Category Archives: Cinema

Shepperton Babylon by Matthew Sweet

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

Posted in Cinema, Non-Fiction | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Carole Lombard: Twentieth Century Star by Michelle Morgan

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

Posted in Biography, Cinema, Non-Fiction | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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

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

Posted in Biography, Cinema | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Valentino: The Unforgotten by Roger C Peterson and Tracy Terhune

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

Posted in Cinema, Review | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Affairs Valentino by Evelyn C Zumaya

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

Posted in Biography, Cinema | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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

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

Posted in Cinema, Review | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Marilyn Monroe: The Quest For An Oscar by James Turiello

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

Posted in Biography, Cinema, Review | Tagged , , | 3 Comments