGNIFICENT! A gifted actor, he turned Savage into a multi-dimensional, living, breathing, fascinating human being. Like many others I was appalled when ABC/Quinn Martin replaced Lansing with Paul Burke in season two. Burke simply wasn't the actor Lansing was and the series went down in flames after season three.
Duffin and Matheis' book chronicles the whole history of the "Twelve O'Clock High" saga, from the real-life World War II events and personalities that Beirne Lay and Sy Bartlett used to create the novel to the final episode of the TV show and what happened to the principals afterwards.
The depth of research is truly impressive; the book's bibliography alone runs to 23 pages. It's just a shame that Peck, Dean Jagger, Lansing, Frank Overton and others weren't alive when Duffin began his research. The book is illustrated with dozens of rare photos and, again, it's a shame the publisher, BearManor Media, didn't use the better quality paper such a quality manuscript deserved.
Whether you enjoyed the novel, movie or TV series - or all three - if you are a "Twelve O'Clock High" fan, you will want to buy this book! It is the definitive work on the subject and a good read as well. Highly recommended!
Written by two 8th Air Force veterans, "Twelve O'Clock High" the novel followed the trials and tribulations of General Frank Savage, a tough-as-nails commander, as he labored to salvage a demoralized Bomb Group that has suffered heavy losses to the Luftwaffe. Savage is successful in his efforts but at a great personal cost. In 1949 the novel became an Academy Award winning box office hit starring Gregory Peck. Frankly I have always enjoyed the movie more than the novel because it sliced away anything not related to Savage's struggle, turning it into a lean, mean chronicle of men at war. Then, in 1964, ABC and Quinn Martin Productions created a one-hour series starring Robert Lansing as General Savage. I rate Lansing's portrayal of Savage as THE BEST on film. Make no mistake about it; Lansing was MAGNIFICENT! A gifted actor, he turned Savage into a multi-dimensional, living, breathing, fascinating human being. Like many others I was appalled when ABC/Quinn Martin replaced Lansing with Paul Burke in season two. Burke simply wasn't the actor Lansing was and the series went down in flames after season three.
Duffin and Matheis' book chronicles the whole history of the "Twelve O'Clock High" saga, from the real-life World War II events and personalities that Beirne Lay and Sy Bartlett used to create the novel to the final episode of the TV show and what happened to the principals afterwards.
The depth of research is truly impressive; the book's bibliography alone runs to 23 pages. It's just a shame that Peck, Dean Jagger, Lansing, Frank Overton and others weren't alive when Duffin began his research. The book is illustrated with dozens of rare photos and, again, it's a shame the publisher, BearManor Media, didn't use the better quality paper such a quality manuscript deserved.
Whether you enjoyed the novel, movie or TV series - or all three - if you are a "Twelve O'Clock High" fan, you will want to buy this book! It is the definitive work on the subject and a good read as well. Highly recommended!
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About 12 O'clock High - The Movie, Book, and TV Series!
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-29
Review Date: 2006-10-29
You cannot classify this book as a real history book or even a work of non-fiction or a novel but it is about a novel and a little about the actual war and also about a movie and a TV series. I can say this much, it is a hoot to read. It was fun and entertaining. "12 O'clock High Logbook" has lots of insider information and background on the whole "history" of that beloved TV series and so much more.
This well researched book has many great posters, photos and tons of trivia about the whole 12 O'clock phenomenon. A true fan of the old TV show could not ask for anything better. I remember watching episodes of the old TV series while in Vietnam on the old Armed Forces TV station along with old reruns of "Combat." It was strange how enjoyable seeing these old shows where to those of us those were flying daily into our own combat missions.
If you are looking for something fun to read about WWII aviation exploits then this is your book! The author takes us through the whole history of 12 O'clock High from the original novel to the 1949 movie with Gregory Peck and eventually to the three year long TV series. This is good entertainment by any measurement--well worth buying and reading!
