Arts and Entertainment Books

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!

What more can you say about a book that so lovingly & painstakingly paints a portrait of an underappreciated '50-'60s icon ? This book provides an enormously entertainingly look into Zacherley as a persona & a man. In amazing detail, it traces Zacherley through his TV start to Shock Theatre to Disco-Teen to FM radio DJ. I admit that I couldn't put this book down & finished reading it in 2 days. I even read this enjoyable book over again twice ( something which I have never done before ) ---Anyone who remembers or just wants to discover Zacherley & '60s music will love this book.---- This book was an obvious labor of love from a great author.-- I would love to see more books by Mr. Scrivani although it will be tough to beat this one...

For anyone who is a John Zacherle fan and has lived through any of his incarnations, this book is a "must-have", a real blast from the past! The book covers the full scope of John Zacherle's broadcasting career, from how he initially got into broadcasting, his time as "Roland" in Philadelphia, his re-emergence as "Zacherley" in New York, the Disco-teen years, his years in radio, right up to recent years with his appearances at the Chiller Theater conventions. However, this is not a standard bio, as the author brings to it the unique perspective of someone who has personally known the subject and lived through many of Zach's experiences with him. A fascinating tome about a fascinating man. A good read, which should make for you a "Goodnight, whatever you are!"[Zacherle's Monster Mash PartyThe Zacherley ArchivesDr. Horror's Erotic House of Idiots[ASIN:B0007EKXMO Zacherley's vulture stew (Ballantine Books ; 417K)]]Zacherley's Midnight Snacks

GOODNIGHT, WHATEVER YOU ARE? is an intelligent, thoughtful and passionate account of growing up in the 60s, and could very well be the milestone of "Monster Kid" books, expertly capturing the spirit of a more innocent and hopeful era.

Wonderful and heart warming to finally have a real book about about the
golden era of east coast TV and one of the brightest stars....Zacherley.

I would recommend this book for any "child" of the late 50's or 60's who considers him or herself to be a fan of Zacherley. It was a very fast and interesting read for those interested in Zach and the path his career took on TV and radio. The book also provides some valuable personal insights into John Zacherley the man as seen through the eyes of one devoted fan. It paints John as a kind man who was very greatful for the love and attention of his fans. The book also features three factual appendices for people who loved the old Universal horror movies and the successful run they had on New York television when hosted by Zach.

This is a truly remarkable book and a delight to read. You feel as though you are right there as Terence Knapp reminisces about his life. In conversational detail Knapp tells of his intimate relationships with Britain's theater geniuses--Sirs Laurence Olivier, Derek Jacobi, Michael Redgrave, the irrepressible Judi Dench, and Lynn Redgrave and so many others.

But it is more than a book about stars. It is about a man's odyssey. He takes the reader from the hard times and poverty of wartime London, through the trials and triumphs of becoming an Actor; he shifts to the exotic orient in a quest to broaden his knowledge by learning about and contributing to theater in Japan. Finally, he realizes his second calling--teaching aspiring actors and bringing his love of Shakespeare and the theater to Hawaii.

In the Hawaiian Islands he has become a beloved and revered figure not only for his stunning Peabody award-winning portrayal of the leper priest, Father Damien, but for the countless other performances he has given for more than 30 years.

Knapp candidly reveals that although the dream of great stardom and great financial reward may have eluded him, he has found peace and satisfaction in touching the lives of so many in his beloved three islands--Britain, Japan and Hawaii. It is a story that helps us all in understanding and appreciating our own personal quest of peace and achievement.

This is a great tale of a life in the British Theatre during its mid-20th century Golden Era. Terry Knapp starts his story with his audition for the legendary actor-director,Sir Laurence Oliver when he created the inaugural company of the Chichester Festival Theatre and continues with a rare insider's view of the founding of the Royal National Theatre when its home was the historic Old Vic Theatre in London's Waterloo Road. Like a born story-teller Terry tells, in a well paced and charmingly informal way, the saga of the birth of what is now the theatrical pride of Great Britain. Terry traces its development during the first three years of artistic feuds and back-stage infighting and its Everestian peak of Olivier's magnificent OTHELLO in Moscow in the very heart of the Kremlin. Terry goes on to tell of being on tour in South East Asia, and his remarkable first visit to Japan which coincided with the visit of the Beatles to Tokyo. Awarded the first ever Churchill Fellowship to an actor Terry later returned to Japan to study its tradional performance arts encountering some remarkable theatre artists.His account makes informative reading about some of the world's most exotic Acting traditions which date back several centuries. He shares his experiences of working with Sir Yehudi Menuhin in Mozart's THE IMPRESSARIO and Dame Cleo Laine in a musical about the amours of George Bernard Shaw. These memoires have been praised for their style and content by the distinguished theatre biographer and critic, Sheridan Morley and by Gavan Daws, author oF HOLY MAN, the outstanding biography of Father Damien of Molokai. Terry was acclaimed internationally for his TV portrait of DAMIEN in a one man play by Aldyth Morris, (the title bestowed on him by the Hawaii State Legislature also being the title of his book.) This is first class, highly informative and very entertaining reading.

