He had the face of a true villain, chiseled to perfection. Director Sergio Leone, best-known for "The Man With No Name" spaghetti western trilogy, once described Van Cleef as having the face of a hawk; actor Eli Wallach called it "wonderfully alive" and full of wickedness. As an actor, Van Cleef portrayed some of the best movie villains of all time-Angel Eyes in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, and Frank Talby in Day of Anger. Although more than twenty years have passed since his premature death in 1989, Lee Van Cleef remains a cinematic icon for millions of film fans worldwide, and his legacy as the "Best of the Bad" is set in granite. Lee Van Cleef: Best of the Bad explores the life and career of this great actor, a man with unbounded talent and a heart of finely-polished gold. Through interviews and numerous sources, Best of the Bad reveals the real Lee Van Cleef and discusses his roles in For A Few Dollars More, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, and Day of Anger, along with chapters on mythic archetypes and historical gunfighters and bounty hunters. Also included is a foreword by Mike Malloy, author of Lee Van Cleef: A Biographical, Film, and Television Reference.
Andy Gibb was one of the biggest pop stars of the disco era. His first three singles - "I Just Want To Be Your Everything," "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water," and "Shadow Dancing" - reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 during 1977-78, and he became a fixture on television specials, appearing alongside legends such as Bob Hope, George Burns, and Dean Martin. In 1981 he became the co-host of the iconic Solid Gold television series, and a year later he starred in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Broadway. But despite his enormous success, he battled with insecurity, depression, and substance abuse, causing his career to flounder and leaving him bankrupt by 1987. By then, he seemed ready to start anew and launch a comeback, but he died suddenly in 1988, five days after his thirtieth birthday.Despite the tragic brevity of his career and life, Andy Gibb still has a strong fan base around the world, but his story has never been told - until now. Arrow Through the Heart: The Biography of Andy Gibb draws upon extensive research, rare archival interviews with Andy Gibb and members of his family, and interviews conducted by the author with nearly fifty of Andy's friends and associates to examine the life and career of this beloved pop idol.
In 1937, it seemed as if Cary Grant had it all: the fame and fortune of being a leading man for one of Hollywood's biggest studios, with a life of luxury that was a world away from the hardship and misery he knew growing up in Bristol, England.But all that glitters is not gold. Grant felt that he had no say in the development of his own career, and he was seeing signs that the studio was losing interest in him--other than to just be a handsome face. He yearned for better roles to prove himself as an actor.And so, he did the inconceivable. He left the safety of his studio and struck out on his own as a freelance actor. Over the next four years, against tremendous odds and formidable opposition, he guided his own destiny.As amazing as the story of Archie Leach forging a new life for himself as Cary Grant is, the tale of these four crucible years, 1937 to 1940, is equally as important. For it was during these years that Cary Grant became more than a movie star. He became a timeless icon.
It's Me Billy: Black Christmas Revisited is a brand-new definitive book chronicling the making of Bob Clark's seminal 1974 Christmas slasher film. which is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary while still being acclaimed by critics around the world as well as loved by a cult fanbase. Featuring interviews with both cast and crew of the ground-breaking original film, as well as delving into the making of the film and an exploration of its themes and characters, It's Me Billy brings you the ultimate behind the scenes account of both the 1974 classic, as well as the remakes and spin offs that have all continued the legacy of the infamous "Billy." It's Me Billy is the ultimate resource for fans of Bob Clark's influential horror film & its extraordinary legacy.
