Arts and Entertainment Books

The Opening Act: The Love Story Of Augie and Margo Rodriguez Augie and Margo dance off the pages of "The Opening Act" through the magic and brilliance of a natural writer. Christine Hamer-Hodges has captured every step of their extraodinary lives with honesty, truth and the beat of lives worth living, worth watching, worth reading about. When I worked as an editor of the Reader's Digest, we had something called "the slush pile" ... a mound of unsolicited manuscripts sent to us by hopeful authors. In all my years at the Digest, I only discovered three writers who rose to the top of that pile ... diamonds sparkling to be published. Here now is a fourth. Christine Hamer-Hodges has taken the written word and wrapped it around an extraordinary event ... the love story of Augie and Margo Rodriguez.

This book was given to me as a gift, but my wife started to read it first and wouldn't give it back to me until she was finished. After reading the book I would have done the same. This book is FANTASTIC! I'm not a dancer and I'm not a frequent reader of books. I never even heard of Augie and Margo. Now I know who they are. Everyone should know who they are. I started reading the book one Sunday morning and couldn't put it down until I was done reading it the same Sunday. The detail in the book is fascinating. There is information in this book that I'm sure hasn't been written before. I hope a Broadway play is made of Augie and Margo's life, with Christine Hamer-Hodges assisting the production team. Hopefully this is "The Opening Act" for Christine Hamer-Hodges.

Hamer-Hodges has done a great job transporting the reader to another place and time. You feel the beat of the music and you are anxious to turn the page. The life of Augie and Margo is not only captivating but engaging to the point you want to see them dance! A must read. I am looking forward to the next book by Ms.Hamer-Hodges.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it over a few days. I felt what it was like to be there in the 50s, 60s and beyond at the Latin dancing nights at the hot NYC clubs. It was before my time, and I knew it was "a scene," but that's about it. Now I "get it."

This makes a nice companion to Hijuelos' "The Mambo Kings..." But instead of the band's perspective, here you get the dancers' persepctive.

As I read the book, I pictured two movies that could stem from this book. First, the story of Augie and Margo. That's a story anyone -- especially anyone with the dancing bug -- will enjoy. And second, the bittersweet side of Sammy Davis Jr's life, as seen through the eyes of his close friends.

Hamer-Hodges can certainly keep you entertained while you learn about dancers and associated celebrities. This book covered an era of dancing and entertainment that I hardly knew existed, and left me with a thirst and desire for more, more, more. My wife started reading this book first, and I looked forward to reading it myself. She was too slow in completing it though, so I started reading the book whenever she put it down. It was hard for me to let her have it back, and I was so involved with the story that I finished it well before her. The one thing that was missing was being able to see Augie and Margo perform in those early years. [...]. Get the book, read it, and then watch them dance.

Tony Gold weaves together the ongoing stories of Osbourne family. Between the pages of this book, you will find a comprehensive history of the Osbourne family and their most recent experiences before 2003. The book includes a nice photo collection and it is a joy to read. Along with Gold's other Osborne's book, "Officially Osbourne" and the DVD series, you will have a keepsake of entertainment,insight and a broader understanding of the phenomenal family. As time goes by, I believe we will all come to appreciate them, Ozzy, of course, Sharon, Kelly and Jack, more, as they move on to new and varied enterprises.

I loved this book. When you watch the show you get an edited version of the family so it is nice to have something that gives you true insight. I especially loved that Aimee put her views in. I really think Sharon is dynamic and an inspiration to all women. There was a part that I think about daily, Sharon said that in America its more acceptable to be a drug addict than to be fat. If I could pick one family to have dinner with this would be my choice thanks to this book!

I read this book in English Class and I think it's a great book for any one who just wants to know more about the whole family, there are things in this book u would have never thought could happen to the family but it did. THIS BOOK NOT ONLY TALKS ABOUT THE fAMILY BUT ALSO Ozzy and his Wifes life before they had Kids and how ozzy became so great!

BUY IT!