This well researched book has many great posters, photos and tons of trivia about the whole 12 O'clock phenomenon. A true fan of the old TV show could not ask for anything better. I remember watching episodes of the old TV series while in Vietnam on the old Armed Forces TV station along with old reruns of "Combat." It was strange how enjoyable seeing these old shows where to those of us those were flying daily into our own combat missions.
If you are looking for something fun to read about WWII aviation exploits then this is your book! The author takes us through the whole history of 12 O'clock High from the original novel to the 1949 movie with Gregory Peck and eventually to the three year long TV series. This is good entertainment by any measurement--well worth buying and reading!

5 Minutes More
Published in Paperback by BearManor Media (2007-10-20)
List price: $19.95
New price: $18.96
Used price: $16.90
Used price: $16.90
Average review score: 

Love the movies of Sybil
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-28
Review Date: 2008-03-28
Reading Sybil Jason's Five Minutes More was a Hollywood vacation to me. How can you not love those little vignettes that are drawn so personal about Ms. Jason and her fellow Hollywood employees. Her insights are so warm and charming. She may have been a small child on the set of Warner Bros. but she is a giant when it comes to revealing her memories. Positive. Sweet. Honest. And she tells it like she was writing about friends and neighbors and not Hollywood Giants. And the photos. Dancing with Fayard Nicholas, posing with Gene Raymond, with Jolson and Edward Everett Horton, and with Shirley Temple too, gems all. ( There is even one with Mickey Rooney that is recent) What fun she had and she tells you about it so you feel you are there because she keeps it simple and talks about her co-stars like she was a member of each one's fan club. Stories about your favorite old-time stars abound in this little gem of a book by Warner's kid star, Sybil Jason. It gets 5 stars for certain. She deserves it. Richard Grudens
Five Minutes More
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-02
Review Date: 2008-02-02
Sybil Jason's second book is out,and I hope it will be a part of a continuing group of books. It is a winner. Her charming spirit lights up the pages with a realness that is refreshing. Her backstage stories of the great film personalities of the 1930's gives a new insight into Hollywood in that era. Having started her film career at the age of 6 and having a good memory, Sybil is like a time capsule from the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is a living link to film history, with an insight that only she can give. When Sybil started writing her first book,"My Fifteen Minutes," she had doubts that there would be enough material for a book. But I could have told her that she should not have been concerned. For with a good mind and memories plus her sense of humor, I have no doubt that she could fill a library with her stories. This new book, "Five Minutes More" is a great read and I look forward to a larger book from my favorite film star; Sybil Jason.
Like Frosting on the Cake
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-05
Review Date: 2007-11-05
After reading Ms. Jason's first book, I was eager to see what insights the second one would give. Sure enough, it was a treasure trove of anecdotes about some very famous stars, but just as much about the secondary stars that we've grown to love throughout their long careers, as well. Throughout the book are lots and lots of photos. My favorites are those that show the actors "then and now." Some, like Delmar Watson and Edith Fellows look even better in their mature years than they had in their cinematic prime. What a full and fascinating life this lady has had! Thank you, Sybil Jason, for sharing it with us.
