Arts and Entertainment Books

This book gives you the opportunity to get a feeling of what your life may have been like living in the Jim Crow era of Georgia. My name is Bullard and I am a white genealogist. Eugene Bullard was the son of ex-slaves that were owned by a family named Bullard.

It is fabulous to see a black person rise out of impossible circumstances to become an expatriate combat pilot in the French Air Force during World War I. Jazz and Blues is what I listen to every day and the Jazz story in this book is very interesting to me.

A must read for any aviation buff who's ever wondered if there was a black pilot in WWI, and how he lived that life is truly an extraordinary saga.

Eugene Bullard was an African American man who was born in 1895 in Columbus, Georgia, and lived a really fascinating live. After leaving the U.S. in 1912 to escape the existing suffocating racist oppression, he stayed first in Britain, and then settled in France where he lived as a boxer, entertainer, jazz drummer, was a war hero in the trenches in Verdun, and become the first African American combat pilot in 1917 (in French service: the U.S. would allow black combat pilots only in 1941...). After the war, like so many other African Americans, he remained in Europe. He become a well known entrepeneur in the Parisian night club life during the 20s and 30s. At the German invasion in 1940, and after a brief stint in the French army, he went back to the U.S. where he died in New York in 1961. Revered in France as a national hero during is life, and completely unknown in his country until more than twenty years after his death, the life of this extraordinary man has in this book a much deserved homage and, probably, its definitive biography.

A very well documented biography on a genuine American and French hero. Unfortunately he was born during the Jim Crow era in the south (even though the constitution which was written over 100 years before his birth mentions "all men are created equal", this did not include any non-caucasian's or women, did it? Did not use the word minority since it denotes less than some majority, there are more non-caucasian's in the world anyway and what is really meant by that word is just that, non-caucasian. I find it odd that the USA was founded by European descendants like the English, French and even though the country prided itself on it's progresive nature, it did not include equality, even though Europe itself did not practice racial discrimination). He was born the seventh child of a large family and his father always had a premonition of a very distinguished future for him and let it be known to him when he was young. Talks about his travel through the south after he left home and was told early by his father of a country (France) where all men are truly free. This had a profound effect on him because he eventually made it to France via England first.

He began his livelyhood as a theatre performer and boxer; two opposing and similar avocations. He joined the military and became the first Black American and Black Frenchman aviator and was awarded medals for his bravery, dedication and skills. Very well liked, he had a contagious personality and started working at a famous Paris club later in life and eventually became a club owner himself. He met the famous of the day like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Bricktop and many others. This biography also got me interested in Jazz age Paris to request both autobiographies of Hughes and Bricktop.

Slowly (too slowly) more is being known about this man and his acomplishments and contributions to the human race.

You won't be able to put it down. Jack Johnson's autobiography "In the Ring and Out" is another good bio of that era too.

I had earlier learned of some of Eugene Bullard's exploits, but Craig Lloyd's book spotlights an endless list of amazing achievements that seem unbelievable for any man to accomplish in just one lifetime. It's a shame Bullard's life has been up to now unexplored and uncelebrated. Hopefully this extremely well-researched biography will fix that.