This is a truly remarkable book and a delight to read. You feel as though you are right there as Terence Knapp reminisces about his life. In conversational detail Knapp tells of his intimate relationships with Britain's theater geniuses--from Sirs Laurence Olivier, Derek Jacobi, Michael Redgrave, the irrepressible Judi Dench, and Lynn Redgrave and so many others.

But it is more than a book about stars. It is about a man's odyssey. He takes the reader from the hard times and poverty of wartime London, through the trials and triumphs of becoming an Actor; he shifts to the exotic orient in a quest to broaden his knowledge by learning about and contributing to theater in Japan. Finally, he realizes his second calling--teaching aspiring actors and bringing his love of Shakespeare and the theater to Hawaii.

In the Hawaiian Islands he has become a beloved and revered figure not only for his stunning Peabody award-winning portrayal of the leper priest, Father Damien, but for the countless other performances he has given for more than 30 years.

Knapp candidly reveals that although the dream of great stardom and great financial reward may have eluded him, he has found peace and satisfaction in touching the lives of so many in his beloved three islands--Britain, Japan and Hawaii. It is a story that helps us all in understanding and appreciating our own personal quest for peace and achievement.

Terence Knapp has lead a fascinating and truly inspiring life...and writes all about it with panache and style. The Farmer review gives you the details on the books contents, so just let me add that this breezy, lively read is a must for any theatre-lover, aspiring actor, Anglophile, or anyone who just wants to sit down and read something entertaining.

This is a jewel, an insider's view of the golden era of British theatre following World War II and the still-emerging synthesis of East and West aesthetic traditions. Terence Knapp has worked as an actor, director and sensei (master teacher) in Britain (as an inaugural player with Sir Laurence Olivier's fabled National Theatre), West Africa (on tour with Dame Judi Dench and others), the United States (especially Hawaii) and Japan. He has won accolades for his many memorable roles on stage and public television, most notably for his incarnation of Father Damien, the leper priest of Molokai.

Knapp tells of his day-to-day intimacy and friendships with some of the most celebrated productions and stellar performances of the 20th century: Olivier, Dench, Sir Michael Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Dame Maggie Smith, Peter O'Toole and Sir Derek Jacobi, among many others.

Knapp's great love of theatre, of the art of acting, and of the joy of mentoring illuminates this book with delicious candor and honesty. A must for any serious student of not only theatre, but also the arts and the spiritual life of the 20th Century.

At first I thought this book wouldnt be that great because there are a lot of names that I didnt recognize when looking at the index of people interviewed. However, that is because a lot of the names are the behind the scenes people who may not be 'names' unless you study the credits at the end of movies. There are some very interesting stories here. There is one good interview where a guy indicates how he screwed people all the way to the top of his field and later himself was screwed by someone he trusted. Payback. Karma. I hated that guy, but Im glad he told the truth. Each interviwed person is shown in a photograph. This is a well crafted book, done in a simple way and it works.

Major Hollywood stars had to work hard to break into the industry and make it big, but few places chart their stories under one cover. HOW I BROKE INTO HOLLYWOOD: SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES gathers dozens of Hollywood's greatest successes under one cover, including not just actors but writers, directors, designers and more to provide profiles of the best and how they worked to achieve their goals. Inspirational chapters profile nearly fifty such Hollywood success stories and will appeal to any interested in learning from experience.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I loved this book, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in working in Hollywood, or to any creative type struggling to find career success. There are 67 first-person stories (from a variety of producers, actors, editors, lawyers, writers, etc.), and the interviewees have been incredibly generous in sharing not only their successes, but also their humble beginnings, self-doubts and failings. That willingness to show the true journey, warts and all, is what makes this book so inspiring, and such a gift. Many thanks to those who participated, and to the authors for making it happen.

