Arts and Entertainment Books

I highly recommend Val Holley's latest study, of the late gossip columnist Mike Connolly, for anyone interested in reading between the lines of Hollywood history. Connolly, not all that likeable a character, managed to kow-tow to 1950's norms yet retain his individuality as a gay blade while becoming an important Tinsel-town presence in a time of conformity. Holley's bio of this unforgettable presence is a snappy read and gives the same insights into the man's character and motivations as his bios of James Dean do for that star.

This book tells the story of a flamboyant Hollywood character, who had the personal power to make or break careers of movie stars and other well-known people, long before the likes of the National Enquirer were ever thought of. The in-depth research for this book is so all-inclusive that even reading the bibliography can be a literary experience in its own right. Its thorough coverage of the Communist-chasing Senator Joseph McCarthy's dark period when so-called black-listed people could either not find work, or who had to work under assumed names, also gives historical credence to the book. Connolly's dogged anti-communist and anti-smut campaigns are described with full-blown candor.

The truth that the gifted journalist Mike Connolly was gay would come as a surprise to many readers such as myself, and it did not negate or overshadow his staunch Catholic upbringing, his campaigns against vice, or his writing. His being gay does not overwhelm either the book, or the reader.

You will not be able to put this book down, once you begin to read it. ...

Marvelously fun and fascinating; this is the most delightful and interesting work I've read in some time. The scads of delectable skinny alone make this book almost impossible to put down. But there's more here than dish: the Mike Connolly who emerges from Holley's carefully researched biography is an intriguing, complex, powerful, hilarious, and superbly talented figure. The author could easily have sketched a simplistic image of Connolly as a repressed gay intellectual, swerving his rage into anti-Communist vitriol. Instead, Holley builds up a nuanced portait of his subject by painstakingly mining the written record and loads of interviews with the subject's friends, family, and colleagues. In Holley's view, Connolly's campaign against leftist influence in the movie industry sprang from numerous sources, including his Irish Catholicism, his identification with the culture of Hollywood, his patriotism, his status in the movie industry, and the childhood poverty that fueled Connolly's drive to assimilate into elite society. The author sees Connolly, not as a victim of sexual politics, but as a forerunner of today's influential Log Cabin Republicans. Likewise, Holley eschews commonplace notions of the "closet" in presenting an intricate image of Connolly's gayness and Connolly's success in holding the mirror up to gay Hollywood culture. The author vividly depicts Connolly's strikingly "open" way of life, and details the various "rules" by which Connolly and other gay film industry figures thrived within industry boundaries. All the while, the author spices the account with excerpts from Connolly's writing, by turns witty, playful, bitchy, scolding, vicious, and luxuriating in scandal. Moreover, Holley's story casts light - often new and always engaging - on numerous landmarks in Hollywood history, among them the "Confidential" magazine crisis and the threatened outing of Rock Hudson, the rivalry among the leading gossip writers, the Blacklist, and the movie industry's pivotal role in the 1960 Presidential campaign. Doubtless, Holley's book will appeal to an array of readers. Movie buffs will fasten on discoveries about their favorite stars and scandals (don't miss the inside scoops on Sinatra, JFK, and Peter Lawford); devotees of Hollywood camp will enjoy scores of delicious anecdotes and zingers (Tallulah Bankhead's 52nd birthday extravaganza surely takes the prize); film historians will find a well researched contribution to the social history of the later studio system; and gay studies scholars will uncover much of value: new tools for analyzing gay writing (such as Holley's "Rules of Gay Gossip" and Connolly's techniques for "openly" publishing gay scuttlebutt), a detailed picture of a pioneer of gay political conservatism, and a multifaceted and innovative depiction of queer Hollywood.

This bio was actually written years ago. It is entertaining and expresses the wishes of its subject and the style that was most accepted at the time for publishing purposes. If you are interested in a biography of legend Milton Berle from another perspective, his son Billy's, pick up a copy of My Father, Uncle Miltie. You will be treated to an insider's view of Milton's life as well as the entertainment industry. However, the Frankel book is nonetheless a good read, but My Father, Uncle Miltie shows more of the man.

