BearManor Media

Our new catalog is out and it's beautiful!

2010-07-19T19:31:00.001-07:00

Look at what just came from the printer today! We're very proud of this new - and much improved - catalog.

The Beach Boys!

2010-07-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

There are a great many names in this book because over the course of some thirty-five or so years in the entertainment business, Lloyd worked with, met with, or just talked to a lot of people including celebrities of various ilk. A few became his friends; many were merely business or golfing acquaintances. The time he spent with the Beach Boys surely made them his friends or at least one would hope. Lloyd always made it a point to differentiate between people he designated as friends and those who were merely acquaintances based on, to a very minor degree, who picked up the check or whether or not he was close enough to be invited to their homes. Or even how quickly or even whether they returned phone calls. There are many of each. A lot of what is included in this book has not previously been in print, either because it related to things he shared personally with the people involved or because it was not known to the general public. While this isn't quite a "tell all" book, it is definitely a "tell some" book. Anyway, herein lies an opportunity to live what Jack Lloyd lived and then re-lived as he wrote it. Enjoy the ride.

Nice review & comments on PopSyndicate.com

2010-07-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

Horror Movies, Music Stars, Artists & More!
“Esoteric” has a couple of meanings, but in the case of Michael McCarty’s book Esoteria-Land (Bear Manor Media) it relates more to the secret lives of celebrity. McCarty, a professional writer since 1983, writing a number of books, short stories, poems and a plenitude of articles, has put together a selection of short interviews and photographs with a variety of famous people, as well as some entertaining articles and essays dealing primarily with the horror field and genre. This should come as no surprise as the preface has an introductory discussion between McCarty and horror author C. Dean Andersson (I Am Dracula) followed by an introduction from Scream Queen Linnea Quigley (Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers). The book also includes other genres and niches. It begins with an interview with Tommy Chong, the famous hippie doper from the infamous comedic duo Cheech & Chong. This is followed with an interview with singer/guitarist/songwriter Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues. A very interesting interview with Alistair Taylor comes soon after. Who is Alistair Taylor you may ask. He was a collaborator with Brian Epstein, the man who became the manager of The Beatles. Taylor helped Epstein in those early formative years with the band but had little hope for them, missing out on an opportunity to own a portion of what would become one of the most influential bands of all time. McCarty also touches on Art as he interviews the fantasy illustration team of Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell. There are also more interviews with other comedians, actors, film makers and authors, including the creator of Discworld, Sir Terry Pratchett and one of science fiction’s greatest writers, Alan Dean Foster. Of the essays, the most fascinating is a look at author Dean Koontz and how he is viewed by other authors. Despite his scary stories, Koontz evidently has a heart of gold and comes across as a very benevolent and kind person. Esoteria-Land is nearly 350 pages in length but most of the interviews are only 3 or 4 pages, so the book makes for a quick, fun read.

Gardner McKay's play to become a movie!

2010-07-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

From "The Wrap" website
Reporter Jeff Schneider

Oscar-winning filmmaker John G. Avildsen ("Rocky") is set to direct "Me.," an independent feature based on the play by late actor/author Gardner McKay. Joe Dain wrote the screenplay after optioning the rights from McKay's widow, Madeleine, who will serve as executive producer on the project. Dain will produce through his company Shoot Productions. First published in 1998 as a play in two acts, the dark comedy follows the Vickery family as they come together to rally around 12-year-old Tommy after a tragic baseball accident caused by his twin brother leaves him brain damaged and dependent on his family for his every need. The story picks up six years after the accident as the family re-examines the very distinct choices they've made for themselves in order to survive. Dain discovered McKay's play more than a decade ago at a Samuel French book store. "From the minute I read it, I was drawn to the material," said Dain, who at the time was working with two other producers who were interested in raising financing for a theatrical production of "Me." The trio organized a reading for potential financiers and McKay (right) and his wife flew to Los Angeles to attend. "I told him that I thought the play would make an incredible movie and his reply to me was, 'well if you ever get to a place in your career to have a serious discussion about producing this as a film, give me a call.' It was not until many years later that I was in such a position, and sadly, Gardner had passed away," said Dain. Late last year, Dain decided to take a chance and contact McKay's widow, who remembered him and requested he send an example of his work as a movie producer. Dain sent his award-winning 2008 film "Gardens of the Night," and one week later, McKay called Dain and agreed to sell him the rights to the play. "This story is an intense, surprisingly original, funny, dark and yet binding story about family," Dain told TheWrap. UTA is packaging the project and will handle its domestic sales. Avildsen previously directed "The Karate Kid" and "Lean on Me," and his last movie to be given a theatrical wide release was 1994's "8 Seconds." He's attached to direct the sports drama "Stano." Avildsen is represented by UTA, while Gersh represents Dain and The Marton Agency represents McKay.

Another great review

2010-07-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Check out the excellent review by Beyond Hollywood.com's Joseph Savitski. It can be seen at http://www.beyondhollywood.com/book-review-just-when-you-thought-it-was-safe-a-jaws-companion/#. Way to go, author Patrick!

Lon Chaney's Dracula Recommended on Psychobabble

2010-07-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here's what the Psychobabble website has to say about Philip J. Riley's new book:

Psychobabble recommends Philip J. Riley’s ‘Lon Chaney as Dracula’
Before Bela Lugosi forged his iconic performance as Count Dracula, another horror legend was slotted to play the role. Having risen to superstardom by playing grotesques in silent pictures such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Phantom of the Opera, and London After Midnight, Lon Chaney Sr. was to play the vampire in what would have been his second talking picture. The film was well past the planning stages—with Tod Browning hired to direct and Dudley Murphy and Louis Bromfield penning the script—when Chaney’s death by throat hemorrhage in 1930 halted it. Losing little time, Universal replaced Chaney with Bela Lugosi and hired Garrett Fort to write a new script in time for the film to be released less than six months after Chaney’s death. Long thought to be lost, Murphy and Bromfield’s unproduced Dracula script is the latest discovery of cinematic archaeologist Philip J. Riley, whose Alternate History for Classic Monster Movies series continues to marvel. This latest volume is a more eclectic affair than the ones about James Whale’s Dracula’s Daughter and Wolfman vs. Dracula. Beginning with Riley’s brief introduction to the subject, the book moves on to Bromfield’s extensive, 50-page treatment, complete with long stretches of dialogue. Chaney was adamant that his film-adaptations remained faithful to the novels on which they were based, and the treatment reveals a picture considerably closer to Bram Stoker than Fort’s script based on the Dracula stage play by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston. The Count is also described in more animalistic terms, with his hairy body, wolfish ears, and long fangs, than Lugosi’s vampire, probably to take better advantage of Chaney’s makeup prowess. After the treatment comes the opening passage of Murphy and Bromfield’s script, which draws out Jonathan Harker’s arrival at Castle Dracula for 20-pages, suggesting a more epic film than the one with Lugosi. The script ends abruptly during Harker’s initial meeting with Dracula because of Chaney’s death, but Riley’s book still has several more treasures in its crypt: a complete cast, crew, and title list for the 1931 Dracula, F.W. Murnau’s complete shooting script for Nosferatu, which includes numerous notes by the director (Bromfield was given a copy of the script to help him along with constructing his vampire tale), and most valuably, Lon Chaney’s 12-page autobiography originally published in the September 1925 issue of Movie Magazine. While any classic horror enthusiast should be sufficiently lured by Bromfield’s fascinating treatment, Chaney’s autobiography is a clincher, offering a rare opportunity to read the man’s story in his own words, not to mention a wealth of terrific pictures.

Great show coming Sunday night

2010-07-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

Author Pat Jankiewicz will discuss man-eating sharks, summer blockbusters and his book, Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A Jaws Companion, on WGN Radio's "The Nick Digilio Show" on WGN Radio Chicago, 12:30 a.m. Sunday night, July 11th, following The Cubs game. Listen live via the internet! http://www.wgnradio.com/about/listen/

Ann Harding, Cinema's Gallent Lady

2010-07-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 16, at 7:30pm at Castro Theatre, San Francisco, CA

Following the San Francisco Silent Film Festival presentation "Rotaie" at the Castro Theater, there will be a book signing for "Ann Harding - Cinema's Gallant Lady," by Bay Area film historian Scott O'Brien. Critics hailed Ann Harding as the finest actress to venture from Broadway to Hollywood. Her unique, natural screen presence in Holiday (1930) earned an Academy Award nomination. From 1929-1936, Harding reigned as cinema's "Gallant Lady." This new book features a foreword by Mick LaSalle.

It's all things Dracula!

2010-07-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

The Blackgate's Adventures in Fantasy Literature's page has a wonderful, detailed write-up about Dracula items, including our own Lon Chaney's Dracula book by Philip J. Riley. Check it out at http://www.blackgate.com/2010/07/02/dracula-from-script-to-screen/#more-8803

From the San Francisco Silent Movie Examiner.....