A word to the publisher: this book has all the hallmarks of a classic, but the cover art and title don't match the contents. I almost passed it over on the shelf because the graphic design looked low rent, and it seemed to just be the personal story of the two authors, whose names I didn't recognize (sorry, guys). When it comes out in paperback (which it should--promote this baby!), how about listing some of the well-known participants on the cover, and changing the title to How I Broke Into Hollywood, 67 Success Stories from the Trenches? This book is a winner!

I thoroughly emjoyed this book, very readable, lively and interesting. The interviews flow like fascinating stories. The advice from those who made it will apply to almost any endeavor so the book should appeal to a wide audience.

If you are looking for some gossip-rag style tales of how Hollywood's biggest names got to where they are, then this isn't the book for you. There are a few big names in this book, Bernie Mac among them, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

This book, rather, is a thoughtfully introspective look at how many of the behind-the-scenes people working in Hollywood accepted crushing rejection time and time again, dealt with monetary difficulties while pursuing their dream, the tips and tricks they used to become known and well-employed in Hollywood.

Screenwriters, producers, actors, music supervisors, agents, and costume designers are featured, among other jobs, and their tales are inspiring and really helpful. Each person interviewed in this book really seemed to set aside their ego and talk truthfully about the times they doubted themselves and what could have made things go more smoothly in their journey to Hollywood elite. The advice given is really solid, and could benefit anyone in any career, but especially in the brutal film/ TV industry.

I'd definitely buy this book for any friend considering trying to make it in Hollywood. The advice and stories are entertainingly given and would be valuable and interesting even if they didn't end up pursuing that particular dream.

If you're one of those people that think only of Kaye Ballard as one of the "Mothers-In-Law" from TV, or that funny album with the balloons on it, treat yourself to her wonderful autobiography, "How I Lost 10 Pounds in 53 Years.!" Not only a fascinating story of the lady herself, but a warm-hearted look at practically the history of show business (Vaudeville, Broadway, Night Clubs, movies, radio & television). She's done it all, and you'll meet your favorites (and a few not-so) as only someone who's been there and done it can tell. Best of all, Kaye is her honest and humble self (What? A star with humility?) Yup, throughout her illustrious career, she's still the star-struck kid in Cleveland's RKO Palace worshiping the idols on the silver screen, and dreaming of Hollywood. Haven't we all been there? Starting as a teenager, performing in a Chinese restaurant (it's funny already!), through to today's still very active cancer-surviving octogenarian, here's Kaye at her funny, loveable best, sharing her successes and disappointments in one of the best autobiographies in a long, long time! Read it, you'' love it!

Loved it. Wish she had written more, could read her stories forever!!!! She is too funny...

I recently read Ms. Ballard's memoir in 10 days while I was staying with my parents as my mother recovered from knee replacement surgery. It was the perfect book to read during this time--very funny and light--but also an honest, heartfelt tale. If you don't know who Kaye Ballard is, well, you should. She's a wonderful comic actress who's starred in films (The Ritz), on TV (Cinderella, The Doris Day Show, The Mothers-in-Law) and on stage (The Golden Apple, Carnival, The Pirates of Penzance, Follies). I saw her perform back in the '90s in a small cabaret called Toulouse in Chicago (now sadly closed). It was a horrible snowy night--and my friends and I were the only ones who braved the elements to see her show. And so Ms. Ballard--being the classy, talented dame that she is--performed for us. We all LOVED her--and you will LOVE her book. The lady knows how to write an honest, entertaining account of her fascinating life. So sit back, relax and let Kaye tell you all about her legendary 60-year career. You'll have a wonderful time--I know I did.

I enjoyed reading this book very much - it gave real insight into the life of a single woman in show business. Kaye is a fantastic personality and very honest in this book about her career and friendshiips. She is a real lady with a great sense of humor. Nice photos too of some old favorites when they were younger. I would definitely buy this book again. A+

Kaye Ballard's name is well known in show business: she's performed in burlesque, nightclubs, big bands, and stage and here provides a memoir packed with anecdotes from her career. Her upbeat memoir comes packed with anecdotes from her 50-year career and will prove a real treat for any familiar with either Kaye Ballard's career or the world of stage and TV.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

If you are a fan [like many of us] or just have a passing interest in one of the truly great actors of the past 60 years, then this book is a must. Although there have been plenty of recent books devoted to the life and times of Peter Cushing, this volume stands out due to the meticulous research by the author along with it's easy flowing style. A joy to read and a future source book for fans of the great man I'm sure - packed from cover to cover with fascinating details of the great man and his career. Well done Chris - step out!! 5 Stars!

