Arts and Entertainment Reviews

Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers

Published in Hardcover by McFarland & Company (1997-02)

Author: Gary Don Rhodes

List price: $55.00

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Average review score:

Excellent !

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21

Excellent book. Bela Lugosi is one of my favourite horror artists. He has made many films and thanks to this biography we can understand Mr. Lugosi as well as an artist and human being.The pictures are so good.
Can we imagine Bela Lugosi as Jesuschrist and Dracula at the same time ???

A "Silents Majority" review of "Lugosi"

Helpful Votes: 20 out of 20 total.
Review Date: 1997-10-14

Reference books generally have a reputation of being full of facts, yet dry in prose. While a bio-bibliography may not be traditionally called "entertainment," this ambitious effort successfully breaches the limitations of such reference books. It is a thought-provoking history of the great Béla Lugosi (1882 - 1956). His career was as varied and tragic, both publicly and privately, as John Barrymore's. His legend remains secure, thanks to "Dracula" (Universal, 1931). The life surrounding the legend has been colorfully illuminated thanks to Gary Don Rhodes. His phenomenal research charts Lugosi's long voyage of fame and infamy, revealing details never before printed. His documentation is truly an achievement and a labor of blood, sweat and love.

Lugosi was a lover of style, sports, good living and women. Rhodes provides exhaustive examples of his exploits, both publicized and private. The wealth of photos alone display Lugosi out of his cape as a sociable creature, playful, enthusiastic, an avid reader and a cigar aficionado. A ladies' man, he was married five times. All five marriages are covered in detail - after all, there is curiosity about the love life of a vampire! There is documentation of his stage, screen and even court appearances; critical analysis of his career; and quotes and articles about or by Lugosi. The light side and the dark side are equally exposed. He was a man of strengths and weaknesses - perhaps the most notable and depressing of the latter was his long-term drug addiction. All of these elements are integrated to present a fascinating portrait of a complex artist. Those who are obsessed by the great Hungarian actor will find a sumptuous feast to satisfy their hunger. Even the mildly intrigued will be drawn into this unique individual's world. Lugosi never lost his dignity nor his offbeat sense of humor. His proud Magyar heart kept his spirit intact despite efforts to break it. Rhodes' book unflinchingly sees all and tells all - with intelligence, compassion and devotion.
- Copyright, 1997, Diane MacIntyre, "The Silents Majority" (http://www.mdle.com/ClassicFilms/)

NOT WHAT YOU ARE EXPECTING...EVEN BETTER!

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-09

"Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers" isn't a biography of the late horror icon. Great biographies on Lugosi have already been done, most notably by Arthur Lennig in "The Immortal Count". Rather, author Gary Don Rhodes takes a different tack. While the book does contain a biography of Lugosi, it only comprises less than forty of the book's 400 plus pages. Rather, Rhodes has tried, and very successfully I might add, to provide lists of everything relating to Lugosi's life and career.

After the bio-section, we get a list of every known Lugosi residence in the United States, complete with address, telephone number, and the years...or often times months...that the actor resided at each spot. One could make quite a trip out of visiting all of Lugosi's former homes in California. We also get a list of all of Lugosi's court appearances for divorces, lawsuits, and bankruptcy petitions. Each goes into incredible detail and allows the reader a rare glimpse into a celebrity's personal life. There is a very detailed account of the lawsuit that Lugosi's son, Bela Jr., brought against Universal Studios when he discovered his fathers likeness being used to sell products such as the old Aurora model kits.

Rhodes next provides a list of every Lugosi film, not only his movies in the U.S., but also those he made in Germany, and his native Hungary before coming to America. Each film includes a list of cast, credits, plot, synopsis, and production notes. While there is obviously a lot more detail included on the films made here, I was quite surprised at the amount of information that Rhodes was able to uncover on Lugosi's foreign credits. It's hard enough sometimes to find out details about silent films made in this country, let alone those made in Germany and Hungary.

Next up we have Lugosi's stage, live, vaudeville, radio, and TV appearances, again with a staggering amount of detail. A selected list of over 500 articles from magazines over the years follows and provides even more details about his career. These articles are culled from magazines like Variety, Famous Monsters of Filmland, FilmFax, and Midnight Marquee.

