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Journey into a world of comedy featuring some of the best comedians and comediennes of a different time and place. Dozens of encounters, each based on a one-on-one interview, some dating as far back as the 1960s, recalled by John Stalney, for thirty-three years an entertainment writer for the San Francisco Chronicle's Dateook. Stanley specialized in exclusive moments with stars and up-and-coming stars, searching for how and why they had succeeded or were trying to succeed with comedy in the worlds of night clubs, television, and motion pictures. Enter the lives of such historic show biz personalities as: Sid Caesar Imogene Coca Bob Hope Bing Crosby Kathryn Grant Crosby George Burns Lucille Ball Art Carney Jackie Gleason Audrey Meadows Milton Berle Jack Benny Dennis Day Sheldon Leonard Mel Blanc Hilliard Marks Rodney Dangerfield Joan Rivers Woody Allen Donald O'Connor Mae West Jimmy Durante Liberace Peter Sellers Henry Mancini Hoe Howard Wally Cox Greg Garrison Frank Gorshin Rich Little Elliott Gould (M*A*S*H) Donald Sutherland (M*A*S*H) Alan Alda (M*A*S*H) Loretta Swit (M*A*S*H) Harry Morgan (M*A*S*H) Mike Farrell (M*A*S*H) Larry Linville (M*A*S*H) Sally Kellerman (M*A*S*H)

You're probably still laughing. If you have seen The Carol Burnett Show, you remember the unbridled hilarity of the sketches performed by Carol, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence, Dick Van Dyke, Lyle Waggoner, and frequent guest stars Cass Elliot, Bernadette Peters, Paul Lynde, Eydie Gorme, Jim Nabors, Mel Torme, and Nancy Wilson.Discover the complete history of The Carol Burnett Show, from its origins as a potential series through later DVD releases. All 11 seasons and 276 episodes will enlighten, entertain, and bring back memories of the series' from 1967 to 1978. Remember Went With the Wind, the famous Gone With The Wind lampoon? Relive those unforgettable laughs through the memories of many of the creative personnel, guests, and even network executives in 60 exclusive interviews and summaries of each season's episodes.Author Wesley Hyatt takes you behind the scenes for revealing peeks at why the show switched time slots three times, how players changed roles during rehearsals, and how writers dreamed up certain skits. Relive the 25 Emmy Awards bestowed on cast and producers of one of the all-time best American television variety series.Featuring an Appendix of the top 30 shows. Index. Illustrated.About the author: Wesley Hyatt is the author of The Encyclopedia of Daytime Television (1997); The Billboard Book of Number One Adult Contemporary Hits (1999); Short-Lived Television Series, 1948-1978 (2003); A Critical History of Television's The Red Skelton Show, 1951-1971 (2004); Emmy Award Winning Nighttime Television Shows, 1948-2004 (2006); Kicking Off The Week: A History of Monday Night Football on ABC Television, 1970-2005 (2007); and Television's Top 100: The Most Watched American Broadcasts, 1960-2010 (2011). He works as a writer and editor with Citrix in Raleigh, North Carolina, and serves as a regular contributor to Stu's Show, an Internet radio interview show covering the entertainment industry.

Carleton Carpenter has appeared in more than 20 New York stage productions, countless tours around the country, thousands of TV and radio shows, and two dozen films, mostly for MGM-among them such classics as Father of the Bride, Summer Stock, Three Little Words, Lost Boundaries, Fearless Fagan, and Two Weeks With Love.

