Old Hollywood Books | Hollywood Yesterday

Hitchcock and the Censors by John Bellheimer (Review of a Fascinating Book!)

February 21, 2022 By Joi

Hitchcock and the Censors

Though I have never taken Film History college courses, I do consider myself somewhat of a film historian. I mean, I’ve probably read as many books about Hollywood (primarily old Hollywood) as any film historian with a degree to show for their efforts! The main differences are that I never have to pass difficult tests, write essays, finance the great education, and (admittedly) my self studies are confined to old Hollywood, whereas those with college educations study a far greater number of films and different eras.

I have built up (and continue to do so regularly) a wonderful library of books that provide a wealth of information. Books about Alfred Hitchcock, not surprisingly, provide a great deal of information and insight into making films during that particular period of time.

Description of Hitchcock and the Censors From Amazon:

Edgar Award Winner: This lively account of the director’s battles with the Code Office is “an essential addition to any Hitchcock shelf” (Mystery Scene Magazine).

From 1934 to 1968, the Motion Picture Production Code Office controlled the content and final cut on all films made and distributed in the United States. Code officials protected sensitive ears from standard four-letter words, as well as a few five-letter words like tramp and six-letter words like cripes. They also scrubbed “excessively lustful” kissing from the screen and ensured that no criminal went unpunished. Thus, throughout his career, Alfred Hitchcock had to deal with a wide variety of censors attuned to the slightest suggestion of sexual innuendo, undue violence, toilet humor, religious disrespect, and all forms of indecency, real or imagined.

During their review of Hitchcock’s films, the censors demanded an average of 22.5 changes, ranging from the mundane to the mind-boggling, on each of his American films. Code reviewers dictated the ending of Rebecca, absolved Cary Grant of guilt in Suspicion, edited Cole Porter’s lyrics in Stage Fright, decided which shades should be drawn in Rear Window, and shortened the shower scene in Psycho.

In Hitchcock and the Censors, John Billheimer traces the forces that led to the Production Code and describes Hitchcock’s interactions with code officials on a film-by-film basis as he fought to protect his creations, bargaining with code reviewers and sidestepping censorship to produce a lifetime of memorable films. Despite the often-arbitrary decisions of the code board, Hitchcock still managed to push the boundaries of sex and violence permitted in films by charming—and occasionally tricking—the censors and by swapping off bits of dialogue, plot points, and individual shots (some of which had been deliberately inserted as trading chips) to protect cherished scenes and images. By examining Hitchcock’s priorities in dealing with the censors, this work highlights the director’s theories of suspense as well as his magician-like touch when negotiating with code officials. Read more on Amazon (Amazon link).

Alfred Hitchcock on the Set of Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock is a favorite director of many film lovers (including mine). The man was a genius. After reading Hitchcock and the Censors by John Billheimer, I’ve realized that he was even more of a genius than I ever gave him credit for!

From the Back Cover

Throughout his career, Alfred Hitchcock had to contend with a wide variety of censors attuned to the slightest suggestion of sexual innuendo, undue violence, toilet humor, religious disrespect, and all forms of indecency, real or imagined. From 1934 to 1968, the Motion Picture Production Code Office controlled the content and final cut on all films made and distributed in the United States. During their review of Hitchcock’s films, the censors demanded an average of 22.5 changes, ranging from the mundane to the mind-boggling, on each of his American films.

In his award-winning Hitchcock and the Censors, author John Billheimer traces the forces that led to the Production Code and describes Hitchcock’s interactions with code officials on a film-by-film basis as he fought to protect his creations, bargaining with code reviewers and sidestepping censorship to produce a lifetime of memorable films. Despite the often-arbitrary decisions of the code board, Hitchcock still managed to push the boundaries of sex and violence permitted in films by charming—and occasionally tricking—the censors, and by swapping off bits of dialogue, plot points, and individual shots (some of which had been deliberately inserted as trading chips) to protect cherished scenes and images. By examining Hitchcock’s priorities in dealing with the censors, this work highlights the director’s theories of suspense as well as his magician-like touch when negotiating with code officials.