This retro-review is for,sadly,the now out of print 1987 paperback edition of "The Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Book".This is a re-released edition by Obelisk Books in 1987 and pretty much looks like the original hardcover edition printed in 1972 throughout.
I was really shocked to see that this book had gone out of print,for it is THE essential volume for any Fred Astaire fan,and especially those interested in his period with Ginger Rogers.
Like the original hardcover edition this one carries on with the "flip" pictures in the top right and left corners of the book.That is there are a series of incremental pictures that if one flips through at a causal speed,they can see Astaire and Rogers dancing in two different numbers.A nice little touch.
The best thing about this book though is how the author approaches her subject matter.She starts off the book giving us a short but well rounded look at both subjects and careers pre-teaming.Like the rest of the book you know here is a person who knows her subject matter inside and out and never writes DOWN to the reader.She writes more like a friend imparting details and essential background material on a subject you both love.
After the intro(about 18 pages) we come to the heart of the book,the film by film look at the ten benchmark motion pictures made starring Astaire and Rogers.
Each chapter is divided into four areas.First are the detailed production and acting credits.Second comes "The Film",thirdly "The Numbers" and lastly "Production".This is repeated for each chapter/film throughout the book and the details and knowledge she imparts are invaluable to any serious student of this dancing duo.Her prose are definitely not dry by any stretch and she keeps you riveted to the page throughout.
Here is an example from her chapter on "Roberta",where she is talking about one of the big numbers from the film,"Hard to Handle":
"The context for the number is an informal session on the dance floor of the Cafe' Russe,the audience for it consists of bartenders and cleaning women,and the beauty of it is that it really seems to be happening for the first time-it's like a moment of cinema verite' bursting through the surface of a polished commercial film.
We've all seen numbers in musicals that start in this supercasual way- and the "impromptu" walked-right-into number became a staple of the Astaire-Rogers repertory-but how many times,no matter how good the routine or how sophisticated our response,it happens that we feel a little stab in our childish hearts-"Oh,they've rehearsed".Sanity tells us that Astaire and Rogers have rehearsed;publicity statistics tell us how many back-breaking hours.But the difference between them and other performers is that,watching them,we aren't in possession of our sanity,we're happy children again,the story the numbers tell us is true.And the illusion of spontanteity makes the plot implication of the number credible;it cements the relationship of the screen characters they portray."
This is a typical sampling of Croces' prose and delivery but as you can see she talks with a deep and sure understanding of her subjects and imparts it to us in that wonderfully direct but non-condescending manner.Her understanding and feelings match very much our own which she translates beautifully to the page.No other book I have read on Astaire(and I have read ALOT!) matches Croce's style and understanding,attention to detail and all put in context to the times and the behind-the-scenes production details so essential in giving its' readers the fullest understanding possible of what went into creating the finished products.
This edition is about 191 pages long in total and has a plethora of pics to enhance your reading pleasure.The last approximately 10 pages are devoted to miscellaneous pics from the films and a full spread of director Mark Sandrichs' production notes from "Follow the Fleet".
For those interested in Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in an either casual fashion or from a more learned point of view,there isn't a volume before or since that will educate but entertain you at the same time,like "The Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Book".
An essential must-have volume on this peerless pair!

Croce's book focuses upon the dances within each film. Her understanding of the wide range of the Astaire-Rogers filmed dance legacy, and her knowledge of what it took to achieve such excellence in performance...make this book one of the two or three main literary sources on the great dance pair. Astaire-Pan-Rogers, and Born were the team that created a choreographic wellspring, over 10 films, of highly elegant, energetic, and graceful dancing. The likes of this pair, made in heaven, is not likely to be seen soon again. They were the best, the top of the top...and they knew it. Arlene Croce succeeds in this insightful and informational book in explaining why, through dance, and personality, and professionalism, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers continue to appeal to such a universal audience.

Actually published in the 1970's,
Arlene gives great insight into the
dances, the casting, script, and other details.
A wealth of useful information for both
dancers and Astaire-Rogers fans.
Far and away the best book on this great team.

The Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Book is both entertaining and informative. Croce provides insightful commentary on the two stars' careers, their films, and individual dances to compliment the delightful pictures throughout the book. The top corners of the pages can even be used as a flip book so you can see a sample of Fred and Ginger dancing. This book has a wealth of information and is fabulous for anyone interested in the history of dance on film.

At just 191 pages Arlene Croce's FRED ASTAIRE & GINGER ROGERS BOOK is a gem. This is a classic work from the 1970'

This was one of the best books I have read about Freddie Prinze Jr. Although there is a chapter in there about his former relationship with Kim McCullough (and now he's engaged to Sarah Michelle), everything in there was factual, well-written and easy to read. The author kept the fluff minimal and her points sharp when she wrote this one! There is only the meat of Freddie's life in this one, no garbage to filter through. A MUST READ FOR ALL FREDDIE FANS!!!!!!