Still hungry for more? How about a list of Lugosi's most famous quotes, books on the star, articles on merchandising and collecting Lugosi memorabilia, and Lugosi mysteries. Perhaps the most famous mystery surrounding Lugosi is the test film shot for his audition to play the monster in "Frankenstein". Rumors persisted for years that the film existed and it was even advertised for sale but was never produced. Truly one of the Holy Grails in horror history!

"Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers" is a fabulous book because it ISN'T what you thought it would be, i.e. just another biography. Rhodes did a lot of legwork to come up with a treasure chest full of information about a true Hollywood legend.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

King of Horror Masterpiece

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-04

In August, 1956, faded horror film star Bela Lugosi died forgotten and penniless in Los Angeles. Five marriages, two bankruptcies, and a slow descent into chemical abuse and career collapse had taken their toll. Considered the ultimate "Dracula" star and actor today, Lugosi had watched his film success peak in the early 1930's. Boris Karloff quickly passed him by as the new King of Hollywood Horror. And poor Bela never recovered from the loss of prestige. Settling for a paltry $3500. to star in "Dracula" for Universal in 1931, Lugosi fumbled through a long line of poor business managers and faulty screen appearances right up until his untimely death. Just one year after his demise, Universal Studios re-packaged their old classic 1930's horror flicks for TV as "Shock Theater". Instantly, teens around the world reveled in the calculated mannerisms of the Hungarian Count. A big new star was born...just after his final curtain. "Lugosi: His Life in Films" reveals every detail. Published in 1996, you won't find this excellent compendium in any store. But you can order it through Amazon. Lovingly written by cinephile Gary Don Rhodes, the book lists every film, event, and appearance of the cinema icon. Bela Lugosi was scheduled to play Dracula in 1944's "House of Frankenstein". He never did. A marvelous photo of him as Jesus Christ(one of many great pics) reveals his true versatility. These rare pictures and historical investigations are all here for the true Lugosi fan. It's astounding that such a comprehensive work is available. Should we be surprised? Maybe not. After all..."There are many things under the sun..."

Making It in the Business: Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Your Goals in the Entertainment Industry

Published in Paperback by Center Press (Westlake Village, CA) (2001-09-17)

Author: Andrea Hill

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Average review score:

A must read for all actors, apiring or working!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-08

This is an excellent book!! Andrea Hill is an inspiration to all of us. She understands the mind-set of actors and prepares the reader for the various pitfalls of the acting profession. She covers territory that is often overlooked in most of the "How-To-Make-It" type books. If you want to be an actor, whether you live in New York, L.A. or anywhere in between ... buy this book!

candid and honest

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-02

Finally, a book written by an actress turned psychologist who's empathetic and logical. Very insightful and helpful!

candid and honest

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-02

Finally, a book for actors written by an actress turned psychologist who's both empathetic and logical!

A psychological look at the problems actors face.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-29

This book is a one of a kind look at the psychological issues that actors have. As a person who has been persuing acting for 10 years, I believe that this a a very unique and helpful book. Each chapter presents a real life problem and goes on to discuss, analyze and suggest contructive solutions. It has something for everyone from depression due to losing a role, to eating disorders. I personally found the chapter on structure and discipline very motivating.
This book should be in every actors' library. I have not seen anything else like it.

The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh - A Life In American Comedy

Published in Paperback by TCB JOE Enterprises (2008-08-01)

Author: Sammy Shore

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Average review score:

Wonderful read. For all ages.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-08

Sammy Shore has written an exquisitely funny book for people of all ages. "The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh" is a story from Sammy's childhood and his comedy career. Sammy Shore is probably best known for being the opening act for Elvis Presley... He has written a previous-autobiography called "The Warm Up"... He is a funny man and a wonderfully kind man. The pictures in this book are reflective as to the diverse range of entertainers Sammy Shore has worked with. Be prepared to laugh, cry and be entertained as the pages of The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh come to life. This is a book you will enjoy.

A hilarious book!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-08

On the back of this book there is a question Who is Sammy Shore?