I bet you think you know Uncle Milty. I bet you think Uncle Milty was funny. I bet you think Uncle Milty only wore woman's clothes when he was on stage. I bet you think he was endowed with what looked like a catfish with an apple in its mouth. I don't begrudge Milton. He had a great career and was funny for his era -- but I do not think it would work today. Not that cross-dressing doesn't still work (Tyler Perry is a genius) but his jokes were unnuanced and flat when compared with today's hyper-genius standups like: Carlos Mencia, Dennis Leary, Colin Quinn, Jackie Martling, Jim Belushi, Gallagher, Jeff Foxworthy, Dustin Diamond, Norm Crosby and Sally Field in "Punchline."

Lemme tell ya, this book deserves 5 stars just for Uncle Miltie's graphic depiction of his steamy affair with evangelist Aimee Semple MacPherson ... not to mention a ton of other raunchy Hollywood gossip. Way to go, Milt! Let me know when you're available ...

Although the publishers try to pump up this book as being extremely racy, I found Berle's descriptions of his sexual exploits hilarious. I'm not justifying having children out of wedlock, but the man was very funny.
But the story of Milton Berle's life is also touching and full of real affection for his family and friends. He either lived with or was in close contact with his mother (the original stage mother!) on a daily basis, and even made it into a record book for doing just that. His description of his mystical visits with her after her death was charming.

Eventually, Berle settled down with a down-to-earth woman, to whom he stayed married until his death. He was very proud of her. While he and many other entertainers were either 4F or doing entertainment duties during the war, she was a veteran.

This book is also insightful into the history of stand-up comedy. Theft of material was rampant, and Berle was famous for being one of the most thieving. He was proud of it, but justifies it by proving that lots of others did it, too, and that his material was also stolen.

This was a fun autobiography, and I recommend it. I also recommend A Dreadful Man, which is a biography of George Sanders based on letters from his last wife.

It was 1969 when I had my brief encounter with Mark "starship",laughing my butt off to hearing the song "surfin bird" on CB!What? This is not radio,lol.Being electronics was my life for more than 30 years,I can relate to Bob Zito's place of worship.I worked part time for Electronic City in 1974 and remembering Lafayette Radio Electronics "Out-Of-Stock" sure brought back alot of memories for me.Wow,a great book to stimulate
those neurons of yesteryear!

This book took me back to my days when I was on CB radio on channel 10. Many of my friends of today came from CB radio, and many are still great friends for almost 40 years! This book took me back to those days of fun and frolic where we had much fun, when times were simpler. I can relate to many of Mr. Zito's stories within the book. I feel like I know him and he and I were on channel 10 together so many years ago and are great friends. If you were into CB radio then, when it was wholesome and good, before the craze hit, this book is a must read!!!
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!! 73s

Zito does a masterful job capturing the nature of a true coming of age story, rivaled only by classic movies like "Stand By Me" and "The Sandlot". Centered around the rise and decline of the CB radio craze, Zito grows up with his gang of friends and allows us to watch ... riding back in time with a turn of a page. I recommend this read to anyone with an interest in CB radios and everyone with an interest in a stirring tale of one boy's journey into manhood.

Loni Anderson proves that she is not another dumb blonde in this humorous, entertaining biography. She talks about family, friends, and her memories so fluidly you feel as if you had been there. She recounts her life from teenage beauty queen to a single mother and struggling actress and to her fame on WKRP. After all Burt has done to her she does not trash him, choosing to focus more on her feelings about the divorce and concern for her son, this definately a book to read if you are a fan of Mrs. Anderson or think she's just like her character on tv

I started reading the book, and could not put it down. Your courage, strength, and love for your family and freinds is what I admire most about you during your time growing up and till present. At times I would cry for you for what Burt put you through, my views has changed toward him, and yes i did follow both you and Burt from the start, had no idear what hell be put you and "Q" through, you too much of a lady to put up with him on the whole and now that chapter is written and closed, you can now say at last I have peace. Loni you book was well written and yet sad, I still feel sadness but i know that you're now happy.

Good luck.

Ms Anderson probably wrote this book to make a buck after Burt dumped her but who cares? I really enjoyed this honest, down to earth book about her relationship with Burt, her life and loves and most of all, I LOVED the many wonderful photographs. She's quite a lady too. Not once does she cry out, "poor ol' me". The book is honest and goes straight to the point. In other words, she doesn't moan and whine throughout it. She says it as she see's it. I like that. I'd recommend this book, definitely.

My fascination for Ismail Merchant started when I read an article on him couple of years ago. Since then, my interest in reading about the man and his journey has been immense. Finally I found the right book.