2010-07-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

[By Thomas Gladysz]
These days, Diana Serra Cary lives a quite life in Gustine, California. It’s a small town in the Valley south of Modesto and east of San Jose, and not so far from Merced, where she was born. There, the 91 year old former movie star is working on a new book – her fifth. It’s to be an insider's account of the movie industry, and according to Cary, a "study of fear and power in working Hollywood."Cary knows of what she speaks. In the 1920’s, she was known as “Baby Peggy,” and was one of the two biggest child actors in the pre-sound era. (The other was Jackie Coogan.) She was, in her day, as famous and as popular as Shirley Temple would become in the following decades.Cary is also one of the last surviving silent film stars. In a recent interview, the one-time actress revealed that work is nearly done on a documentary focusing on her remarkable and troubled life. It is being made in The Netherlands, and should be available in the United States in 2011, if not sooner.And today, two articles appeared about the diminutive actress. One, in the Huffington Post, was my own. It is titled “The Bookseller Who Became an Author and Who Once Had Been the Biggest Little Film Star in the World.” It takes a look at her interesting post-Hollywood career as an accomplished bookseller and well respected author. The other, by Kenneth Turan in the Los Angeles Times, promotes an upcoming event in Los Angeles. On July 7th, Baby Peggy will give a short talk and introduce her 1924 film, Captain January, at the Cinefamily's Silent Movie Theater. It is Turan’s “Pick of the Week.” It’s one of two events Cary is expected to attend this month. She will also be signing copies of her books at the Castro Theater in San Francisco on July 16th as part of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.If you love the movies, then don't miss one of these two opportunities to meet a real movie star – and a living legend. Or as Turan put it, “Be one of the few to experience a piece of film history both on and off the screen.”

Coming Tuesday on Blog Talk Radio

2010-07-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Call-in Number: (646) 478-5668
Upcoming Show: 7/6/2010 3:00 PM
Host Name: Betty Jo Tucker
Show Name: Singin' in the Corn!

Length: 45 minutes

Author and publisher Ben Ohmart talks about his biography of comedienne Judy Canova. Titled "Singin' in the Corn!" after one of Judy’s most popular film comedies, this revealing book takes readers behind the scenes of a remarkable five-decade showbiz career that included film, radio, vaudeville, nightclubs, records, television and Broadway. In 1947, Judy Canova was named America’s top “comedienne” at the same time Jack Benny was dubbed our top “comedian.” Judy made over 20 films and played opposite such funnymen as Joe E. Brown, Alan Jenkins, Dennis Day, Ben Blue and Jack Benny. Skilled in physical comedy, she was also gifted with an amazing voice. Some people even called Judy the “Jenny Lind of the Ozarks.” But instead of becoming an opera singer, she used her talents to make people laugh. Making country comedy popular was her gift to showbiz.

Something we bet you didn't know about Baby Peggy

2010-07-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Diana Serra Cary (aka "Baby Peggy") once worked as a bookseller? Now it's her own book that is selling!

Check out this great article about her from the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-gladysz/the-bookseller-who-became_b_631529.html

New from BearManor Media

2010-07-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

JUST JOAN: A JOAN CRAWFORD APPRECIATION is the ultimate Joan Crawford Bible, examining Crawford’s work, influence, life, and image in meticulous and loving detail.

Illustrated with over 300 photos, many of them rare and never before in print, JUST JOAN is a compilation of over four years of comprehensive research, culled from rare Lincoln Center archives, original magazines and those who knew her. Crawford is examined as a feminist forerunner, a gay icon, a dynamic artist, and as one of the world’s great movie stars. The many anecdotes and quotes within JUST JOAN reveal the sassy, indomitable spirit of this actress who grew up in abject poverty with an indifferent family and yet, against unseemly strife and setbacks, rose from the ashes like a phoenix. Her determination, talent and committed work ethic enabled her to find a career and home with what would be one of the most celebrated and powerful studios in film history, MGM. Hers is the moving, complex story of the pursuit and realization of the American Dream, part sublime, part nightmare, self-actuated. With rich detail and devotion, JUST JOAN bears testament to Crawford’s enduring enigma and powerful star.

Comic strips you don't have to see to enjoy

2010-06-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

From Archie Andrews to Tom Mix, all radio characters and programs that ever stemmed from a comic book or comic strip in radio's golden age are collected here, for the first time, in an easy-to-read, A through Z book!

A Fine Tribute - Coming Soon!

2010-06-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Cinemassacres: A Tribute to Forrest J. Ackerman and 1980s Horror Films
Introduction by Ingrid Pitt / 6
Kind Comments for Uncle Forry
Interviews
Afterword by Iron Dave / 166
Interviews:
Modern Mythmakers author Michael McCarty / 10
Artist Frank Dietz / 15
Multi-Media artist and Forry's ‘'best pal'' Joe Moe / 18
Michael Mallory - author of ‘'Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy Of Horror'' / 22
John Dimes- actor/artist/author of The Rites of Pretending Tribe / 25
Brian Walker - creator of Brian's Drive-In Theatre / 28
Robert Leininger - producer of The Undying Monsters / 31
Dick Dyszel { Count Gore Devol} host of Creature Feature / 35
Artist Jim McDermott / 38
Lucy Hell of Mystery Island Publications / 39
Rue Morgue Magazine art director ‘'Ghoulish'' Gary Pullin / 41
Special Guest Photos Section
Courtlandt Hull - creator of ‘'The Witch's Dungeon'' Museum in Bristol, CT. / 58
Kevin Sean Michaels - director of Vampira: The Movie / 61
Moebius Models creator Frank Winspur / 65
Dr. Mangor - Antimator, photographer, creator of Suicidal Suzi comic / 67
Scifi-Womanthology editor Pam Keesey / 70
Special Guest Interviews:
East Texas Gothic: Joe R. Lansdale / 74
Gandhi At The Bat author Chet Williamson / 80
Don Calfa - star of Return of the Living Dead / 84
Scalps director Fred Olen Ray / 88
NCIS star Muse Watson / 99
Jason Paul Collum - author of Assault of the Killer Bs / 106
Horror Films of the 1980s author John Kenneth Muir / 113
Strangewood author Christopher Golden / 115
Genre actor/stuntman/screenwriter Jim O'Rear / 120
Sara Karloff - daughter of horror icon Boris Karloff / 123
Interview with Cinemassacres author Iron Dave, conducted by Roberta Lannes / 126
Covenant and The 13th author John Everson / 131
The Amazing Kreskin / 135
Count Gregula / 143
Chopping Mall director Jim Wynorksi / 146
Echoes: Remembering Forrest J. Ackerman / 155

Thumbs Up!

2010-06-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

The Hellnotes website posted a fine review of one of our newly-published tomes. Check it out at http://hellnotes.com/twice-the-terror-book-review.

Busy, busy author!

2010-06-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Think you're overworked? Check out Matt Beckoff's schedule for July:

July 16th 7pm. Dark Delicacies in Burbank, CA. Special guests, PJ Soles, Dee Wallace, Coleen Gray, Kathleen Hughes, Janet Ann Gallow and Bob Burns, who wrote the Foreword. http://www.darkdelicacies.com/

July 17th. Dark Shadows Festival in Burbank, CA. http://www.darkshadowsfestival.com/

July 18th 1pm. Larry Edmunds book shop on Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood CA. Joining him will be special guests, Carla Laemmle, Elena Verdugo, Kathleen Hughes and Bob Burns. http://www.larryedmunds.com/

What's Coming Up at Larry Edmunds Bookshop

2010-06-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

On Sundan, July 18th, at 1:00 p.m., a Sunday matinee with author Matt Beckoff and scream queens Kathleen Hughes, Carla Laemmle, and Elena Verdugo. Horror-meister Bob Burns will join in on the fun as well.

The store's address is 6644 Hollywood Boulevard, it's website is larryedmunds.com, and its phone number is (323) 463-3273.

An Evening With TV Icon Kathy "Cissy" Garver, star of "Family Affair"

2010-06-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Tour a collection of some of the most famous fashions from motion pictures and the personal wardrobes of the world's greatest stars, including: Judy Garland. Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Cary Grant.

Kathy will be autographing copies of her new "Family Affair Cookbook" - $25 includes book, autograph and reception.

Thursday, June 24, 2010, 6 to 8 pm. Wine reception at:
Metreon, 101 Fourth Street, Ground Level, San Francisco, CA 94103
Tickets available at the door. Wine courtesy of Jerry Tusan, Classic Wines of California.
RSVP: _Kgarver333@aol.com_ (mailto:Kgarver333@aol.com)
Hope you can make it!

Let's Give a Listen to Martin Grams, Jr.

2010-06-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

It's the good old days this week on Dave White Presents. Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Convention organizer and prolific author Martin Grams Jr returns to discuss his latest book covering the adventure hero The Green Hornet. Then The Green Hornet himself, Van Williams, who starred in that role in the television series will share some interesting and fun stories from his career. Actress Dawn Wells will also be a guest discussing her career and talking about the Nostalgia Convention at which both she and Van will be making appearances. The program previews on KSAV radio www.ksav.org Tuesday June 22 at 7:30PM Eastern and 7:30PM Pacific time and will be available 24/7 beginning Wednesday June 23 at www.audioentertainment.org/dwp . Dave White Presents is now on Facebook

Looking For the Leap Home

2010-06-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Theorizing that one could time travel within his own lifetime, Dr. Sam Beckett, after leading an elite group of scientists to develop a top secret project known as Quantum Leap, prematurely stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished . . .He awoke to find himself trapped in the past, suffering from partial amnesia and facing mirror images that were not his own, driven by an unknown force to change history for the better. His only guide on this journey is Al, the project observer from his own time, who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear. So Dr. Beckett finds himself leaping from life to life, striving to put right what once went wrong and hoping each time that his next leap, will be the leap home...In these pages you will discover:* How Don Bellisario got the idea for the show and pitched it to NBC.* What Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell thought about the series and why they consider it to be one of the best and most cherished experiences of their lives.* About the incredible fans, who never gave up hope and sent over 50,000 letters and calla lilies to then NBC president Warren Littlefield to put the show back on the air on Wednesday nights.* Why episodes like "The Color of Truth," "Black On White On Fire" and "Running For Honor" had advertisers pulling out and NBC ready to pull the plug.* How Quantum Leap ended and a look back at all five seasons of the series.With the hope of a new sci-fi or movie on the horizon, let's take a bold leap forward into the adventures of Dr. Sam Beckett and hope that his next leap will be the leap that sends him home.