I am soooooo happy that I opted to purchase this book. Not only was the story fascinating and at times sad, it gave me a huge perspective on Ozzy's behavior and what makes him tick. The photo bonus in the middle of the book is a true treasure. It was so good, I read the whole thing from cover to cover in less than 3 hours! Definitely worth every penny spent!

I bought and read this book and was quite amazed about the honesty and the love this family shares for one another. I give Sharon a lot of credit on what she has been put through in her marriage to Ozzy. She is an amazingly strong person that is dedicated and truly loves her family. Ozzy has survived such difficulties with drugs and drinking. Thank God he is still with us today to create the great music that he does. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about a "real" family behind the scenes.

I still take this book out from our huge home library -- sorry, we have a lot of books -- to look at Kris'paintings and the subtle words that tell about her life.

Ricky was my first love. I was seven years old when I first heard him sing "Travellin' Man" and the family meant so much to me as a child. I know they weren't real now, and Rick and Kris' children are all grown and Ozzie and Harriet are long gone. But... Is Kris still painting? Where are you, Kris? Remember Saint Martin of Tours in Brentwood?

This book was received as a gift, after reading it I just could not put it down. It's true interest from start to finish, Kris did a great job with this book with alot of talent and love!

I recommend any Rick Nelson fan, get a copy and enjoy!!

There was a time when all of us and our mothers too were in love with Rick Nelson. But the one most in love with him was Kris Harmon, who became his wife in April 1963. She wrote a book about this life, and it is a book from which everyone can learn -- from her example, her words, and her artwork.

Rick Nelson brought rock music into the living rooms of America and made it acceptable. He was the teen idol of a generation - the Prince of Rock and Roll in the days when Elvis was the King. I am appalled that the kid at Starbuck's doesn't know who Rick Nelson is today.

Rick's fans have always criticized Kris for reasons I only partially understand. (Remember, they weren't wild about Yoko either.) For instance, Kris had a temper; Rick did not. His fans criticized her when she was with him on the road and when she was not. Kris and the kids always had to compete with the fans and his band for his attention. Rick liked being a father, but he was not home very often.

In 1981, she left the marriage and Rick reluctantly. Rick's sudden death in an airplane crash in December 1985 shocked the nation and left many people in addition to his family bereft for a long time. I attended a Tribute to him in 1993 in L.A. and was surprised at the number of people from all over the world who grieved his death as a personal loss.

In 1987, Kris was accused by her family of being an unfit mother at the time she sought treatment for pill and alcohol addiction. This is, unfortunately, a reason that keeps many women from seeking treatment when they need it. Asking for help takes courage; getting help means one will be a better mother. To be punished for it enrages me still. She discusses this time in her life without sparing the hurt.

The book has over 100 of her paintings in it and many poems. Some reviewers have called it a daybook, or journal, not a traditional autobiography. It is a memoir in the true meaning of the word -she has elevated her personal story to a more universal level.

When asked in an interview once how she feels about Rick now, she said something like, "I miss him. He was funny. We were friends and had fun. And I still miss him." After all those years of fights in court, the truth emerges.

Kris is building an extraordinary legacy. It is clear that she finds solace and salvation in her artwork and in New Mexico. She is, for the first time, being recognized as herself, not the daughter of someone famous, or the wife of someone famous, or the mother of someone famous - but for herself. And it is clear that she has learned that death ends a life, but not a relationship.

I always loved The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, especially when Kristin joined the cast in later years. This book is Kris's autobiography, a personal glimpse into her life and soul, and an in-depth look at the woman behind the actress on TV. A very gifted artist, Kris expresses herself through her paintings. I marveled at the detail in each work of art, examining each one and identifying the people and elements within. Also present are excerpts from her personal journal and poetry, many filled with sadness and poignancy reflecting Kris's struggles throughout her life. This book is largely a celebration, however, of the life of a very gifted artist. I hope Kris writes another book one day.