It has the makings of a classic book - Its entertaining, informative, uncomplicated and is about the journey of a man whose dreams came true. I couldn't stop laughing when he mentions about the many incidents and decisions he made. I admire the common sense, persuasive skills and fearlessness of the man. I highly recommend it.

Mr. Merchant is an excellent story teller. If you are looking for light, entertaining read, this book is a good investment. If you expect this book will introduce you to Ismail Merchant, it will not. It will introduce you to Ismail Merchant the producer and director of off-beat films who, with indefatigable zeal for film making, has earned the right to be included in the list of international film makers. An enterprising individual who is a self-made entrepreneur.

A more accurate title would be: An Indian film maker's passage from India. Because there is little that Merchant discloses about himself or even his trade. Living and interacting in a world of glamor and beauties, Merchant is mum about his emotions. If such a lively individual has a romantic side, the book discloses nothing. Except his childhood "innocent" infatuation with India's popular actress Nimmi in the fifties, Merchant displays or at least discloses no other "infatuation." Apparently, he never married. Despite starting his feature film career with the Householder (1962), Merchant never discloses why he himself did not decide to be a householder himself. There is an underlying shyness or uncomfortableness in revealing himself to the reader. Or being so deft and intelligent Merchant is saving his real autobiography for another time. In this book all we are allowed is a glimpse of Merchant the enterprising film producer and his incredible journey..

Unlike many Merchant-Ivory early art films, Merchant's book is entertaining and written in a vivid, uncomplicated style. If like me you are familiar with the terrain (India) and time (60s the pre-inflation golden age of India), Merchant can transport you back to those giddy times. With a touch of a maestro, he brings vivid recollections of the golden age of Indian cinema of which the West knows very little. He weaves exotic connections between India's art directors (Satyajit Ray and himself), Bombay film world and Hollywood. Surprisingly, except for Bombay Talkie and a documentary, his interactions with Bombay are very limited.. It was Bombay that triggered his love of the cinema.

Do not expect to get philosophical definitions of anything from this versatile man. He sets out to make films on Indian themes. Yet, what is "Indianness" is never commented upon let alone any attempts toward defining. Ironically, Merchant's first feature film (Householder) meets with limited success in New York, not because of any unique "Indianness" but because of universal human qualities and situations it depicts: An intrusive mother-in-law, compliant Son, a stubborn, independent daughter-in-.law and falling in love all over with spouse in her absence. Indians are not that different after all!

Many readers will not pay much attention let alone be bothered. What did bother me was the apolitical nature of Mr. Merchant. With the exception of his boyhood partition memories, no political events on any continent, including those that effect him are mentioned. Maybe art films can be separated from politics. But why is his book so apolitical is beyond me. Ironically, to this day Mr. Merchant is harassed by the corruption that pervades India's governments. Still he has very little to say about politics and its effects on people. When Utpal Dutt (actor with a leading role in his film The Guru) is arrested, Merchant approaches the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. With some manuevering Dutt is conditionally released by the West Bengal communist government. The film is made. Merchant, however, does not question the arrest. Individual rights, rule of law, abuse of government powers are never mentioned let alone questioned. (No mention of Nehru's death or Indira Gandhi's murder. No mention of the deteriorating conditions in India-- the mismanagement of public resources and the duping of the public, mobsters , the Hindu-Muslim riots taking of innocent life--all the unpleasant realities of India are meticulously avoided. Maybe it is bad marketing to expose the underbelly of India.

Yet Merchant is exposed to this underbelly in his own account while filming the Courtesans of Bombay, in the red light district of Bombay. He, first hand, encounters the exploitation of woman by hands of criminals. He witnesses switchblade fights but does nothing to expose the sad plight of the dancing women. The dance of life must go on. That the government has failed is not obvious to Merchant (I told you he was very apolitical) Is there honor in receiving the Padma Bhushan from such a failed establishment?

Okay, when it comes to socio-political realities, Mr. Merchant is neither a Charles Dickens or Mark Twain. What Merchant lacks in political depth he makes up in an effusive sense of humor which can compete with either Dickens or Twain. My Passage From India, is a great, true short story that will enthrall, in particular people familiar with the terrain and time. There is a joke or a quip embedded in every page. Like all great men Mr. Merchant undoubtedly has a great sense of humor, passion for life which, of course, includes food . I can go on and on (like Aan, Nimmi's great Hindi film which made an impression on young Merchant and goaded him to follow his calling.) But in deference to short artistic film I must stop.