A Dream Collection of Classic Hollywood Photos

2010-06-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

Tommy Lightfoot Garrett has been a collector of classic era photographs for years. The difference between Tommy and the people who collect classic photos, is that Tommy over the years has become friends with many of these stars and he also has represented many of them over the years as well. This photo book is one that the reader and admirer of classic stars can enjoy some of the great studio and candid shots of the past century, with Garrett's historical knowledge of Hollywood and the icons who made the entertainment industry so great. There are even some shots signed by stars who are either no longer with us or no longer signing autographs. This book is warm, well put together and offers the reader some new insights into what made the classic era so grand in Hollywood's history.

Hot Off The Press!

2010-06-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Will the Real Me Please Stand Up, by Christopher Knopf. Some very talented people have a lot of great things to say about this book. Take a look:

"Christopher Knopf is a consistently superb writer with his body of work a treasury of accomplishment any writer would envy. Here are the personal experiences that formed his keen insight on life and the nimble mind that led him to the Presidency of the Writers Guild of America, West. He speaks with complete honesty of the many people he has worked with and worked for in a vacillating, perilous profession. It makes a helluva read."- John Gay, Oscar nominated Screenwriter, Separate Tables

"Over his 50 year career writing for movies and television, Chris Knopf worked with many of Hollywood's great stars, producers and directors. He is a wonderful story teller and has filled this book with tricks of the trade, inspiring anecdotes, and one entertaining story after another. It's a must read for any aspiring screenwriter." - Tom Schulman, Oscar Winning Screenwriter, Dead Poets Society

"All television writers know who 'wrote the book' on writing Movies and Miniseries for Television -- it was Chris Knopf, and now he's written the warm and engaging story of how he did it while at the same time leading a graceful and rewarding life. Reading this very human memoir reminded me again and again how much I like and admire Chris and why."- David Rintels, playwright, three-time Emmy winning writer, past President, Writers Guild of America West

"Will The Real Me Please Stand Up is a page turner that will earn its way into your library. It's written by a person who grew up in a family of Hollywood Royalty. His father, colorful and charming, as well as domineering and insensitive, was a movie producer during MGM's golden years. I was fully immersed in this fascinating success story of Chris' battle to become his own man and creative force, emerging as an award winning writer."- Jerry Mayer, producer, playwright, television writer for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Mash

"Old Hollywood lives again in Chris Knopf's engaging life story, which could be subtitled "Sometimes Nepotism Doesn't Work," about his struggle and triumph with a competitive father who lived in the last days of the old studio system.- Del Reisman, story editor Playhouse 90, past President, Writers Guild of America, West.

A very special Dave White Presents

2010-06-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is an Early Bird announcement about the next broadcast of “Dave White Presents” which will debut Tues. June 22. This show will be a very, very special 90 minutes devoted to this fall’s Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention. Three guests include: Van Williams—star of Surfside Six and TV’s Green Hornet (so good, we made it a two-parter), Dawn Welles—“Mary Ann” from Gilligan’s Island, Martin Grams Jr.—author of a new history of The Green Hornet and organizer of the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention. So mark your calendars—the show will debut Tues. June 22 at 7:30 p.m. EST and then 7:30 p.m. Pacific over— www.KSAV.org On Wednesday June 23, the show will become available for 24/7 download access at— www.audioentertainment.org/dwp

Who tried out for which role????

2010-06-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Katie Holmes was the first choice to play Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Rosie O'Donnell auditioned for Elaine on Seinfeld.
Gene Hackman was rejected for the part of Mike Brady.
Sandra Bullock didn't have the right look for Baywatch.
Lara Flynn Boyle was considered to play Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City.

This is only a small sample. The shows are listed alphabetically, so this makes a very easy-to-use research book. You'll be surprised what you find out.

MAS*H Guidebook Website

2010-06-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hey, check out the new website for this book:
http://tvsmashtheultimateguidebook.weebly.com:80/index.html

Notice on Turner Classic Movies website

2010-06-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

Ib Melchior will be signing his new book, "Six Cult Films of the 60?s” with special guests, Trailers from Hell’s own JOE DANTE & MICK GARRIS . IB, Joe & Mick will be “trailering” “Angry Red Planet”, “Time Travelers”, and more. Joe & Mick will also be signing “Trailers from Hell Vol. #1 ” dvds.

Date: June 12, 2010

Time: 7:30 pm

Location: Larry Edmunds Book Shop6644 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA, 90028

Contact: Jeffrey Mantor @ 323- 463-3273 info@larryedmunds.com

Great interview!

2010-06-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

Look what was published in the New Jersey Jewish News about author Joel Samberg's granddad, Benny Bell:

http://njjewishnews.com/article/lifetimes/shaving-cream-happens

It includes a terrific interview with Joel.

Coming soon!

2010-06-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

In Confessions of a Scream Queen, writer Matt Beckoff interviews fifteen legendary Ladies of Horror: CARLA LAEMMLE, LUPITA TOVAR, JANET ANN GALLOW, ELENA VERDUGO, COLEEN GRAY, KATHLEEN HUGHES, JUDITH O'DEA, KAREN BLACK, INGRID PITT, JESSICA HARPER, MARILYN BURNS, BETSY PALMER, DEE WALLACE, P.J. SOLES and ADRIENNE BARBEAU. Spanning over nine decades of cinema, Confessions is filled with entertaining and informative recollections and personal insights about Hollywood's best-loved horror films. Included are some rare and never before seen pictures.

Love Those Stooges!

2010-06-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today author Lon Davis will be a guest on Stu Shostak's Internet radio program, talking about Shemp Howard and the Three Stooges. His fellow guests will be Shemp's niece Joan Maurer, his nephew Paul Howard, his daughter-in-law Geri, and his granddaughter Jill. The show will be on live from 7 to 10 eastern time and will be repeated at that same time every day for the next week. Here is the link: http://www.shokusradio.com/

Hey! Look who's in the June issue of Classic Images!

2010-06-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

Our own Scott O'Brien has written the BOOK TALKS feature for Laura Wagner's Book Points column. In it, he tells of the surprising findings as he was researching the biographies of Kay Francis, Ann Harding, and Virginia Bruce. Interesting reading at http://www.classicimages.com/articles/2010/06/02/current_issue/book%20points.txt

Great write-up in Fresno Book Review

2010-06-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

“Have parties. They’re the things you’ll remember at the end of your life.”

Celebrity cookbooks can be fun. Cooking is something that everyone has in common, and sharing recipes with the rich and famous makes them more accessible. Regardless of whether you are fans of The King Family singers from their television shows of the 1960s and 1970s, this is a fun cookbook. The introduction sums up the family philosophy of enjoying life and eating well.

While many of the recipes are nostalgic favorites, most of them have a unique twist. The Sweet Meatloaf is wonderful and is the only meatloaf recipe I’ve found that stays moist even when ultra low fat (9 percent) ground beef is used. Although I prefer a stronger lemon flavor, the Deluxe Lemon Bars are absolutely decadent, with a crunchy sugar crust forming on the delicate custard during baking. If you like retro recipes and comfort food, this cookbook is for you.

- Reviewed by Teresa McCarthy

First Book of the Year, then 2nd Edition!

2010-06-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

You know the face. You know the credit list: Lost in Space, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Kung Fu, The Twilight Zone and hundreds more... But who was Albert Salmi? Born of Finnish parents in the Finnish section of Brooklyn, Albert Salmi had a childhood he would recall fondly, even though it was plagued by the hardships of the Great Depression. In an attempt to earn money as a teenager, he broke the law; and the very wise judge gave him a sentence that turned his life around. Salmi set his sights for an acting career and, thanks to the GI Bill, got the best training possible. The result was that for forty years he appeared on the Broadway stage (Bus Stop, etc.), national television (Alfred Hitchcock Presents, I Spy, That Girl, Dallas, etc., etc.), and in countless films (The Brothers Karamazov, Caddyshack, etc.), usually as the bad guy or stern authority figure.

This biography is a frank and loving tribute, combined with many memories from Salmi's family, friends, and co-stars, and includes never-before-published memoirs from the man himself. From humble beginnings -- to a highly successful acting career -- to a tragic death that shocked the world -- Albert Salmi's story is unlike any other you'll ever read.

This 2nd edition has 2 extra chapters and much more information.

Wonderful new book!

2010-06-03T20:59:00.001-07:00

"He's a Hyphenate". That's Hollywood lingo for a person who has done more than one job on a film. Director-Writer-Cameraman-Producer-Naturalist, and Oscar nominee, Jack Couffer falls into that rare niche of multi-taskers who has done it all. He has made movies of many genres all over the world, but his specialty has been films with animals sharing the screen with human characters.

Ring of Bright Water, Never Cry Wolf, Out of Africa, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and Living Free all bore the Couffer identity. This is the story of the pains and joys in making these and many other delightful films.

It's Joe Franklin!

2010-06-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Look who's engrossed in Jim Manago's biography of Shirley Booth!
(Photo by Steve Friedman)

The very best from "The Horror Zine"

2010-06-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

The Horror Zine has burst onto computers all over the world as an e-zine. "Twice the Terror" brings you the very best from The Horror Zine as a book. The Horror Zine presents its second in-print anthology, a wicked brew of stories with relentless suspense that ride side-by-side with haunting poetry and eye-popping artwork. Volume 2 from The Horror Zine unveils a fresh approach to basic fears and has twisted, unexpected endings. "Twice the Terror: THE HORROR ZINE" contains contributions from famous writers such as Graham Masterton, Bentley Little, Joe R. Lansdale, Deborah LeBlanc, Ed Gorman, Stephen Gallagher, Terence Faherty, and Hugh Fox. But it also contains deliciously dark delights from morbidly creative people who have not yet made the big time...but they will soon.