Sandra Grabman (author of "Spotlights & Shadows, the Albert Salmi Story," "Plain Beautiful: The Life of Peggy Ann Garner," and "Pat Buttram, the Rocking-Chair Humorist")
Sandra Grabman (author of "Spotlights & Shadows, the Albert Salmi Story," "Plain Beautiful: The Life of Peggy Ann Garner," and "Pat Buttram, the Rocking-Chair Humorist")
Delightful, Heart-Warming Read, Filled With Surprises!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-24
Review Date: 2007-10-24
Having enjoyed Sybil Jason's MY FIFTEEN MINUTES -- I was pleased when I learned she had written a follow-up. I wasn't disappointed. She offers so many charming, insightful stories and anecdotes about her co-workers at Warners and Fox, that you can't put it down for a second. Engaging little vignettes like when, at age 6, she knitted a red-white-and-blue scarf for her screen crush Dick Powell. She watched his amazed expression when he open the beautifully wrapped package to find her handiwork. It was a touching moment. Standing next to him, then wife Joan Blondell, had tears well-up in her eyes. Jason has a blessed talent to set the scene up so you see all the details. She shows the human side of many screen icons from Hollywood's Golden Age in such a way that you won't be able to look at them the same way ... you'll feel like you know them more intimately because of Jason's candid observations. She cares about these people. Kay Francis, Carole Lombard, Glenda Farrell, Marion Davies, Eleanor Powell, Humphrey Bogart, Pat O'Brien, and many, many others. All I can say is "Thank you, Sybil, for taking the time to document your first-hand experience in what we now refer to as film classics!" (Scott O'Brien, author of "Kay Francis - I Can't Wait to Be Forgotten")
Acoustic guitar primer
Published in Unknown Binding by Cassette & Video Learning Systems (1996)
List price:
Average review score: 

A great course to follow
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-14
Review Date: 2006-07-14
Bert Casey's Guitar Primer book is excellent. This book can be used for the first year or more of your journey with guitar. The lessons are well planned and presented, easy to follow also. Very good progress can be made following the material laid out in this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn to play guitar well and move beyond simple chord structures. All A++++ for this book.
Great intro to Country and Bluegrass Flatpicking.
Helpful Votes: 16 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-25
Review Date: 2002-07-25
I've been fooling around with the guitar off and on for 25 years. After all that time I still consider myself a beginner. This summer I was having another "serious" go at playing when I bought Casey's book on the recommendation of a guitar shop owner. One of my problems is that I know the intro and "signature" lick of many songs, but when asked to perform for friend and family, I just didn't have a repertoire of complete songs (either standards that everyone can sing-along with or instrumentals that stand on their own). Casey's book has solved this problem, the first dozen or so pages are pretty basic, but then things get interesting. Casey has excellent (yet simple) arrangements of traditional bluegrass and country songs that make great additions to one's repertoire while also teaching playing techniques: alternating base, bass runs between chord changes, combining hammer-ons and pull-offs with strumming, etc. They are easy enough for the beginner to play while having enough fancy licks to impress non-players with your chops. The included CD has all songs at slow and performance tempos to help with learning the songs. Some of my particular favorites are "Rolling in my Sweet Baby's Arms", "Sitting on top of the World", and "Wabash Cannonball". I've been having a lot of fun with this book for the past couple of months. The information in this book is also available on Video and DVD, which I am considering buying.
Acoustic Guitars
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-19
Review Date: 2001-07-19
Acoustic Guitar Primer is a good book written by Author Bert Casey.
This is a cover of an acoustic guitar?
Great Acoustic intro book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-07
Review Date: 2003-10-07
Bert Casey is an excellent guitar instructor. If you use this book in conjunction with the video or DVD you'll get a pretty comprehensive understanding of acoustic guitar techniques. Casey uses classic songs like "In the Pines", "Going Down that Road Feeling Bad", "Banks of the Ohio" (and more) to effectively teach you how to play. The video is great for those who would profit from visual demonstration.
There is also a follow up book that has recently become available that goes into even more depth. But this book/CD should keep you busy for a while.

Adventures of a Hollywood Secretary: Her Private Letters from Inside the Studios of the 1920s
Published in Paperback by University of California Press (2006-05-15)
List price: $19.95
New price: $5.88
Used price: $3.79
Used price: $3.79
Average review score: 

Fascinating Letters for Those Interested in the Period
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-06
Review Date: 2007-02-06
Valeria Belletti was an energetic, intelligent young woman who came to Los Angeles from New York and worked as a secretary to some of the most powerful and interesting people in Hollywood in the late 1920s. During this period, she wrote dozens of letters to her best friend, describing not only her experiences at the movie studios, but her personal feelings and day-to-day life in southern California and on an extended trip to Europe. These letters make up the bulk of this short book, which left me liking Valeria very much and wishing there had been more. Well-written background notes are provided by editor Cari Beauchamp.
