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Who was the first major American star to show her navel on screen? When did negligees fall from grace? What was the crucial year in the history of Hollywood hats? Why did fresh water swim scenes evaporate? They all took place in the 1960s, a decade of tumult on screen and off. Was art reflecting life or life imitating art? Using 127 illustrations, facts and figures, Navel Gazing explains the disappearance of time-honored film conventions and suggests that the atom bomb-inspired bikini started it all.

Samuel Bronston produced some of the greatest and most remembered epic films of the sixties. El Cid, King of Kings, Fall of the Roman Empire, John Paul Jones, and Circus World. With a literal 'cast of thousands', and the biggest and most historically accurate sets ever built, the films have become legendary. The Magnificent Showman tells the stories behind the making of these memorable films, and explores the ambitious and quixotic man who brought them into being.This is the story of the film making empire Bronston created in Spain, hiring reknowned Directors like Nicholas Ray and Anthony Mann, and attracting first rate talent like Charlton Heston, Christopher Plummer, Stephen Boyd, Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren, James Mason, Alec Guinness, Rita Hayworth, David Niven, John Wayne and others. In many way, the drama off screen was as exciting as the action in front of the cameras. This book highlights the behind the scenes drama and conflict as Bronston struggled to bring these great stories to the big screen, and documents the extravagance that led to tremendous success, and then colossal failure as the Bronston empire collapsed in a series of legal battles and bankruptcies.Creating an amazing 6 major films in 6 years, Samuel Bronston left a legacy of artistic quality and innovation that are fondly remembered to this day. Films will never again be made in the way Bronston made them. Then, and now, Samuel Bronston remains The Magnificent Showman.

The superhero genre has exploded, with comic book heroes conquering the big screen and making massive inroads on the small. Whether well known brand names like Batman and Spider-Man, or lesser recognized characters such as Daredevil and Hellboy, the superheroes are here to stay.Superhero Confidential is the first in a series of books to go behind the scenes on the making of these filmed adventures. Volume I includes "Spider-Man: From Cannon to Cameron," which explores the numerous aborted attempts at bringing Spidey to movie screens in the '80s and '90s; the making of the two Hellboy films with director Guillermo del Toro and Ron Perlman; a comprehensive exploration of Ben Affleck's Daredevil; director Christopher Nolan and writer David S. Goyer chronicling the challenges of Batman Begins and much more. From comic books to feature films, Superhero Confidential is your ultimate guide.About the Author: Edward Gross is a veteran entertainment journalist who has been on the editorial staff of a wide variety of magazines, among them Geek, Cinescape, SFX, Starlog, CFQ, Movie Magic and Sci-Fi Now. He is the author of such non-fiction books as Above & Below: A 25th Anniversary Beauty and the Beast Companion, Captains' Logs: The Complete Trek Voyages and Planet of the Apes Revisited.

Jamie Lee Curtis launched her film career with the immortal 1978 horror classic Halloween, creating a heroine in Laurie Strode who would become the prototype for the ultimate scream queen. Subsequent roles in horror films like The Fog, Prom Night, Terror Train, Roadgames and Halloween II - all of which are genre classics - would cement Curtis' status as cinema's undisputed scream queen, a title she holds to this day.Jamie Lee Curtis: Scream Queen details Curtis' career and life during her scream queen era and includes detailed and never-before-seen production histories - as well as running commentary - of the horror films that made Jamie Lee Curtis a genre icon. Featuring hundreds of interviews with Curtis' friends and colleagues - including John Carpenter, Richard Franklin, Debra Hill, Paul Lynch, Rick Rosenthal, Roger Spottiswoode - and years of intense research, Jamie Lee Curtis: Scream Queen is a comprehensive biography, an invaluable film reference, and a painstaking document of horror film history. David Grove is the author of Fantastic 4: The Making of the Movie (Titan Books) and Making Friday the 13th (FAB Press). He has written for such publications as Dreamwatch, Fangoria, Film Review, Film Threat, Hot Dog, MovieMaker, Rue Morgue, Sci-Fi Magazine, Shivers and Total Film. He lives in British Columbia, Canada.