After watching a presentation about Rick Nelson's career on VH1, I was uncomfortable with the portrayal of Kristin Nelson. Curious about her, I purchased a copy of, "Our Of My Mind." What an interesting book! Through the use of her paintings, poems, photographs, and diary entries, she recalls her life.
A victor over her personal struggles, a successful single mother, and a talented artist, one can only admire her.

As previously said, this is a very well and beautifully writen errr... memoir. The cover tells you the whole story of what to expect inside. At first glance Alec dancing appears as a comical figure almost, but as you look closer you can see he is in some sort of agony. And as the book moves on, it is hard for him to not show his melancholy.
Despite being a bit of a emotional downer, this is still a very worthwhile read for any of his fans.

The journal of an extraordinary gentleman, one of the greatest actors ever to grace stage or screen. His reflections on his career are moving and perceptive, totally lacking in self-aggrandisement. His thoughts on the whole "Star Wars" phenomenon are particularly witty but smack of the desperation of being hounded by that film's fans. It's tragic that this great man may only be remembered by modern generations for his appearance in that opus instead of for his work in the Ealing comedies, "The Bridge on the River Kwai", his lengthy stage career and his magnificent turn on TV as George Smiley.

Alec Guinness is undeniably one of the most gifted actors of our times, and now, with his offering of "A Positively Final Appearance," we get to know something of the man behind the mask. This journal, kept between the summer of `96, and 1998, is chock full of insightful musings, reminiscences and anecdotes that are a delight. He shares his love of the theater, discussing many of the plays he attended during this period, and gives comments on recent movies, as well. An avid reader, he talks enthusiastically of favorite authors and books; his love of literature is unmistakable. The stage is his first love, however, and he speaks fondly, and frankly, of many of the plays he's done, and of his experiences with many of the actors and directors with whom he has had the privilege of working. He invites you into his private life, discussing the love of his life, Merula, and discoursing on their life at home, as well as their many travels. You learn what the greatest regret of his life is, who some of the people are he admires most, and a few of whom he could do without. He explains his negative attitude toward the "Star Wars" phenomenon, and addresses many of the events, large and small, that have in some way affected his life, and helped mold his perspectives. His concern over world events and the human condition is poignantly evident. Guinness writes so fluently, you can almost hear that distinct, familiar voice; you seem to be listening, rather than reading. There is a dignity and charm to his words that reveal, to some degree, the man behind them. That he values his privacy is apparent, and it becomes very clear that he is not the most accessible person, yet without any rancor; he holds his fans in high esteem, but there is a sincere humility to the man, who simply doesn't feel worthy of all the fuss. In a world seemingly rife with crass sensationalism and indifference, "A Positively Final Appearance" is like a tonic to the soul; it is so refreshing to discover that somewhere elegance and refinement still exist. My positively, final word on this book is that it is a joy, and should not be missed.

I picked up this book because I like Alec Guinness' work in "Lawrence of Arabia" and his other David Lean films (not because of "Star Wars" which I can take or leave). To be honest, I was worried it might be kind of boring.

Well, it was not boring -- it was delightful. The man was full of many profound observations about life that he communicated by writing about everyday things such as the birds in his yard or the weather. His vivid memories of his stage career and the people he knew were vastly entertaining. I was surprised to find him to be a humble, not-too-well-off everyday kind of man, not some fabulously rich egomaniac as I had supposed him to be.

Even though I could not be more different from him politically, I still enjoyed reading his views on politics. It was like talking to a dapper, well-bred older gentleman you bumped into on the street. His writing was assertive, yet polite and genteel.

If you miss reading this book, you've missed a simple pleasure that will make you smile. It's worth buying!

The late Sir Alec Guinness was a lovely writer, and with this, his final memoir, he improved vastly over his previous gift to us, MY NAME ESCAPES ME. Whereas the latter was strictly a selection from his diary, with this Guinness moves beautifully from journalistic descriptions of day-to-day events (from eye surgery to walks with his wife, Merula, to the indignities of moving slowly in an ever fast-paced and impolite world) and wry reflections on current events to anecdotes spanning his entire career in theatre and film. Each chapter is arranged by a theme, mostly seasonal, but they meander charmingly.