While Beauchamp supplies some valuable padding-out of the events and personalities Valeria described, she tends to give the compilation a modern feminist point of view the author of the letters did not seem to have in mind. In contrast, the letters indicate that rather than being the victim of an "iron ceiling" (Beauchamp's term), Valeria, although a high school dropout, had opportunities to grow professionally beyond being a secretary, but chose not to pursue them. Furthermore, rather than half-heartedly marrying a man she was "only fond of" (Beauchamp again) as a sort of economic expedient in an oppressive patriarchal society, Valeria was an independent woman who went where she wanted to go and did what she wanted to do. She had no trouble supporting herself comfortably, and she enthusiastically married a man of modest economic means, of whom she wrote, "The more I'm with him, the more I love him."
I have the paperback edition and find it odd that the name of Valeria Belletti, the delightful author of the letters comprising this book, does not appear on the front cover or the spine, while Beauchamp's name is displayed in large print. For enthusiasts of early Hollywood or 1920s southern California, Valeria's letters are well worth reading, while taking her editor's feminist leanings with a large chunk of salt.
While Beauchamp supplies some valuable padding-out of the events and personalities Valeria described, she tends to give the compilation a modern feminist point of view the author of the letters did not seem to have in mind. In contrast, the letters indicate that rather than being the victim of an "iron ceiling" (Beauchamp's term), Valeria, although a high school dropout, had opportunities to grow professionally beyond being a secretary, but chose not to pursue them. Furthermore, rather than half-heartedly marrying a man she was "only fond of" (Beauchamp again) as a sort of economic expedient in an oppressive patriarchal society, Valeria was an independent woman who went where she wanted to go and did what she wanted to do. She had no trouble supporting herself comfortably, and she enthusiastically married a man of modest economic means, of whom she wrote, "The more I'm with him, the more I love him."
I have the paperback edition and find it odd that the name of Valeria Belletti, the delightful author of the letters comprising this book, does not appear on the front cover or the spine, while Beauchamp's name is displayed in large print. For enthusiasts of early Hollywood or 1920s southern California, Valeria's letters are well worth reading, while taking her editor's feminist leanings with a large chunk of salt.
HOLLYWOOD HISTORY AT ITS BEST
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-04
Review Date: 2006-07-04
Fabulous Book. If you want to know the inner-workings of the star-studded Hollywood Machine in the 1920's then this is the book for you. An insider's account with all the trimmings. Cari Beauchamp does it again. BRAVA!
Fascinating... to a point.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-14
Review Date: 2006-06-14
This is a very fascinating book if you're into Hollywood history, specifically of the 20's. Although written as letters to a friend, they a lot like a diary, and as such it's a look at Hollywood of that era from a viewpoint we've never seen: the regular employee. There are plenty of books by and about the stars, directors, executives, etc., but this is the first one from a secretary, and while that may not sound as exciting as, say, a book about Buster Keaton, it really is interesting.
What's great is that these were just casual letters, not something their author (Valieria Belletti) expected anyone but her friend to read, consequently she speaks her mind with an openness and honesty you just won't get from someone who's expecting to be quoted. The letters are full of comments and incidents about major stars and directors, but are presented in a casual way, not jazzed up as they would be upon later reminiscence or if they were being told in an interview.
The only thing I didn't like, and this is to be expected from the private letters of one young woman to another, is that the "search for a husband" stuff gets a bit tiresome. It's still interesting in terms of being a window on the mores and social life of the time, and therefore some readers might find it better than the movie studio parts, but I came at the book through an interest in the movies not an interest in how women dated in the 20's. (As I said though, I did find this stuff interesting, it's just that it started to occupy more space than the studio stuff. And in Valieria's defense, it sounded like she was wearying of it after a while too.)
So I'm glad I read the book and I definitely recommend it, just don't expect wall-to-wall insights and revelations about Hollywood. Not that I expected that, but just be sure you don't either.
