Arts and Entertainment Books


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Arts and Entertainment Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Arts and Entertainment
Maria Callas: The Woman behind the Legend
Published in Paperback by Cooper Square Press (2002-12-25)
Author: Arianna Huffington
List price: $17.95
New price: $9.99
Used price: $4.99

Average review score:

To Err is Human...to Forgive, La Divina...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-29
Don't you think it'd be GREAT, if Amazon listed the book's true author as Arianna Stassinopoulos instead of Arianna Huffington? I mean, really. Oy.

The Best Biography I've Ever Read
Helpful Votes: 18 out of 18 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-28
I can't believe no one has reviewed this book...so although I have never written one before here goes....
Critics say that this is the best book on the intensely private yet captivating Maria Callas. I'll go farther than that and say that it is the best biography I have personally EVER read and I am a huge fan of biographies. Yet, I can't quite put my finger on why its so good. Maybe its because Arianna Stassinopoulos shows a profound empathy for the diva or perhaps it's because she interviewed practically every living person who knew her. Maria Callas, the love interest of Aristotle Onassis who later dropped her for Jacqueline Kennedy, and of course the greatest dramatic opera singer who ever lived, is brought to life right in front of you in this fantastic, well ..... just read this book. You'll love it as much as I do.

Good beginning and ending - boring in the middle
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-28
The book is very good, but in some parts can be quite dull if you are not an Opera fan or musician. The beginning up to when she becomes famous is exciting, and the end as she is no longer quite so famous, is interesting. But the middle is redundant. Arianna goes through detail after detail of each and every performance. That to me is not exciting to read. But because I was curious about the whole Onassis/Kennedy/Callas triangle, I waited. It is important though to read everything to understand her personality. This woman was a wonderful person and a great legend, but she definitely suffered I would suspect from Histrionic Personality Disorder. Onassis is definitely a complete dick, not that this is a surprise, he reminded me a lot of Diego Rivera when it came to women as his possessions. They might have been friends had they known each other - although I suspect thier politics were different. I also purchased a CD to hear Maria sing and often played it while reading, quite a beautiful experience. I was not an Opera fan prior to buying this book. I only bought it after seeing the movie from Netflix - Callas Forever - a Historical Fiction. Curiosity got the best of me and now I am a fan - of Maria.

Excellent biography. Read it when it first "came out!"
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-10
The number one recall I have about this book still haunts me to this day... her abortion. Onasis giving her the choice, him or the child.
Haunting. Horrible.
Above all, this book was a major "undertaking" for the author which she executed superbly! What a story! What a book!

a page-turner
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-05
(To the reviewer before me: Now we're two.)

I have not read any other biography on Callas, but I listen to her avidly (her La Wally aria is particularly addictive) and have her Tosca performance on DVD as well as the documentary Maria Callas: Life and Art. But Callas's music alone has always made me wonder about her. Such deeply mined emotions in her singing, such ferocity, such purity, such power. How does she get all these in her performances? Where does she mine them? Zefirelli has compared her to Michelangelo, Bernstein has called her the greatest artist in the world. This book answers these questions and explains why. I have to say that it is a compulsive page-turner, even now in the twenty-first century where opera is no longer mainstream. There's always something interesting in each page. At the same time the biographer doesn't belabor a particular episode or detail in Maria's life as to make it boring or overly dramatized. And Arianna Stassinopoulos is no Kitty Kelly: everything seems very well-researched and reliable.

Arts and Entertainment
Marilyn
Published in Hardcover by Taschen (2002-09-15)
Authors: Andre de Dienes and Steve Crist
List price: $200.00
New price: $79.88
Used price: $79.96

Average review score:

Marilyn boxed.
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-06
I've got copy 4066 of this sumptuous (and reassuringly?) expensive package and I thought this review should really detail what you'll get for your money.

ONE: An oversize Kodak color film box, nineteen inches high by sixteen wide and three deep, this is a big facsimile of the box that De Dienes kept some of his Marilyn prints in. The package weighs twelve pounds and will hardly fit any bookcase. The inside has recesses for the two books and one booklet. Black silk tape allows for easy access of the contents.