I do not know Mr. Merchant personally nor am I connected in any way with Merchant-Ivory company. Nor am I am being paid to write this. Therefore, my advice is unbiased. Go ahead and buy My Passage From India Especially those who love Indian literature in English. As with the legendary Merchant cuisine (I trust his judgment on that) this book shall not disappoint.

My fascination for Ismail Merchant started when I read an article on him couple of years ago. Since then, my interest in reading about the man and his journey has been immense. Finally I found the right book.

It has the makings of a classic book - Its entertaining, informative, uncomplicated and is about the journey of a man whose dreams came true. I couldn't stop laughing when he mentions about the many incidents and decisions he made. I admire the common sense, persuasive skills and fearlessness of the man. I highly recommend it.

Heidi's account of her on-going quest to comeback from paralysis is a beautiful statement of her courage, intelligence and spiritual knowledge. I finally got around to reading this book that a friend gave me and I am so glad I did. What she has to say is a message for all of us. A message on inner peace of understanding how we truly work...physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally. She is a remarkable woman to not give up and to understand that the physical is just one element of who we are. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

I just finished this book, and I would recommend it to anyone with a spinal injury, especially those who were once athletic. If you ever feel like "giving up", then you MUST read this book!! Matter of fact, I plan to read it again. Inspiring! The book reminded me I MUST keep moving!! Never stop!! Don't give up!!! As long as you keep moving, you'll get better, day by day. Don't ever let the "inner you" die; for THAT INNER SPIRIT is what will keep you and your body alive, and make life meaningful.

In November,1994, was wife and I were involved in a motor vehicle accident which left her a C-6 quad. Ever since the accident I have attempted to create a life which may have resembled that which we used to enjoy yet I was never quite able to find the "magic bullet". When I read the review of Heidi's book I felt I had nothing to loose but to purchase it. I have to tell you, it was Good Medicine! My wife poured through the book several times and with each reading felt more inspired to never end for quest for the cure. In addition to a renewed zeal to live life again Kathleen began to exercise religiously and see progressas aeach week passed. kathleen continues to this day to inform me that "Heidi would do this each day and eventually........" In a nutshell "My Soul Purppose" is a painfully truthful account of a young woman who has sustained an injury which only those who too have sustained a SCI can have an appreciation for her personal tale. Rather than painting a picture of woe Heidi provides personal experiences which provides hope and inspirastion for those individuals who have sustained a SCI. To see the smile and sense the inner peace which my wife experienced as she read "My Soul Purpose" made me accutely aware that the healing which occurs after a SCI is clearly more spiritual than physical. Suffice it is to say that this book has provided the direction to heal the psyche, now it is just a matter of being patient for the rest of the healing to occur!

This is the best book yet.Not only do you get a glimpse of there hot looks,music,and talent.But how hard the work to give there audience a great and not to mention in-sync concert. P.S great pix of jc chasez and justin timberlake

This book was the best of *NSync's books! They showed what there day's consist of and how tuff they work to make their fan happy! Now you have to give these guys some kind of credit!

This is a really great book! There are TONS of pics of the guys and they are really great pics. Any *NSYNC fan who doesn't have this book should definately get it because I promise you that you won't be dissapointed!

Naked Skydiving, that's the magic words!

Naked Skydiving is a novel that is really eloquently written stand up comedy on the page.

"Naked Skydiving is rich with names and colors."

What fun! This book, with ample pictures of people in front of the camera and behind the scenes who paved the way for this new medium, is like listening to a panel discussion between great actors who were the Pioneers of Television. With Sandra Grabman as the anchor she primarily interviews the great actor of stage, TV, and movies, Wright King, but there are also many quotes from other actors of that era, and adds memories of viewers of early television. It's nostagic, entertaining, and informative, a fast read, and fun to read the bloopers. Any thing could happen and did! You get a deep repect for these brave actors who put themselves on the line when television was filmed LIVE.

In 1950, when I was five years old, I excitedly welcomed into our home a 17-inch Philco television set. This large "window to the world" allowed my family to watch local programs and those from networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, and DuMont. Local stations often featured old films, kid shows, local news, and cooking shows, while the networks featured national news, sports, game shows, upscale kid shows, and more sophisticated fare, such as plays.