What's great is that these were just casual letters, not something their author (Valieria Belletti) expected anyone but her friend to read, consequently she speaks her mind with an openness and honesty you just won't get from someone who's expecting to be quoted. The letters are full of comments and incidents about major stars and directors, but are presented in a casual way, not jazzed up as they would be upon later reminiscence or if they were being told in an interview.
The only thing I didn't like, and this is to be expected from the private letters of one young woman to another, is that the "search for a husband" stuff gets a bit tiresome. It's still interesting in terms of being a window on the mores and social life of the time, and therefore some readers might find it better than the movie studio parts, but I came at the book through an interest in the movies not an interest in how women dated in the 20's. (As I said though, I did find this stuff interesting, it's just that it started to occupy more space than the studio stuff. And in Valieria's defense, it sounded like she was wearying of it after a while too.)
So I'm glad I read the book and I definitely recommend it, just don't expect wall-to-wall insights and revelations about Hollywood. Not that I expected that, but just be sure you don't either.
A Must Read for Anyone with an Interest in Vintage Hollywood
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-20
Review Date: 2006-05-20
This book is not only for film buffs, it is a window to a world that is long gone. It is a bird's eye view of Hollywood at the end of the silent era and transitioning into the age of the talkies.
Aside from the great Hollywood dish, of which there is plenty, Belletti was remarkably candid and refreshingly not star struck. Although, I must confess that I can totally relate to having a crush on Ronald Colman. In the end it is the delightful, matter of fact, take no prisoners Valeria Belletti that you come so much to admire in reading her letters. She was a wonderful letter writer and these letters are, indeed, treasures. At the turn of each page you are delighted anew with some insight or adventure. She was one spunky girl and wrote letters that are filled with details of her days and nights in Hollywood. We need to bless her beloved friend Irma for saving these letters and presenting them to her many years later.
We must also thank Cari Beauchamp for bringing these letters to light and annotating them carefully with her own delightful and informative prose. As I said before, this is a window to a lost world. More than that, it is a celebration of an independent young woman making her way in a man's world and celebrating her life at the height of the jazz age. This will be a volume I will turn to again and again. Don't miss it, this will brighten the gloomiest and dampest spirits on a rainy day.
Aside from the great Hollywood dish, of which there is plenty, Belletti was remarkably candid and refreshingly not star struck. Although, I must confess that I can totally relate to having a crush on Ronald Colman. In the end it is the delightful, matter of fact, take no prisoners Valeria Belletti that you come so much to admire in reading her letters. She was a wonderful letter writer and these letters are, indeed, treasures. At the turn of each page you are delighted anew with some insight or adventure. She was one spunky girl and wrote letters that are filled with details of her days and nights in Hollywood. We need to bless her beloved friend Irma for saving these letters and presenting them to her many years later.
We must also thank Cari Beauchamp for bringing these letters to light and annotating them carefully with her own delightful and informative prose. As I said before, this is a window to a lost world. More than that, it is a celebration of an independent young woman making her way in a man's world and celebrating her life at the height of the jazz age. This will be a volume I will turn to again and again. Don't miss it, this will brighten the gloomiest and dampest spirits on a rainy day.

The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook)
Published in Paperback by W. W. Norton & Company (2004-04-01)
List price: $19.95
New price: $9.95
Used price: $0.34
Collectible price: $25.00
Used price: $0.34
Collectible price: $25.00
Average review score: 

A Classic
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-12
Review Date: 2004-07-12
Frank Thompson does an excellent job of depicting the sadness yet triumph of the real battle in San Antonio in this book. This is an excellent novel which ties in adventure, action, war, comedy, and romance into one great book. Great portrayals of Davy Crocket, Jim Bowie, and William Travis. They truly were heroes. Sam Houston is also good, deciding whether to accept his destiny as a general, or to stay with his wife Talihina and the Cherokee Indians. This is a great read, and I highly recommend it.
