2 comments about Costume Design.

1. I have Cletus as my design teacher at Carnegie Mellon University this year. I have looked at the book, and it is definitely worth using and referring to regularly. The main thing to know is that Cletus has done everything, knows everything and really, he is the end all source of theatre, costume and artistic information and advice. He got through Yale School of Drama Grad program without ever turning in anything late... think about that. Now why would you choose another book?



2. I have used this book as the text in my Costume Design class for years and find it is the only one to my knowledge that covers both the conceptual aspects of costuming for the theatre as well the craft of rendering and construct. It even addresses historical information briefly. I was saddened to hear that the book was out of print. I am hoping a new edition will be out soon

3 comments about The Film Sense.

1. Though no book will make you a filmmaker, some will help you refine your vision. This book, for me, added some poetry and texture to the imagery already in my mind. Pretty much the only thing that will improve your film skills, is making them.



2. If you want to improve your own films, this book will not help you (I doubt that any book would). If you can actually figure out what Eisenstien is trying to say (which would probably take 3 readings, but who has the time?) you will find only obscure and vague theories. They are interesting in what they reveal about Eisenstein and his films, but they will not help you as a filmmaker!



3. Eisenstein thoughts on montage and how the mind interpets film is invaluable when creating films of one's own. Read the book 3 times to learn it for the first.

4 comments about The Theatre of the Absurd.

1. Anyone interested in the problem of trying to understand and communicate what "reality" means to you on a deeply philosophical level and is curious about how some of the greatest minds in theatrical history have wrestled with this same issue in their own work should READ THIS BOOK. Even if you don't think you care about those things, read this book--you may find that you actually do and you owe it to yourself to find out. It is accessible and revelatory and continues to provide insights that would seem applicable to the future of theater/film/and all other representative artforms. We are still struggling with many of the issues Esslin addresses and our contemporary art has not yet fully integrated his insights into mainstream thought. We can't expect representative art to take any important leaps forward without first understanding the relevance of the Absurd. This book taught me that. I'm really glad I found it.



2. If you have ever wished for one book to neatly package absurdist theatre, Mr. Esslin's book is the one. This book is readable, comprehendable, entertaining and engaging. In fact, it's rather difficult to put down. His introduction does wonders to dispel any myths as to what absurdist theatre is and isn't. He follows the introduction by individually highlighting those playwrights often associated with the absurd (Beckett, Adamov, Ionesco, Genet, and Pinter). Of interest is the fact that he does not overwhelm or bore the reader by providing an excess of information. On the contrary, each section is unbelievably tight. His section on Adamov is much appreciated, considering that finding anything on him is near impossible. He then continues with his "Parallels and Proselytes" in which he touches on "lesser-known" playwrights (Albee, Arrabal, and others). He follows this section with three more equally fascinating chapters. In short, Mr. Esslin packs a breadth of relevant information into 480 pages. "The Theatre of the Absurd" should find a welcome home on the bookshelves of actors, directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, or those with an interest in theatre. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.



3. Esslin outlines important facts about this complicated and confusing theatrical movement. He helps provide a basic understanding for anyone who would like to know about Beckett, Ionesco, Adamov, Genet, and Pinter. Absurdism is probably the least understood of all modern theatrical movements of the twentieth century, but Esslin makes it accessible. If you study, teach, design,or perform in the theatre you need to read this book, it is the authoritative text on absurdist theatre.



4. I came to read this book for a paper I decided to write on Samuel Beckett, for my Theory of History course. A friend who's an actress recommended it for me, and it was an amazing discovery. From an historian's point of view, this book is a rich, challenging and informative approach to one of the most important aspects of the ideology crisis from the beginning of the XXth. Century. As I came to know later, it's a classic on the theatre field as well.

   Apart from Beckett and some minor authors, there are chapters on Adamov, Ionescu, Genet and Pinter, and a superb essay on the meaning of the concept of "absurd" of human existence. A must read for anyone who wishes to understand not only the art, but the ideas which shaped the latest century.

5 comments about Here on Gilligan's Isle/the Professor's Behind-The-Scenes Guide to Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Gilligan's Island, Including a Complete E.

1. Our favorite Professor, Russell Johnson (with the help of Steve Cox) puts down his memoirs in a quick trip through Johnson's life and focusing on his time at Gilligan's Island. GI fans will eat this up, but being a GI fan, I actually found it a bit flat. There are anecdotes and memories Johnson shares, both good and bad. Johnson talks about the partial regret the actors had about doing the show (except Alan Hale who lived the role). He also talks about each cast member individually as well as their after show experiences. Next up is coverage of the cartoons and tv movies. His part of the book wraps up with brief talks of his family but then the narrative ends very abruptly and we are launched into the episode guide covering the show which was very cool.
   
   Overall, as a GI fan, I liked this book and read it in a day. However, the whole thing was really just surface material for the most part and done for the fans. It was great memories but there's no real meat going on here. There are some fascinating items in here such as Johnson's WWII experience and being shot down in the Pacific and the wrap up about his son is touching.



2. Boy, these Castaways really influenced a generation! After getting the book, and reading a few paragraphs before going to sleep, I had dreams about the "characters" all night. I think, even if the show would be considered somewhat "lowbrow art" if having any merit in this area, might lead a possible procession of "Life imitating Art"!!!



3. Millions around the world know him only as "The Professor" on Gilligan's Island. However, before taking the role that would change his life, Russell Johnson was already an established actor in both film and television.