I have a peculiar habit when meeting a new book that I have probably confessed on the old Hollywood blog before… I go straight to the index and search for names of my favorite stars… then I read what is said about each one on the pages listed. I know, I know, it goes against every rule of reading a book from front to back, but I find that I simply MUST read about my favorites before actually beginning at the first.

When I first sat down with this fascinating book, I found SO MANY of my favorites listed in the index that I grabbed a tall glass of raspberry tea and settled in my favorite den chair and got comfortable. Maureen O’Hara, Henry Fonda, James Stewart, Lucille Ball, Barbara Bel Geddes, Ingrid Bergman, Robert Montgomery, Ethel Barrymore, Anne Baxter, Joan Fontaine, Grace Kelly, Janet Leigh, Cary Grant… I found a wealth of information for each star and, in spite of reading about each one regularly, learning new things about many of them along the way.

Make no mistake about it, however, Alfred Hitchcock is the star of this show and rightfully so. I have more profound respect for him, his talent, his PATIENCE, his willpower, and his lasting fingerprints on moviemaking and film as we know it.

There were about 20 times, in the course of reading this book that I LITERALLY closed the book, sat it down, and took a moment to process what I had read… to absorb, if you will, the boldness of of the man and the magic of the legend.

I was fascinated beyond belief the number of battles he had to wage over somewhat expected things such as kissing to a fairly unexpected wink that, in my opinion, brilliantly and poetically closed his career. Whether you love film history, Hitchcock, and/or MANY of old Hollywood’s greatest stars, this is absolutely the next book you need to add to your library.

You can find this wonderful book on University Press of Kentucky or Amazon (Amazon link).

Wonderful Book on Alfred Hitchcock and His Films: Alfred Hitchcock (The Legacy of Victorianism)

November 13, 2021 By Joi

Alfred Hitchcock: The Legacy of Victorianism by Paula Marantz Cohen

When I think in terms of old Hollywood books (biographies, autobiographies, film studies, memoirs…), I think of some as falling under their own sweet category: Film History. These are the books that allow those of us who consider ourselves to be Film Historians by way of our own reading, research, and (of course) film viewing and dissecting.

This is meant to take absolutely nothing away from those who have – through great diligence, hard work, and study – have earned their film history degree from a University. These film historians have my utmost respect and I would share a cup of coffee and/or Twitter conversation with them any day of the week.

Not all of us have the opportunity for a college film degree education, so we have to create the environment ourselves and creating such an environment begins one place in particular… our library! Some of my favorite books to review are those which would fit within a film history library because I love few things more than educating myself on things that fascinate me: Old movies, Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Cleopatra, American History, Ancient Egypt, Bob Gibson, old Hollywood stars and directors, and so on.

The book pictured here, Alfred Hitchcock: The Legacy of Victorianism by Paula Marantz Cohen is one of the newest additions to my old Hollywood library and it most definitely features prominently on the “film history” shelf.

I LOVE that Alfred Hitchcock Introduces the Reader to Each Chapter!

From the Back Cover:

This provocative study traces Alfred Hitchcock’s long directorial career from Victorianism to postmodernism. Paula Marantz Cohen considers a sampling of Hitchcock’s best films—Shadow of a Doubt, Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho—as well as some of his more uneven ones—Rope, The Wrong Man, Topaz—and makes connections between his evolution as a filmmaker and trends in the larger society.

Drawing on a number of methodologies including feminism, psychoanalysis, and family systems, the author provides an insightful look at the paradox of a Victorian-style gentleman who evolved into one of the leading masters of the modern medium of film. Cohen posits that Hitchcock’s films are, in part, a masculine response to the domestic, psychological novels that had appealed primarily to women during the Victorian era. His career, she argues, can be seen as an attempt to balance “the two faces of Victorianism”: the masculine legacy of law and hierarchy and the feminine legacy of feeling and imagination.