I read this book about Frddie prinze,jr for my class as my favorite book to read and make a oral presentation.I have read this book more than 5 to 6 times and I enjoy reading it, because Freedie Prinze, Jr is my favorite actor and he has influence me for not giving up in anything. Freddie Prinze, Jr is one of the few people who admits that he likes being a sort of outsider. He's been one his whole life, always feeling as if he never fit in.Freddie Prinze, JR biggest influence is his motherbecause he said that his mother gave up everything to moved him to New Mexice to give him a better life.Feddie's life hasn't always been a smooth ride. After the tragic death of his famous father when he was only 10 months old.Feddie wanted to become a actor so he moved back and try to persued in his dream. Breaking into the business wasn't easy. With hard work and determination and plenty of patience Freddie mad his childhood dream come true. Now Freddie Is one of the most popular and been loved by so many young fans. He has receive award forChoice Actor in Film and Hottie of the year in 1999

Freddie Prinze, Jr has been through alots of thing. tragic death of his famous father and moving back to New Mexico. Freddie prinze has accomplish alots of things since he came back to persue his dream of acting and being the most saxiest male actor and been loved by millions of fan in the worldwide. Freddie Prinze, Jr has been so many movie including I know what you did last summer and Head Over Heel.He consider his biggest influence is his mother because she gave up everything and moved to New Mexico so she could give a better life to freddie prinze from the spotlight. I love this book because no matter what happen Freddie Prinze Jr never gave up on his dream. He is my favotite actor and he has influence me not to give up on my dream

I thought this biography of Freddie Prinze Jr. was well written and interesting. As a Freddie fan there were many things I learned from this book that I never would have known through his movies. Even if you aren't a Freddie fan it's still an interesting story to read. I also recommend the biography of Freddie written by Marc Shapiro. That one is a little more detailed and also worth reading.

After reading this detailed biography of my favorite actor Freddie Prinze Jr...I now really got to know the true and real him. Never have I read a book that told me about Freddie's life so accurately. All you F.P. Jr's fans out there would surely enjoy this outstanding, written biography!

As I stated in the foreward, I really took pride in the opportunity to get into DaShawn's world. Hearing his stuggles and seeing how he finally made it to the top was quite encouraging.

Thanks DaShawn,
Stephanie Johnson, Author
She's Got Issues, Rockin Robin, Desperate Sisters, Married to the Badge

This book was not only a good read but it serves as a manual for what could happen when you don't let your situation overtake you. I really enjoyed this book and passed it on to a couple of young men that I know. After reading it, I could see a change in them and that made me proud. Thank You for writing such a great book.

This book is excellent!!!! It highlights yet another real-life story of someone coming from a struggle and striving their way through challenges to reach success in life. The 10 Hustle Commandments are true jewels of wisdom.

HE IS THE ULIMATE HUSTLER....HE'S BEEN THOUGH ALOT AND THIS BOOK TELL YOU WHAT HE WENT THOUGH...TO GET TO KNOW HIM IS TO COP THE BOOK. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED I REALLY ENJOY THE BOOK..... READY TO SEE WHAT HE BOUT TO TAKE BY STORM NOW.................

THANX DASHAWN

As a young boy living in New Jersey making a dollar for his first hustle to the present time, Dashawn Taylor has given us an up close and personal look into his life. From his struggles and disappointments to his triumphs Dashawn has continued to be positive while looking at any negativity as a lesson learned.
Now as a collage graduate and business owner Dashawn shares some excellent tips... dos and don'ts for success in today's business world.
An inspiring read!

Locksie

ARC Book Club Inc.

An amazing read! Thanks Carlton for sharing your spotlight to help guide others on their life's journey.

i couldn't put it down. touching, insightful, candid, fascinating. Carlton destroys his demons with courage and love, and finds peace in forgiveness along the way. a must-read.

WOW! What a book about discovery? I was not expecting to love this book but I did! It lets us all know, we can rise above our insecurities, confront our fears and begin to feel alive.
Carlton, Thanks for being such a talented writer.
All the best
Jo Patrick

CARLTON ROCKS
BEING HONEST IS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING FOR ANY OF US TO BE IN DAILY LIFE... I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT TELLING THE TRUTH... I AM TALKING SOUL BARING HEART WRENCHING WHITE KNUCKLE HONESTY!!!
THIS BOOK IS A BEACON OF LIGHT TO PEOPLE WHO NEED TO FIND THE COURAGE TO LIVE THE TRUTH...

I BOUGHT 5 FOR MY FRIENDS!!!