Once hailed by acclaimed director D. W. Griffith as "the greatest natural actress now in pictures," Una Merkel (1903-1986) was a rare individual in Hollywood's Golden Age. Humble, self-effacing, and egoless, she confessed to having great insecurities and an inferiority complex. Never aspiring to be a star, she was more interested in good roles, regardless of their size, which often meant supporting the more important actors of her day-Jean Harlow, Jeanette MacDonald, Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, James Stewart, Carole Lombard, and Marlene Dietrich, to name a few. But Una didn't mind playing second fiddle to them. She was able to parlay these parts into a career that lasted more than forty years and included not only film, but also theater, television, and radio. Her career achievements went on to be acknowledged by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Tony Award, and an Oscar nomination. Whether she played harebrained ingénues, wisecracking best friends, feisty pioneer women, or cantankerous matrons, critics appreciated her quirky characterizations, which were made even better with her trademark Southern accent, deft comic delivery, and incomparable stage presence. Filmmakers and co-workers respected her tireless work ethic and professionalism, while her family, friends, and fans loved her sweet, kindhearted disposition; genuine concern for others, and down-to-earth personality. This book, the first full-length biography devoted to Una Merkel, will finally give this endearing actress her just due, examining not only her extraordinary career, but also her amazing life, which may have seemed idyllic and storybook from the outside, but was actually filled with a great amount of tragedy and pain. Scrupulously researched, this biography is enhanced by information gleaned from some of Merkel's personal correspondence, rare archival documents, interviews, and recollections shared by her friends and colleagues.

Now you're in for it! Join world famous film star Rebecca Lord as she takes you into the strange and hilarious world of adult films. Rebecca started in the business when she was a very young woman in France, but soon became well known in the industry and moved to America to further her career. While in the U.S., she became a huge star, and made a lot of friendships with some famous stars on the way, before returning to Europe where she continues to direct movies. This book is full of amazing, sexy and too-funny stories that will have you laughing out loud! Rebecca Lord is a world famous adult film star and a member of the AVN Hall of Fame. Brian Whitney is the author or co-author of 7 books, including an autobiography of Porsche Lynn and the novel Raping the Gods.

In an era when aspiring actors desperately sought studio connections, young Dickie Jones did not. Possessor of a load of multiple talents and under the guidance of his mother, he moved from studio to studio - dancing, acting, riding. Dickie had that most desirable gift for every actor - believability. In his independence, Dickie walked off with one of the plum juvenile roles of his time - the voice of Pinocchio for Walt Disney. As he geared up to sing "No Strings on Me" he might have been singing his personal theme song. In NO STRINGS: IN SEARCH OF DICKIE JONES, Ann Snuggs has shared Dick's stories from his days on the silver screen in combination with her research on the films and people involved. Come search for the real Dick "Dickie" Jones.

"...Michael Druxman has done an exemplary job with this 'Films of '¬ formatted chronicle of the life of Paul Muni. Above and beyond the usual compendium of production credits, Druxman has spoken to many people associated with Muni in order to produce a rounded, intelligent picture of the man and the actor....Grade-A in all departments." - Film Fan Monthly, November 1974 "...The volume...has special reference value, particularly since Muni will go down in theatrical history as one of the great perfectionists who graced the screen and stage.... Biographer Druxman is concise and informative in his narration of the Muni story. - Don Carle Gille¬ e, Variety, June 14, 1974 "...The author carefully analyzes them [Muni's films] to develop an understanding of the man and his method. This close look at Muni's professional life, coupled with a study of his personal life and habits results in a complete picture of a master.... Interesting an informative reading." - Classic Film Collector, 1974

Comments from Un-Blacklisted Celebrities "Things that they would think up had no value. The would print them and then the sponsors and the networks wouldn't hire you if your name was even mentioned in one of those rags. You were thoroughly blacklisted." Shirley Mitchel "They ruined a lot of lives. It was a terrible, terrible thing." George Fenneman "Counterattack people and many others were making it hard on nearly everyone." Ralph Bellamy "Writers had to use a front because they couldn't get hired. After all, they had families to support." Evelyn Keyes "We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, America dies." Edward R. Murrow Jason Hill, Author Life for Jason Hill has always been interesting. Twenty years a commercial pilot, including movies . . . twenty-five years in recording and radio. His long time mentor was Norman Corwin, who finally convinced him to write. Mr. Hill's published and upcoming works include Life in the Past Lane-Volumes One, Two & Three: and some poetry. He lives in the Chicago area.