TWO: A large, beautifully designed and printed, 240 page book of Marilyn photos printed on thick paper. Although the printing screen is not the highest (150 dpi) the photos leap off the page, especially the full-page color ones. Many of these photos seem to be very private shots of Marilyn that De Dienes took during her career (a few show her with other people, a hairdresser and bookseller). Several at the back of the book show Marilyn's face montaged into clouds or surrounded by celestial bodies. Between the photos, printed in silver ink and in a large typewriter font, there are excepts from De Dienes memoirs. Also printed in silver are smaller photos with his hand-written captions.

THREE: A booklet with twenty-four, one to a page, magazine covers featuring De Dienes photos of Marilyn. Seventeen of them are European titles. Predictably, great photos are weakened by logos, cover lines and generally poor cropping. I thought this booklet was rather disappointing in its production.

FOUR: The 608 page facsimile of De Dienes manuscript and composite book. I think this is the most fascinating item in the box because of the production problems. The original pages were typed on one side of a sheet of ordinary paper and this facsimile is on similar weight stock so that the back of each page has some text showing through, as the original (There is a production problem here though, the paper rightly has text show-through but the photos do as well, on the original paper only the white back of the photo would have been visible). Although the manuscript was in black and white it has been printed in four colors to create the aged paper look and the few handwritten numbers in green and red that De Dienes wrote on the photos. You can see all of his corrections and deletions to the manuscript and read the comments he wrote about the various contact prints of Marilyn and other printed ephemera he stuck on back of each page.

The original composite section has a hundred pages (it becomes two-hundred pages in this facsimile) of cut-out contact prints which De Dienes stuck on the typewriter paper, again they are reproduced in four-color black because of the occasional handwritten colored numbers, even the image of the punched file holes on each page is reproduced. Hundreds of these contacts show how he photographed Marilyn and you can see how dozens of shots were taken of which only one or two were probably published. Most of these images have never been seen before and certainly never in the form that they are presented here.

Overall I think the Marilyn Box is an amazing production package. A world famous visual icon is presented in a unique way.

*** FOR A LOOK INSIDE click customer images under the contents photo.

Marilyn Masterpiece
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-14
A truly wonderful pictorial memory of Marilyns early modelling years.The photos capture the emotion that exsisted between Marilyn and Andres and are uniquely presented in the large book.The box containing the books is truly one of a kind making the entire publication very special and authentic.

beautiful, sumptuous package
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-15
When I opened this box on Christmas morning, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. A recent convert to Marilyn-ism, this was one of the first books about her I owned, and I'm so glad, because I think it's important to know Norma Jeane before you know Marilyn. These huge, glorious photographs taken by Andre de Dienes capture her innocence and natural beauty at a time when she was an unknown model. De Dienes' memoirs are touching and reveal Norma Jeane as she was to him, a man who fell in love with her, as so many would in the future. After paging through these books, you are left to feel as though Norma Jeane Dougherty would never look quite as beautiful again (and of course she would, but not in the same way). Revealing Marilyn Monroe at her earliest beginnings, this limited edition package is definitely worth the money.

A book for a sturdy coffee table
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-22
For the Marilyn fan, this is a great book. The photographs reproduced in the large book are magnificent. The large book is difficult to read with silver ink on white paper, but it is cleaned up excerpts from the smaller facsimile typed recollections of De Dienes. It is heavy, thus a sturdy coffee table is required.

WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK!
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-08
This book by Andre de Dienes is the most amazing title ever assembled on Marilyn Monore. ANY fan of Marilyn's will find this book worth every dollar. The design and reproductions are amazing! The diaries are a wonderful read! ...

Arts and Entertainment
Marilyn Memorabilia: Putting a Price on the Priceless Performer
Published in Paperback by Krause Publications (2002-01)
Author: Clark Kidder
List price: $24.95
New price: $6.50
Used price: $6.39

Average review score:

A Must Have For The MM Collector, Fan or Movie Buff!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-22
This book is the ultimate must have for any fan, collector or movie buff. Clark Kidder has done an amazing job gathering together new & old, rare & popular and foreign & American Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. The book is full of luscious photos. Many of the photos are in color. Each item is detailed and is given an approximate value. The book includes values on: magazines, books, dolls, plates, posters, statues and countless other items. The book is well made with thick paper and easy to read text. If you shop on Ebay or antique shows or just want to know the value of your Marilyn collectibles you will need this book. Thank you Clark! CHERYL

AWESOME!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-01
Awesome guide! The best as finally been put out for a reference price guide on the best ever movie star MARILYN MONROE! Even she would be amazed I bet! Terrific job! Thanks for all the hard effort in making it! All worth it!