Great Review by TVparty.com

2010-05-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

In the world of books about classic television there aren't a lot of original ideas. Profile some shows and try to provide some fresh insight, that's pretty much the standard. But a book I'm reading now - The Lucky Strike Papers - is truly unique. It's Andrew Lee Fielding's archeological dig into the career of his mother, Sue Bennett, a popular singer on early TV programs like Your Hit Parade, The Freddie Martin Show, and Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge. The author delves deep into TV obscura to focus on what life and television were like in the not-so-nifty fifties, into how blacklisting affected these shows and others, the haphazard nature of the new, unreliable technology, and what it meant to be part of one of the most revolutionary upheavals in American history. It's a loving journey back to an era when television was a mystery to everyone involved, when charm and talent were prerequisites for appearing in people's homes. Imagine that. One of the more fascinating aspects of this book to me were the chapters related to Kay Kyser's TV program, an hour-long, live variety and game show combined. An under appreciated musical genius Kyser walked away from show business - and his hit TV show - in 1950 when he retired to Chapel Hill, North Carolina at age 45.
I actually got to know Kyser's daughter Kimberly in the 1990s and had the pleasure to meet her mom Georgia Carroll Kyser (a vocalist and a model many called the most beautiful woman in America) at her lovely home in the heart of the city, practically on the UNC campus. This was when I was working on a web site for a proposed documentary on the man that I'm still shocked didn't get funded. It's not a tightly told story, meandering and going off on tangents, but that's one of the aspects I liked about the book. The Lucky Strike Papers vividly recreates the sophomoric excitement behind the blurry, flickering pictures that came to define that piece of furniture that changed our lives. If you even know who Ishkabibble or Snooky Lanson are you're in for a treat. There are lots of pictures and screen captures to illustrate the story, this would be a terrific book to take on vacation.

Tales well calculated to keep you in...SUSPENSE!

2010-05-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

The longest-running anthology program specializing in mystery and horror came to life in 1942 with "The Burning Court" over the Columbia Broadcasting System, and gained a strong audience until 1962. Hollywood movie stars played roles (either as the victims or the murderers) in chilling stories from the masters of mystery. The radio program gained enough popularity to spawn two television programs, two mystery magazines and a series of comic books. Researched and cross-referenced by (name of author), this book delves into the background of each episode, including authorship and cast credits. If you own a few radio broadcasts or television episodes, this book is a must-have companion piece for your bookshelf.

Congratulations, Jane Briggeman!

2010-05-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

2010 Independent Publisher Awards

Performing Arts

Gold: The Tattooed Lady: A History, by Amelia Klem Osterud (Fulcrum Publishing/Speck Press)

Silver (tie): Alice Guy Blaché: Cinema Pioneer, by Joan Simon (Yale University Press) and Inspired to Dance: Everything You Need to Know about Becoming a Professional Dancer Without Breaking a Leg, by Mande Dagenais (iUniverse)

Bronze: Burlesque: A Living History, by Jane Briggman (BearManor Media)

2010-05-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Its series title mentioned women, but its top three stars were men! It pioneered a new kind of story-telling with its pilot episode; its last episode was years ahead of its time. Many thought it doomed to failure - it became one of the 1968-69 season's biggest hits! It was the 1968-70 ABC-TV/Screen Gems series, HERE COME THE BRIDES! In ‘Gangway, Lord! (The) Here Come the Brides Book,' readers will learn how the approach series star Robert Brown took to his role changed the dramatic direction of the series. They will learn of the practicality of up-and-coming television superstar David Soul. Of the extraordinary opportunity handed to leading lady Bridget Hanley through the role of New Bedford bride ‘Candy Pruitt.' Featuring profiles of the series' creators, regulars and semi-regulars, a mini-history of 1960s and ‘70s television, and a chapter on HCTB's extraordinary and deeply devoted fan base, ‘Gangway, Lord! (The) Here Come the Brides Book' takes the reader back to the days of the series' original run, illustrating the show's popularity and impact on a week by week basis through a look at its competition, the appearances of its stars on talk shows and game shows, the number of fan magazine articles published on teen superstar Bobby Sherman and the rest of its cast. Including commentary and ‘making of the episode' anecdotes from guest stars, guest writers, and guest directors, ‘Gangway, Lord! (The) Here Come the Brides Book' offers very strong evidence that the 1960s and ‘70s was truly THE REAL GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION!

Busy, Busy Authors!

2010-05-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Mickey Smith's How Fibber McGee & Molly Won WWII was featured, with cover photo, in the quarterly alumni magazine of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy (circulation 7500) and the University of Mississippi Alumni Review (circulation 20,000). He also has a signing scheduled for on June 3rd.

Charles Tranberg will be on "Radio Once More" again this coming Monday at 9PM Eastern, this time to discuss his Agnes Moorehead biography. He also submits fine articles to Classic Images/Films of the Golden Age about our favorite stars of yore.

It's Ready!

2010-05-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

Laurence Oliver referred to her as an "angel." Director Henry Hathaway claimed she was a "bitch." Critics hailed Ann Harding as the finest actress to venture from Broadway to Hollywood. Her unique, natural screen presence in Holiday (1930) earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. From 1929-1936, Harding reigned as cinema's "Gallant Lady." Ann's ethereal quality belied a passionate nature. Her affairs with three remarkably talented and very married men associated with the film industry could have easily outraged fans and quashed her career. Theater visionary-director Jasper Deeter, Ann's life-long mentor, remarked that Ann was a master at hiding her childish, stubborn temperament. Friends of Ann's daughter, Jane Otto, claim that despite Ann's highly publicized custody battles. as a mother, Ann was "detached." Ann Harding - Cinema's Gallant Lady pays tribute to her career, and unveils a complex portrait of one of stage and cinemas most remarkable talents.

Jack Couffer

2010-05-20T18:59:00.001-07:00

Ring of Bright Water, Never Cry Wolf, Out of Africa, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and Living Free all bore the Couffer identity. This is the story of the pains and joys in making these and many other delightful films.

They like it!

2010-05-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Here's what the Midwest Book Review said about this book:

"Enhanced with 58 color plates, fold-outs and illustrations by Toby Bluth (noted children's artist and Walt Disney animation art director), Malcolm Willits' The Wonderful Edison Time Machine is a delightful "coffee table artbook sized" novel in which four boys travel back through time to 1929 in an effort to prevent "Black Friday", the day the stock market crashed and precipitated the Great Depression. The story is original, loaded with cinematic references and humor, and evokes a sense of adventure in the capstone year of the Roaring Twenties. With its large print format, The Wonderful Edison Time Machine is highly recommended reading for readers young and old alike."

Look what's new at BearManor Media!

2010-05-18T16:28:00.001-07:00

Take a magic carpet ride with Sabu and John Justin as they battle the evil vizier Jaffar in order to save the beautiful princess from a fate worse than death! Lavishly illustrated with over 200 color and black-and-white photos from this classic film, including many deleted scenes and production shots, and accompanied by additional text by Jim Danforth explaining the wizardry behind the special effects, this volume contains all the information for which any fan could wish.

The Keystone Krowd

2010-05-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

At Mack Sennett's Fun Factory it was all laughs: flying pies, bathing beauties on the beach, traintrack thrills, cliffhangers, sight gags, and rehearsed spontaniety. All that was required for the anxious distributors and eager movie audiences was A Reel a Week. Silent film pianist Stuart Oderman met and played for many of THE KEYSTONE KROWD and their contemporaries for whom making comedy was a very serious business. He also listened... THE KEYSTONE KROWD is a document of the twilight years of many of Sennett's innovators, who were still able to recall their early days when filmmaking was in its infancy. Come read their last opportunity to leave their impressions of themselves and their times from a golden era. From the man who brought you Talking to the Piano Player (and its upcoming sequel) comes an amazing history of the greatest comedy studio in history - Keystone.

Been there, done that

2010-05-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Michael A. Hoey is the son of British actor Dennis Hoey, best remembered for his portrayal of Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard in the Sherlock Holmes films starring Basil Rathbone.

. . A combination memoir and history of the film business covering the decades from the 40's through the present. Here is an examination of classic Hollywood and such iconic studio bosses as Jack L. Warner, Darryl Zanuck and Walt Disney, plus memorable actors and directors, including John Ford, Fred Zinneman, George Cukor and Elvis Presley, Charlton Heston, Basil Rathbone, Angela Landsbury and Jane Wyman. Filled with the personal recollections of someone who lived it, it is also the story of a father and son, their careers and their turbulent relationship. Interwoven into these stories are numerous historical episodes about Hollywood, Broadway and Television.

. . "It's a look at Hollywood from the inside ... a fascinating glimpse at some of the industry's heavy hitters, as told by someone who was there in the trenches -- right from boyhood!" - Tom Weaver

Need a Laugh?

2010-05-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, be privy to the open caverns of mirth that is the prolific Philip Rapp joke file! Rapp, writer for Baby Snooks, Eddie Cantor and creator of the Bickersons, wrote and collected jokes for years, drawing from it during his classic radio and TV years. Now we've taken the best quips and put them together for one great and funny book!

Hey! This is fun!