Female silent film stars possessed beauty, persistence, flair, and probably a sister in the business. You may have seen Mae Marsh in The Birth of a Nation (1915), Constance Talmadge in Intolerance (1916), or Lillian Gish in Broken Blossoms (1919), but their sisters also starred in major motion pictures, such as Marguerite Marsh in The Master Mystery (1919), Norma Talmadge in The Battle Cry of Peace (1915), and Dorothy Gish in Orphans of the Storm (1921). These six appeared in countless movies. Most of their films are lost, but their legends remain. Few knew at the time that these extraordinary women were more than just faces on a screen; they were complex and human, with sometimes strange parents, body image issues, and relationship struggles. Their mistakes and triumphs often mirrored our own, though they were miles away in Hollywood. Their stories of violent marriages, heartbreaking tragedies, drastic surgeries, and secret identities are finally revealed in a candid exposé of the truth behind the tinsel. Sister stars in Reels and Rivals that are profiled include: Norma and Constance Talmadge; Lillian and Dorothy Gish; Edna Flugrath and sisters Shirley Mason and Viola Dana; Helene and Dolores Costello; Poly Ann and Loretta Young with sister Sally Blane; Constance and Faire Binney; Priscilla and Marjorie Bonner; Grace and Mina Cunard; Alice and Marceline Day; Marion and Madeline Fairbanks; Laura and Violet La Plante; Mae and Marguerite Marsh; Ella, Ida Mae, and Fay McKenzie; Beatriz and Vera Michelena; Mary and Florence Nash; Sally O'Neil and sister Molly O'Day; Mabel and Edith Taliaferro; Olive and Alma Tell; and famous Vaudevillians The Duncan Sisters and The Dolly Sisters. Illustrated with 94 studio portraits, film stills, and candid photos that capture the glamour and excitement of Hollywood's Golden Era. Indexed. About the author: Jennifer Ann Redmond's work has been featured in Classic Images, Vintage Life, and ZELDA magazine. She resides in her childhood home on Long Island, New York.

"Use the combos, keep the feet light. This is it." That's boxing champ Julius, psyching himself up for a showdown with, of all people, unstoppable killer Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. Perhaps not familiar with the fact that a goalie mask is meant to stop rock hard vulcanized rubber flying at 100 mph, his fists prove laughably ineffective. Jason's though, are anything but. He punches Julius's head clean off with one right cross. A fist might seem like unconventional weaponry compared with the knives and axes usually deployed by unspeaking, unfeeling, unstoppable killers in horror films. And it is. But it doesn't even scratch the surface when it comes to weird ways people have been killed in horror. Horror movie victims have had ears of corn buried in their backs, they've been decapitated by basketballs, lacerated by avant-garde sculptures, skewered by mounted deer antlers, bludgeoned by pogo sticks, and punctured with unfurled umbrellas. Death by Umbrella! The 100 Weirdest Horror Movie Weapons showcases these oddball deaths and some even stranger ways killers have gone about their grisly business - MOs that would leave even the most seasoned coroner shaking their head provided, of course, that it's still attached, for in the world of horror, no one is safe. Authors Christopher Lombardo and Jeff Kirschner are Toronto horror journalists and hosts of the Really Awful Movies Podcast, a weekly celebration of low budget genre film. They also review horror films new and old at ReallyAwfulMovies.com.

This is the exciting, behind the scenes story of the overseas Disney theme parks. Discover why they were built where they are, who wanted them constructed and the problems and controversies that were faced in the building and expansion of these magical places. The first Disney theme park outside of the United States opened near Tokyo, Japan in 1983 and expanded to include a second park, Tokyo DisneySea in 2001. The second was erected in 1992, just outside Paris, France under the name Euro Disneyland, changed its name to Disneyland Paris a few years later and added a second venue, Walt Disney Studios Park, in 2002. The third opened as Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005 and a fourth, in Shanghai, China, welcomed the public in mid-June, 2016. Here you will find the background story of each park from preconception to opening day followed by a tour of the park pointing out what is there, what is new, what is different from the U.S. parks, what is the same, and in many cases, what is coming in the future, to give readers an in depth look at the history and future of the overseas Disneylands. Building Magic: Disney's Overseas Theme Parks also answers the burning question, "If I've been to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, is it worth my while going to the overseas parks?" Find the answer inside.