Cohen asserts that Hitchcock’s films reflect his Victorian legacy and serve as a map for ideological trends. She charts his development from his British period through his classic Hollywood years into his later phase, tracing a conceptual evolution that corresponds to an evolution in cultural identity—one that builds on a Victorian inheritance and ultimately discards it.

Wonderful Pictures from Hitchcock’s Films

This extremely well-researched book provides such insight to Hitchcock’s films that I fully intend to watch each one, book in hand, and see them in a whole new light. The author, Paula Marantz Cohen, does such a beautiful job of taking you through Hitchcock’s wonderful films, one by one. You see a picture take shape and realize that… when looked at in this way… his films not only provide you with an overall view of film history but of world history as well.

Trust me when I say the view is utterly fascinating.

I love many things about this book, including:

The informative, yet easy to read style of writing by Paula Marantz Cohen.
Meeting Alfred Hitchcock, the man, as well as Alfred Hitchcock, the legend.
Revisiting favorite films and seeing how they fit into the larger picture.
The wonderful photos included.
The fact that Alfred Hitchcock, himself, through his unmistakable profile, welcomes you to each chapter of the book.

You can find Alfred Hitchcock: The Legacy of Victorianism on The University Press of Kentucky website, as well as countless other wonderful old Hollywood biographies, film history books, and memoirs. It’s one of my favorite sources for Old Hollywood books AND there’s currently a great deal going on! Information about their Holiday Sale is available on their homepage.

This book would make an excellent gift for any film lover in your life.

Alfred Hitchcock: The Legacy of Victorianism (Amazon link) is also available on Amazon.

Thanks for reading! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Alfred Hitchcock: The Legacy of Victorianism by Paula Marantz Cohen

Jimmy Stewart and His Poems: A MUST HAVE for James Stewart Fans!

September 4, 2021 By Joi

Jimmy Stewart and His Poems

If you’re even remotely familiar with me, you know all about my HUGE obsession with old Hollywood books (biographies, memoirs, cookbooks, autobiographies, poems..). I spend some of my happiest moments curled up with one of these prized possessions.

The one pictured here is one of my favorites. Not just because it was written by one of my absolute favorite actors but also because the poetry is breathtakingly wonderful.

From Amazon:

“I’m sure I never said to myself: ‘Now, Jim–why don’t you sit down and write a poem.’ It’s still a mystery to me, but I think probably it’s something that happened by accident–like a lot of things have happened in my life.”

So begins this delightful collection of poetry by America’s best-loved actor, Jimmy Stewart. Interspersed with vivid recollections and charming illustrations, the poems document a life that isn’t too different from yours or mine.

Jimmy Stewart won the hearts of generations of movie viewers with a confused innocence and stammering delivery that made his acting seem genuine and effortless. Somehow he managed to make the boy next door into a national hero. Now, in Jimmy Stewart and His Poems, the consummate Everyman shares tales from his everyday life.

From fishing trips and dog stories to a hilarious account of a photo safari where the camera was lost to a hungry hyena, the poems are related in Jimmy Stewart’s inimitable voice and are enlivened with charming illustrations.

The book confirms what we all expected–that the real Jimmy Stewart is every bit as endearing as the film characters he’s portrayed. Jimmy Stewart and His Poems is a perfect gift, one that fans will treasure as much as Jimmy Stewart’s timeless performances.

I love to read and reread his wonderful poetry – it’s an insight into just how special this legend truly was.

You can find Jimmy Stewart and His Poems on Amazon. It’d make a great gift idea for any James Stewart fan in your life… just be sure to grab a copy for yourself!

Hollywood in Kodachrome: A Book You MUST Have if You Love Old Hollywood

August 10, 2020 By Joi

Hollywood in Kodachrome

I believe I’ve mentioned on the Old Hollywood blog (as well as on my Old Hollywood Twitter page) just how cruel July treated me. Obviously, I’m in the same quarantine boat with everyone else as this global pandemic tragically carries on. However, July gave me a few more blows. My MUCH loved 17 year old cat died in my arms (gut-wrenching to say the least), and then the next day (while cooking and crying… not a good mix), I badly burned my arm and chest with hamburger grease.