Some plays were 30 minutes long, similar to the popular radio shows. Some examples are Casey, Crime Photographer, Danger, and Rocky King, Private Eye. Other, more serious, plays had major sponsors and lasted as long as 90 minutes. These were offered by some of the finest actors and directors in the business; some examples are Studio One and Playhouse 90.

Almost every program presented during the late 1940's and early 1950's was live, usually performed before a studio audience. It was not long before I realized that "live performance" meant that the actors had to memorize their parts from start to finish and perform them flawlessly, I was awed by the talent of these actors. There was no videotape; they had no second chance to redo a scene marred by a fluffed line or an accidental walk-on. What the viewer saw was the first and, often the only, take; there were no retakes.

It is this marvelous period in television history that Sandra Grabman and Wright King have chosen to revisit in their book, No Retakes. Theirs is an enjoyable, insightful trip back to a simpler time when only a few opportunities existed in the new medium, and only the best of the best survived to move on to greater achievements.

I first became interested in Wright King in 1953; he had gone on to star in his own "kid" show, Johnny Jupiter. This program was engaging fare for a very smart, nine-year old, who had been tested by good-quality movies and television. Johnny Jupiter did not disappoint me. King was a marvelous comedy actor - a talent underutilized in subsequent years - and I followed his career to the present day.

Today, even in his 80's and remembered mostly for his role as Dr. Galen in Planet of the Apes and for two episodes of Twilight Zone, Wright King retains his marvelous memory; he is very articulate and maintains a genuine enthusiasm about his long career. He and Sandra Grabman have put together a wonderful and easily-read tale of the successes and difficulties of working in early television. The reader will learn much and enjoy the experience.

Sandra Grabman, the popular biography writer, has produced another wonderful read - this time with the assistance of character actor Wright King. King and Grabman take readers back to the era of live television when actors and actresses didn't have the benefit of shooting retake after retake to deliver the perfect scene.

The book is formatted in such a way that it's easy to differentiate between King's voice and Grabman's. There are a variety of shows covered, and lots of different actors and actesses are heard from.

The book contains over 70 photos and many humorous examples of what happens when an actor doesn't get a second chance. You'll enjoy going back in time and reliving these moments with those who lived them. I know I did!

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (10/08)

What a captivating read! Mr. Relyea has given us a great look at the inner workings of Hollywood and making movies. As we look at movies in the theater and at home we have no idea of what it really takes to make a movie.

One cannot imagine how hard it is to work with temperamental actors and actresses, trying to stay in budget and be politically correct at the same time. The author did a great job on comparing how movies were made early on as compared to today. After having worked with them, Relyea talks about the temperaments, wild requests and affairs of such great talents as Steve McQueen, Audrey Hepburn and Charles Bronson.

Can you imagine working at remote locations where bugs bite, snakes are in the water and the heat is unbearable? The creative descriptions of many great movies put the reader on the set and in tune with the actors. "Not So Quiet on the Set" by Robert E. Relyea is a great read for anyone who remembers the great stars and how wonderful old movies were without the digital enhancements.

This is a tremendous book that flows like a classic novel. Robert Relyea gives you a front row seat into the making of some of the greatest films made during an era before digital editing and effects were available. Where the media seems to use the phrase "Hollywood Elite" with wild abandon and some bizarre air of negativity, Robert reveals the incredibly demanding and arduous roles that create the final product. These artists put their lives on the line to get the right shot. They work countless hours in very dangerous working conditions in order to tell a story in the best way possible. Robert takes you all over the world to describe these efforts in very entertaining detail. He's a wonderful narrator.

Craig embellishes this fine work by describing the impact a life in film had on the family. His is the voice of a son who is very proud of his dad. It's a marvelous collaboration.

This book is intense, very funny, and humanizes so many of the cast and crew who jointly created so many renowned films during 4 decades of filmmaking. It's a great insight into many of the crew-members responsibilities. He's also very honest as he describes interactions with some of the many recognizable people he's worked with over the years. The book takes you through the full gamut of emotions associated with balancing a very difficult job with family, friends, business associates. He relays some great and eye-opening moments with some of the most brilliant and popular actors of that era as well.

If you want to work in Hollywood and be involved in Production of movies, this is the book for you. Clear, honest, and a fair report of how Hollywood worked before You-Tube and the digital revolution; it deals intellegently with the emotional toll of working in an industry where there is little time for anything other than work. An essential read for anyone thinking of working in media.