We live in a world where people hide behind masks! The mask of sexuality, drug addiction, and approval addiction. Fear is the cause of masks. I appreciated Front & Center because it displayed courage as Carlton Wilborn fought his fears. It is truly transparency at its finest. Carlton's writing paints beautiful pictures about his struggles. He draws you into his heart and many of us can relate with the life changing choices that developed him into who he is now. His journey is encouraging and insightful to those who seek the success he has, which is true peace and freedom! I highly recommend this memoir you will be blessed as you experience the transformation that took place in this book. It's not easy living life "Front & Center", but after reading this book you will be confident that it's possible to do it transparent and fearless!

An excellent biography of the funniest man who ever stole a gag from another comedian. Yes it's Benny Hill, a man who took a name because is sounded Jewish and wrote some of the funniest songs ever using the most recycled of jokes.

His humour was what the people wanted in the seventies, coarse slightly obscene and saucy. He deserved the title of the the worlds most popular comedian. It was a shame that Benny ended up as a target for feminists and other politically correct groups and was eventually sacked for his humour. The people that hounded him must have been very humourless, cold hearted people indeed.

The book is great though there are few mistakes here and there with respect to show titles and content. I recommend anyone who is interested in British actors and theatre read this book.

Tim Brimelow
Melbourne Australia

This is a fascinating, first-rate biography of one of the twentieth century's most beloved comedy figures; a man who is now largely overlooked in his home country despite having been its most successful comic export outside of Charlie Chaplin. Benny Hill was a complex man who led a simple (if somewhat peculiar) life, and this book provides tremendous insight into not only his personal foibles and professional endeavors, but also the motivations and reasons for his intriguing private behavior and public rise and fall. Drawing on extensive research and fresh interviews with many of the key figures in Benny's life, Mark Lewisohn's writing combines warmth, empathy and humor with analysis, objectivity and attention to detail -- the comic inventiveness and outright stealing of other artists' ideas; the abnormally excessive frugality; the sexual indulgences and hopelessly failed relationships... whether you want to know about the man's career, his love life or the fact that he just loved a quick game of Kalooki, it's all here. Buy this book!

This is one of the finest biographies I have read in years -- it penetrates deeply into the formative experiences and motivations of this strange and reclusive figure, and brings him vividly to life. Many interviewees discouraged the author from this task, but he persevered, and we have much to thank him for. All Benny Hill fans will now watch and enjoy his familiar sketches -- shamelessly recycled over the years -- with an added appreciation for their origins and rationale. Lewisohn helps us to delve into the psyche of this mysterious man, at once the embodiment of little Englishness, yet also a sensitive soul and a student of foreign cultures and languages.

The book is not unblemished. Benny's 50s farce, "Who Done It", is not nearly as abysmal as the author suggests (it's adequate slapstick with a few laughs -- how many 50s British movies has Lewisohn seen, there are many worse!). Benny's frugality is surely comprehensible in a man who had withstood wartime privations; and that character trait, combined with the much-hyped locker-room chit-chat with Bob Monkhouse, was regrettable but entirely standard male behavior for the 1950s. Despite all the conventional wisdom to the contrary, Benny did evolve. And--again with respect to Lewisohn--Benny scaled some of his finest heights of inspiration during his latest years with Thames. I am thinking of the Chubby Dodds documentary, and Murder on the Orient Express, and the "Family" skit, which bring smiles and laughter without fail, though I know them back to front. Of course, he was a comedian who operated rather too comfortably within his decent but clearly defined artistic parameters. Yet what was comforting for Benny was also reassuring for us... Lewisohn is right that Benny Hill's work will return to favor some day. It deserves to.

This book is a tremendously thorough examination of Benny's life, and there are some surprises here for those who are only aware of him through his television shows. Lewisohn pulls no punches and leaves very little unturned, both good and bad. It is unfortunate that Benny is now almost taboo in his own country. Having read this book, I will appreciate his comedy in a different light.

Good but slightly flawed

I bought this book not only because BCCA started to run the half-hour series again, but because I remembered reading a story in the paper a number of years ago how Benny Hill died alone in a sparsely furnished apartment, unloved.