A Marilyn collectors dream come true!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-10
This book is a must have if you are a Marilyn collector or even just a fan. Not only are there thousands of listings but, there are thousands of pictures too! This book is the perfect tool to start you on your way to collecting Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. There are tips given by the author such as using the internet to find items, how to spot an original & much, much more!
You will refer to it again and again. I highly recommend this book. It's a purchase you'll be glad you made!

M. Memorabilia: Putting a Price on the Priceless Performer.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-02
Beautifully illustrated and indexed a true "must have" for all Marilyn Monroe "afficionadoes" and serious collectors as well.
I truly enjoyed perusing through this book and appreciated how Mr. Kidder gave a thorough "overview" of Miss Monroe's career, "photo modeling" thru her "starlet" years thru her very brief "super stardom". The author also presents a biographical overview of the Stars'life. All in all, really loved this book. Of notable mention,Mr. Kidder's first book, (Marilyn Monroe Collectibles: A Comprehensive Guide to the Memorabilia of an American Legend), co-authored by George Zeno, was their first as well as successful effort on this subject.

A Beautiful Book Marilyn Fans Will Treasure !
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-03
This brand new, year 2002 224 page, softbound book is sure to delight any Marilyn Monroe fan. There are more than 3,500 items shown, and plenty of useful information on collector clubs, buying on the Internet, and insuring your items. You'll find a wealth of informative text included, along with a complete index to make item location easy. Over 500 large full color photos are shown. Fan clubs and collector sources are listed. It is the most up-to-date, comprehensive price and I.D. guide available. Every type of Marilyn collectible is shown in this book. Add it to your library.

Arts and Entertainment
The Marx Brothers Scrapbook
Published in Paperback by Harpercollins (1989-10)
Authors: Groucho Marx and Richard J. Anobile
List price: $14.95
New price: $35.00
Used price: $3.40
Collectible price: $88.88

Average review score:

Read what Groucho sued to stop publication of
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2001-09-14
In his second book on the Marx Brothers (the first being 1971's "Why A Duck?") Richard J. Anobile conducted lengthy interviews with Groucho, Gummo, Zeppo, Harpo's widow Susan, and Jack Benny, among others. Most of the book is Groucho speaking, and his recollections are fascinating and brutally honest. Frequently the eighty-two-year old comedy giant lashes out at the twenty-six-year old Anobile: "Fifty years ago! How the hell am I supposed to remember what I did fifty years ago?" Gummo is pleasant and cooperative, more so than Zeppo, who was no doubt squirming about that card game that was getting away. Susan Marx is blunt about Groucho's caustic tongue and Chico's gambling. Groucho's four-letter words, which are in abundance, found their way into the final print and Groucho sued for $15,000,000.00 to stop publication. This was settled in Anobile's favor as Groucho signed all the releases. Steve Stoliar, a college student who worked for Groucho and helped get "Animal Crackers" re-released, says he doesn't doubt Groucho used that language, but never thought that Anobile would include it. Son Arthur Marx attributed it to his father's advanced age. This can't be recommended enough for Marx Brothers fans; it's a treasure trove of information, tidbits, and gossip.

Great Reference Book, But...
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-16
First, the praise.

This book presents one of the best portraits of Vaudeville that I've ever encountered. While Groucho disavowed the book, I will be forever grateful to Anobile for transcribing Groucho's words as he said them instead of editing them. I think the portrait that emerges is human, amusing and elucidating. The early sections about the Marx family's life in Vaudeville are especially illuminating.

Now, the bad news.

According to several sources, transcription errors abound. I would point you to Kanfer's biography on Groucho for a description of the particular errors. At least one or two of the photos are misidentified. Of course, this might be of interest only to obsessive fans like myself, but it is does throw some of the information into question - hence the four star rating.

That all being said, for a fan of the Marx Brothers, this work is indispensible - a must buy!

I loved it
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1998-03-21
A book that displays Groucho as he was. If a true fan reads this, they should understand his unfortunate display of vulgarities related to the incedible childhood and subsequent amazing career paths of the brothers. In order to appreciate this book, you must read Harpo's account in "Harpo Speaks", as well as any thing by Adamson that you can.