A good man is hard to find, as the famous 1919 song by Eddie Green attests, but the pioneering Black filmmaker, movie star, Old Time Radio icon, and composer established himself as the living portrait of all that is admirable. His legacy now inspires a whole new generation. In an era when Black entertainers struggled to gain a foothold in show business, Eddie Green rivaled Oscar Micheaux for honors as a pioneering Black filmmaker. Audiences from The Apollo to Broadway propelled Eddie into two of America's most popular long-running radio series. From poverty to prominence, he accomplished more than most people could dream. Discover Eddie's rags-to-riches story as told by his daughter. Her years of research have unearthed long-buried revelations and enlightening images that testify to one man's determination to rise above all obstacles and triumph against all odds through five decades from Vaudeville to television and then into the stuff of legends. The sands of time may have buried his name, but Eddie Green's laughter still echoes around the world. Thanks to this first-ever biography, a good man is no longer hard to find. Illustrated. Appendices include songs written by Eddie Green; the radio programs and movies in which he appeared; the movies he wrote, produced, and directed; rare script excerpts.

"Jason has done his usual great job interviewing these celebrities. I highly recommend this book." -MEL SIMONS, author and host of Audio Clip Trivia Quiz CBS, WBZ NewsRadio 1030, Boston "Chicago's SAG-AFTRA Senior Radio Players have dedicated themselves to preserving the Golden Days of radio with authentic performances of voice & sound effects. Jason has been a valuable supporter with his knowledge of the shows we perform and those who originally made them happen. His engaging conversations and humor definitely make it difficult to put his books down. We are quite fortunate. Thank you, Jason!" -CONNIE FOSTER, SAG-AFTRA Senior Radio Players' actress, director, producer & Steering Committee member, Chicago "The book drew me in so much that I carried it from room to room as I steadily fed on bite-sized chapters." -MICHAEL JAMES KACEY, editor, Memos to a New Millennium: The Final Plays of Norman Corwin "Some people say that the third time is the charm. In this case it is definitely not the case. Each of his books has been terrific. Jason continues to peel back the glint and glimmer of "The Golden Age of Radio" and shows that all that glitters is not golden." -ANTHONY N. NAZAROWSKI, performer with Those Were the Days Radio Players and instructor of the History of the Golden Days of Radio, Chicago "Jason's focus is on old time radio and early television. He showcases personalities, who are dear to our hearts, and we're glad to be learning about." -MARK ANDERSON, Radio Recall, Washington, DC

In a continuation of his memorable Vol. 1, again journey into a world of comedy featuring some of the best comedians and comediennes of a different time and place. Dozens of encounters, each based on a one-on-one interview, some dating as far back as the 1960s, recalled by John Stanley, for thirty-three years an entertainment writer for the San Francisco Chronicle's Datebook. Stanley specialized in exclusive moments with stars and up-and-coming stars, searching for how and why they had succeeded or were trying to succeed with comedy in the worlds of night clubs, television, and motion pictures. Enter the lives of such historic show biz personalities as: Shelley Berman Carol Channing Jim Nabors Ronnie Schell Frank Sutton Richard Kiel Chuck Jones Tom Hanks Carol Burnett James Coco Adrienne Barbeau Conrad Bain Sally Struthers Jean Stapleton Barbara Feldon Ed Platt Don Adams Pat Paulsen The Smothers Brothers Mary Tyler Moore Vicki Lawrence Harvey Korman Tim Conway Ernie Anderson Gale Gordon Phyllis diller Ken Curtis Dom Deluise Jerry Colonna Barbara Eden George Carlin Frank Fontaine Cloris Leachman Dick Shawn Bob Newhart