The answer. A funny comic who worked with Elvis Presley and still works today and who reveals in this book through funny jokes and anecdotes not only what Elvis would double over laughing at, but also what you and I would too. This a memoir of both trying to make it in show business, with all the hard knocks along the way, and also of life's great moments with family and friends (he's the father of Pauly Shore). If you want to learn how to see the glass half-full, read this book. There is laughter and meaning in it for everyone.

This book will change your life.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-06

In The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh, Sammy Shore uses a very creative way of writing to take the reader through his mind boggling life.

From his humble Chicago beginnings through to the insane upside down world of professional comedy and his time with Elvis Presley. This book is hands down one of the most interesting and best autobiographies I have read in a long time. I can comfortably recommend The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh, based on the tremendous impact it had on me personally. This book was written by true comedy legend that continues to make a positive impact on the rest of the world with his humor and his valuable insights.

Insanely funny! Very entertaining.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-31

I can see why the King loved Sammy, he is funny!

In The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh. Sammy leaves no stone unturned on what went on while he was opening for Elvis Presley. The personal stories about the comedy business from his perspective were also very enlightening.I would strongly recommend this book to anyone starting out in comedy along with anyone that wants to hear things about Elvis that were previously not mentioned. My hat is off to Sammy for being able to convey his story with such brilliance.

Marilyn: The Ultimate Look at the Legend

Published in Hardcover by Henry Holt & Co (1991-11)

Author: James Haspiel

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Average review score:

Norma....do go on!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-29

This is by far my favorite Marilyn book ever! There are so many photos, that you don't have to face that anxiety of looking at the last one! This is a several sitting book, even if you are just using it as a coffee table book..

MARILYN: THE ULTIMATE LOOK AT THE LEGEND

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-12-27

I found this book to be a very special one on Marilyn Monroe and her "platonic" relationship with a special fan/friend. This book spans an eight year relationship with the author. You get a "back-seat" view of how Monroe's personality was, whether it was happy, gloomy, or sad during their "friendship" period. I truly enjoyed reading this book. It should be considered a "must read" and "must have" copy for for all Monroe's fans' and buffs' libraries alike. As the previous reader stated, this book was written from a perspective of someone being very close to Miss Monroe; somewhat placing this as a "unique" and interesting bit of MM reading. Lastly, the author gives the reader a "touching" bit of his own soul, when he describes his very last meeting with Miss Monroe before leaving for California.

Original Marilyn Angle - Worth Every Dollar.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-24

If you can get this book, get it. Mr. Haspiel was a teenager when he met Marilyn and he stuck with her. His information is first hand, as opposed to authors who cash in on researched material. James Haspiel is the source writers went to for their magazine articles and such, and his book is wonderful. He even has pictures of Marilyn, proudly displayed, without make-up on.

A candid account of the authors close frienship with MM

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-04-02

This book is a revealing account of Mr. Haspiels friendship/relationship with Marilyn Monroe ("Mazzie" as he affectionately calls her) during the last 8 years of her life. Not just another historical perspective of Miss Monroe's life, the book is written from the viewpoint of someone who was obviously quite close to Miss Monroe as the many photo's and documents substantiate. The candid revelations and thoughts concerning the author's and Miss Monroe's friendship is what makes this book unique. A highly recommended book especially for those interested in a more personal account of the life of Marilyn Monroe.

Maroon 5: Midnight Miles

Published in Paperback by MTV (2006-07-18)

Author: Maroon 5

List price: $18.95

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Average review score:

amazing.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-07

this book is amazing for anyone who wants to see what it was like for maroon5 to tour for 4 years. a great book for any fan!

G. Davison

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-15

The book delightfully displayed wonderful memories through photographs of the bands musical tour. I enjoyed the message each member of the band wrote, not wordy which I prefer but insightful. The photography is very good and the pictures are a treasure in itself. You will be very pleased with this book.

midnight miles: maroon 5 by maroon 5

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-04

this book is a must have for every m5 fan. it chronicles, in photography, the band's three year tour from small venues to soldout arenas. the book measures 6.5' by 9', and each picture is a full-sized page. it's a behind the scenes, in front of the scenes, at breakfast and long after midnight ~america to europe & back~ photo-diary of their lives for the last 3 years. also included is a page or two that each of the guys wrote for us.