A treasure for cinema buffs especially
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-06
Review Date: 2004-06-06
Featuring more than 125 full color photographs, Frank Thompson's The Alamo: The Illustrated Story Of The Epic Film is an amazing tour of "The Alamo", from director John Lee Hancock, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Dennis Quaid, Jason Patric, and more. "The Alamo" was the first theatric film about the brutal battle in over 40 years; The Alamo: The Illustrated Story Of The Epic Film includes a point-by-point summary of historical events, an extensive tour of casting, costuming, historical recreations and set design, the full movie script, and more. A treasure for cinema buffs especially, and the perfect companion volume to anyone who enjoys and appreciates the power "The Alamo"movie has had in bringing history to life.
A must have for Alamo fans
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-01
Review Date: 2004-05-01
The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film is a must have for fans of the Alamo. The book includes over 120 pictures from the movie, including the making of and production stills. As well, the full script is included in the book so readers can see what was cut from the final version of the movie. It is interesting to see all the things that director John Lee Hancock had to cut from the originally intended version. The book documents the making of the huge movie, background on cast and characters, and even some Alamo history on society and in the movies. If you enjoyed the movie, I highly recommend this book. Check out Frank Thompson's The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film!
Making of Awesome Alamo Adventure
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-05
Review Date: 2004-04-05
Author Frank Thompson reveals hundreds and hundreds of details of the making of the most current version of 'The Alamo', which is surely to be the most historically accurate film on the subject.
From the beginning of director John Lee Hancock's interest in the Alamo in his childhood, through his early meetings with producer Ron Howard (originally slated to direct), to the hiring of two major historians and the building of the detailed and awe inspiring set, right into the extra-filled battle scenes complete with authentic weaponry and perfect period wardrobe, Thompson escorts the reader on an amazing visit to the set of what is certain to be 'the movie masterpiece of 2004'. Reading this book will educate you about the making of this weaponry, the selection of the cast, the decisions on the locales, the building of the sets, and every other intricate facet of film making at its best.
Get the inside scoop on the unusual 'naming' of extras, the selection of composer Carter Burwell (Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou), and what part Matte World Digital and CG plays in crafting 'The Alamo'. You will truly feel as if you are physically on the set hearing the actors recite their lines when you read the entire screenplay, which is contained in this book. Discover why the cast, including stars, bit players, and extras were totally personally dedicated to the making of this masterful film.
All this interesting inside information is accompanied by: 100+ beautiful color photos (many of which are full page) of the actors, the scenery and all that will make this film a beautiful visual experience, as well as historical details and time charts of the actual event that culminated with the cry of 'Remember the Alamo'.
You will 'remember' reading about the making of 'The Alamo' while you watch it unfold on the screen. This beautiful book will entertain and enlighten you and your enjoyment can only extend your pleasure when actually seeing the film for yourself.
A quote early in the book from actor Billy Bob Thornton begins: "When I first got here and I walked on the set, I got a chill up my back bone like I can't describe....and every time we walked through the gate...we were in 'The Alamo'...". Every time you open the pages of 'The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film The Alamo', you will be on that same set as if by magic.
Thompson has done an extraordinary job in capturing the making of what is destined to be a classic epic film. If you are not already dying to see this film, you will certainly change your mind after reading the book. If you ARE already hyped-to-the-max to view 'The Alamo', this will just increase your anticipation to nearly the I-can't-stand-the-wait level.
From the beginning of director John Lee Hancock's interest in the Alamo in his childhood, through his early meetings with producer Ron Howard (originally slated to direct), to the hiring of two major historians and the building of the detailed and awe inspiring set, right into the extra-filled battle scenes complete with authentic weaponry and perfect period wardrobe, Thompson escorts the reader on an amazing visit to the set of what is certain to be 'the movie masterpiece of 2004'. Reading this book will educate you about the making of this weaponry, the selection of the cast, the decisions on the locales, the building of the sets, and every other intricate facet of film making at its best.