Those interested in his encounter with the church and his beginnings as an artist should find his autobiography, BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE. Those who might want reflections on STAR WARS will be disappointed. When one gentleman asked Guinness for an autograph from Ben Kenobi immediately after mass, Guinness admonished him, "Not in front of the parishioners!" and disappeared as nimbly as a young Jedi.

I just received this book in the mail, and i have only one word for it - Stunning.

This book is full of beautiful photos and sketches of original costumes, and there's a wealth of written information to go with the pretty pictures!
Even the presentation is lovely, i'm really impressed with the matte pink binding - it'll look great in my book case ;)

Go ahead and order this book, you won't be disappointed.

the book is very dazzling ,and it would be my ture love for the passed Age.

If the book title sounds familiar, it's because Liz Goldwyn's HBO documentary of the same name aired in July 2005 to much acclaim, covering the history of American burlesque. If you think you've seen it all in the show, think again: the book holds much more! Here are personal stories, career overviews, and biographies of some of the most talented genre stars. Burlesque history comes alive here as in no other collection, making PRETTY THINGS a 'must' for any holding strong in American arts history, from general-interest to college-level libraries.

An enlightening look at a largely misunderstood/misinterpreted art form, this book combines rigorous scholarship, engaging narrative, rare photos, and well-executed design. Liz Goldwyn's love of the subject matter is clear and infectious. Highly recommended, as is the author's HBO special of the same name.

An artistic design layout provides the reader with lots of photos and scrapbook pages of original costume sketches, fabric swatches, letters, postcards, and lots more. This visual collage is a wonderful piece of film toward understanding the life these women lived. Their attitude and sex appeal as we know it only disguised the reality of their life, tough working conditions and a career contingent of youth and beauty eventually leading these women to fall on hard times and in the end forgotten.

THIS BOOK IS ABOUT LEGENDARY FILM MAKER ROGER CORMAN. HE IS KNOWN FOR MAKING FILMS AS QUICK AND CHEAP AS HE COULD. MANY OF THESE ARE CULT FAVORITES SUCH AS LITTLE SHOP, GIANT LEECHES AND MANY MORE. I HAVE SPENT MANY A FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY AFTERNOON WATCHING THESE "CLASSICS". ROGER CORMAN IS KNOWN FOR MAKING CHEAP BUT INTERESTING AND SOMETIMES HILARIOUS B MOVIES. THE BOOK GOES BEHIND THE SCENES AS THE AUTHOR INTERVIEWS MANY FORMER EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE WORKED FOR CORMAN AND HAVE INTERJECTED THEIR VIEWS AND OPINIONS ON CORMAN. ROGER IS ALSO KNOWN FOR GIVING MANY STARS THEIR START. CORMAN IS ALSO A COMPLEX GUY WHO CAN BE VERY GENEROUS AND CAN ALSO BE AS CHEAP AS THEY COME. SOMETIMES MOOD BUT ALWAYS LOOKING TO MAKE ANOTHER MOVIE. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND I RECOMMEND IT FOR ALL FANS OF KING OF THE B'S AND WHO APPRECIATE BRILLIANCE ON A BUDGET.

Wow! Talk about switching personalities! This amazing biographer can emit the style of the person she is writing about to really give you a flavor of the personality. And of course, she spent time working for him, so you are privy to more of a view. Written somewhat bruskly like Roger's personality, you really gain insight into his life and what made him the person he is. Contrast this book with Beverly's biography of Ron Howard and you see some of the exceptional talent of this lady. A great read!

(...)

Gray's biography--fun as it is-- is more than a story about a man who is arguably one of Hollywood's most idiosyncratic moguls. It is a chronicle that parallels that of The Great Depression, World War II, the growth of the film industry and Los Angeles itself. We meet again celebrities we haven't thought about in years like the adorable dimpled Jon Davison, the memorable Vincent Price and even run across pop culture icons like Frank Gorshin.