2010-05-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

The year is 1989. A crowd that numbers in the hundreds has gathered in the parking lot of the Hill Valley High School to welcome home its favorite alum - Marty McFly. His band, The Pinheads, have returned to their old stomping grounds for the last gig on their hugely successful Rock till you Drop tour. Among the familiar faces is Marty's old friend, Dr. Emmett Brown, who has come bearing gifts - eight amplifiers that dwarf his prototype. Anxious to see how loud they can get, the band plugs in for an impromptu jam that literally blows away the crowd. Fortunately, no one is seriously injured. But there's more than a few shattered eardrums. What would Marty have been referring to if he sarcastically remarked, "How many years is it going to take you to figure out this ‘overload' problem, Doc? If you need another hit on the head I'll be more than happy to oblige." Want more? We know you do. Lights, Camera, Trivia approaches each set of questions (an average of 40 per film) from a unique angle to challenge even the most hardcore fans. From the original King Kong to Scarface, Re-Animator and episodes IV-VI of the Star Wars trilogy, all the classics are here. The days of "Old School" movie trivia are over. Come on in and judge for yourself.

Here's a popular one

2010-05-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

Meet and become friends with many of the actors from the Dead End Kids, Little Tough Guys, East Side Kids and the Bowery Boys!
Since he began collecting Movie Memorabilia on the Dead End Kids in 1964, author Richard Roat has had the great fortune to develop personal relationships with David Gorcey, Stanley Clements, Gabe Dell, Bernard Punsly, Huntz Hall, Billy Benedict, Frankie Thomas, Eddie Le Roy, Brandy Gorcey (daughter of Leo Gorcey), Gary Hall (son of Huntz Hall), and Leo Gorcey Jr. (son of Leo Gorcey). This book draws upon those acquaintances and his talking with Billy Halop, Bennie Bartlett, Johnny Duncan, Ward Wood, Dick Chandlee, Eugene Francis, Harris Berger, Charles Peck, Ronald Sinclair, and more! Lavished with many photos from the films from the author's personal collection, this is one book you'll need to have in your collection, tough guy!

Just the facts, ma'am.....

2010-05-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

Just the facts behind the law and order show of all time! The "Dragnet" presented in MY NAME'S FRIDAY is not only the crisp, campy color television series that played from 1967 to 1970. It is also the radio series of 1949-1957 and the television series of 1951-1959, which became TV's best known, longest-running and most acclaimed police drama. Here the narrative follows the ebb and flow of "Dragnet" from radio to television, detailing every awkward moment and production feature that refined the drama throughout the 1950's. From the beginning, Jack Webb had an idea of what the show should be, but it was an evolving idea, a refinement that MY NAME'S FRIDAY chronicles as the show matured from radio to television. Hayde goes beyond "just the facts" to offer readers a comprehensive look at the show that defined an entire genre.
Also included are program guides of the radio and television episodes, a collection of Sgt. Friday's most well-known speeches, and a glossary of police terms used in the series.

Well, tarnation! It's a book on our gal, Judy Canova!

2010-05-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

Yep, this here's the first book on everyone's favorite rube, Judy Canova! Teeming with family interviews and rare, unpublished photos, this is the only book that'll ever need to be writ on music/stage/film/radio star, Judy Canova!

Her readers wanted more, so here it is!

2010-05-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, Sybil Jason has a lot more to say about those classic years of Hollywood. This is the sequel to her first two books, entitled My Fifteen Minutes and Five Minutes More.

Look What's Coming Down the Pike!

2010-05-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

Two questions that people ask television comedy writers repeatedly are: "How do you guys ever think them up?" and "Is writing for a television show anything like it was on the old Dick Van Dyke Show?" Tales from the Script invites you inside the writing rooms and into the writers meetings for such legendary television shows as The Carol Burnett Show, Laugh-In, Mama's Family, Welcome Back Kotter, Three's Company, the variety shows of Bill Cosby and Tim Conway. You'll also be part of the planning, preparation, and production of almost all of the Bob Hope Specials, including his Christmas shows entertaining America's troops around the world.
As a reader, you'll step onto the stage with the writing teams to accept "your" Emmy for "Outstanding writing in a Comedy-Variety Series." You'll also know what it feels like to be nominated, but have to sit in the audience and try to look gracious while another team steps up to accept the award. After reading Tales from the Script, you'll be able to answer for yourself whether it was anything like the old Dick VanDyke Show or not. As to the second question - "How do you guys ever think them up?" - you'll discover...well...you'll probably discover, as most comedy writers already have, that nobody knows the answer to that question. Foreword by Jim Nabors! To be released in June.

2010-05-04T16:04:00.000-07:00

Al Bowlly was Britain's first pop singer, some say the world's first, if you define pop singer as someone who stands in front of a band and sings the hits of the day strumming a guitar. He rose to prominence in the decade before the Second World War, before the phrase "pop singer" had been invented, and has now become the voice of the 1930s as evidenced by the use of his recordings in films and TV drama set in that decade. In fact, when it comes to British musical nostalgia of the 1930s, the biggest name worldwide is Al Bowlly. During most of the 1930s, Al was Britain's leading popular singer and was sometimes billed as the "Ambassador of Song."

However, during his career, Al never won the fame he deserved. It is even said that he is more famous today than he was then, although he is now definitely recognized as Britain's leading light in that era of popular song. Even though the competition was good, Al was a head and shoulders above his nearest rivals when it came to his artistry and originality, but his popularity rating did not always reflect this. He was renowned within the inner circles of musicians in the London music scene as "the man," but to the contemporary public listeners in the early 1930s Al Bowlly's name seemed almost a well-kept secret.

Until now.

Look at what else is new

2010-05-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

Jess Stacy was the kindest, sweetest, most generous man to grace this Earth. It was my lucky day when I decided to buy a house in Laurel Canyon, and my husband felt the same. After years of living in Los Angeles and working the Hollywood studios, circumstances took us all over the world and we had sold our Bel Aire home. Children gone, it was just the two of us. Lookout Mountain Ave. was the street we fell in love with, and the neighbors were a bonus! Jess and his darling wife, Patricia were our closest. Jess was a regular guest (their star) in all of the best and biggest jazz festivals. Eddie and I tagged along. What a great part of our lives! We celebrated Jess' 90th birthday together and we could see that he was losing strength... but he still have that twinkle in his eyes...'til the very end... and then some. -- Jean Porter Dmytryk

Remembering Radio, by David S. Siegel

2010-04-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

This oral history of old-time radio will take you back to your youth. How good life was then!

Hot Off the Press! Read All About It!

2010-04-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Bedtime Stories of the Ingleside Inn is a charming, often hilarious book describing the forays of a novice restaurateur and hotelier, Melvyn Haber, into the exotic world of French chefs, lovable con-men and "Big Spenders." As a raconteur, Haber has few equals. With his droll wit and style, he wends his way through one outrageous escapade after another and takes you along for the entertaining ride!

San Francisco Silent Film Festival

2010-04-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

July 15th through 18th is the time, and the San Francisco Silent Film Festival is the event. BearManor Media authors who are planning to attend are David Menefee (biographer of Richard Barthelmess and George O'Brien), Scott O'Brien (biographer of Virginia Bruce and Kay Francis), and Sarah Baker (biographer of Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor). Drop in to see them if you can.

This month in Classic Images

2010-04-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

There's a fine article about Billy Thomas (pint-sized actor who portrayed Buckwheat, the Our Gang member we all loved) in this month's edition of Classic Images magazine. You can read it on their website page http://www.classicimages.com/articles/2010/04/16/current_issue/buckwheatpr.prt

Saving the Best For Last

2010-04-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

Blog Talk Radio is winding up Nostalgia Month by having our author Ron Masak as a guest. They have a very, very nice write-up about him at their

http://www.reeltalkreviews.com/browse/viewitem.asp?type=feature&id=604 website. What a guy!

Van Alexander's Book Up For Award!

2010-04-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Finalists for the 2010 ARSC Awards for Excellence

The Association for Recorded Sound Collections is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2010 ARSC Awards for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research. Winners will be announced in August 2010 and awards will be presented at a ceremony in May 2011 during ARSC’s annual conference. Additional information about the annual conference and the ARSC Awards for Excellence can be found at http://www.arsc-audio.org/.

Begun in 1991, the ARSC Awards are given to authors of books, articles or recording liner notes to recognize those publishing the very best work today in recorded sound research. In giving these awards, ARSC recognizes the contributions of these individuals and aims to encourage others to emulate their high standards and to promote readership of their work. Two awards are presented annually in each category, for best history (H) and best discography (D), and several others are acknowledged with Certificates of Merit. Awards are presented to both the authors and publishers of winning publications.

Winners are chosen by an ARSC Awards Committee consisting of five elected judges representing specific fields of study in addition to the editor of the ARSC Journal and the President of ARSC. The 2010 ARSC Awards Committee consists of the following: Roberta Freund Schwartz (Awards Committee Chair); David Seubert (ARSC President); Brenda Nelson-Strauss (ex officio); Sam Brylawski (Immediate Past-President); James Farrington (Book Review Editor, ARSC Journal); Dennis Rooney (Classical Music Judge); Cary Ginell (Judge-At-Large); Dan Morgenstern (Jazz Music Judge); William L. Schurk (Popular Music Judge); and Richard Spottswood (Judge-at-Large).