Ed Wood, Jr. was much more than a character played by Johnny Depp in the Oscar winning bio-pic Ed Wood ... nor was he the "Worst Director of All Time" as declared in 1980 by the Medved brothers in their Golden Turkey Awards book ... Ed was a prolific writer, both adult novels, over 50 known titles ... but a writer of short fiction and what were called "articles" for noted L.A. Publisher Bernie Bloom. 60 of Ed's short stories are compiled in "Angora Fever" published by Bear Manor, and now we have nearly 80 "articles" or essays Ed produced, not exactly "fiction" but most the product of Ed's fevered mind driven by deadlines and alcohol. When The Topic Is Sex, is the largest collection of these to ever see the light of day. Compiled, edited and with a foreword by a close friend of Ed's widow, Kathy, Bob Blackburn. With an introduction by noted pop-culture author Bill Shute. This is a rare look at one of history's most misunderstood figures. Enjoy! Cover illustration by Evan Quiring, colorist Diego Vazquez.¿
"It's Not A Monster...It's Just A Doggy..." Based on the bestselling novel by prolific author Stephen King, Lewis Teague's masterfully conceived, created and performed film adaptation of Cujo hit theatres in 1983 - a year that became a benchmark for King adaptations with both The Dead Zone and Christine also terrifying audiences around the same time. Cujo would impress critics and fans alike, and would be regarded as one of the most successful of King's stories brought to the screen during the eighties. The film would also showcase a phenomenal performance from star Dee Wallace, who throws herself into the rich and complicated part of alienated adulteress Donna Trenton, making it a true tour de force role for a woman. Along with Wallace's poignant and dedicated control of the protagonist, this horror classic would feature some of the most thrilling and exhilarating animal action ever put to screen. Lead by dog trainer Karl Lewis Miller, the multiple St. Bernards used to portray the titular rabid canine would terrify hardened horror devotees with brilliantly orchestrated attack sequences during the film's climactic siege sequence that would see Dee Wallace trapped inside a dead Ford Pinto with child actor Danny Pintauro along for the harrowing ride. With it's sophistication and deep subversive intelligence, Cujo is a biting critique on the breakdown of the American family, an electric take on the "woman in the storm" story trope, a personal and introspective ecologically themed horror film (a subgenre usually socially and politically motivated) and a perfectly realised example of the power of circumstance. It also thoroughly scrutinizes fear - both real and imagined - in a sharp and magnetic manner. Lee Gambin's book analyses the entire film scene by scene - and along with the academic input there is exhaustive coverage of the production. This is the ultimate in "making of" books, where no stone has been left unturned. From the film's problematic early days with originally assigned director Peter Medak being fired, to detailed insight into screenwriter Barbara Turner's take on the source material, to Lewis Teague being brought in to take over as director along with cinematographer Jan de Bont and beyond, this definitive tome features over thirty candid interviews with cast and crew such as stars Dee Wallace, Daniel Hugh Kelly and Danny Pintauro, director Lewis Teague, composer Charles Bernstein, as well as stunt man Gary Morgan who played Cujo in many scenes (care of a St Bernard costume). There are many more additional voices who were on set represented in the book such as Danny Pintauro's parents as well as some highly deserving and loving insight about the late great animal trainer Karl Lewis Miller, from his daughter Teresa Ann Miller. With over 200 pictures (most of which have never been seen), this is the perfect tribute to a modern classic - a pure celebration of eighties horror, Stephen King, dogs in film, powerhouse performances from women and much more. The bottom line here is this...everything you have ever wanted to know about Cujo is in this book!
The Twilight Zone (1959-1964) anthology series created by Rod Serling presented a series of unrelated drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and horror stories that often concluded with a macabre or unexpected twist. The show has survived, and now the original scripts can finally be revealed. The unique scripts by principal writers Rod Serling, Charles Beaumont, Richard Matheson, and Earl Hamner give a rare look into the creative minds behind these imaginative tales: "The Chaser" (1960) by Robert Presnell, Jr."The Trouble With Templeton" (1960) by E. Jack Neuman"Long Distance Call" (1961) by William Idelson"Dead Man's Shoes" (1962) by OCee Ritch"I Dream of Genie" (1963)by John Furia, Jr."Pattern For Doomsday"by Charles Beaumont (an unproduced script) Andrew Ramage analyses include a scene by scene commentary and biographical information about these writers.
With his chiseled features, effortless screen presence, otherworldly vitality, striking blue eyes, Jan-Michael Vincent seemed destined for superstardom. However, the real Jan-Michael Vincent was a reluctant sex symbol plagued by doubt and low self-confidence, a perpetual misfit doomed to alcoholism.Jan-Michael Vincent: Edge of Greatness covers Vincent's entire life, beginning in his hometown of Hanford, California, and details the difference between Jan Vincent, a shy, small town boy, and Jan-Michael Vincent, Hollywood's golden boy, who was thought to be the next James Dean in the early to mid-1970s, a period in which Vincent delivered memorable performances in films such as Buster and Billie, The Mechanic, Tribes, and The World's Greatest Athlete. Featuring interviews with Vincent's childhood classmates and friends, as well as his former Hollywood colleagues, including Donald P. Bellisario, Alex Cord, and Robert Englund, Jan-Michael Vincent: Edge of Greatness reveals an eternal man-child, whose career and life symbolize the tragedy of unfulfilled potential. David Grove is an author, film journalist, historian, and produced screenwriter. He is the author of the books Fantastic 4: The Making of the Movie, Jamie Lee Curtis: Scream Queen, Making Friday the 13th, and On Location in Blairstown: The Making of Friday the 13th. He lives in British Columbia, Canada.