"When a wolf is chasing your sleigh, throw him a raisin cookie, but don't stop to bake a cake." This and other famous "Polish proverbs" were often spoken by George Peppard as Thomas Banacek, a detective solving seemingly impossible thefts, in the NBC Mystery Movie series, Banacek (1972-1974). Costars Murray Matheson and Christine Belford helped propel the series into brief but blazing popularity. A Who's Who of 1970s stars rounded out the stories with colorful characters, such as Broderick Crawford, Margot Kidder, Stefanie Powers, Brenda Vaccaro, Penny Fuller, Stella Stevens, Anne Francis, Sterling Hayden, Nancy Olson, Anne Baxter, Victoria Principal, Cesar Romero, Bert Convy, Sue Ane Langdon, and Victor Jory. In There's An Old Polish Proverb That Says, "BANACEK," television historian Jonathan Etter profiles series star George Peppard, and he also brushes back the sands of time to reveal the history of the locked-room, impossible mystery genre. A guide to all 17 thrilling episodes plus commentary from Executive Producer George Eckstein uncovers where and how he and his associates found an inspired twist to time-honored mystery formula. You discover the importance the series placed on numbers and the matching of numbers in the chapter entitled "Decoding Banacek." Series devotees will have considerable opportunity to test their powers of observation and concentration with the 112 Banacek challenges presented in the episode guide (7 challenges apiece for each of the 16 90-minute episodes). Illustrated with dozens of photos from series episodes and George Peppard films. About the author: television historian Jonathan Etter obtained a B.A. in History from Wright State University. His expertise has resulted in the publication of Quinn Martin, Producer and Gangway, Lord! (The) Here Come the Brides Book.

The famed director Robert Altman once said, "I don't think screenplay writing is the same as writing-I mean, I think it's blueprinting." Well, the late filmmaker couldn't be more wrong, and in these pages you will meet thirteen screenwriters who will disagree with that statement. Since the beginning of the film business it seems as if screenwriters have been getting the short end of the stick and have been treated more like hired help than the artists they really are. This book, written by a screenwriter for current and future screenwriters, seeks to shed light on the tireless keyboard mashers who spin the tales we remember and the catchy dialog that rings in our ears for years to come. Ranging from micro-budget cinema to Hollywood blockbusters, the illustrious screenwriters interviewed here will relay their down and dirty behind-the-scenes stories and expound on what it really takes to be a screenwriter and survive in Hollywood. It takes a thick skin to be a writer, but it takes bulletproof armor to be a screenwriter. Author, screenwriter, and bon vivant, Jose Prendes, is currently taking part in a top secret NASA space program and is unavailable to provide a complete biography beyond mentioning that he enjoys short walks and long naps.

MEL SIMONS IS AT IT AGAIN. Lovers of old-time radio can more feast on morsels of trivia. The Old-Time Radio Trivia Book IV stretches our memory skills as you tackle Mel's well-researched quizzes. His knowledge of the shows and radio personalities of mid-20th-century radio is endless. An avid listener in the '40s and '50s, Mel later became a renowned collector and friend to many of the beloved radio actors and comedians. You will love re-living the days when radio challenged the imagination as you work your way through the book. At the same time you will be treated to rare photos from Mel's vast collection. Mel Simons is an entertainer, musician, radio personality, author, and collector of trivia of all kinds. He is a fixture on WBZ radio where, as a regular contributor, he has amazed his audiences with his unique approach to trivia. He is a life-long Boston resident who relishes life and the good old days!