The Hollywood Canteen was the jewel in the crown of World War II Hollywood. From 1942 to 1945, over three million servicemen came through its doors on their way to fight in the Pacific - some never to return. There, in a converted barn in the heart of Hollywood, soldiers were fed, entertained by and danced with some of the biggest stars in the world. The Canteen was free to all servicemen or women, regardless of race, inviting them to jive to the music of Kay Kyser and Harry James, laugh at Bob Hope's jokes, be handed sandwiches by Rita Hayworth, or dance with Hedy Lamarr. Knowing they were so appreciated, the soldiers were armed with the kinds of hope and encouragement that would help them win a war."The Hollywood Canteen: Where The Greatest Generation Danced With The Most Beautiful Girls In The World" is the only complete history of the Canteen. Meticulously researched, it is filled with exclusive interviews and over 160 evocative photographs that preserve the memories that would otherwise be lost.

From the author's introduction: "The main purpose of The Essential Jim Carrey is to celebrate the life and career of this man - an enormous talent, who has inspired people through laughter and instilled a sense of hope with his acting craft. Whether you are a new fan, or an old one, these pages will connectyou with one of the most beloved actors of our generation and give you a greater appreciation of his true genius. It is my fondest wish that fans of Jim Carrey will read this book and be as inspired by him as I have been over the years."

Late 1929. The Stock market crash. At MGM Studios Irving Thalberg was involved in a power struggle. Lon Chaney's contract was coming up for renewal. Tod Browning, MGM's famed director of the macbre genre for the studio, had left and signed a contract back at his home studio, Universal. Carl Laemmle Jr was made production head of Universal for his father and he wanted to do a film version of Dracula. Carl Sr. agreed, as long as they had Lon Chaney as the star. Early in August of 1930, Carl Junior, still attempting to sign Chaney for the role, ordered a treatment to be authored by Louis Bromfield. By Mid August he was teamed with screenwriter Dudley Murphy and they began work on the script. Then in the middle of the negotiations, Lon Chaney unexpected by everyone in the film industry, died on August 26th. This volume of the Atlernate History of Classic Monster Films we present the full first Bromfield treatment, the incomplete first draft screenplay by Bromfield and Murphy. In addition, when Dracula was finally produced, more in the fashion of the popular 1927 play than the Bram Stoker novel, as was intended by Laemmle for Chaney - A silent version of the Lugosi Dracula was prepared for theaters who had not yet converted to sound. We have also included a complete Title list from this version. Also included in this volume is a translated version of F.W. Murnau's shooting script for the first screen version of Dracula - filmed in Germany in 1922 and called NOSFERATU, a symphony of horror. Murnau's hand annotations are included in bold print throughout the script.

Everything you always wanted to know about the 1975 monster hit movie Jaws and the other monsters that swam in its wake.

"People who like films and stars of that era, from the 1920s on through the 1950s, I think, would like to have such a personally-written account of some of the highlights of an actress's life. Most picture us all as rich and famous and never hear of another side. I've even thought of the title: The Real Joyce Compton: Behind the Dumb Blonde Movie Image. Sound good? It's a thought."--Excerpt of a letter from Joyce Compton to Michael G. Ankerich, 27 January 1988 The Real Joyce Compton: Behind the Dumb Blonde Movie Image is the story that Joyce Compton, one of the screen's finest comediennes and most versatile actresses, wanted told.Her career, which consisted of an estimated 200 films, stretched from 1925 to 1957. Breaking into films during the silent era, she appeared in a string of ingénue roles, imagining herself as a new Mae Murray, but it was after the beginning of sound that Compton found her niche in comedy.In her own words, she recounts her frustrations over studio politics and shares her experiences of working and socializing with such screen favorites as Clara Bow, Cary Grant, Marlene Dietrich, Joel McCrea, George O'Brien, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Johnny Mack Brown, Janet Gaynor, and George Raft.Compton opens up about her often overly protective parents, her off-screen romances, her one heartbreaking attempt at marriage, her deep religious faith, and her struggle to support her family after her film career ended.With candor and insight that only someone who was there can share, Compton discusses the transition from silents to talkies; working with incompetent directors in those early sound movies; living on locations; the competition she experienced with the "star" actresses of the studio; freelancing versus working under a studio contact; and the day-to-day life of an actress working in early Hollywood.The Real Joyce Compton begins with a biography of the actress, written by co-author Michael G. Ankerich, based on formal interviews, conversations, and correspondence over their 10-year friendship. The book also contains a detailed filmography of Compton's film appearances and is lavishly illustrated with over 80 photographs, many of which are from Compton's own personal collection.