Talk about pain! The emotional and physical pain sort of battled it out to see which one would bring me down first. Naturally, this lasted for weeks… long, long weeks.

My daughter Brittany bought me a book (the gorgeous one you see here, Hollywood in Kodachrome by David Wills) to lift my spirits. The fact that she DID it lifted them sky high (I swear, I have the sweetest family – I thank God for them every single day). Each time I look at the book – which sits out, prominently, because it’s such a work of art, I think about Brittany and smile.

(Review Continued Below….)

Judy Garland and Lena Horne

I’ve been anxious to tell y’all about Hollywood in Kodachrome (link to the book on Amazon) because it’s one I know you’ll love as much as I do. I look through it so often and, each time, notice something about a photograph or star I hadn’t noticed before.

I love to look at the photographs and dissect the colors used, the makeup (when applicable… literally), clothes, props, lighting, etc. Like acting, SO much goes into photography… and yet, when it’s done extraordinarily well, you don’t see the effort… you just see the magic.

This book is one work of magic after the other after the other after the other.

Book Description from Amazon:

Hollywood in Kodachrome is a stunning portfolio of the stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, captured in rich, deeply saturated color photographs reproduced from original Kodachrome negatives and curated by collector David Wills and designer Stephen Schmidt, the creative team behind Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosis and Audrey: The 60s.

From Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, and Rita Hayworth to Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, and Gregory Peck—and many more—the silver screen’s elite are all here, in the full blush of youth, captured as if they were taken yesterday. But the true star is the medium itself: late-1940s sheet Kodachrome, a film stock that remains legendary for its rich tonal range, precise color, and detail.

Including a foreword by Golden Age star Rhonda Fleming, and featuring more than 200 photos from classic films and publicity shoots, Hollywood in Kodachrome is a magnificent tribute to Hollywood’s most beloved icons, captured at their glamorous best.

There are 329 pages in this extraordinary book – savoring the photos reminds me of walking through my kind of art gallery… one with only photos of Old Hollywood stars!

Some of the stars include:

Maureen O’Hara
Rita Hayworth
Lucille Ball
Lena Horne
Judy Garland
Yvonne DeCarlo (one particular photo that’ll make your jaw drop!)
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Clark Gable
Bette Davis
Frank Sinatra
Errol Flynn
Lana Turner
Elizabeth Taylor
Marilyn Monroe
and just about every star from the 40s you can name… with many featured more than once.

Many of the publicity shots are never-before-seen… something I can attest to and vouch for. I’ve spent my life up to my chin in Old Hollywood photographs and films and there are countless photos in this gorgeous book I’ve never seen before.

I don’t want to post many of the inside photographs, here, for several reasons:

It wouldn’t be fair to the authors, publishers, or photographers. I wouldn’t want people using the photos online without their consent. These professionals work extremely hard and give us so much – I want to always be fair to them. I only use the gorgeous Judy Garland and Lena Horne photos (above) to give you an idea just how big and gloriously beautiful the photos are. I carefully cropped them in a manner where they can’t be used anywhere online and made certain to leave the photographers’ names intact. I also thought these two photos illustrated what I was talking about when it comes to looking at the background colors, clothing, and makeup. Their lipsticks just pop with the colors around them!
I want you to have the same extraordinary experience I did each time I turned the page, wondering who I’d “meet” next! It was unspeakably fun to come across so many unexpected pictures and stars. I want you to experience that for yourself.

(Review Continued Below…)

Hollywood in Kodachrome

I also love the “outtakes” (previously unpublished) of stars in famous ad campaigns (Max Factor, Lipton, Lucky Strike, Lux, Royal Crown Cola…).

I took the picture above to try and give you an idea just how big this magnificent book is – by using one of my coffee mugs and a tumbler as comparison… and yet I’m still not convinced it captures just how big and beautiful this book is!

This is simply a breathtakingly beautiful collection of photographs of the greatest stars the world has ever known. It’s a celebration of their lives, their spark, and their magic.