A MUST For all Maroon 5 fans!

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-26

I had the Pleasure of Meeting all 5 members of Maroon 5 at a Book Signing here in California last week and they could not have been nicer! They were Very Friendly, were on Time(unheard of for a band this big) and happily chatted and posed for photos with fans! These Guys Really appreciate their fans! The Book is Beautiful, packed with HUNDREDS of Photos from their last concert tour which lasted 3 years in support of their cd songs about jane. What is fascinating about the book and the band itself is that before songs about jane came out, these guys were just a struggling band playing in small clubs and colleges(hard to beleive but true). So the book actually gives you a rare glimpse of a band right before they became huge and you the reader get to witness this and view how fame and fortune changes the band and judging from the Book signing, fame and fortune hasnt changed these guys at all. When songs about jane became a huge seller, many people in the media called maroon 5 an "overnight sensation", The guys must laugh at this because the overnight sensations was like 10 years in the making! These guys worked their butts off to achieve the success that they now have and its nice and refreshing to see that they are still down to earth and they havent forgotten who got them to this point. The book in alot of ways is a tribute to their fans so GO BUY IT!

Matt Damon a Biography

Published in Paperback by Simon Spotlight Entertainment (1998-07-01)

Authors: Maxine Diamond and Harriet Hemmings

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Average review score:

"I LOVED him before, but now.....I can't explain it!!!"

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-30

I've been "in love" with Matt, if I can call him that... ever since I first saw him and watched his first movie. He is truly gorges, talented, and brillant!!!!!!! I just want to thank him in this liture for being the most beauitful, talented and GORGES person I've ever seen, heard, read, or watched before!!!

Very well written

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-27

I enjoyed this informative book on Matt Damon. He is a talented actor (not to mention good looking), and I've always loved watching his movies.

This is an outstanding book for Damon fans young and old.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1998-07-06

Without a doubt, Matt Damon is one of the most exciting new faces to have recently entered the Hollywood scene. This book does a terrific job of balancing the cultural influences that created Mr. Damon's charming sensibility, with an insider's take at Matt's past, present and future projects. Whether you are shopping for an adoring child, or you find yourself strangley curious about this rising new star, I whole-heartedly reccomend this "perfect" summer read.

Oh, My Matt!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-10-04

I think Matt Damon is a great influence on young adults. Any one who can write like him, act like him, and be so all together charming has my vote! Yeah, Leo's cute, but his head is way up in the clouds! And he can't write like Matt!! I loved this book, I also bought Golden Boy;a biography and Matt Damon and Ben Affleck;on and off screen I recomend them all!!

Me My Kid & HollyWeird: The Adventures of a Kid Actor

Published in Paperback by iUniverse, Inc. (2003-10-26)

Author: Gigi Braun

List price: $15.95

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Average review score:

Not your average stage mom story!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-19

This book is a most delightful and remarkable look at a mother/daughter relationship during the pre-teen years, that time of delicate balance between dependance and curiosity. When a child isn't at the rebellious stage yet but is ready to expand their horizons beyond the apron strings.

Hollywood, with all it's perils and pitfalls, provides a perfect metaphor for this age. For Gigi acting is a means to experiment with her own emerging independence and sense of individuality. For her mother it's a roller coaster ride of love, hope, a bit of anxiety and, of course, the occasional bout of exasperation.

But most of all this book is real, nitty-gritty and gutsy. At times, Gigi's diary entries paint such an exact picture adolescence, everything from hair crises to the playful use of exclamation points, that it'll make any woman smile with reminiscence and empathy. Her mom's entries hold nothing back, she's obviously not trying to come across as perfect. Just tells it as it is, warts and all, but with honesty, warmth and rare wit.

Individually these are wonderful stories. Interwoven they present a unique portrayal of what it is to be a family.

A great little book

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-29

I loved this little book. What a great adventure for an eleven year old and her mother. Because the book was based on private journals, it has a special freshness and honesty that most books lack. My only criticism is that it is too short. I wanted to read more and I hope a second book in the works. I want to find our what happens to Gigi's movie career. It will be interesting to see if the next book can keep its freshness and honesty.