The Marx Bros. Scrapbook
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-18
A great Marx Brothers book. The extensive interviews make this book great. It is loaded with interviews, not only with Groucho but Zeppo, Morrie Ryskind, Robert Florey, Harry Ruby and others. Richard Anobile spent quite a bit of time with Groucho in the mid-1970's. Many great pictures are also included. The only negative is Groucho's use of four-letter words. For accuracies sake I suppose they should have been included. However, I could have lived with a few "****" s instead of......well I can't type that here.

Marx Maddness!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-31
The Marx Brothers were arguably the greatest comic act of the century and 'The Marx Brothers Scrapbook' brings the heart and soul of the great performers to life. With engaging interviews, hirlarous anecdotes, and moving glimpses into the brother's lives, this book is a must for any die-hard Marx fan. Especially remarkable is the look author Anibole gives us of Groucho in his latter years. Fantastic!

Arts and Entertainment
Masters of Movement: Portraits of America's Great Choreographers
Published in Hardcover by Smithsonian (2004-11-17)
Authors: Rose Eichenbaum and Clive Barnes
List price: $39.95
New price: $12.44
Used price: $9.83

Average review score:

Beautiful Art
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-06
As an artist and art educator, I am enthralled with the photos in this book. The design elements and knowledge of art and dance all combine to create a beautiful presentation of each dance artist. The wonderful part is that the dancers are shown in their own environment. The love, absolute love of what they are doing shows in every face. The text is something you want to sit down and absorb over and over. This book is not only for one familiar with dance, but lovers of photography and the arts also. Can't wait for more!

American Choregraphy Revealed!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-03
I love this book. It is esthetically gorgeous. The text reveals the depth and complexity of these amazingly talented choreographers elicited by compelling and often humorous questions. I think Rose Eichenbaum's images and accompanying interviews show tremendous respect for her subjects. And they respond in turn by revealing so much both in front of the camera and as they speak to her of their art. If you are curious about who has been or is responsible for American dance today, you will want to read this book. Bravo!

Stellar Book on Dance!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-31
Never before have I encountered a book with such rich content dealing with the dance field and---photos no less, that truly capture these interesting and provocative dance artists. Not only did the book peak my interest about the field, it inspired me to consider going to the theater for a evening of dance--something I haven't done in years.
I recommend this book to dancers, educators and average people who simply want to be inspired.

Jack Caffrey

WOW!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-10
I expected to be wowed by the photos in Ms. Eichenbaum's book, as I have attended some of her photography exhibits. What I did not expect was that I would be so entertained by the interviews! I am not very familiar with the world of dance but with her interviews, she has portrayed the spirit, the style and the passions of each individual -- they are all very inspirational. And with the photos and the prose combined she has really captured the essence of these dancers. You do not need to be a dancer to appreciate this book!

Outstanding work of art!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-09
Lavish treatment of the American Dance scene. Warm in tone, intriguing and evocative in purpose. Photos are emotional and revealing. A 'must have' for anyone passionate about the art of dance and the dancer.

Arts and Entertainment
Me, Myself, and Bob: A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables
Published in Paperback by Thomas Nelson (2008-02-05)
Author: Phil Vischer
List price: $14.99
New price: $9.02
Used price: $9.71

Average review score:

Fascinating
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-21
As a Veggie fan since the inception of VeggieTales, I found this book riveting. The story of the spectacular rise of the Veggie kingdom and the lessons Phil V. learned along the way was interesting because I knew only parts of the whole story. The leadership lessons at the end were something I can apply to my specific situation. When some authors attempt to pass on wisdom they have gleaned, the book gets dry and boring. That didn't happen with this book, it was well-written all the way to the end. I can't wait to see what Phil Vischer comes up with next!

Best Business Book I've Ever Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-10
I just got finished reading this and was totally blown away. I really appreciated his honesty and openness about what happened to Big Idea and this reaffirmed my feelings about the other so-called business books out there: it's easy to look like a genius when you study successful companies and draw contrasts, but the same methods don't work for every company.

Phil is a great storyteller, and I'm pleased to have been let into his world for a few hours.

Great insight into using creativity for God
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29
As a Christian business person and long-time fan of Phil Vischer, I had high hopes for this book. It did not disappoint. Part business book, part autobiography, and part spiritual reflection, this book has helped me to better articulate a philosophy of a God-driven business. Some of Vischer's thoughts have influenced the direction of our company, by pointing us toward the Henry Blackaby approach of waiting for God and joining Him in the work He's already doing.

This was a quick read, and very inspiring. I highly recommend it.

