Reel Tears

Beverly Washburn was one of Hollywood's most familiar child actors
during the 1950s and '60s, a consummate performer who excelled at both
comedy and drama with equal ease. Renowned for her uncanny ability to
cry on cue, she appeared in countless television shows during the
medium's Golden Age, and many of the era's best-loved movies, including
Walt Disney's Old Yeller, The Greatest Show on Earth, Shane, and Spider
Baby, just to name a few.
Beverly made her first movie at age 6, and quickly found her niche. Over
the years, her circle of friends included some of the biggest names in
movies and television, many of whom she "dated" in the pages of the fan
magazines-and in real life. But Beverly's fame went far beyond the
silver screen. In the 1960s, for example, she even cut a hit
record-"Everybody Loves Saturday Night"-written by the legendary folk
artist Pete Seeger.
In this heartfelt and deeply revealing autobiography, Beverly talks from
the soul about her astounding career as a child actress, and the
difficulties she encountered as she became a teenager and then an adult.
She also reflects back on her most famous movies, with many
behind-the-scenes anecdotes never before revealed, and discusses her
enduring friendships with some of entertainment's most prominent
performers, including Jack Benny, Loretta Young, Lou Costello, and
George Reeves.