Outrageously Honest and Incredibly Funny

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-01

This book is great for families. Especially ones that include a teen or pre-teen. It is written by a child and her mom. The kid is Gigi. An 11 year old angel/devil. This book deals with the ups and downs in the family. It is outragously honest and incredibly funny. I would suggest this to book everyone and their mom.

Show Business and the Business of Growing Up

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-02

In the thoroughly enjoyable "Me, My Kid and Hollyweird", down-to-earth mom, Chartreuse Braun proves that not all stage mothers are frustrated wannabe performers forcing their children into the limelight. Chartreuse and her daughter, Gigi, bravely pull up their Florida roots and transplant themselves in Los Angeles pursuing the not-quite-teenage girl's dream of becoming an actor. Gigi has decided she wants to be a, "kid actor not an adult actor", so time is of the essence...

The book includes their practical experience about a child actor's world; headshots and agents, acting coaches, auditions and contracts. The story is told through candid, mother and daughter diary entries and follows the excitement and anxiety of these two as they learn together about show business and the business of growing up.

Memo from David O. Selznick : The Creation of "Gone with the Wind" and Other Motion Picture Classics, as Revealed in the Producer's Private Letters, Telegrams, Memorandums, and Autobiographical Remarks

Published in Paperback by Modern Library (2000-03-07)

Author: David O. Selznick

List price: $27.00

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Average review score:

This is the man

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-22

Fascinating and illuminating book about the way movie classics were made in the 30's and 40's. This man knew his job and we are lucky that in the making he wrote those long memos. The people they were sent to found them annoying. We movie fans find them fascinating.

Selznick Redux

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-16

It's a genuine pleasure to see this 1972 volume back in print again. Practically the entire history of classic Hollywood can be seen within the pages of this fascinating series of memos, a veritable stream of behind the scenes trivia and the most impressive book of name-dropping ever seen in print. The cinematic genius of Selznick and Company is told as only it should be told...in the Master's own words.

Insightful look at a bygone era

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-29

David O. Selznick was behind some the films considered classics from that era. He was known for his memos that he sent to others in the industry and those working for him. The book is a fascinating look at the studio system at the time - and is also a reminder that people at one time actually communicated in writing - no cell phones, no email. This book is a must-read for those interested at all in film lore - and it's a great read!

Engrossing and informative and never dull

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-26

I was a bit leery of a book of just memoes but ... This is truly an extraordinary book, full of insights into every aspect of film making. The most interesting parts are about scripts and script construction. That was what Selznick had a genius for, and that comes through clearly. Some of his faults come through too. There are a number of memoes about his life and emotions so you get a picture a man not just an executive.

For anyone who likes old movies a must.

Memoirs of a Famous Composer-Nobody Ever Heard of

Published in Hardcover by Xlibris Corporation (2002-01)

Author: Earle H. Hagen

List price: $32.99

Average review score:

Wonderfully entertaining and informative book !

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-23

Earle Hagen is a true American original. You know his music. It's played on TV in syndication every day of the week all over the world. Almost every theme he wrote is a bonified classic in it's own right. Earle learned and performed with the best bandleaders and musicians in the big band era, did live radio broadcasts aplenty , and made his mark in feature films working alongside most of the greats in the industry back in the 50's. (Alfred Newman ring a bell?) He went on to DEFINE scoring for picture in television . A true artist and craftsman who's arrangements, orchestrations and conducting were second to none in the 1960's world of quality episodic television when real orchestras were used instead of electronic approximations and dubbing was done on the fly before the days of the Avid digital film editor. And if that weren't enough, he wrote a true bonified jazz classic/standard , the great "Harlem Nocturne" recorded hundreds of times by artists all over the world and later to become the theme for TV's Mike Hammer series.

And to top it all off, this guy is FUNNY !! This book if chock full of down to earth stories about all aspects of his business. The heroes and villains, the professionals and the hacks. Earle knew and worked with most of them at one time or another. He recounts his experiences in a very easy to read style that kept me turning the page and finishing the book the day after I started reading it.

I have enjoyed Mr. Hagen's' music for more than 50 years and after reading this book I have a much deeper understanding of the hard work and dedication to his craft that went into his classics themes and underscores. By the way, contrary to the title of this book, I actually HAD heard of Earle Hagen, myself being a compulsive credit reader at the end of movies and TV programs. His passing earlier this year led me to this wonderful book. What a life this guy had! WOW! And what a body of work he has left behind for all of us to continue to enjoy!