What I got was a tremendous insight into English vaudeville and its morphing into radio and then television. I also got a tremendous amount of information about Hill's life, as other reviews note. I would, however, like to focus this review on the author's highly critical look at Benny Hill's work after he brought together the Hill's angels. The author unabashedly takes the feminist line that these programs were sexist, and there's no doubt that while the programs themselves were probably enough to get the feminists atwitter, now that BBCA is showing the uncut hour long shows, Hill's on air ridicule of the feminists was what really did it. I hadn't seen the hour long shows when I read the biography, so I more or less took the author at his word. Now that I've seen them, I have two comments. In no way are the Hill's Angels in any way objectionable. The author's comment, what did they have to do with comedy, is misdirected because they had everything to do with framing the skits that were carried within the performances. I think some of Hill's best work was done in these years.

My second comment is more of a revelation. I've always wondered exactly what it was that set Hill apart, the quality that no one else could or ever will duplicate. I realized watching these later shows that Hill had done something no one else had ever been able to do. He brought vaudeville, in its true form, to television. From childhood, he was steeped in, although unsuitable for, vaudeville. Television gave his strength, an acute eye for vaudeville, and his weakness, an inability to project beyond the tenth row of seats, the perfect format. It happened once, and that's the only time it will ever happen.

Finally, as to his death alone in a sparsely furnished room. The picture of Hill dead looks pretty bleak. However, the author makes one thing clear. Benny Hill did in life exactly as he pleased, lived his life exactly the way he wanted to live it, and knowing he was going to die soon, died exactly the way he wanted to die, eating candy bars, drinking, and watching his beloved TV. He had no regrets about anything in life and he was surrounded by people who loved him dearly. Even his failed romances weren't romances, but attempts to reach for unattainable women so he never had to make a commitment that would limit his freedom to do as he pleased. The one time he was expected to make a commitment, he ran fast. Hill did what he wanted in life, and to do that, he had to live and travel alone, and that's exactly what he did. Definitely buy this book, but don't let the author's prejudices dissuade you from enjoying all of Hill's work. As to the author's hope the British return to an appreciation of Hill, it'll never happen, but that doesn't stop us from enjoying him.

I just saw the Gene Marshall - Girl Star book at Borders. It is beautifully photographed with excellent illustrations. This book will make an excellent addition to any coffee table in any home. The story line is very well thought out and it can rival any fiction of the 1940s. Also, the book should be displayed right along with the Gene dolls that all of the collectors have, it would make a great conversation piece for visiting guests in your home.

For the fans of Miss Gene Marshall, this walk down Hollywood's memory lane will not be a disappointing one. Gene's early days from childhood to her initial experiences on the set of her first motion picture, Blond Lace, serve to chronicle the much anticipated story of one of the 20th centuries most beloved celebrities.

A carousel of sweetly flavored reminisces from "those in the know" are often interwoven by the tartness of tensel town's own diva, Madra Lord.

This well written text left this particular reader wanting more, more, MORE!

I had wanted this book since I first heard about, so when I got it for my birthday, I was very pleased. The book is just beautiful, Mel Odom's illustrations are fabulous, as are the photographs which make Gene seem to come alive. After reading through the "interviews" and letters from people who worked with Gene, you almost find yourself believing that she was a real person, and want to go and rent a movie staring her, which sadly one cannot do. It is a wonderful book to add to your collection, and it makes Gene's story even more real. I highly recomend it to any Gene fan. Even if you do not collect Gene dolls, this book would make for an entertaining read.

This is a terrific book. I am a big fan of Gene - as well as the way she is presented. The use of shadow and light in the wonderful photography makes her looks very real. In addition, the thing that makes Gene special is that she has a whole story - of how she was discovered and became an actress. They have interviews with various friends, enemies and family, again, making her become very real. Two thumbs up!

This is a very entertaining and beautifully illustrated story of the rise of Gene Marshall. Anyone who has enjoyed reading Hollywood history and movie star biographies will love this. The story is told in snippets from studio memos, a gossip column, and excerpts from the biographies of Madra Lord, Trent Osborn, Eric Von Sternberg and others. It all begins with Gene's childhood and ends with the debut of her first film "Blonde Lace". There are some new characters introduced into Gene's story such as Trent Osborne, an aging actor who has dated Madra Lord and Ivy Jordan, a character actress who becomes Gene's friend. The photographs are cleverly done and the illustrations are wonderful. Anyone who has studied Hollywood lore will see the similiaries to real life stories and situations and that makes it all the more fun. The only reason I don't give the book 5 stars is because it ends too early. An entire synopsis of Gene's career would have been welcome. It really leaves you wanting more.