Thought provoking
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-25
This was a fascinating read. The story of the building and collapse of a Christian business giant was intriguing, but I think what was more important was what Mr. Vischer learned about his own walk with God, and what he's attempting to share with others.

Fun and Easy Read but Powerful Story.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-13
I was handed this book to read as I have made many people aware of my long train ride and constant need for new things to read. I love veggie tales but had no understanding of the company or its history, other than my sister taking a tour after winning a contest years ago. So I didn't know what to expect or why it would be worth publishing.

What a pleasant surprise!!! This has become one of my favorite books and I have since purchased many copies for gifts and lent my own copy out multiple times. Phil's writing style is easy to read and he is fantastically funny no matter how good/bad/normal/technical the content is.

There are many lessons to be learned through the roller coaster ride that the author and his company, Big Idea, went on. This is a must-read for anyone considering joining or starting a full time ministry, or for anyone about to embark in a leadership role of any kind. For the rest of us who grew up mesmerized by CGI, its a great and funny book.

Arts and Entertainment
MisInformation: The Female-Perpetuated Myths about Men Volume 1
Published in Paperback by Aventine Press (2006-07-05)
Author: Darrell L. Joyce
List price: $17.95
New price: $11.64
Used price: $12.66

Average review score:

Awesome Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-12
This book is a must for both men and women. (It might be for gay people too if you are into that sort of thing because they want to be "married" these days.)Darrell examines both sides of the realtionship from experiences and observations. I read this book cover to cover and will read it again because its funnnier than hell, just like his stage act! I can't wait for the second book!

Steve H. Ohio

Some Truth
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-13
MisInformation hits home in many ways. In reading the chapters (which are cleverly titled), I found myself wincing at some of the remarks, not because they are hard hitting and direct, but rather they are true in some regards. I think the key point made in this book is that it is not directed to all...let me stress all women, but those times I found the dialog assaulting were when I seen myself doing or saying those exact things mentioned. I think it is a good tool for men in respect to finding out why women think there are no "good" men left, but it turned out to be an eye opener for me as a woman. I can't wait to read volume 2.

Girls read the book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-28
This book is for men and women Darrell did not leave anyone that is dating ,married , or thinking about having any kind of relationship out. Ladys you may have to read a little bit at a time but when you calm down you will want to read more. Darrell is hard on us woman but if nothing else read the parts that relate to you or someone you know and i promise that you will read the whole book.

An Enlightening Read - Funny and Poignant
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-08
Darrell tackles the issues I wish others would be brave enough to address. As one of those "hard to find" males, I appreciated his honesty, directness and thoughts. We create our own reality and then blame others for the way things turn out, particularly in our relationships and how we are viewed by others in society. I laughed as much as I cried when reading this book. Darrell is a real truth-teller. After I finished reading it I gave my copy to my wife's single friends to read. Cheer up ladies and have faith. . . there are still a lot of great men out there. You just need to know how to find them with the right bait. Darrell's book is your tackle box for finding one of us! Can't wait for Volume II!

Insightful and Informative
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-17
I thoroughly enjoyed Misinformation. I've had the pleasure of seeing Joyce perform live many times, and his skill as a comedian promised this to be an entertaining read. What struck me, however, was the level of insight and information underneath the issues he exposed. This is not some guy running his mouth off -- this is a study. This is a work that has come from years of astute observations, intense research, and personal experience.

That being said, Joyce's style is blunt and aggressive. This book is real. He doesn't sugarcoat things, and he doesn't shy away from his points for fear of offending. He tells it like he sees it, and for that I respect his honesty and courage. This book is a breath of fresh air in an age that is so hyper-sensitive to political correctness. If you put this book down because a word or phrase offends you, in the long run you're really denying yourself-- he just has too many excellent points.

Although Misinformation looks a bit intimidating, the effort is well worth it. You will see it's underlying themes every day of your life. Instead of chuckling at the overweight woman wearing the T-shirt that says, "Too pretty to work," you will shake your head at the much larger societal problem she represents.

Thanks, Darrell-- can't wait to read volume two!

Arts and Entertainment
Mr. Bernds Goes to Hollywood
Published in Hardcover by The Scarecrow Press, Inc. (1999-04-29)
Author: Edward Bernds
List price: $37.95
New price: $31.00
Used price: $29.95

Average review score:

Interesting portrait of Hollywood in the early-talkie years
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-02
The late writer-director Edward Bernds has become a familiar name to movie comedy fans, through his association with The Three Stooges, The Bowery Boys, the Blondie series, and a host of other comedy stars. But Mr. Bernds made his reputation as a recording engineer during the early-talkie years, and was the number-one sound man at Columbia Pictures until he took on more creative duties.