The following works, published in 2009, have been nominated:

Best Research in Recorded Rock and Pop Music
Peter Blecha, Sonic Boom: the history of Northwest Rock, from “Louie, Louie” to “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (Backbeat)
John Broven, Record Makers and Breakers: Voices of Independent Rock ‘n’ Roll Pioneers (University of Illinois Press)
Ryan Edwardson, Canuck Rock: A History of Canadian Popular Music (University of Toronto Press)
Christoph Geisselhart, The Who: Maximum Rock: The Craziest Rock Band on Earth, vols. 2 (1971-1978) and 3 (1978-present) (Hannibal-Verlag)
Clinton Heylin, Revolution in the Air: The Songs of Bob Dylan (Chicago Review Press)
Malcolm Macfarlane and Ken Crossland, Perry Como: A Bibliography and Complete Career Record (McFarland)
Louis P. Masur, Runaway Dream: Born to Run and Bruce Springsteen’s American Vision (Bloomsbury)
Morton Reff, Chuck Berry International Directory (Music Mentor) (D)
Anthony Reynolds, The Impossible Dream: The Story of Scott Walker and the Walker Brothers (Jawbone)
Mark Ribowski, The Supremes: A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success, and Betrayal (DaCapo)
Alyn Shipton, I Feel a Song Coming On: The Life of Jimmy McHugh (University of Illinois Press)
Steve Waksman, This Ain’t the Summer of Love: Conflict and Crossover in Heavy Metal and Punk (University of California Press)
Ken Wlaschin, The Silent Cinema in Song, 1896-1929: An Illustrated History and Catalog of Songs Inspired by the Movies and Stars, with a List of Recordings (McFarland)

Best Historical Research in Blues/Gospel/Hip-hop/R&B

Steven Calt, Barrelhouse Words: A Blues Dialect Dictionary (University of Illinois Press)
William Ferris, Give My Poor Heart Ease: Voices of the Mississippi Blues (University of North Carolina Press)
Michael Gray, Hand Me My Travelin’ Shoes: In Search of Blind Willie McTell (Chicago Review Press)
Peter C. Muir, Long Lost Blues: Popular Blues in America, 1850-1920 (University of Illinois Press)
Paul Oliver, Barrelhouse Blues: Location Recording and the Early Traditions of the Blues (Basic Civitas)

Best Historical Research in Record Labels
Jon Hartley Fox, King of the Queen City: the Story of King Records (University of Illinois Press)
Larry Alan Harris, Curt Gooch and Jeff Suhs, And Party Every Day: The Inside Story of Casablanca Records (Backbeat)
Brian Southall, The Rise and Fall of EMI Records (Omnibus)
David Suff, Three Score and Ten: Topic Records at 70 (Topic)

Best Historical Research in Recorded Country Music
Patsy Bale Cox, The Garth Factor: The Career Behind Country's Big Boom (Center Street)
Pamela Fox, Natural Acts: Gender, Race, and Rusticity in Country Music (University of Michigan Press)
Jocelyn R. Neal, The Songs of Jimmie Rodgers: A Legacy in Country Music (Indiana University Press)
Ralph Stanley and Eddie Dean, Man of Constant Sorrow: My Life and Times (Gotham)
Ron Yule, Louisiana Fiddlers (University Press of Mississippi)

Best Historical Research in Recorded Folk, Ethnic, or World Music
Gage Averill, Alan Lomax in Haiti (Harte Recordings)
Alain Boulanger, John Cowley, and Marc Monneraye, La Musique antillaise en France discographie 1929-1959 / French-Caribbean Music in France a discography 1929-1959 (AFAS)
Jim Linderman, Take Me to the Water: Immersion Baptism in Vintage Music and Photographs (Dust-to-Digital)
John Radanovich, The Wild Man of Rhythm: the Life and Music of Benny Moré (Florida University Press)
Hank Reineke, Ramblin' Jack Elliot: The Never-Ending Highway (Scarecrow)

Best Historical Research in Recorded Jazz
Van Alexander and Stephen Fratallone, From Harlem to Hollywood: My Life in Music (Bear Manor)
James Gavin, Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne (Atria)
Duncan Heining, George Russell: The Story of an American Composer (Scarecrow)
Richard J. Johnson and Bernhard H. Shirley, American Dance Bands on Record and Film, 1915-1942, vol. 1 (Rustbooks)
Robin D. G. Kelly, Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original (Free Press)
Helene LaFaro-Fernández, Jade Visions: the Life and Music of Scott LaFaro (University of North Texas Press)
Hank O’Neal, The Ghosts of Harlem: Sessions with Jazz Legends (Vanderbilt University Press)
Leif Bo Peterson and Theo Rehak, The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro: Infatuation (Scarecrow)
Sam Stephenson, The Jazz Loft Project: Photographs and Tapes of W. Eugene Smith from 821 Sixth Avenue, 1957-1965 (Knopf)
Terry Teachout, Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

Best Historical Research in General Sound Recording
Travis Elborough, The Vinyl Countdown: The Album from LP to iPod and Back Again (Soft Skull Press)
Gary Gottlieb, How Does it Sound Now? Legendary Engineers and Vintage Gear (Course Technology)
Caleb Kelly, Cracked Media: the Sound of Malfunction (MIT Press)
Steve Knopper, Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age (Free Press)
Howard Massey, Behind the Glass, vol. 2: Top Producers Tell how the Craft the Hits (Backbeat)
David Suisman, Selling Sounds: The Commercial Revolution in American Music (Harvard University Press)

Best Historical Research in Recorded Classical Music
Jacques Chuilon, Mattia Battistini: King of Baritones and Baritone of Kings, trans. E. Thomas Glasow (Scarecrow)
Gregor Tassie, Kirill Kondrashin: His Life and Music (Scarecrow)
Chris Walton, Othman Schoeck: Life and Works (Rochester University Press)

Thank you, Star-Ledger and NJ.com

2010-04-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

There was recently a very nice article about burlesque and the book that Jane Briggeman wrote about it in the Star-Ledger and NJ.com. You can see it at http://www.nj.com/entertainment/movies/index.ssf/2010/04/charm_of_burlesque_stars_endures_decades_later.html

Gripping Chapters!

2010-04-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Gripping Chapters is much more than a history of the sound motion picture serial. Here you'll find all of the sources for sound movie serials, including comic strips, comic books, the pulps, novels and radio shows. There are chapters analyzing the cliffhanger endings of serial episodes, with information focusing on cheat cliffhanger endings, such as time expansion cheats, "survived through it cheats," and re-shot footage cheats, as well as a study of some of the cleverest and most exciting cliffhanger endings of all time. Other topics include serial sequels and series, the stars who appeared in serials, prolific contributors to serials, and stock footage and bloopers. Plus an appreciation of three very special serials: The Phantom Empire, Flash Gordon and Zorro's Black Whip.

Opened Time Capsules

2010-04-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

From the 1970s through 2003, author David Rothel interviewed dozens of show business personalities for his radio program and for "Guest Star" panels at film festivals where he was the host. Now Rothel has drawn from those fascinating conversations for his book Opened Time Capsules: My Vintage Conversations with Show Business Personalities. Here's your chance to eavesdrop on such personalities as Myrna Loy discussing The Thin Man film series; Vincent Price recalling those horror films he made for American-International; Lloyd Bridges talking about his classic TV series Sea Hunt; Milton Berle reminiscing about the Texaco Star Theatre; and two Tarzans, Gordon Scott and Jock Mahoney, discussing their adventures on the swinging vines. Twenty celebrities in all recollect their career highs and lows in this fascinating oral history of American popular culture covering much of the Twentieth Century. For anyone with an avid interest in the history of that bygone, golden era, David Rothel's fascinating conversations with these show business personalities will be must reading and will most certainly bring back many fond memories.

At Long Last!

2010-04-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

For the first time in print - finally!! - The Bickersons' Love Letters!
Never before have the infamous love letters between John and Blanche Bickerson seen the light of day. This amazing testament to the strength of marriage at last shows the true depth of feeling the squabbling couple felt for one another. And no. It wasn't always bickering! Now you can find out how they met. Who they are. What are their backgrounds. And experience, for a change, the love shared between a couple that was obviously made for one another.

Look what's hot off the press!

2010-04-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

Now here's a book with a subject we all recognize instantly!

From the Indiana's Got Talent website

2010-04-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

David B. Boyer is the author of 5 non-fiction books, the editor of 3 short fiction anthologies, and has recently added film producer to his list of credits. His own independent film company, Into the Light Productions, has 3 documentary films in pre-production, for possible release in late 2010 or early 2011.

A former fan and writer of horror fiction, he had begun to find the genre lacking in variety and originality in 2009: ''The genre, for me, had grown stale, cliched,'' he told noted author Roberta Lannes in an interview. ''It seems as though writers and filmmakers have lost grasp on what key elements are necessary for producing a well-crafted horror film or book.''

Although he still enjoys reading his favorite horror author, Stephen King, he otherwise intends to devote his time and concentration on other genres in the future, with his eye set on the Christian genre inpaticular, having been saved in 2003.

He lives in Vincennes, Indiana, with his cat, Toby, who helps him ''edit'' his manuscripts by jumping on the keyboard when he's not looking. You can contact him via his personal email here dboyer5950@gmail.com , and view his production company here http://nvhmag1.webs.com .

He has interviewed over 300 celebrities in the horror, scifi, and fantasy fiction and film industries.

Diana Serra Carey to be in Eugene, Oregon, this weekend

2010-04-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this video announcement aired on KMTR
http://www.kmtr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=71823@kmtr.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5. It was sent to us by fellow author Lon Davis.

The Biographer's Craft

2010-04-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

This month's issue of The Biographer's Craft has a nice write-up about BearManor Media and a few of our books. It can be accessed at

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001YF4hHNmhMZlLToK2HiYolNPBwWW59ibdZOEBrpLY8rsW6oDZ0ev2X5NErpmP8eByMy9e7mZZA36liXPg7DZ7mdS2Gd4HgKyS0Uxk732dZ9TC1oBZ9Dujo9YEiCR9ZENNF5E36xS2rchR1ab_nKU68AYcWOkxtl9FG4QDeU4mcNAYZCXkUB5JGAVsdGCenA9wnezvPPjqaRFjiSKdnPkXga7NiMdwlsoIBWbEbw2oreXqtT5yNplzOw%3D%3D
Thank you, TBC!