The stories behind some of cinema's great movies by the people who made them. Here, in their own words, are insights, reminiscences and candid comments by the directors (and, occasionally, stars) of films as diverse as The Exorcist, Men in Black, Sleepy Hollow and Twelve Monkeys. The line-up is truly stellar. William Friedkin rubs shoulders with Barry Sonnenfeld and Will Smith. Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam recall the creation of their individual and unique projects. John Carpenter looks back at The Thing, once misunderstood but now lauded as a masterpiece. Zombie king George A. Romero retraces the corpse-strewn road that led to his return to movies with Land of the Dead. Quentin Tarantino talks passionately about the 'Grindhouse' experiment of Death Proof. And acclaimed newcomer Ben Wheatley, hailed as the savior of new British horror, reveals the background to Kill List. Just some of the filmmakers who have made a dent in the genre of horror, sci-fi and fantasy. TONY EARNSHAW has interviewed hundreds of film personalities while writing for such diverse publications as Fangoria, Cinema Reiro, Sight & Sound, Diabolique, Starburst, Film Review, Little Shoppe of Horrors and Scarlet Street. He is the author of An Actor and a Rare One -- Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes, Beating the Devil -- The Making of Night of the Demon, Made in Yorkshire (with Jim Moran), The Christmas Ghost Stories of Lawrence Gordon Clark (Ed.), Studies in the Horror Film: Tobe Hooper's Salem's Lot (Ed.) and Under Milk Wood Revisited: The Wales of Dylan Thomas (with Mark Davis). His debut piece of horror fiction, 'Flies', appeared in The Eleventh Black Book of Horror, published by Mortbury Press in 2015.

Sylvia Sidney was one of a kind. Author James Baldwin said of her, "She was the only American film actress who reminded me of reality." Film historian John Springer called her the "finest emotional actress" of Hollywood's Golden Age. Her work enhanced landmark films of the 1930s, yet it wasn't until 1974 that Sidney received an Academy Award(R) nomination (Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams). Sidney was blunt and opinionated, offering salty assessments of her directors and co-stars. She had high praise for Spencer Tracy and James Cagney, but her opinion of Humphrey Bogart was less than enthusiastic. A whole new generation of fans enjoyed Sidney's about-turn in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice (1986). Along with acting, her passion for pug dogs and needlepoint contributed to the fascinating persona that was Sylvia Sidney. Author Scott O'Brien had input from Sylvia Sidney's co-stars and friends for this long overdue biography of one of cinema's best. Three of O'Brien's books have made the Huffington Post's "Best Cinema Books of the Year."

Spinning Laughter: Profiles of 111 Proposed Comedy Spin-offs and Sequels that Never Became a Series. The Andy Griffith Show begat Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C. The Mary Tyler Moore Show spun-off Rhoda and Phyllis. An episode of All in the Family became Maude and another episode became The Jeffersons. You remember the successful spin-offs, but you may now know about the spin-offs that never were. Why did the characters of Fred and Ethel Mertz from I Love Lucy never star in their own spin-off? What animated spin-off pilot could be considered a forerunner of The Simpsons? Which situation comedy has had the greatest number of attempted spin-offs? Why did the idea of a Krusty the Clown spin-off from The Simpsons never become a series? What could have been the first gay family comedy? What was the live-action Monsignor Martinez pilot from the King of the Hill series all about? Discover rare summaries of treatments, scripts, and pilots along with comments from fifty writers, directors, producers, and actors involved with proposed spin-offs and sequels: actress Elinor Donahue remarks about the Father Knows Best reunion movies; actor Patrick Cassidy talks about his audition for The Nanny spin-off; former actress Sheila James describes why her character, Zelda from The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, never got her own series; Eddie Mekka from Laverne & Shirley comments on the Lenny & Squiggy in the Army spin-off. Richard Irvin is also the author of Forgotten Laughs: An Episode Guide to 150 Sitcoms You Probably Never Saw (Bear Manor Media).