Get the inside scoop on the unusual 'naming' of extras, the selection of composer Carter Burwell (Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou), and what part Matte World Digital and CG plays in crafting 'The Alamo'. You will truly feel as if you are physically on the set hearing the actors recite their lines when you read the entire screenplay, which is contained in this book. Discover why the cast, including stars, bit players, and extras were totally personally dedicated to the making of this masterful film.
All this interesting inside information is accompanied by: 100+ beautiful color photos (many of which are full page) of the actors, the scenery and all that will make this film a beautiful visual experience, as well as historical details and time charts of the actual event that culminated with the cry of 'Remember the Alamo'.
You will 'remember' reading about the making of 'The Alamo' while you watch it unfold on the screen. This beautiful book will entertain and enlighten you and your enjoyment can only extend your pleasure when actually seeing the film for yourself.
A quote early in the book from actor Billy Bob Thornton begins: "When I first got here and I walked on the set, I got a chill up my back bone like I can't describe....and every time we walked through the gate...we were in 'The Alamo'...". Every time you open the pages of 'The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film The Alamo', you will be on that same set as if by magic.
Thompson has done an extraordinary job in capturing the making of what is destined to be a classic epic film. If you are not already dying to see this film, you will certainly change your mind after reading the book. If you ARE already hyped-to-the-max to view 'The Alamo', this will just increase your anticipation to nearly the I-can't-stand-the-wait level.

Aliens Versus Predator: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
Published in Paperback by Prima Games (1999-05-12)
List price: $19.99
New price: $9.92
Used price: $0.12
Used price: $0.12
Average review score: 

Great book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-24
Review Date: 2000-05-24
Wow, This book really helps, I beat the game alone on alien and predator profiles, but the marine was a little tough, didn't need the book much, but is great for people who are stuck
Excellent
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-16
Review Date: 1999-06-16
I liked this book. It was a real help
this is the most helpfull book u could hope for
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-13
Review Date: 1999-07-13
wow it is great it helped me pass the gam
A Great Help
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-12
Review Date: 1999-06-12
I have been playing the game since the first day it came out. And since that day, I have been completely frustrated with it too. This book has helped a lot. It give full maps of all the enviornments. Every air ducts, every sub-level, everything! I play this game 24/7, so you can tell I like it a lot. The most helpful thing are the maps. The alien levels are mind-bogglingly long. It took me a week to beet the first level on the alien. I got this book and beat it in 15 minutes. It tells every charecter's weaknesses and strong points. It even gives a blueprint of the weapons and people. It gives info about everybody. It is really great.
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A few of the sections of this book that I thought was the most interesting, were the ones about twin women in movies and the fashion and glamour of women. Before reading this book, I never really thought into the idea that being a woman in Hollywood, and acting a certain role represented something as a whole. These actresses were not just playing the part of their assigned character; they were representing women as a whole. With their fashion, their speech, and their actions, I found it truly inspiring to know that they were stepping out of their comfort zone and taking risks with the roles that they chose to act out.
One chapter, entitled Duality, included how Hollywood used twins in their movies to represent one specific point in these movies. This chapter, being one of the more detailed ones, showed how twins portrayed particularly two things: the good and the bad. The good twin, usually dressed in fashionably acceptable clothes and appropriate styles, was usually criticized by her twin, which represented evil, or the bad. I thought it was very much a shock to me how many of the so called "bad" twins in these Hollywood movies were constantly pretending to be their twin to confuse their family, friends, or even their husbands! Many of them did this only to find some sort of revenge on their twin for whatever reason they could think of. In my mind, I would have never thought of this as being presented in movies during these time periods, but I also have to remember that this was also a time when women were really standing up for what they believed in and stepping out of the ordinary molds they had always been put into.
What was so fascinating about this book was how Basinger found a way to represent women in film in such a respectable way, and not so much trashy as some may have viewed it at the time. Women like Loretta Young, Kay Francis, and Greta Garbo are true heroines when it comes to paving the way for all future actresses, and also for open our countries eyes to the lives of women, and really shows that they were becoming less and less like housewives and more like the hardworking entrepreneurs that they really were and always will be.