Tonight's Broadcast

2010-04-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

Author Charles Tranberg will be interviewed tonight on Radio Once More about his new book, The Thin Man: Murder Over Cocktails. You can listen from the http://www.radiooncemore.com/ website.

Wright Writes Right

2010-04-10T00:03:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine flubbing your line in front of the whole country without a chance to try again to make it right? That's what it was like back in the 1940s and 1950s. Week after week we saw these brave actors and actresses take on the challenge, and they did an amazing job.

Wright King was there on our screens in such shows as Studio One, Robert Montgomery Presents, and Kraft Television Theatre, and has fond memories of those exciting days. He and his fellow actors tell us the circumstances that led them to their first live television production, what it was like on the set as the time of the broadcast drew nigh, and the reactions they got from people on the street when they left the studio.

So come on in and relive with us the days of yore when everything we saw on television was being broadcast live and absolutely anything could happen

Another great review! They just keep coming!

2010-04-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

The Television Obscurities website has a wonderful review of Andrew Lee Fieldings' book, The Lucky Strike Papers. Check it out at
http://www.tvobscurities.com:80/2010/04/bookshelf-the-lucky-strike-papers/

Hey, look at this!!!

2010-04-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

Check out this webpage: http://www.nbrmp.org/features/April2010TheWarnerArchive.cfm

About 2/3 down and all the way to the bottom of the page, it raves about BearManor Media and its books--George O'Brien: A Man's Man in Hollywood; Frank Lloyd: Master of Screen Melodrama; Lucky Stars: Janet Gaynor & Charles Farrell; and George Raft: The Man Who Would be Bogart.

And what makes it even better is the fact that this is on the National Board of Review's website! Are we walking on air? You bet we are!

Can't Get Enough of That Gorgeous Lynn Bari?

2010-04-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

Want to know more about Lynn Bari? Here's a couple of suggestions for you:

1) Read her Foxy Lady biography, written by Jeff Gordon.

2) Check out the http://www.foxyladylynnbari.com/ website.

What a fabulous actress!

Ron's Heroes From A to Z

2010-04-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

Check out the terrific interview that author Ron Masak gave to "On Screen & Beyond." It can be found at http://onscreenandbeyond.com/podcast/osb105RMasak.mp3 . Great job, Ron!

It's Doris' Day

2010-04-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

Pierre Patrick and Garry McGee will be doing a live web broadcast today to celebrate Doris Day's birthday. Many celebrities will be participating, including Doris herself. Check it out at http://www.dorisdaytribute.com/.

A Chance to Vote

2010-04-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

The Horror Zine is now on the "longlist" for an award for Best Magazine by the renowned and respected British Fantasy Society (BFS). Voting for the "shortlist" will be in June 2010. See this link: http://www.britishfantasysociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=592&Itemid=35

Compleat Biographer Conference

2010-03-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

This conference, which addresses the very genre in which BearManor Media specializes, will be held on May 15, 2010 at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Biographers from around the world are expected to make Boston their destination.
Taking its name from Izaak Walton’s famous book 17th century book on fishing, the Compleat Biographer Conference will focus on the practical aspects of the craft and art of biography. Sponsored by Biographers International Organization (BIO), the daylong conference will feature speeches by prominent biographers—such as Pulitzer Prize winner and BIO president Debby Applegate—and workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Many literary agents will be attending as well and the conference includes an opportunity to meet with them.
Workshop topics will include:
Working in Archives: At the JFK Library, a discussion by archivists and biographers on the challenges and opportunities of working in archives today.
Trends in Biography: Editors, agents, and a bookstore owner look at the future of biography.
Dealing with the Family: Veteran biographers discuss issues of permissions, copyright, authorization, and other pitfalls of working with a subject’s family or heirs.
Choosing a Subject: Discussion by several biographers about how they selected or rejected subjects for their books.
Marketing your Biography: It’s one thing to write the darn thing, it’s entirely another matter to find readers.
New Ways to Publish: An overview from digital books to I-Universe. Authors discuss the technology, money, and viability of going it on your own.
Self-Editing: Tips on how best to prepare your manuscript for publication in the post-Max Perkins era.
New Frontiers in Electronic Research: An overview of the new resources now available from government documents to newspapers, photographs, and films.
Funding your Work: In addition to advances, this panel will look at how to obtain research grants and other means of supporting one’s work.
The Proposal: Tips on writing a winning proposal for a biography (samples included)
For more information on the conference, visit: http://www.biographersinternational.org/conference.html

On the Flash News website

2010-03-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

Photo: Voice artist Arthur Anderson (glowingdial.com)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 17:06 GMTNEW YORK (Wireless Flash - FlashNews) – The famous Lucky Charms leprechaun wasn’t born in Ireland, he was born in the shower.
So says Arthur Anderson, the veteran radio actor who voiced the original General Mills cereal icon for 29 years. Anderson, who’s not the least bit Irish, came up with the quirky leprechaun voice in the shower and it led him to a pot of gold. The cereal commercials and famous taglines, “They’re always after me Lucky Charms” and “They’re magically delicious,” have given him a steady cash flow and fanbase. To this day, people still ask him to sing the Lucky Charms jingle and wonder if he got free cereal for his work. Anderson has always admired Lucky’s optimism and says that to be a fake Irishman, one must first and foremost “be a ham.” He talks shop his new autobiography, An Actor’s Odyssey: Orson Welles To Lucky The Leprechaun.

Look what's coming in April

2010-03-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Thorne Smith is a unique figure in American literature, one who thrived during prohibition, creating comic novels that ridiculed the morality of the times and involved extensive drinking, nudity, frivolity, and general debauchery. A Man Named Smith: The Novels and Screen Legacy of Thorne Smith is the first book-length study of Thorne Smith's work. It provides background information on his life and early death, discusses all of his novels in detail and also provides extensive new documentation on their screen adaptations, including Topper, Night Life of the Gods and Turnabout. Also discussed is Thorne Smith's brief time in Hollywood at MGM in 1933, and the influence that his books have had on late films and television productions.As an added bonus, reprinted here in its entirety is the 1934 promotional monograph, Thorne Smith: His Life and Times with a Note on His Books & a Complete Bibliography.

Two more articles about the Rondo Award nominee

2010-03-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

Check 'em out:
http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/36375/restored-thomas-edisons-frankenstein-way
and
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i9f906f8e814991e15651c4104a8a0f36?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thr%2Fcolumns+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+Columns%29

And now, a word from my secretary, Sandy

2010-03-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

Hi, y'all. Ben asked me to make a list of all the public libraries in all 50 states and give details about each one: name of library, address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, website address, and what special collections they contain. Also included would be advice from about a dozen librarians about how to get our books onto their shelves. His original idea was to include this information in a book he's putting together to help authors market their books. Much to his surprise, this library data totaled 278 pages! Consequently, he made it a separate book, and it's now hot off the press. It's called "The Library List" and is available through the BearManor Media website. (You'll find it listed as something like "public libraries" on the left margin.) Because the libraries' special collections are so detailed in this book, I feel it would be valuable to authors not only for marketing purposes, but also for research. There’s wonderful information to be had about our biography subjects in the libraries of their hometowns.

We'll have a table there!

2010-03-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hey kids! What time is it?
It's time for the 5th Annual Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention! This year's dates are September 23-25, 2010. Celebrity guests include:
VAN WILLIAMS
ROY THINNES
DAWN WELLS
MARK GODDARD
GERI REISCHL
ED NELSON
WILL HUTCHINS
MARSHA HUNT
This will be the first autographing appearance for Van WIlliams and Roy Thinnes in 20 years!

PANELS & PRESENTATIONS:
World premiere screening of original documentaries!
"The History of The Lone Ranger," hosted by Fran Striker, Jr.
A Retrospective Look at The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Old-Time Radio Recreation on Stage
The Screen Career of Harry Langdon
The History of Astounding Science Fiction Magazine (1930-1960)
A History of The Enchanted Forest
I'll Take My Buster Keaton Rare, Please
A Look Back at Vox Pop
Charity auction to benefit the St. Jude Children's Hospital
Drive-in movie theater on Friday night (starts at sunset)
Restoring motion pictures from archival prints

ON DISPLAY:
The original 1966 Chrysler Imperial Black Beauty from the Green Hornet TV series. There were only 2 made and 1 of them resides in a museum in California. The other is owned by a private collector who fully restored the vehicle and will have it on display at the convention. The new Green Hornet movie due for release this December will be using a similar car, so check out the car that was inspired for the major motion picture!

MOVIE ROOM RUNS 24 HOURS A DAY
1956 Bob Hope Christmas Special with Mickey Mantle
The unseen version of Parson Us (1931) with Laurel & Hardy
Unaired TV pilots
The City That Never Sleeps (rare 1953 film noir)
plus many other rare films!

HOUSE OF WAX (1953) will be screened in 3-D! Glasses will be provided.

Convention website: http://www.MidAtlanticNostalgiaConvention.com.

Way to go, Frederick!