This book is interesting and gives the account of Gloria Jeans film career. It covers and talks about her experiences and goew over the plot of each film taking perhaps 2 to 4 pages per film.

She was in a lot of films, so remarks specific to films cover from 80 to 120 pages in the book.

One thing the reader might regret would be to hear about films that they have never seen. Some of these films are available from sources, well let me refer you to references in the IMDB database regarding her movies. I don't want to advertise videos in this review. But in the end, one problem the reader may discover is that they will wish that they saw the films in a very high quality state, which may not be available any more. Some of these films are lost and not available or a really good copy which would match her talent is not out there to be seen.

That being the case, there is some bittersweet memories or perhaps the lack of being able to even have them, when reading about some movies, if you've never seen them. The author makes every effort to describe the movies in details and the plots of each movie are talked about in detail (with spoilers). This helps the reader understand the movie as well as it could be understood by a written narration. That understanding unfortunately is not as good as experiencing the movie by watching it. So for those who have seen her movies and are her fans the book will have greater value than those unfamiliar with her or her films.

It's interesting and a candid account however from the inside of a movie star who had their ups and downs. And it would appear that the downside was not really due to her own fault or some "personal demon" that you'd read about when reading the accounts of many film stars. She seems to be a real nice girl and lady who kept herself from the corrupting influences of hollywood and her waning popularity was more of a matter of a changes in the movie industry and a focus on different types of actors than anything of her own doing.

This leaves the reader with a feel good feeling about the star rather than some wonderment and awe at how wild a star may be due to their fame. I wrote this review after reading most of her book. I have not read the last few chapters yet, but will finish it soon. Not bad and it would have been nice if she would have gone on in movies for a longer period of time, but these things happen and sometimes the public is the ones who lose when old movies are forgotton or not widely shown. The fickle new public often looses the ability or desire to watch the older treasures from any age and ends up missing something.

Her career really wasn't a tragedy that some might think, she just had an early popular career and it peeked fairly quickly and this was in an age when most stars didn't make a killing with huge movie deals. So when the star ride was over, it was pretty much over and she returned to a normal life. Pretty typical for most child stars, but she had a longer career and wasn't just a child star. Although it seemed that Hollywood treated her as such and didn't appreciate her enough. That's the overall impression I get reading the book.

Gloria Jean's winsome personality and knockout singing voice made her one of the most charming and talented performers of all time. She has had a life filled with peaks and valleys. Happily, one of those peaks is GLORIA JEAN: A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN, a new book that combines Gloria's personal memories with the input of her biographers, Scott and Jan MacGillivray. Their combined efforts have produced one of the finest, most comprehensive books ever written about a show business figure.

This volume is an engaging blend of biography, autobiography, show biz history, and film analysis. Gloria Jean's comments regarding her life and career (in movies, television, radio, concerts and live theater) are consistently fascinating; she possesses a real gift for storytelling, and brings a vibrant, you-are-there immediacy to each anecdote. (Additionally, Bonnie Schoonover, Gloria's younger sister, provides some of her own keen observations.) Gloria doesn't look back with bitterness; if some individuals come across in an unflattering light (and some do), it's simply a matter of documenting how that person's unfortunate behavior had an impact on Gloria's career. On the other hand, Gloria is quick to praise those who deserve it...and that includes familiar names such as Bing Crosby, Groucho Marx, and W. C. Fields.

Gloria's insight as a show business veteran is neatly complemented by the writing/research skills of her biographers. The MacGillivrays combine an obvious (and infectious) affection for their subject with their exhaustive knowledge of the entertainment industry in general and Gloria Jean in particular. Readers will be amazed by the wealth of never-before-published material on each one of Gloria's movies...including production histories, summaries, critiques, reviews, theatrical and home-movie reissues, aborted projects, and lost films. The result is a meticulously detailed, well-organized and highly enlightening volume brimming with information that will surprise even the most seasoned film buff. (Has anyone ever detailed the production histories of WONDER VALLEY and LAFFING TIME prior to this?)