The Sexiest Starship AliveIt's how People Magazine would crown the Enterprise's crew if the pop culture stalwart warped into the 23rd century. Captain Kirk's randy reputation old, intergalactic news? Thankfully, this isn't a 'How to Score' guide penned by J.T.K. It's no tell-all memoir to shock and awe, nor cosmic celebrity sex tape full of space babes. Star Trek Sex deals tastefully in the romantically loaded tales of Gene Roddenberry's landmark TV show. And though William Shatner's Kirk is a front and center player, his crew, Spock, Scotty, Uhura, McCoy, Sulu and Chekov, also get a piece of the action.To explore strange new worlds... To seek out new life...Star Trek Sex covers the iconic classic, then warps beyond to Star Trek: Into Darkness and the hip satire of Saturday Night Live, Family Guy and the legendary Howard Stern. It highlights the sexually charged moments of Roddenberry's 'Wagon Train To The Stars' and focuses on those complex themes which helped establish Star Trek as a global Hollywood franchise.At age 4, Will Stape watched Star Trek before he knew the difference between a phaser and a taser. He's one of a handful of freelance writers to sell to Star Trek: The Next Generation. His episode, 'Homeward', with Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), premiered in the Emmy Award winning show's last season. A year later, he sold to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and his script, 'Charity', became 'Prophet Motive' with Wallace Shawn star of The Princess Bride.Stape pitched to Star Trek: Voyager, Deep Space Nine and met with writer/producer Michael Piller for Stephen King's The Dead Zone. He's developed TV show docudramas and his articles appear in Sci-Fi Pulse, Airlock Alpha, McCall's Quilter's Home, Hudson Reporter, Bayonne Style, Shine, OMG! and Yahoo! News.He's owned phasers, but never a taser.

A BROADWAY LEGEND OF 1924 Includes more than eighty rare photographs, some published here for the first time. Before they made the films which are their principal legacy, the Marx Brothers were the stars of three Broadway musicals in the 1920s. Two of these, The Cocoanuts and Animal Crackers, are popular classics, familiar from the Brothers' immortal film versions, and from numerous stage revivals. But the boys' 1924 Broadway debut, I'll Say She Is, was never filmed or revived, and it slipped through history's fingers. Although it was the most successful thing the Marx Brothers ever did on stage, it was unseen for ninety years after the original production closed, and has been considered a lost work. In 2009, writer, performer, lyricist, and Groucho Marxist Noah Diamond began a seven-year odyssey which led to the restoration, adaptation, and finally the historic first revival of this legendary entry in the Marx and musical theatre canons. Gimme a Thrill tells the whole story for the first time-the complete history of I'll Say She Is from 1923 to 2014. Noah Diamond adapted the book and lyrics for I'll Say She Is and has a long history of playing Groucho, on and off the stage. He is among the organizers of Marxfest, New York City's Marx Brothers festival, and has written and lectured widely on the Marxes and their work. With his partner Amanda Sisk, he wrote and produced the Nero Fiddled musicals, a series of political satires. His previous books are 400 Years in Manhattan and Love Marches On.

Charlotte Rae's career spans more than seventy years, from the golden age of television to Shakespeare in the Park, the New York Cabaret scene of the late 1940's and 50's to her hit series, The Facts of Life and well beyond. Off stage and screen, Charlotte's life has been one of joy and challenge, raising an autistic son, coming to terms with alcoholism, the heartache of a broken marriage, the revelation of a gay husband and the sudden challenge of facing middle-age with financial and emotional uncertainties--a crisis she ultimately turned into the determination that brought her stardom. The Facts of My Life is the first opportunity for Charlotte fans to explore the fascinating story of her extraordinary life: poignant and hilarious, a story of courage and triumph, one that speaks for a generation of women breaking barriers, taking on challenges, overcoming personal tragedy, and paving the way for others.

Joan Steiger's marriage to Academy Award winning actor Rod Steiger ended on July 9, 2002 when he passed away at a Los Angeles hospital. It wasn't the first time she had lost a man she loved... and it wouldn't be the last. In spite of such trials, Joan has maintained a contagiously upbeat and positive outlook throughout her life. As a star of the stage and screen with countless credits to her name, Joan has worked with nearly every Hollywood icon in the business and counts many of them among her friends. Her fascinating story is filled with some of the highest highs and lowest lows that life can offer. Ultimately, Brooklyn Baby is a fascinating read guaranteed to inspire as well as challenge each of us to follow our dreams.