Occasionally this book is burdened with glitz-town detail that only a dedicated film buff might adore but these moments are rare. Like a super hero, Corman--now 75 and still going--is resilient because he is multi-faceted. The same can be said for screenwriter cum UCLA instructor and journalist Beverly Gray. The two seem admirably paired in that way. Gray uses her many experiences and talents to tell the story of a man of many parts.
(...)

This fascinating "biography" is really a savvy "how to" book that belongs on the shelf of every screenwriter, aspiring producer, director, and development executive -- and everyone else who loves films and craves to know the secrets of Hollywood's most colorful mogul.

I found it fun to read as a realistic "behind the scenes" glimpse of what it takes to be a profitable mogul, such as the way Corman hired young cheap "promising" talent instead of going for experience. Directors fresh out of film school reading this book, for example, can get a good feel for the mindset and financial situation of producers they interview with. Screenwriters will learn how Corman and team (Gray had been his development executive) managed to write and produce so many successful films quickly.

Few books reveal the inner machinations of a successful producer so intimately. Gray, a screenwriting teacher at UCLA, has done a spectacular job of showcasing the life story of an intruiging man through more than eighty interviews and via her own experience.

I have to agree with the other five-star reviews. "Roger Corman: Blood-Sucking Vampires, Flesh-Eating Cockroaches, and Driller Killers" is the best book on the subject, the subject being the most unique American studio head in film history.

Beverly Gray really paints a nuanced picture of Corman and never panders to the fans, the haters, or her old boss Corman himself. Though it's impossible to pull back the curtains entirely and see into a man's soul, Gray seems to have at least pulled back one side, giving us as much a glimpse as is possible without telepathy.

Storywise, Corman is, as always, fascinating, and Gray's perfectly detailed retelling of his story is the best yet written.

I saw Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for the first time after reading about it in John DiLeo's Screen Savers. I would not have bothered to see it had I not first read DiLeo's analysis and insights regarding this underappreciated film. His essay led me to a much fuller understanding of its beauty, craft and surprising depth, making me want to see what I had previously considered an old-fashioned and uninteresting musical. Upon completing each chapter, I find myself scanning the upcoming programming for Turner Classic Movies, hoping they will soon be showing one of DiLeo's selections, so that I can use my new "behind the scenes" information while watching the film. It is clear that the movies the author selects for rediscovery are on a personal list of favorites, they moved or inspired him. But while he clearly loves movies, the tone never sinks to that of a fawning fan. He backs up his choices with detailed analyses and thorough research, convincing the reader of their rightful rank among films that should be reexamined. The joy of this book is that he educates the reader while imparting some of his obvious infatuation and love for his subject. And like any satisfyingly juicy critical discussion, the author allows a dialogue to develop with his reader. You may even find yourself disagreeing with him about a favorite star or director (c'mon, Lana Turner wasn't that untalented) and that is part of the fun. This book has rekindled in this reader a new enthusiasm for older and "gently used" movies. I can't wait for my first viewings of The Man Who Laughs and The Iron Giant.

This book is a joy to read. Aside from John Dileo's amazing scope of knowledge about film, he is a terrific writer. Dileo has an uncanny ability to fully and clearly describe story lines, performances and a variety of other details about each movie. I guarantee that anyone who reads this book will come away wanting to see most, if not all, of the movies discussed here so eloquently.

Having purchased Mr. DiLeo's previous books, I was delighted to discover he had a new one on the shelves. After planning some time off for the holidays, I overnighted this book -- eager to reacquaint myself with this author's clever and keen insight into classic motion pictures. By the time Christmas came, I had gobbled it up -- cover to cover. And... what a surprise to see my co-worker bought the very same book for me at this year's Secret Santa. I didn't let on that I had already purchased it but loved that fact that he was so eager to tell me that "SCREEN SAVERS is the type of book that all the TCM watchers should love!" Do yourself a favor and buy John DiLeo's new book.

I was thoroughly delighted to read John DiLeo's third book, Screen Savers.

His quirky takes on actors and directors are refreshing and novel. He opens new insights when viewing and reviewing films that have been forgotten or have never received the accolades they deserved.