You can find Hollywood in Kodachrome (link to the book on Amazon) on Amazon. When you click through the link, you’ll notice it is available “used” as well as “new.”

I couldn’t possibly recommend this showcase any more than I do. It not only lifted my spirits when they needed them most, it provides joy on a regular basis.

And Lauren looks so gorgeous sitting out to greet me each time I walk into the room!

Hollywood in Kodachrome (link to the stunning book on Amazon)

Review – “Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry)”

June 17, 2019 By Joi

A few months ago, I struck gold. I entered a contest on Classic Movie Hub for a chance to win a children’s Charlie Chaplin book – Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry). Since I collect all things Charlie Chaplin and, more importantly, have a precious 18 month old grand-baby (Maddox) who means the world to me, I hoped like crazy that I’d win.

I did!

I love reading to Maddox and absolutely LOVE sharing with him something that I am so passionate about – Old Hollywood. We watch old movies together (he loves musicals, Lewis & Martin, and Abbott & Costello best) and, now, have a book we can enjoy together. And do we ever! The story is entertaining and fun and the illustrations are deliciously unique. They’re colorful and include fun images to hold a child’s attention. The way the book is presented is extra special and original – much like Mr. Chaplin, himself.

This is a children’s book that will grow with a child. While very young, they can enjoy the big bright pictures and the (*pats self on back) wonderfully entertaining voices an adult uses while reading. When older, they’ll enjoy the wonderful story – and gain more from the lessons involved.

For collectors, like myself, they’ll get an extra kick out of the beautiful addition to their collection.

(Continued Below the Beautiful Illustrations)

But there’s more to this book than meets the eye. When you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or anyone blessed with children in their life, you notice things others may overlook.

There are a few especially beautiful things in “Smile” that one might not expect from a colorful and fun children’s book…

When sharing the story with a child, this book gives an adult the perfect opportunity to stress the importance of being yourself. Charlie Chaplin did not pattern himself after other people – he created his own pattern! And what a pattern it was. By doing his own thing and creating his own identity, he became a legend. His name is known the world over. If you’re always trying to fit in, how are you ever going to stand out??
Something else I love about this book is the opportunity to talk about emotions. Sometimes we are happy, for no reason. Other times, something or someone (like, say, a little Tramp??) makes us happy. Sometimes we’re sad, for no reason. Other times, something or someone makes us sad. They’re emotions and there isn’t anything wrong with them. It’s all part of “feeling” and that’s all part of life.
There is a bonding that takes place when you sit beside a child (or with them in your lap while they’re still small enough) and share a book. I noticed it with my three daughters when they were little and I notice it with Maddox. The time spent is beautiful for all involved and creates lasting, wonderful memories.
There are only GREAT things to be said for raising children who love books and think of reading as one of their favorite things. Books are competing with a lot of things these days and few of these things, if any, offer the benefits of reading. We have to all do our part to make sure books stay exciting and enjoyable to our children.

Last of all – and, admittedly of less importance than the benefits to a child and the adult’s relationship with him/her – I have to point out the importance of keeping Old Hollywood and its stars alive and relevant. Silent movies, the Golden Age of Hollywood, musicals, old comedians (SO much better than today’s – sorry, but it’s the truth), and all of the wonderful men and women involved should be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

That’s where we come in.

It’s not enough to enjoy, collect, and talk about them among ourselves. We need to reach out to future generations and draw them in. All we have to do is introduce them to the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Lucille Ball, Shirley Temple, Judy Garland, Abbot & Costello, Lewis & Martin, Fred and Ginger… once these stars have their attention, they’ll take it from there.

They won’t be able to help falling in love with them.

If you collect Charlie Chaplin books and/or have children in your life, this is most definitely a book you’ll want to check out. See Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) for more information!

The picture above? That’s one of my fur babies, Gueenie, sleeping comfortably on this wonderful book. If you’re new to my Old Hollywood Book Reviews, one of my cats is almost always involved during the photo session! They love to be the center of attention, so…. here they come in all of their glory. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Movie Poster Books on Amazon… Very Fun Collectibles

May 15, 2019 By Joi

Have you seen the Movie Posters books on Amazon? They’re from Abby Books and I’m pretty crazy about them. Being the biggest Maureen O’Hara fan in the world, naturally I have (and love) the Maureen O’Hara Movie Poster Book.