A must read for fans of television or the music industry!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-25

Who doesn't recognize the theme to The Andy Griffith Show or The Dick Van Dyke Show?

Mr. Hagen gives a unique and enlightening perspective not only about his life, but about the time of the Big Bands - Dorsey, Noble, Miller, etc.

He also sheds a behind the scenes look of the television industry and the role that music and orchestration plays in the quality of show.

I'm sure you will really enjoy this publication!

A must read for fans of television or the music industry!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-20

Mr. Hagen's life story of his career in television and the music industry is extremely fascinating. Imagine...working with Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and so many more folks from the Big Band era!!

As his career transitioned to television and theme music, he worked with some of the biggest icons of the television industry...Sheldon Leonard, Danny Thomas, Andy Griffith, Dick Van Dyke, and more.

If you have any interest in classic television and/or the music industry, this is a definite must read. Mr. Hagen's insights are interesting and intriguing, to say the least!

Your Chance To Know A Great Music Man

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-26

You may never have heard of Earle Hagen, but there are few people who have not heard his music. This book -honest, funny, touching, loaded with insight- gives the reader a chance to know the author, and relive the years of the Big Band era with Tommy Dorsey and Hagen, Ray Noble and Hagen, Harry James and Hagen, Benny Goodman and Hagen. It takes us through World War II and the musicians in uniform. And then, there are his adventures in Hollywood and memorable films with stars like Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe. Hagen's remarkable accomplishments in television come alive as he relates his experiences with the producers and stars of series like I Spy and Dick Van Dyke and Danny Thomas and Andy Griffith. He opens a whole new entertaining vista, revealing what went on behind the scenes. Always interesting, always revealing, always provocative, one realizes that Hagen is not only a great composer, but a remarkable storyteller. I loved every page!

Midnight at the Palace: My Life as a Fabulous Cockette

Published in Paperback by Alyson Books (2004-12-01)

Author: Pam Tent

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Average review score:

Spirit of the times

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-10

Pam Tent accurately captures the spirit and craziness of the Haight/Ashbury and of San Francisco during the Summer of Love. Her book is full of details and insights from one who lived the life to its fullest. It is an amazing story proving that you can be as "far-out" as you wish and survive to tell the tale.

The Cockettes - A MUST for expirimental theater enthusiasts

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-04

This important seminal era of avante garde theater and queer history circa 1968-74 was almost lost to posterity due to the AIDS deaths of so many of its' important voices. Thank Goddess it has been lovingly and meticulously posited in history/herstory in a tangible way in this book by one of the Cockettes best suited for the calling - Sweet Pam. Her tone IS sweet, but hardly naive. The author deftly weaves the significance of this cultural watershed throughout her priceless juicy gossipy gutter level dish. For those of us who were too young to be in SF then and who want to know more, the book provides a detailed chronological survey of the evolution of the Cockettes. The book serves as the perfect step child to the great documentary film about the Cockettes that came out a couple of years ago.

Share the Excitement of a Culturally Important Era

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-21

Pam Tent's voice in her writing of this unusual and culturally important story is much more clear, incisive and organized than the subject she is dealing with. Her letters home provided the basis for a period that many of us, because of the indulgences of the time, have forgotten. It's so interesting to relive it (or see it for the first time) through her eyes. She's such a good story teller and was right in the middle of the whole thing. We are lucky she is still around to tell it-many others have died. I'm sure you'll enjoy "Midnight at the Palace" and will recommend it to anyone interested in the late 60s/early 70s and how that brief cultural explosion affects us today.
Robert Burnside, founder of the "no science fiction, thanks" book club

Most Wonderful

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-06

This book is worth a read for the outfit descriptions alone. This book made me want to invest in gallons of glitter. Fascinating: these folks depended and thrived on a system of families and communes rather than a "straight" lifestyle of jobs and paychecks. Not only did they thrive, but they created a troupe of performers whose antics I wish I had been around to experience. The Cockettes lived their art, which seems like a rarity in these icky conservative times.

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