Mr. DiLeo has a wonderful way with words, a lovely sense of humor and a pleasant and breezy style.

Screen Savers makes for terrific reading whether sitting in front of a fireplace on a cold evening or while enjoying an iced tea on a summery afternoon.

I highly recommend Screen Savers to any movie buff or would-be movie buff. It opens new paths to understanding the magic of film and the skills of the actors and directors involved.

Netflix should send a thank you note to Mr. DiLeo for his artful awakening of our appreciation for some half-remembered and some totally forgotten films.

I bought this book because I've enjoyed John DiLeo's other books for their informed, but casual, approach to movie love. At a time when so many movie books are either earnestly academic (you know, political readings of gender performance in Nikkatsu gangster movies of the 60s,) or infinitely culty-geeky (do I really need the whole history of Philippine horror movies?), DiLeo assumes the existence of a readership that is, like him, informed and serious, but not obsessive-compulsive, and in it for the entertainment.
The book is divided into eight chapters, each devoted to a separate genre. (For the record, the eight genres are "Musicals Written Directly For The Screen," "Film Noir and Variations," "Love Stories," "Westerns," "Fantasy and Horror," "War," "Vintage Comedy," and the vague catch-all "Life and Times in America," which basically means "drama." The focus is exclusively American, but the time frame is from the silent era to the present. The presumption is that you've already seen the rote classics, and he therefore offers five movies in each genre that he feels have received insufficient attention, and that you therefore might have reasonably overlooked.
You can agree or disagree with the choices, but none are eccentric, deliberately provocative, or contrived to display mere cleverness. The real joy of this book, though, is in the wealth of background information. DiLeo will, for example, in describing "Comanche Station," give an overview of Randolph Scott's career, the placement of his "amiability and lean beauty" in two decades worth of decent but unnoteworthy roles in diverse genres, as a way of positioning the surprise of his late-career flowering in the films of Budd Boetticher, and their collaboration on seven morally complex westerns. Being a movie fan, DiLeo doesn't fail to mention the final triumph of the comic hommage to Scott in "Blazing Saddles." This precise positioning and career review is done not only for stars and directors, but screenwriters, cinematographers, character actors, even the evolution of genre conventions themselves. And it's presented in a chatty, highly readable style. The net effect is that "Screen Savers" is like an encyclopedia in friendly conversation.
I expect that I'll be using this book as a reference work for a long time to come. It is, I think, DiLeo's best book yet.

Out of maybe a few hundred, this is probably the funniest book I have ever read. I remember reading it late at night in my parents house, trying to stifle my laughter so I wouldn't get in trouble for waking people up. "...a cry went up from the sleaze-mavens"

With this book, you could argue that John Waters is a better writer than he is a film maker.

This book is impossible to describe in one word. It's no surprise that Water's life is funnier, and more bizare then any of his films can ever hope to be. We learn about Baltimore life, his childhood, Divine, Edith Masey, Pink Flamingos,Desperate Living,and more. THIS needs to be his next film project! The only thing sad about this book is that it feels dated at certain parts (especially when it refers to Divine in the present tense, since this was written before he died...and before Cookie Muller died...and Edith Masey). But it remains a fascinating read that really encourages people to feel grateful for living in Baltimore(or makes you wish you lived there).

Shock Value is like Waters' autobiography, mainly focused on his film career. There are only two chapters about his childhood. The book will be very interesting to every Waters fan as it provides in depth looks at the making of several of his earlier films. The book's material is dated, however, since it was written before he completed "Polyester". Waters' updates you in the new introduction though. It is very clean and has few curse words, unlike Waters' films, but is still good. I recommend it.

This book was without a doubt the funniest book I've ever read. Naturally, readers familiar with his movies will get the most out of this book, but there's a lot in there even for those who can't sit through one of his movies. I especially like Waters's tales of his mischief as a lad attending Catholic school. Considering the time, his educational background, and the Baltimore environment, I can really understand how Waters turned out the way he did.