When Dashiell Hammett's THE ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE made its debut over CBS in August of 1946, the series became an instant success. Howard Duff, a virtual unknown among Hollywood circles, found himself bombarded with movie offers. The early broadcasts of the series revealed a dark side of Spade: stealing money out of a dead man's wallet to sleeping with a married woman. Over time, the script writers cut down on the dark side and added an emphasis of humor. Spade's romantic relationship with his secretary Effie was more obvious.While many recordings exist from the radio broadcasts of the forties and fifties, a large percentage of the SAM SPADE programs are considered "lost" -- due to the lack of preservation. Today, fans of the program seek out those "lost" adventures, especially the earliest broadcasts that shed light on just what kind of character Sam Spade is and the explanation for the popularity during the late forties.Thanks to Bear Manor Media and editor Martin Grams Jr., this book offers reprints of thirteen scripts from THE ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE. Almost every script originates from a "lost" episode that fans cannot otherwise listen via recording. Some of the earliest episodes are included, revealing the darker side of Sam. A holiday offering from the Steve Dunne season is included, as well as an episode revealing Sam's affections for another woman so strong he was willing to lose his secretary for her. A lengthy essay revealing background concerning each of these scripts is included.

"What a great story - a must for all music afficionados - this is legendary stuff. What a gift."- Mark Snow (prolific screen and TV composer of The X-files, The Rookies, Hart to Hart)"Van Alexander knows more about the Big Band era than any man alive - and he's written it all in his autobiography."- James Bacon, veteran Hollywood columnist"What a delight it is to have the recollections of one who was there, and was central to the development of the Swing Era, and so much of what followed..."- Garry Giddens - author, columnist, artistic director of the American jazz orchestra"Van Alexander vividly recalls and recaps all the great stories depicting his extrordinary career that began for him in Harlem at the legendary Savoy Ballroom. His anecdotes and association with many musical giants in Hollwood from Les Brown and Billy May, to Stan Getz and "Sweets" Edison. Meet them all in this wonderful book."- Richard Grudens - author of Stardust, The Bible of the Big Bands, and well known jazz musicologist.Van's life story is truly a bit of musical history, and it resurrected many fond memories for me. He was there at the beginning of the Swing Era, and recalls many great stories covering his early days at the Savoy Ballroom with Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald, up to and including his TV and picture credits and his collaboration with Michael Feinstein. I found his book 'unputdownable.'" - Quincy Jones

This book examines radio and mystery drama from about 1932 to the genre's final appearance in the late 1950's. While its focus is on women detectives, French provides minute and fascinating details about dozens of mystery programs and includes a comprehensive listing of source material ranging from magazine articles, to dime detective novels, to film noir. Each lady detective appearing under one of eight cleverly conceived categories gets handsome, multi-page treatment. The author traces the chronological appearance of the subject's show, examines the program's history and origins, and details with substantial documentation the manner of the show's presentation and production. He intersperses the text with actual dialogue taken directly from the program scripts. Winner of the Agatha Award!

It was a gala day in Phoenix, Arizona. A gathering of the city's most prominent citizens-including silent movie queen and patroness of the arts Gina Langley-were gathered for the grand opening of the sumptuous new Langley Memorial Art Museum. In the midst of the festivities, a tragedy occurs. One of the VIP guests, a prominent attorney, is struck in the temple by a magnificent Rodin bronze, which had fallen from its pedestal. The attorney is killed instantly, and the newspapers are quick to announce this freak accident. But was it a freak accident? Of course not, this was MURDER!In the tradition of the classic mysteries of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, The Museum Murders is rich with bloodthirsty killings, colorful characters, crackling dialogue and-after all is said and done-a satisfying denouement.This rich concoction of murder and betrayal is from the mind of the late Tim Kelly, known and respected as America's most prolific playwright. During his award-winning career, Mr. Kelly wrote hundreds of plays but only a handful of novels. This particular novel was written in the late 1950s and never published-until now. As you read through these sharply written pages you will see for yourself how this remarkable writer has held audiences in his creative grasp with his well-chosen words. The dialogue almost jumps off the page. Take a tour of The Museum Murders. But watch out for falling Rodins ...