From Amazon: Spirited, strong-willed, tempestuous beauties. All of these words have been used to describe the roles played in the 1940s and 1950s by Irish-born actress Maureen O’Hara. With more than 50 films to her credit, O’Hara is best remembered for her roles in Miracle on 34th Street, The Quiet Man and The Parent Trap. The Maureen O’Hara Movie Poster Book features original one sheet posters, and some poster art, from all of O’Hara’s 53 Hollywood films, from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) to Only the Lonely (1991) with John Candy. Printed in full color on white paper, the Maureen O’Hara Movie Poster Book is a must have collector’s item for fans of the Queen of Technicolor

This Maureen O’Hara Movie Poster Book is filled with Maureen O’Hara’s wonderful movie posters – from The Hunchback of Notre Dame to Only the Lonely. The years are given for each. It’s fun to look through the book and take an up close and personal look at each detail of the poster, as well as the director, producer, co-stars, and other details we often miss.

{Continued Below…}

There are a LOT of other stars available (some are listed below). I plan to buy the rest of the books because…

A. I’m obsessed with Old Hollywood.

B. I’m obsessed with movie posters.

C. I collect Old Hollywood books and memorabilia.

Seriously, it’s like these books were made with me in mind. I mean, it’s as easy as A.B.C.

{Continued below Lady Godiva…}

Below are just some of the stars to choose from. I actually just discovered these incredibly fun books, so I don’t have them all.

Yet.

Cary Grant
Clark Gable
Sean Connery
Katharine Hepburn (the next one I’m buying!)
Thelma Todd
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford
Natalie Wood
Frank Sinatra
Lon Chaney
Claudette Colbert
Douglas Fairbanks
Mary Pickford
Sidney Poitier
Harold Lloyd
Jean Arthur
Lana Turner
Ginger Rogers
Laurel & Hardy
Buster Keaton
Veronica Lake
Joan Crawford
Marilyn Monroe
Bette Davis
John Wayne
Barbara Stanwyck
Doris Day
Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis
Fred Astaire
Spencer Tracy
And more…

See Movie Posters books on Amazon to see all of the stars available. These make especially fun collectibles. (Be sure to keep going to the “next page” – there are 4 pages in all.) Click Maureen O’Hara Movie Poster Book for the Maureen O’Hara book. Highly recommended!

There just aren’t enough words to describe the Kangaroo movie poster. I mean….

Movie Star Chronicles: A Visual History of the World’s Greatest Movie Stars (Review)

March 6, 2019 By Joi

Movie Star Chronicles: A Visual History of the World’s Greatest Movie Stars

As I said in my last post, I’m an avid collector of all things “Old Hollywood” – books, dvds, magazines, photos, artwork, coffee mugs, Christmas ornaments, dolls… Books are something I add to my collection almost weekly. What can I say? Books are as big of an obsession for me as old movies are, so combine the two and I can’t stop myself or even slow myself down!

The book you see here, Movie Star Chronicles is one of the newest ones to join my collection. Naturally, my beloved Audrey caught my eye and into the cart it went. I LOVE that the publisher put three of “our” stars on the cover – Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Marlon Brando.

Beautifully done!

Audrey Hepburn’s Photo Spread

Many stars (“our” stars as well as modern-day stars) are featured in photo spreads like the one Audrey has (above). The stars have a “timeline” that features their filmography, including release dates and genres.

While I love the information, the gorgeous pictures are my favorite thing about this one. Look at the stunning photo of Greta Garbo below. Wouldn’t this photo make a gorgeous art print?!

Greta Garbo as Elizabeth Dohna

Book Description from Amazon:

Movie Star Chronicles promises to satisfy the curiosity of moviegoers, cinephiles, and the Hollywood-hungry fans that fuel today’s entertainment news industry. For film students, it is a practical reference to the most important actors in cinematic history.