This is the Hardback edition. RAISED EYEBROWS: My Years Inside Groucho's House is the bittersweet story of the last years in the life of Groucho Marx, told by a young Marx Brothers fan who was fortunate enough to work for Groucho as his personal secretary and archivist, right inside Marx's Beverly Hills home. In addition to getting to know his hero, the author was able to spend quality time with Zeppo, Gummo, Mae West, George Burns, Bob Hope, Jack Lemmon, S.J. Perelman, Steve Allen, and scores of other luminaries of stage, screen, TV and literature. The downside of this dream-come-true was getting close to his idol as the curtain was coming down, and dealing with Erin Fleming - the mercurial woman in charge of Groucho's personal and professional life. Filled with never-before-seen photos and anecdotes, with an introduction by Dick Cavett.The author has written a new Afterword for this edition, detailing events and experiences that have taken place in the 15 years since the book was originally published, and there is a terrific new cover drawing by artist extraordinaire, Drew Friedman."A real page-turner that is by turns startling, shocking and as engrossing as a good novel. What a splendid book it is." - DICK CAVETT¿¿"It's one of the best books about a show-business icon I've ever read…It makes Groucho live so much more than the conventional bios."¿ - WOODY ALLEN¿"Raised Eyebrows is an intimate account of one of our national treasures - Groucho Marx. It's written by a young man who was fortunate enough to live with and work for Groucho, and if he doesn't know what he's talking about, who would? It has a unique insider's ¿point of view and is a fascinating study of a man who was one of the kings of comedy." ¿- JACK LEMMON"In this delightful report, Mr. Stoliar brings the real Groucho alive with wit, tears and all."¿ - STEVE ALLEN
THE BOOK THAT INSIDERS ARE ENJOYING.TV INSIDE-OUTREAD EXCERPTS FROM THEIR INTRODUCTIONS HOSTS...Bob Eubanks: On The Newlywed Game I asked a woman, "What's the one thing your husband wouldn't want you to talk about?" She spilled the beans that her husband and cousin were going to kill their uncle for the insurance money! Then, the husband told the same story! They matched and got the points!! Randy's TV INSIDE-OUT documents some of the most unpredictable and shocking moments that played out in front of and behind live TV cameras. Wink Martindale: On my first radio job I played a Pabst Beer commercial transcription at 78 RPM instead of 33-1/3 RPM. With the microphone open I yelled, "God dammit! What the shit's gonna' happen next?!" I thought I'd just ended my career in broadcasting. When the phone rang with a complaint I played dumb and said, "I'll notify the announcer!" In TV INSIDE-OUT Randy has captured the business as it really is, warts and all! Marc Summers: NBC turned me down to play on their Scrabble "favorite game show hosts week." But on the next phone call I heard "I have good news and bad news, which would you like to hear first?" I guess I picked correctly. My next stop was my first network gig: sub-hosting that Scrabble game show hosts week! Those of us who have been in the TV biz for years have a boatload of these stories. Somehow, Randy West knows a ton of them! George Gray: I've known Randy West for long enough that it would make me sound really old, and I've even had the pleasure of working with him on multiple occasions over the years. Now he's written a behind-the-scenes book about the industry, TV INSIDE-OUT. Just remember, if you read anything about me in it, he probably made it up-unless it makes me look good, then he's totally telling the truth! COMEDIANS...Bill Kirchenbauer: Stepping in front of the cameras as a comedian is wildly unpredictable. Who could guess John Davidson would suddenly decide to heckle me by reading my jokes from my personal cue cards to the audience? How about Tonight Show guest host Bill Cosby repeatedly telling the audience that I was mispronouncing my own name? I got the last laugh calling him "Mr. cos-BEE!" If you have a weak heart, don't read Randy's TV INSIDE-OUT!
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