Honey West debuted in the fall of 1965, derived from the famous detective novels of the same name. Produced by Aaron Spelling, she was television's first liberated female, a crack private investigator and an expert in martial arts-beholden to no man. The beautiful actress Anne Francis was cast in the central role as the sexy, wise-cracking star, and she is assisted by her cantankerous sidekick, Sam Bolt (John Ericson) and somewhat flaky live-in, Aunt Meg (Irene Hervey). In 30 black-and-white episodes, Honey battles her way through the underworld by dint of her wits, judo prowess, and killer looks, aided by an arsenal of high-tech gimmicks, a sexy Cobra sports car, and an ocelot named Bruce! The result is an unmistakable slice of 1960s Americana, one which cut the template for strong female roles to follow. Celebrated as a cult hit, Honey West is a must for any afficionados of crime drama television or just a half-hour of good entertainment. This ground-breaking book examines the series in detail with interviews of the surviving cast members, and listings of websites, addresses, bibliographies, episode synopses, and an appendix. Profusely illustrated.

Here at last is the real story of how TTV was formed! Inside you will find rareproduction artwork and storyboards, as well as reminiscences from TTV's founders."Mark Arnold is the guy who the other authorities on comic books and animatedcartoons turn to when they're stumped for an obscure tidbit of pop culturalinformation; he always delivers the goods."- Scott Shaw, cartoonist

"Forget the big names. Scott Voisin's outstanding book tells the story of the true Hollywood stars of today. The guys who are the heart, backbone and guts of the movies." --- Bob Murawski, film editor, Spider-Man 1, 2 & 3, Drag Me to Hell"Character actors have always been the backbone of the film and TV industry. Now you can learn who some of the best are and what they've done. A great read and excellent permanent reference." --- Samuel M. Sherman, Independent-International Pictures Corp. "Remarkably candid conversations with some of Hollywood's most familiar faces. Scott Voisin has compiled a fascinating read for film fans and an invaluable textbook for aspiring actors." --- Joe Kane, The Phantom of the Movies' VideoScope"These are the unsung heroes of cinema! They're the actors who, in many cases, make these films memorable. It's great to collectively read about their fascinating careers directly from the source." --- George Reis, DVDDrive-In.com Character Kings takes a look at the careers of 15 working actors and reveals the struggles they've endured in order to survive in Hollywood. The candid stories are told by: * Clancy Brown (SpongeBob SquarePants, Starship Troopers, ER) * Tobin Bell (Saw I-V, The Firm, The Sopranos, Seinfeld) * Paul Gleason (The Breakfast Club, Trading Places, Die Hard) * Art LaFleur (Field of Dreams, The Santa Clause 2 and 3, Cobra) * Bob Gunton (The Shawshank Redemption, 24, Demolition Man) * Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator, Cold Case, Star Trek: Enterprise) * Ray Wise (Reaper, Twin Peaks, RoboCop, L.A. Law) * Martin Kove (The Karate Kid, Cagney & Lacey, Death Race 2000) * Keith David (They Live, Platoon, There's Something About Mary) * Ronny Cox (Beverly Hills Cop, Total Recall, St. Elsewhere) * James Karen (Wall Street, Poltergeist, Return of the Living Dead) * Peter Jason (Deadwood, 48 HRS., Mortal Kombat, Roseanne) * Daniel Roebuck (The Fugitive, Lost, River's Edge, Matlock) * Robert Forster (Jackie Brown, Medium Cool, The Delta Force) * William Sanderson (Blade Runner, Newhart, Deadwood, Fletch)Each in-depth conversation features behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the making of popular movies and TV shows, tips on how to prepare for auditions, the acting techniques that bring a character to life and the secrets to earning a living in a highly competitive industry.Whether you're a fan, film buff or an aspiring actor, Character Kings offers instructive and insightful lessons about the art and business of acting.