This book chronicles Bernds's early years, from his first radio jobs through his successful association with director Frank Capra. Bernds was a stickler for accuracy, and drew upon his old diaries to confirm his excellent memory for facts and faces. He was just as careful to spell things out for the reader, explaining a technical process or a business practice to amplify the point he was making. Bernds's attention to detail makes for good, solid reading.

This writer was disappointed that the book stops when the author stopped working as a soundman. But it's understandable because Bernds, in his thoroughness, would have written a mammoth volume if his entire career were to be discussed. Joseph McBride recognizes the "missing" material by appending a more general interview with Bernds, conducted by McBride and Leonard Maltin.

Film buffs and historians will enjoy "Mr. Bernds." For those who want Bernds's observations and recollections of his Three Stooges years, read "The Columbia Comedy Shorts" by Ted Okuda and Edward Watz.

Behind-the-scenes Hollywood talent SHINES!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-09-04
Edward Bernd's autobiography is a wonderful insight into the life and career of a Hollywood talent whose career lay behind the camera.

The book only covers the first half of his life, from his childhood in Chicago to his career as a top sound engineer at Columbia Studios. Bernds' engineering career encompassed the films of Frank Capra (Capra always requested Ed for his team), the many classics of Moe, Larry and Curly, and many major Columbia feature productions through 1945.

The reader is left wanting more, particularly the details of Bernds' new post-1945 career of writer and director for the Three Stooges, the Blondie series, the Bowery Boys and Elvis Presley. But, that's another book. Right, Ed?

A Wonderful Story of Early Hollywood
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-15
Have you ever dreamed you could make it big in Hollywood? Countless dreams have been shattered in this town, but one young man made it, and this is his story. Rarely will one encounter a more modest telling of a life's story. Yet Ed's tale rings so true and so right that you can't help but be drawn in. From making a crystal radio set as a teen, to snaring the top sound position with Frank Capra, Mr. Bernds entertains, informs, and delights us in the telling.

One of the reasons why this book is so fresh is that its author works not just from memory, but from detailed diaries. The tale of his trip west to Hollywood in a broken down jalopy fairly crackles. Genuinely good story telling accents this lively account of the early talkie era. Recommended to anyone who would enjoy a stroll through the inside of Hollywood, spoken by a real movie sound pioneer.

A Wonderful Story of Early Hollywood
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-15
Have you ever dreamed you could make it big in Hollywood? Countless dreams have been shattered in this town, but one young man made it, and this is his story. Rarely will one encounter a more modest telling of a life's story. Yet Ed's tale rings so true and so right that you can't help but be drawn in. From making a crystal radio set as a teen, to snaring the top sound position with Frank Capra, Mr. Bernds entertains, informs, and delights us in the telling.

One of the reasons why this book is so fresh is that its author works not just from memory, but from detailed diaries. The tale of his trip west to Hollywood in a broken down jalopy fairly crackles. Genuinely good story telling accents this lively account of the early talkie era. Recommended to anyone who would enjoy a stroll through the inside of Hollywood, spoken by a real movie sound pioneer.

The Golden Age of Hollywood from an Insider
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-13
When Hollywood first started to shine golden, Ed Bernds was there. He knew and worked with the stars, the directors and the writers, and contributed no little himself to Hollywood's Golden Age. In "Mr. Bernds Goes To Hollywood," Ed tells -- with near total recall -- of his journey to the movie capital in the earliest days of sound (which was his speciality) and of his career at Columbia Studios, the King of "Poverty Row," with the likes of Frank Capra, Clark Gable and the feared studio head Harry Cohn. In telling his story, Bernds invokes a bygone era of Hollywood glamor with an inside knowledge that few today possess. Necessary books on Hollywood are few and far between, but "Mr. Bernds Goes To Hollywood" fills the bill.

Arts and Entertainment
My 50 Years in Hollywood: The Story of a 22-Year-Old
Published in Paperback by Xlibris Corporation (2004-10-11)
Author: Rachel Reiss
List price: $21.99
New price: $17.72
Used price: $11.78

Average review score:

cute book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-24
one would never imagine all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes in hollywood, and this refreshing story provides perhaps a hundred vignettes of the very funny things that do happen. well written by an author with a good pair of eyes and ears, it is a quick read and very entertaining. and a must for anyone trying to break into the world of entertainment.

