Category Archives: Cinema

Shepperton Babylon by Matthew Sweet

Posted on February 11, 2017 by Andrea Pryke

Synopsis This is a wonderful secret history of British movies that includes the scandals, the suicides, the immolations and the contract killings – the product of thousands of conversations with veteran film-makers. Here you’ll meet, among many others, the 20s … Continue reading →

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Carole Lombard: Twentieth Century Star by Michelle Morgan

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Andrea Pryke

Published by The History Press 5th october 2016 I was sent a copy of this book by The History Press in exchange for a fair and honest review Synopsis Carole Lombard was the very opposite of the typical 1930s starlet. … Continue reading →

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Little Girl Lost: The life and hard times of Judy Garland by Al DiOrio

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Andrea Pryke

Synopsis Judy Garland was born Frances Gumm, was on stage from the age of 2 1/2 and died aged 47. Weaving all the fascinating sides of her life through the texture of her unique career, Al DiOrio creates a magical … Continue reading →

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Valentino: The Unforgotten by Roger C Peterson and Tracy Terhune

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Andrea Pryke

Synopsis In 1927 Roger C. Peterson obtained the position of custodian in the Cathedral Mausoleum, where silent star Rudolph Valentino lay buried. He soon realized he was witnessing something never seen before in Hollywood, and began to keep a diary … Continue reading →

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Affairs Valentino by Evelyn C Zumaya

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Andrea Pryke

And the Companion Guide to Affairs Valentino. Published by PVG Publishing Synopsis On August 23rd, 1926 silent film star Rudolph Valentino died unexpectedly at thirty one years of age. His sudden death caused mass hysteria among his throngs of fans. … Continue reading →

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A Star is Born: The making of the 1954 film and it’s 1983 restoration by Ronald Haver

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Andrea Pryke

Synopsis There is no question that the 1954 version of A Star is Born holds a special place in the pantheon of classic movies. It was director George Cukor’s first foray into musicals, his first colour film, and it was … Continue reading →

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Marilyn Monroe: The Quest For An Oscar by James Turiello

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Andrea Pryke

Synopsis Once upon a time there was a girl with moonlight in her eyes, the breeze ruffled through her hair, but that was once upon a time, and once upon a time never comes again.” A few poignant words from … Continue reading →

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