The book contains an equally impressive gallery of rare photographs: charming candid shots of Gloria with W. C. Fields, Donald O'Connor, and Elizabeth Taylor; Gloria posing with Boris Karloff and makeup master Jack Pierce; Gloria feeding birthday cake to Sabu; and even frame enlargements from screen tests and obscure films. (One of my favorite photos is a wildly incongruous shot of little Gloria posing with the giant robot from the Bela Lugosi serial THE PHANTOM CREEPS.)

The only disappointing aspect about this enterprise has nothing to do with the book itself. After reading about the movies, I was dismayed to learn that the majority of Gloria's films never made it to video, nor do they turn up on television anymore. Sure, NEVER GIVE A SUCKER AN EVEN BREAK (starring W. C. Fields), her best known movie, rates an occasional TV broadcast, and COPACABANA (starring Groucho Marx and Carmen Miranda) is currently available on DVD, but THE UNDER-PUP, DESTINY, A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN, RIVER GANG, I'LL REMEMBER APRIL, I SURRENDER DEAR and the rest are missing-in-action, languishing in the film vaults. Her work deserves to be made widely accessible.

A handsome, smartly produced volume, GLORIA JEAN: A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN is a winner all the way. At last, Gloria's story has been documented in a manner worthy of her, and even if you're not already a fan, you'll find this book is much more than just "a little bit" of Heaven.

This book was a gift and was very well received. Loaded with pictures and information. Recipient enjoyed it very much and indicated she could not put it down until she had read it from cover to cover.

The Story of Gloria Jean, coloratura soprano at Universal from 1939 thru the WW2 and later a few at Columbia is an interesting and well written bopok withe the co-operation of Gloria and her younger sister Bonnie Schoonhover. The author, historically, details all the films and shorts and gives a rundown on the songs and cuts from the scripts he had access to for the original & susequent resissues. I have the Papercover edition and there are a number of good photos in sections in the book. Highly recommended!

FOOTNOTE: Gloria's only color film, Wonder Valley filmed in Arkansas in 1952 at 73mins, is unviewable today due to the producer's copy(all that is known) being badly deteriorated.

Gloria Jean is perhaps best known for co-starring with W.C. Fields in his absurdist classic "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break." She was once among the most popular girl-next-door icons among World War Two servicemen, and worked with such stars as Groucho Marx, Donald O'Connor, Jerry Lewis, and was even requested as a co-star by Elvis Presley in an opportunity that, sadly, never materialized. Her memories and anecdotes are a most fascinating look at wartime Hollywood moviemaking. Her candid admission of failed comebacks and missed opportunities display more courage than most entertainers are willing to offer. Highly recommended.

This is a wonderful book. The author has done her homework and her picks from the famous to the forgotten were excellent choices. If she couldn't confirm a rumor, rather than speculate, or worse yet, sensationalize, she plainly stated the answer would probably never be found.

I recommend this book for all lovers of the silent era. I only wish that Ms.Golden could do full length bios on these people.

Before I read Eve's books, I couldn't tell Buster Keaton from Michael Keaton. I kept confusing Anita Page and Doris Hill with Anita Hill. This woman knows more about Virgina Bradford than Bradford herself. Her book has opened my eyes to the wonderful genre that is The Silent Movie. Eve has taught me not to laugh at the name Richard Dix. She's explained that Charlie Chaplin doesn't wear that moustache and glasses because he's in the Witness Protection Program.

I could go on forever about this book, but I think I'll leave you all with a quote from my favorite silent movie: " ".

Eve Golden as always does her homework on her subjects, and then brings them to life wth insight and warmth. A great collection of Hollywood's known and lesser-known characters-- briskly written, it's a good read.

This book provides 4-5 page biographies of many silent film stars. Some are very familiar to film buffs such as Rudolph Valentino, the Talmadge Sisters, etc. but others are not as familiar such as Martha Mansfield, Milton Sills, etc. Golden's writing style is so easy to read and she has done a great deal of research. Many of the biographies left you wanting to read a great deal more about many of these people. I would recommend this for all silent film buffs!