An amusing and tender inside look at Hollywood
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-26
"My 50 Years in Hollywood: the Story of a 22-year-old" is a coy and endearing look at the oddities of life in LaLa Land. One can only assume that the story is partly autobiographical, which makes the myriad fables more appealing in their realism - like when the protagonist climbs up a lamppost to retrieve parts of a precious script for her boss. The book also exposes a less cynical side of Hollywood through a caring and experienced mentor and a thoughtful (although slightly oafish) boyfriend. "My Fifty Years" is a quick and amusing read that will have you chuckling all the way though.

My 50 Years in Hollywood: The Story of a 22 Year Old
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-28
My 50 years is an entertaining, candid and very funny insight into the Hollywood that most do not hear about. The author's quirky stories make for a very fun, fast read that will have you smiling and laughing along the way. In addition, the author's juxtaposition of the old Hollywood 50 years ago versus the Hollywood of today augments the protagonist's growth and maturing process throughout the book. I recommend this book to anybody, adolescent to adult, who is looking for a light, fun but meaningful journey through an atypical life in Hollywood.

The Most Refreshing Take on the Subject in Years
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-28
I expected My 50 Years in Hollywood to be yet another book about Hollywood but it ended up being one of the most refreshing take on the subject I have read in years. I am naturally drawn to books about LA because I live here, but I recommend this book to anyone, no matter where they live. The story is told through the eyes of 22 year old industry fledgling, Rachel Reiss. Her mentor, Al Burton, a famous Hollywood producer. Vignette after vignette, Reiss takes you on rides that make you laugh, think, and cry. This book is good for those in the know and that want to be in the know about Hollywood and the industry. I loved reading this book.

Great Book - Fresh View Inside Hollywood
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-26
When I first saw the title "My 50 Years in Hollywood" I thought this book was going to be a true insider's view of the underbelly of Hollywood - what I got was that and so much more. The story, or stories rather (the book is a series of vignettes), is told through the wide eyes of a fresh-faced 22 year old woman, just out of college and thrust into the sometimes intense, sometimes wacky and always fascinating world of Al Burton, one of television's legendary producers. We follow Rachel from television pitch meetings to taximdermists, her story sprinkled with wit and wisdom. "My 50 Years in Hollywood" is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to know what life is really like behind the scenes in Hollywood.

Arts and Entertainment
Neve Campbell: An Unauthorized Biography
Published in Paperback by Renaissance Books (2000-01-01)
Author: Elina Furman
List price: $14.95
New price: $1.29
Used price: $0.43

Average review score:

GREAT BOOK
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-30
Finally a book about what I consider the best of the crop of young actresses to arrive in the past few years. The book only confirms what I've felt about Neve, that she truly is a good down to earth person. This book gives great insight into her casting on Party of Five and all the behind the scenes information on the Scream films.

Give this book a try. A must for all Neve and Party of Five fans.

Captivating read
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-12
I have loved Neve Campbell ever since PO5. She is definitely one of my favorite actresses of all time. This book was really interesting. It showed me a side of Neve I had never known. I hope she continues to make great films because she is talented, beautiful, and deserves recognition.

GREAT BOOK
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-30
Finally a book about what I consider the best of the crop of young actresses to arrive in the past few years. The book only confirms what I've felt about Neve, that she truly is a good down to earth person. This book gives great insight into her casting on Party of Five and all the behind the scenes information on the Scream films.

Give this book a try. A must for all Neve and Party of Five fans.

"Must" reading for all Neve Campbell fans!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-04
Fans of the TV show Party of Five, the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer and others will find this a fine biographical sketch of the actress: the first book to explore her life. From her professional acting appearances to her breakup with her husband and her love affairs with notables, this is revealing and absorbing.

GREAT QUALITY READING
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-27
It's amazing how much we don't know about the lifes of our favorite stars. You just assume they pop up overnight, but what actually goes in making of the star like Neve Campbell few people know. The hard work, dedication and ability to take risk is absolutely unparallel, I recommend this book to everyone who thinks, that becoming an actress is just luck and good fortune. I think it's the only book on Neve and what a great one to have. By the way the pictures are very good.


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