New Movie Book: Raised by the Stars

Now available on that Kindle thingy.

If you're a fan of old movies, you may enjoy my book, “Raised by the Stars."

It's a collection of recent interviews I did with children of actors from cinema’s Golden Age, and published by McFarland's. They talk about the joys and difficulties of growing up in the shadow of the early Hollywood spotlight.

Among those interviewed are the children of leading actors such as Errol Flynn, Jimmy Stewart, Gary Cooper, Rosalind Russell, Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, and Rex Harrison, as well as many supporting and character actors including Jack Elam, Forrest Tucker, Jesse White, Jack Gilford, Gene Lockhart and Billy Barty.

Who, you ask? Well, you may not know their names unless you a film buff (what exactly is a buff, let alone a film buff, anyway?) but you probably recognize their faces if you watch films from the 40s, 50s, and beyond:


Can you identity these supporting actors? Their children are all interviewed in "Raised by the Stars"

I must say, it was a lot of fun hearing firsthand from these children – some in their 70s and 80s now, so not exactly "kids" – about the hectic lifestyle of living in the celebrity bubble. I think fans of classic movies will enjoy this collection.

“Raised by the Stars” is published by McFarland and contains 50 photos. More information: website.

Also, article in the Ventura County Star.

Robert Osborne: He's Back!

Turner Classic Movies fans are well aware that host Robert Osborne has been absent for the past few months.

He will be back tomorrow!

Read my interview with him in this week's Washington Post.

Elevenses

The numerologist in me just had to post "something" at 11:11 am on 11/11/11

Restoring ....Education?

Snapped this screenshot about a CNN program tonight explaining how to fix the US education system. Perhaps we should start with the guy who writes the cable promos!

Or was it an intentional erra?

Rupert, the Red-faced Publisher

You know Sulzberger and Hearst, and Gannett and Greeley,

Scripps and Cox, Pulitzer and McClatchy.

But do you recall?
The most infamous publisher of all?

Well sing along folks, with this updated Christmas favorite ......


Rupert, the red-faced publisher
had a very shiny face.
And if you ever saw him,
clearly you would see disgrace.

All of the other publishers
laugh and love to call him names.
They’ll never let poor Rupert
forget his evil snooping games.

Then one sultry summer’s Eve
The PM came to say:
"Rupert with your face so bright,
why’d you hack those phones that night?"

Now all the readers loath him
and they shout it out with glee:
“Rupert the red-faced publisher,
you'll go down in history!”

Got an idea for another verse?  :)

Wal-mart Bargin

Gotta love those Wal-mart bulk bargins!
(taken at our local store)

Greatest headline EVER?

Okay, I had to post this.

I stumbled on this headline this morning. For a moment, I thought the cops had caught up with me :)