This wonderful book contains 41 short (5-6 pages each) biographies of silent film actors and actresses. Some like Clara Bow, William Haines, and Rudolph Valentino have been covered more in-depth by other biographers. However, there is no other book that covers the life and careers of Marie Prevost, Milton Sills, Arthur Johnson, Clarine Seymour, Harrison Ford (not Indiana Jones), Pearl White, and Wallace Reid. Even famous personalities who just made a few film appearances like May Irwin and Ormer Locklear are covered. Many of these performers died before the silent era was even over, which is why they are virtually unknown today. These essays were originally written for CLASSIC IMAGES magazine, but have been updated for the book. Ms. Golden's bios are well researched and very easy to read. If you are interested in silent film performers, you will want this book!

Laugh, cry, and rage with this writer...I dare you to resist turning another page once you have started reading this book. What a gift to be able to write about one's personal tragedy with wit and sarcasm...an amazing inspiring memoir.

I've had the pleasure of knowing and performing with Randy and his talented family for many years, and will testify to the fact that Randy has more SPUNK than Jack has Beanstalks.

Congratulations, Randy!

Dale Colgrove in Ft. Worth, Texas

When I purchased this book I did it in support and interest for my friend who is the author. When I began to read the pages I learned more about my friend and more about a new perspective on life than I had imagined. I found the book to be educational concerning two aspects of AIDS. First I learned about the disease and secondly I learned the effects that is has on the life of someone infected and those close to that person.

Randy & Joe's story really moved me and I am not the type of person who wears my emotions on my sleeve. The love, devotion and support that they have for one another makes me proud to be their friend.

I guess on the exterior you could say that I lead a different life from these two friends but what I found in this book has led me to feel a new connection with them as I feel we share the same values. I was able to identify with their unwavering love for spouse, family and support system of friends.

Due to these similarities in values I was able to forget about sexual preference and I was really able to identify with the story. It showed me that although being infected with AIDS or being sick could break someones spirit, that with the right support it really can make people stronger.

In conclusion I wanted to thank Randy for writing this book so I could have the priveledge of reading it. I would recommend it to anyone who needs some inspiration and guidance in what it means to be in a supportive relationship and to share unconditional love.

Thanks Randy,

The Wolfgang

Here I am: a straight guy, happily married to my wife for 25 years with a wonderful 20 year old son. Why would I love reading this book? Because it is a well written, wryly funny, poignant love story with a very happy ending. At times achingly painful while describing the devastation that HIV/AIDS inflicts on its victims, it is also full of hope and inspiration. This book is a "must read" for anyone who provides health care to the HIV positive community or who has in any way been affected by the AIDS epidemic.

In autobiographical style, the author starts with his childhood, growing up in a conservative Quaker family in a small Southern California town. He knew he was "different" than most of his peers early on, although he really didn't have a word for it (homosexual) until his early teens. Involvement in singing and acting in high school plays, followed by five years of touring with The Young Americans singing group, were just diversions that helped him not to deal with his sexual orientation, until he left the group at 21 and moved to Hollywood to explore a career in television production.

Randy knew that Joe was "the one" for him, the moment they met at a gay bar, when Randy was pushing 30. They moved in together immediately, had a commitment ceremony on their fifth anniversary, and were very happy ... until a routine insurance physical revealed that Randy had HIV, contracted before he met Joe. Thankfully, Joe remained negative.

The book takes you through the years following the 1988 diagnosis of being positive, to the first of many opportunistic infections Randy suffered, which marked its progress to full blown AIDS about five years later. The author deals with the realities of such a diagnosis that aren't often covered in such stories, including the financial uncertainties, the emotional and mental toll on the caregiving partner, all the while dealing with toxic medications that kept one alive, but at a great decrease in the quality of that life. The late 1990's saw the advent of protease inhibitors, new drugs that - while not a cure - gave patients such as Randy a new reason to hope. They work on rebuilding the lives that had been put on "hold" for the past decade, trying to establish a more enjoyable and successful career path for Joe than the one he left behind, and also to negotiate Randy's gradual return to the work force.

An emotional yet realistic journey from despair to a new hope, excellently written by a talented author. Much recommended. Five stars out of five.