I finished Shock Value only moments ago, and i feel like i should go to baltimore and fall on my knees worshipping Waters and the crew. i thought i was weird...This book focuses on the early years and has truly inspired me to raise myself above the boring muck of semiconformist existence. READ IT

I just read Vickie Rubinson's book "Sorry...Your Name's not on the List," and I got a really good laugh. Ms. Rubinson displays a keen wit and eagle eye when it comes to reporting on her many humerous encounters with everyone from former Nazis in Vienna Austria, to the rich and famous in Beverly Hills California. I finished the book in two days. What's interesting is her interview with former Austrian President Kurt Waldheim on her last trip to Vienna. It's a fascinating story and ends with the disgraced President of the country, giving her a bunch of autographed books. This book is a must read.

I loved this book. It's well written, faced paced and humorous. The author talks about her experiences in a comical Catholic school in the San Fernando Valley, (where priests dance the can-can and nuns wax poetic about the mysteries of life), to the strange world of tabloid reporting.
There are numerous encounters with Hollywood celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Arnold, Anna Nicole Smith and Harvey Keitel to name a few, plus some run ins with famous and infamous politicians and lecherous diplomats.
If you ever wondered what it's like working the tabloid world, this book is for you.

I loved this memoir! It was well-written, insightful and touching. The author takes us on a wild tour from her early childhood days as the only Jewish girl in a Catholic school, to her 20's as a Hollywood reporter.
St. Christopher's prep school is the setting to this book. The teachers are whacky and the priests and nuns all seem like they came right out of central casting. This is a must read!!!!

This book has it all...encounters with aging ex-Nazis in Vienna Austria, to minor run-ins with mysterious Saudi princes. I couldn't put the book down. It's the story of Hollywood reporter Vickie Rubinson's comical life, from her upbringing at a strict Catholic School in Los Angeles, (where she was thrown in the trash can by her beloved English teacher), to the crazy world of Hollywood reporting...where she was chased down the tree lined streets of Bel Air by Priscilla Presley's Doberman's. It's a real page turner!

Sorry Your Name's not on the List is a past paced breezy memoir that takes readers on a wild and crazy ride through the halls of a Valley prep school where stern priests suddenly break into musical numbers in the middle of class, and smoking nuns wax poetic about the mysteries of life-to the offices of Private Eye Magazine in Hollywood, where the main character is sent on some pretty harrowing tabloid assignments.
The stories are short and comical and yet very believable. It was a real page turner and gave me a few good chuckles.

This book has a huge amount of films that Overstreet basically reviews and ties into each chapter. It is amazing how he connects so many seemingly secular films to Christian values. I'd recommend this book to anyone who thinks that every film not coming from Christian makers is garbage, because Overstreet has definitely found deeply religious themes in some very offensive films.

[...]

keen insight and well written. going to go back to movies thinking a little differently going forward.

Jeffrey Overstreet expertly guides readers on a cinematic journey, thoughtfully raising questions and broaching issues to help Christians and non-Christians alike challenge their traditional views on art, faith, culture and cinema.

Overstreet demonstrates remarkable skill in providing a comprehensive and thoughtful reflection on a wide variety of films. He discusses them in fresh ways, displaying cultural relevance in his interpretation while also dramatically illustrating the spiritual principles and biblical truths that surface in the themes of each film.

Overstreet's masterful work will offer you a fresh look at beauty, truth, evil and redemption in the movies. A must-have for any film lover!

What books were to previous generations, movies are to the present one; their ability to teach and shape our view of reality is unparalled by any other medium. Christians can't afford to be ignorant of the content and power here, and "Through a Screen Darkly" provides an excellent guide.

As a filmmaker and a Christian I am always striving to find an articulate voice able to handle the spiritual as well as the cinematic. With Jeffery Overstreet's Through a Screen Darkly I have found a strong one. The book traces Overstreet's own experience with cinema as an artist, a Christian and a human being. The book serves to open readers' eyes not only to their own experiences, but to the larger questions of artistic as well as moral excellence. Highly recommended.