Author Christopher Gullo chronicles the career of Mr. Cushing, from his earliest work to his last days, and in general it is an entertaining read; it does, though, have some shortcomings.

To begin with, Mr. Gullo is not a particularly engaging writer, even taking into consideration that this is basically a movie bio. He's stiff, and his grammar is not the best. He also likes to add his personal critique of each film, which is generally fawning, and eventually annoying.

Then there's his accuracy. I'm a big fan of the early Hammer works, especially The Curse of Frankenstein, and Horror of Dracula (in fact, I don't think that they receive the credit deserved for the high level of fright delivered to their unsuspecting audiences, with taut screenplays, vivid effects, dynamic scores, and believable acting). So I was dismayed when Mr. Gullo recounted storylines from both of these little classics incorrectly. It made me wonder if he had ever seen the very films that launched the horror career of the subject of his own book. He then refers to a trademark Cushing habit of holding up his forefinger to emphasize a point as having originated in The Hound of the Baskervilles, which is inaccurate---Cushing does this in both "Frankenstein" and "Dracula", and both predate "Baskervilles"---irritating to the devotee.

So, is this book worth buying? Yeah, if you're a Cushing fan. He was the greatest. The best Baron Frankenstein and Van Helsing that I've ever seen. There are interviews, some nice pictures, and interesting tidbits (such as Cushing and Lee loving to watch Warner Brother cartoons together). It's a little pricey at $24.99, but with the extra cash maybe Mr. Gullo can now buy The Curse of Frankenstein and Horror of Dracula on DVD and see what he's been missing.

First things first: It's a pity that the author may lose a few sales seeing that Amazon - probably *the* major online venue for books - has listed this book under an incorrect title. The correct title is IN ALL SINCERITY... PETER CUSHING, not "In all sincerely" which doesn't even make any sense grammatically.

This is the first time I observed such a faux pas from Amazon and I hope this can be rectified as the book deserves to be easily found via a regular title search.

The title refers to the way Cushing always signed his letters or autographs. It's become such a trademark for him that if you ever come across a signed item from him that does not carry this sentence, it more than likely is not authentic.

Cushing was one of the most popular actors of the Horror Screen. Both admired by public and fellow colleagues as the "gentle man" of horrors, he was one of the last of a breed of courteous and ever polite people who seem to belong to a long forgotten era. There doesn't appear to be *anyone* who has even the slightest disparaging thing to say about him.

There are already a number of excellent books on Cushing on the market, but the angle of this one is that the author had approached as many of Cushing's fellow-actors and directors that he could get in contact with.

As such the book is told from the perspective of celebrities who knew him and freely shared their insights into this man's personality. His love for his wife Helen is well documented and runs like a thread through the whole book.

When I initially heard about the project I expected a thin booklet with a couple of quotations by the people interviewed. I couldn't believe it when I noticed that the final product covers more than 400 pages and as such is one of the most in depth books about the actor on the market. It is very well researched and the only thing annoying is the lack of an index, something that would have come in handy to find all the relevant quotations again. The actual interview passages are also a little bit too much in the simple form of "What was it like working with....?", but these are only minor niggles and shouldn't deter anyone from reading this book.

At the beginning of every chapter you will also find illustrations from comic artist Neil ("Black Forest"/"Wicked West") Vokes.

As the editor of "In All Sincerity. . . Peter Cushing," I am somewhat biased, but as a reader of fine biography, Christopher Gullo has done an amazing job with this book. His research is meticulous, as is his ability to tell a great story through the use of facts and data. His insight is deep yet constrained and reveals many ephemeral details that Cushing himself often glossed over or ignored due to his modesty and lack of self-aggrandizement. As his first book effort, Gullo has done himself and Peter Cushing a great service. Compared to other works on this subject, "In All Sincerity" epitomizes the nature of a true devotee and leaves the proverbial door wide open for more research and exploration on a fabulous actor and a true "Gentle Man" of the human race.

If you are a Peter Cushing fan, then you MUST buy this book. It will give you a detailed history of Peter's life and take you on a journey you won't forget. Knowing Peter as I did, I know he would be proud that "In All Sincerity" was written about him.

A wonderful book, a wonderful title and a wonderful writer! Christpher Gullo has left us ALL Peter's legacy to be enjoyed for years to come, and for ALL new Peter Cushing fans.

Peter Cushing was my hero.