2010-03-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Says Betty Jo Tucker, host of Movie Addict Headquarters: Thanks again for the PR copies of EDISON'S FRANKENSTEIN. We gave them all away in a drawing this morning. :-) Fred was a terrific guest! Here's a link to the archive of his wonderful interview yesterday on Movie Addict Headquarters: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2010/03/23/edisons-frankenstein

The Man Behind Fred Flintstone

2010-03-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

If you're not old enough to remember Falstaff on The Fred Allen Show, perhaps you recall Fred Flintstone from The Flintstones, that modern stoneage family. Both boisterous voices - and more - came from the talented mouth of Alan Reed, one of the greatest actors ever to light up radio, television and films.

This is his story, published for the first time, complete with rare photos and credit list.

A Romantic Voice From the 1920s

2010-03-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

From the 1920's as a romantic idol and singing sensation, through the following decades of radio, movies and stage successes, Rudy Vallee led a colorful life. There was enough excitement and controversy to inspire dozens of biographies. Amazingly, however, this is the first to be written. The hundreds of carefully selected photos, many published here for the first time, encompass both his personal and professional life, helping to highlight the Vallee story. This book is a treat for readers who are not acquainted with Rudy. For those who believe they already know him, there are more than a few surprises in store . . .

Book Signing in New York

2010-03-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Nothing Lasts Forever
Director Tom Schiller and Actor Zach Galligan in attendance
Book signing will follow the screening
7 pm March 20
92YTribeca
200 Hudson St.
New York, NY

One of the original writers for Saturday Night Live, Tom Schiller is best known for his short films starring John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Phil Hartman and Chris Farley. Nothing Lasts Forever, Schiller's still-unreleased feature film, takes place in a futuristic Manhattan run by the Port Authority, where bureaucratic testing regulates the lives of the island's inhabitants. His creative hopes dashed after failing the artistic licensing exam, idealist Adam Beckett seeks a way out, resulting in a journey through the subterranean channels of the city and then to the moon. Inspired by Orwell and Art Deco and composed of b&w, color and 30s stock footage, Nothing Lasts Forever features the inspired cast of Zach Galligan, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sam Jaffe and Lauren Tom.Director: Tom Schiller. 82 mins. 1984. 35mm.Tom Schiller will appear in person to introduce several of his Schiller's Reel shorts, including The Acid Generation, Don't Look Back in Anger, Perchance to Dream, Java Junkie and La Dolce Gilda.Michael Streeter, author of Nothing Lost Forever: The Films of Tom Schiller, will attend the screening of Nothing Lasts Forever and the book will be available for sale

From Flash News

2010-03-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Lucky Charms Leprechaun Born In Shower

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 17:06 GMT NEW YORK (Wireless Flash - FlashNews) – The famous Lucky Charms leprechaun wasn’t born in Ireland, he was born in the shower. So says Arthur Anderson, the veteran radio actor who voiced the original General Mills cereal icon for 29 years. Anderson, who’s not the least bit Irish, came up with the quirky leprechaun voice in the shower and it led him to a pot of gold. The cereal commercials and famous taglines, “They’re always after me Lucky Charms” and “They’re magically delicious,” have given him a steady cash flow and fanbase. To this day, people still ask him to sing the Lucky Charms jingle and wonder if he got free cereal for his work. Anderson has always admired Lucky’s optimism and says that to be a fake Irishman, one must first and foremost “be a ham.” He talks shop his new autobiography, An Actor’s Odyssey: Orson Welles To Lucky The Leprechaun (Bear Manor Media).

Those Were the Days!

2010-03-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Join the journey; discover burlesquewhen it was part of a larger theatricalworld filled with dance, comedy, andlive music. Burlesque: A Living History,captures the spirit of this unique artform through hundreds of photographsand stories from many who were a partof America's most colorful past.This book highlights the careers andcontributions of selected artists-manyof whom were the nuts and bolts ofburlesque. It also acknowledges justsome of the young performers of todaywho are diligently working to rememberthe days of old.When burlesque theatres and clubs wentdark, a whole world went dark withthem. This book is a journey to preservejust some of the history and memoriesof those who worked on a variety ofthose burlesque stages.

Big Event in September! Y'all Come!

2010-03-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention is coming September 23-25 to Hunt Valley, Maryland; and we'll have a booth there. Among those scheduled to attend are Dawn Wells, Mark Goddard, Geri Reischl, Ed Nelson, Will Hutchins, Marsha Hunt, Roy Thinnes, and Van Williams. It'd be great to see our authors there, too.

Kudos!

2010-03-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Hey, check out this nice review, written by Martin A. Grove of The Hollywood Reporter: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i9f906f8e814991e15651c4104a8a0f36?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thr%2Fcolumns+(The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+Columns)

2010-03-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

During the 1960s, a number of low-budget Sci-Fi films were produced, many that have today reached cult status. These are the inside stories of six of those films, from writer/director Ib Melchior.

News.com announcement

2010-03-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

_Canyon News - This Week In Hollywoodland_ > (http://www.canyon-news.com/artman2/publish/On_the_Industry_1168/This_Week_In_Hollywoodland03172010.php)
Author John O’Dowd tells me that he has just started a new interview project with former ABC Records and RCA singer Randy Gurley. Once touted in industry press releases as being ’the next Linda Ronstadt,’ Randy was unable to become a hit recording artist during her time in country music, but she is now working very successfully as a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker. In fact, ‘Rand’ is one of our country’s leading practitioners of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, a treatment modality that uses horses in a therapeutic setting for at-risk children and teenagers. “I hope to have Randy’s article online at my Web site (_hollywoodstarletbarbarapayton.com_ (http://www.hollywoodstarletbarbarapayton.com/) ) sometime this spring,” the handsome author tells Canyon News. O’Dowd’s acclaimed biography “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye: Barbara Payton Story” is making news in NYC right now. The talented artist Jim Lutes who created the book cover, which is a beautiful tribute to the fallen star has his artwork, the actual cover of the book displayed at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City as part of the 2010 Whitney Biennial exhibition. John O’Dowd tells Canyon News, “I hope Jim receives a ton of accolades for his work on this gorgeous painting of Barbara, and I hope he also knows how much this kind gesture has touched me, and most assuredly, Barbara’s son John, and her best friend and sister-in-law, Jan, too.” Check out the image and details of the exhibit at _whitney.org/Exhibitions/2010Biennial/JimLutes_ (http://www.whitney.org/Exhibitions/2010Biennial/JimLutes)

Author Blog

2010-03-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

Lonnie Burr, the Accidental Mouseketeer, has his own blog now. You can find it at http://www.lonniemmc.blogspot.com/. Drop in and see what's happening in his life.

Over 1200 Pages of Johnny Dollar!

2010-03-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

From 1949 until the end of Radio drama in 1962, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar was a stalwart of radio drama. This book, The "Who is Johnny Dollar?" Matter provides a different look at Johnny Dollar - as if he were a real investigator. The "Who is Johnny Dollar?" Matter starts with a mini-biography and then provides a detailed recap of each YTJD program.The detailed case analyses catalogs the details of each story, including cast, expenses, writers and directors, and cross-references to programs that used the same script with a different name and cast. The detailed index catalogs each story, case location and the cast of each program. The books also contain a detailed listing of cases by insurance company and the expenses for each of the 6 Johnny Dollars updated to 21st century dollars. Also included are recaps of programs which only exist in the KNX collection of the Thousand Oaks, California library. The "Who is Johnny Dollar?" Matter is the definitive reference work for the cases handled by Johnny Dollar, both those currently available electronically, but also those available only in the KNX collection of the Thousand Oaks, California library. This book is so large, we have to cut into three volumes.

Writing It Is Just Half The Work

2010-03-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

Co-authors Diane Kachmar and David Goudsward will be awfully busy next month. They will be signing books at the Monsterpalooza on April 9-11 and Anaheim Comic Convention on April 16-18. We hope they meet fabulous people and sign lots of books!

Has It Been That Long???

2010-03-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

Author Mickey Smith's How Fibber McGee and Molly Won World War II will be featured in the April edition of Radio Recall magazine. April marks the 75th anniversary of the first Fibber McGee broadcast.

Congratulations, Mickey!

Remember This?

2010-03-05T22:20:00.001-08:00

Deep in the saddlebags that contain all the Hopalong Cassidy prose, motion picture, comic book and newspaper comic strip stories there are often-forgotten nuggets: 104 half-hour radio adventures which hold up as well today as when they were first broadcast in 1950-52. All of the episodes survive and are available in audiotape and MP3 formats for the avid collector or casual listener. JINGLE OF THE SILVER SPURS examines the Mutual, and later CBS, networks series, its background, its producers, its performers, its writers, its sponsors, its storylines, its merchandising in detail seldom seen in histories of old-time radio shows. Illustrations include rare advertisements, photographs and press kits. Foreword by Western author, Loren D. Estleman.

Let's Have Some Trivia!

2010-03-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

There is really something for everyone whether you're a trivia novice or an old-handed pro.

Every question has multiple choice answers, either two or four to pick from. The correct answer is always in front of you. The fun is in deciding!
800 Questions! 40 Categories Running the Gamut! Automotive Matters ... Baseball Fun ... The Beatles ... Big, Bigger, & Biggest .... Capital Cities ..... The Church ... Civil War ... George Clooney ...Colleges ... Companies ... Computers ... Fish Tales ... Food Stuff ... Highest ... Classic Hollywood ... House & Households ... International Tidbits ..... Islands ... For Kids & Youngsters ... Last Names ... Meaning What? ... Millions ... Hannah Montana ... Most Common ... Movie Mania ..... Newspapers & Cities ...Nicknames & Real Names ... Office & Offices ... Pets ... US Presidents ... Elvis Presley ... Radio ... River Runs ..."Seinfeld" TV Series ... Shakespeare ... Space ...Survey Says! ...United States ..... John Wayne ... Weird Stuff