"This book brings back so many lovely and amusing memories of a sadly missed friend. She was unique and irreplaceable in so many ways. Joel has been thorough in his research, and his love and respect for Karen shine through. Love and thanks for the fun and the magic of her musical soul." -Petula Clark "An insightful look at the life of Karen Carpenter, a singing hero of mine. I had the pleasure of opening for the Carpenters in 1975, but it was more exciting that they recorded several of my songs, particularly 'Solitaire, ' which featured a breathtaking Karen vocal accompanied by Richard's magnificent orchestration. Mr. Samberg's book is a worthy tribute to her everlasting legacy as one of the great vocalists of all time." -Neil Sedaka The popularity of the Carpenters-Karen in particular-has never really waned. In fact, when you consider the online presence, documentaries, tributes and other projects, you might even say that an unofficial Carpenters revival has been brewing for years. Many remember the velvety voice that helped the Carpenters sell 100 million records, but not everyone knows that beyond the gifted singer was also a love-starved romantic, conflicted sister, obedient daughter, unpredictable jester, modest millionaire, optimistic dreamer, wannabe mother, emotional wreck, generous friend, and melancholy clown. How is it that someone whose stardom lasted just a dozen years, and who might have given it all up in a heartbeat, is still so beloved and still fascinates more than three decades after her untimely death?

This book delves into Rayburn's life before the classic show. Rayburn, who was born Eugen Jeljenic in 1917, was a budding actor who got sidetracked at the start of his career and became a disc jockey. With Dee Finch, he co-hosted Anything Goes, the earliest "morning drive time" radio show, and dominated New York airwaves--one interviewee called Rayburn "The Howard Stern of the 1940s." His success as a disc jockey led to a contract with NBC, where, in 1954, Rayburn would become the first announcer/sidekick on The Tonight Show. Rayburn also amassed an impressive resume in theater, including the starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie and La Cage Aux Folles. In addition, The Matchless Gene Rayburn explores Rayburn's life away from the cameras, including his fractious relationships with Match Game panelist Richard Dawson and game show kingpin Mark Goodson, as well as his struggles finding employment after Match Game ended. As a television game show host, Rayburn was famous for his somewhat rebellious approach to the job. He told jokes, used silly voices when he read questions, dragged stagehands in front of the camera, drew the audience's attention to broken pieces of equipment, and encouraged the audience to boo when contestants gave what he called "rotten answers." He could be just as mischievous off the air. He was on the receiving end of numerous memos from NBC executives, scolding him for riding his bicycle in the hallways of the NBC offices. Among the interviewees that author Nedeff spoke to for the book were Match Game panelists Orson Bean & Dick Gautier, Hollywood Squares host Peter Marshall, animal trainer Warren Eckstein (The Mickey Mouse Club), and Rayburn 's daughter Lynne. All paint a portrait of Gene Rayburn as a complicated man torn by the success he enjoyed in television, and the frustration he felt about not getting the roles he truly wanted or the respect he felt he was owed.

"Lewis Vendredi made a deal with the devil to sell cursed antiques, but he broke the pact, and it cost him his soul. His niece Micki, and her cousin Ryan, inherited the store-and with it, the curse. Now they must get everything back-and the real terror begins." So opens Friday the 13th: The Series. In 1987, Paramount Studios found success selling a new Star Trek series into syndication. Eager to cash in on other studio-owned properties, Paramount asked producer Frank Mancuso Jr. to develop a series around Friday the 13th, and the television series was born. It had nothing to do with the popular slasher film franchise, which was both a blessing and curse. It was a largely young, inexperienced cast and crew, and one of the first Hollywood productions to shoot entirely in Canada. In the first-ever examination of the TV series, author Alyse Wax delves into the series episode-by-episode, with more than sixty exclusive interviews with the cast, writers, directors, and producers, as well as nearly fifty never published behind-the-scenes photos from the cast and crew's personal collections. ALYSE WAX has been covering television and the horror industry for over a decade. She was the Associate Editor of the dearly departed FEARnet.com, and currently writes for a number of geeky, freaky places, including ComingSoon.net, Fangoria, ShockTillYouDrop.com, and Blumhouse.com.