This is a book that made an impression on me. Preston Sturges directed movies during the 1930's and 1940's. He did it with gentle irreverence, and his "screwball comedies" became something that was copied into the 1960's. In his own words, this is his story. Read it and enjoy.

Houdini may have been the original American entertainment superstar. His feats were legendary, original and almost unreproduceable. His story is an amazing one, and aside from the speculation on the enemies toward the end of his life, totally engrossing.

Buster Keaton was one of the most brilliant comedians and directors the movies have ever known. With his innovative and original physical comedy, and his stone face, his movies are a marvel almost 90 years after they were made. Meade's book brings the reader into his world, and creates a better understanding of his art and brilliance.

Peggy Lee was the consummate professional vocalist, and had a sound so distinctive and classy, that she worked with some of the greatest big band performers of the 1940's and 1950's. She broke out as a soloist and was a household name in the entertainment industry. Her story is captivating, and as a personality, she was one of a kind.

This is a feast of a Hollywood Insider story by Robert Evans, who ran Paramount Studios in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Evans was looked after by Sidney Korshak, who was a consigliere for the legitimate mob. He tells of his loves, his drug use (somewhat), and his successes producing huge movie hits.

Autobiographical sketch of the the British blues singer/rocker Eric Burdon who founded the Animals and later sang with the band War. A Hall of Famer, Burdon tells of coming to the US in the 60's, and finding quick fame and adoration as a pop star.

Pamela Des Barres was a groupie of some of the monster bands of the 1960's and 1970's and has apparently lived to tell about it. Here, she names names and tells stories about her amazing encounters with sex, drugs and rock n roll.

Philip K Dick was a prolific author of science fiction, many might argue the greatest ever. Beyond his writing, which occupied most of his time and thoughts, he was a lonely and displaced person. Brilliance and sadness go tegether in this story, and it makes for interseting reading.

Fifty years ago (at this writing) Noel Neill was America's sweetheart, playing Lois Lane in TV's Superman. A woman of astonishing beauty, with a wonderful smile, Neill was a veteran actress, who fell into a prime time spot, even though her paycheck did not reflect it. She reflects back without bitterness here on her story.

In the 1940's and 1950's, Esther Williams was the original water diva. She was cast in musicals that had replaced dancing with aquatic numbers. She was a beautiful feminine presence on the screen. She also lived quite a life, and she puts it on paper here. Some of her choices are hard to stomach, but her tale is an interesting one.

An insiders look at one time cult and later mainstream singer Jim Morrison and the band "The Doors". Manzarek was the keyboardist for this incredible band of the 1960's and early 1970's, and he tells the full story, drugs, women and all.

Russ Meyer had a singular vision of cinema, er, make that a double vision. He did it with humor, but also pushed the envelope of decency. The maker of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" and "Super Vixens" is a great target for a biography.

A film by film analysis of the great director of "A Clockwork Orange", "Spartacus", "Lolita" and "Dr. Strangelove" among others. Kubrick was the quintessential "it" director in the 1960's and 1970's. His movies are legendary.

Alfred Hitchcock was a household name i=until his death whose movies were regarded as absolute genius. His portly profile, and sonorous voice were instantaneously recognizable. He was a strange man, who made an indelible mark in cinema.

Cary Grant was the quintessential class act in a movie industry rife with leading men. The book points out that beneath the polished veneer that was Cary Grant lie a jumbled contradiction of insecurity and twisted emotion.

Mae West was such an outlandish trailblazer, and such a huge personality, that one biography could not fully do her justice. Louvish tries, and does uncover some of the essence of her over-sized character. I walked away feeling that there was a lot more to learn about her.

An inside look at the great rock band "The Doors" from drummer John Densmorewho was a classically trained musician and became the beat man for a Band that went from cult to mainstream after Jim Morrison's death. A captivating and informative read.

Another look at one of the true geniuses of cinema and comedy, Buster Keaton. This book offers some great insight into his childhood, and the family act that moulded him. Takes the reader through the end of his life.

I have always believed that any hetero-male who could not be in love with Teri Garr after watching her amused, knowing smile and beautiful coutenance in comedies like "Young Frankenstien" and "Mr. Mom" has some serious emptiness inside. Turns out Ms. Garr has had some serious matters in her life to contemplate as well, like her battle with MS. I am glad she shared her story.

The camera has loved Cybill Shephard since she was a cover girl. She has led an unbridled life, both on and off-screen. This is a revealing look at her, through her own eyes. A highly enjoyable read!