Entries illustrated with film and television stills and other archival material chart the careers of 330 actors from the era of silent film to today’s blockbusters. Expert text gives an entertaining overview and color-coded timelines provide an at-a-glance guide to the actor’s career, their roles, movie release dates, earnings and awards.

With 576 pages and more than 2,500 illustrations for only $29.95, Movie Star Chronicles is an outstanding value. It includes:

A to Z coverage of 330 movie stars, with extended entries for 100

20 feature articles on popular movie trends, including vampires; western heroes; singers turned actors; femmes fatales; saints and sinners; acting dynasties; combat stars; cops and more

30 lavish double-page photo spreads showing cinema’s most influential stars at work and how film has evolved from silent black- and-white to color 3-D

20 illustrated features on genres and trends, such as Superheroes, Acting Dynasties, Screen Sirens, and Movie Villains

Color-coded timelines showing the arc of an actor’s career, including release dates and types of features, such as Criminal, Romantic Drama, and Thriller

Best Actor awards: Oscars, BAFTA, Cesar (France), Goya (Spain), David Di Donatello (Italy), Golden Horse (Asia), Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Sundance.

Covering Hollywood, Bollywood and world cinema, Movie Star Chronicles is truly international and comprehensive. Sure to attract a wide readership, it is an essential purchase.

Audrey Hepburn Timeline (continued on the next page in the book)

This big, beautiful book is an excellent coffee table book – one guests would love to lose themselves in. It would also make a gorgeous and much-appreciated gift, whether it’s for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas.

Greta Garbo’s Photo Spread

I found my copy at the Ollie’s in town but I haven’t seen this one in any bookstores. They do have it on Amazon, of course, however. Pretty sure they have everything.

Take a closer look at Movie Star Chronicles: A Visual History of the World’s Greatest Movie Stars on Amazon. I highly recommend it.

Old Hollywood Book + Biography Reviews on Hollywood Yesterday

August 27, 2017 By Joi

Maureen O’Hara’s Autobiography ‘Tis Herself

One of my favorite pastimes or guilty pleasures is (as you’d expect) watching movie classics. Old Hollywood, the Golden Age of Hollywood, Hollywood’s Golden Era… whatever name it goes by, it is absolute magic as far as I’m concerned. There’s just nothing quite like curling up in my favorite swivel rocker, with hot chocolate or tea, my favorite throw, and at least one cat nearby.

However, over the years I’ve found that there’s another guilty Old Hollywood-related pleasure that ranks right up there with watching the movies, themselves…. reading about the colorful, larger than life men and women who made the magic happen.

Old Hollywood biographies, autobiographies, and books line my bookshelves and the collection continues to grow. To be perfectly honest, I just can’t get enough of them! (An index of my Old Hollywood Book Reviews is at the end of this post.)

{Continued below Princess Huck admiring Katharine Hepburn…}

I Know Where I’m Going: Katharine Hepburn, A Personal Biography

I Know Where I’m Going is one of the first Old Hollywood book reviews I wrote on Hollywood Yesterday and it remains one of my all-time favorite books.

The review, linked to above, will go into greater detail about exactly what makes this book such a knock out. It isn’t just a MUST read for Katharine Hepburn fans and it isn’t just a MUST read for fans of Old Hollywood… it’s a MUST read for anyone who enjoys a great book.

For my food blog as well as a few of my other blogs, I do a LOT of book reviews. I meticulously plan photo shoots for the books to better show them off to my readers. As you can see from these pictures, I almost always have “help” from at least one of my cats. When it came to I Know Where I’m Going, one of our kittens, Princess Huck, decided she just had to read the book then and there.

I decided, “Fine. You want to be in the pictures… you’ll be in the pictures!” I may or may not spoil my cats. (Narrator: “She absolutely does spoil her cats.”)

I have a LOT of book and biography reviews coming up, so keep an eye or two out for those. You’ll forgive me, I trust, if a cat or two or four make their way into the pictures.

~ Joi (“Joy”)