New Book--The Star Machine

[imoldfashioned]

I was noodling around my local Barnes and Noble at lunch and saw that film historian Jeanine Basinger has a new book out called The Star Machine (I've put it on order from the library). Has anyone read it yet? Her book A Woman's View is one of my favorite texts on film.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I've read several of her books: she's an excellent, very insightful film writer. I'm sure this new one is very worthwhile. I see that Leonard Maltin (who is, of course, absolutely trustworthy about this sort of thing!) gives it a rave review on his site:

http://www.leonardmaltin.com/picks.htm#filmBooks

(Scroll down a bit to see it.)

 

[Harp]

I was noodling around my local Barnes and Noble at lunch...

noodling around?

I like that.

 

[imoldfashioned]

noodling around?

I like that.

One of my stock phrases that; glad it pleases!

Thanks for the review link Doctor Strange.

 

[Flivver]

I have this book on my Christmas list.

I've had Jeanine Basinger's book "Silent Stars" for many years. It's one of my favorite books on the silent era. Highly recommended!

 

[Midnight Palace]

I posted this a while back. Hope it's helpful!

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=25158

 

[Brian Sheridan]

Great review, Mid. It sold me. I just placed an order for the book from Amazon (I hope you get some click-through change).

My library doesn't have it and does not appear to be obtaining it.

Also, I needed to add something to a birthday present order to get the free shipping and use up the last bit of a gift certificate.

A win-win situation all around.

 

[imoldfashioned]

Thanks for the link MP--how did I miss that?

One of the things I really like about Basinger is that she often chooses actors/actresses that haven't been overly analyzed. For instance, flipping through her latest book I noticed she looks at the careers of Tyrone Power, Loretta Young, Jean Arthur and Deanna Durbin where lots of authors would have done Joan Crawford or the like. I'm looking forward to reading about actors/actresses who worked at a studio other than MGM, seeing some new thoughts and material.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

I just started reading the book and it is fantastic!

Everyone who is a fan of Hollywood from the 30's to the early 50's should buy this book.

 

[imoldfashioned]

I agree! I'm nearly finished with my copy from the library (1/2 through the "Retooling for WWII" chapter). Clear explainations, insightful commentary and I love her humorous asides about ridiculous dialogue, her experience as an usher in the late 40's/50's and fan magazines.

I'll definitely buy a copy when it goes on sale ($35 is just too steep for me, I don't care what the book is!).