   In this wonderful book, Johnson tells his life story in a modest and entertaining fashion. His good nature, and sense of fairness is evident throughout. The book covers Johnson's life as "Professor Roy Hinkley", his remembrances of the Gilligan's Island years, and thoughts about his fellow island castaways. The book has a multitude of terrific photos, many from behind the scenes. With nothing mean-spirited to say, this is a warm "feel good" read, that is over much too quickly.

   There are many fascinating stories of interest to hardcore fans. Perhaps the most significant for the author, concerns the pilot episode. Shot in 1963, but never aired until 1992, the pilot featured different actors as The Professor, Ginger and Mary Ann. Circumstances led to the recasting of these roles with Johnson, Tina Louise and Dawn Wells.

   Most fans know that the show's theme song was re-recorded for the second season to include "The Professor and Mary Ann". But in this book we learn that the musical group that performed the second version, later appeared on the program as the rock group "The Mosquitoes". Johnson devotes some time to the assortment of guest stars that visited the island, and the issue of censorship. Also covered are the post series years, and the events leading to the rescue movie, and other related Gilligan's Island projects. The "Ship's Log", a brief summary of the 98 episodes, concludes this thoroughly enjoyable book that all fans of the series will appreciate.




4. When I was growing up during the time this show was airing, one of the standard questions among my teenage friends was, who did you have a crush on, Ginger or Marianne? Interestingly, there was almost universal agreement that, although Ginger was hot, Marianne had that girl-next-door wholesomeness and sex appeal, and so she got the vote.

   Almost 35 years later this same question came up at a lunch with a bunch of my work associates, most of whom are middle-aged computer geek types or engineers like me. The funny thing was, everybody agreed they still liked Marianne. I guess some things never change.

   But after her, the Professor was my favorite character on the program, and years later, when I was a college instructor briefly myself, I attributed it at least partly to the example Russell Johnson set on this show, as silly as that might sound. That maybe, and the original Star Trek, which made science and technology glamorous and sexy and very ungeeklike.

   Well, for all those who loved this show like I did and were in some way inspired to do something in their lives because of it, this book is full of great behind-the-scenes stories and trivia about every aspect of the show and characters. This book will be appreciated by all fans of this classic American 60's comedy series.




5. The first page of my book reads: "To my Great neice Kim--from your Uncle--Russell Johnson The Professor, Love to you" This is a wonderful book and the behind the scenes info is so way cool!!

1 comments about The Compact Bedford Introduction to Drama.

1. I had to buy this book as part of a college course curriculum.
   
   It basically is filled with a bunch of plays written in various time periods around the world. It is arranged chronologically so there is a good amount of background information in the book on the different time periods.
   
   In each 'chapter' or section of the book there is a brief introduction about the time period in which the plays were written. Then, for each play there is a short section before and after the play which gives prelude and summary which can help you further understand some of the more complicated plays. There are reviews by famous authors and playwrights as well following each play.
   
   The reason I give this book only 3 stars is because there were many segments of the book which were very difficult to read and follow. I found myself many times going back over a particular section and reading it four and five times to make sense of it (mostly in the summaries and reviews - the plays were in original format and I had already read most of them at some point in my grammar school years). Now, I am a very intelligent person so if I find a section of reading difficult, the average reader will find it extremely difficult. Plus, I am not a major fan of literary arts which I'm sure contributes highly to this.

5 comments about Hard Core: Power, Pleasure, and the "Frenzy of the Visible", Expanded edition.

1. Hardcores author like to use big words and confusing dialog to get her point across. This is a good book if you can get through all the muddle and crap to get to her point. The book definetly reads like a college textbook and it does get tediouse at times. A good book if you have patience



2. Williams' claim is that all porn is not the same, but her book title is very specific which would lead one to believe she will make claims about only hard core and not about the attendant debates over all of porn's place in society.
   
   You have to be suspicious when the majority of reviewers of an academic book have not graduated high school. I can barely get my university students to read academic writing.



3. The writing is jagged, superfluous and constantly filled with statements on what the author is intending to say in the book without actually saying it. This book is boring, hard to get through and organized in a questionable fashion. Unless you need to read it for a college course I strongly recommend against it. Frankly I don't understand the other reviews on this page praising the book.



4. This is an easy to read, comprehensive analysis of visual pornography. Williams is thorough and openminded, and clearly shows that this isn't a homogenous and stereotypical genre. On the contrary, she maintains that all trends visible in other types of movies exist in pornography as well. An interesting read.



5. I should probably look more closely at the covers of the books that I am ordering online. Any reasonable individual might naturally assume a book entitled "Hard Core" would contain information regarding the apple harvesting industry; however, such is most clearly not the case with Doctor William's book.

   Despite the initial mix-up, I found this work to be quite titilating. Prior to reading Hard Core, I was only familiar with pornographic films (or "pornos") as an avid viewer. Hubby Rick and I now devote a significant amount of money and time on pornos in the hopes that we might one day fully appreciate, as does Linda Williams, the pornographic film. And our marriage has never been better!

1 comments about Jean Giraudoux: Four Plays: Volume 1 (Ondine, Enchanted, Madwoman of Challot, Apollo of Bellac).

1. Four short plays, seductive and fickle water nymphs with the visage of Audrey Hepburn, love that can animate sculpted statues, madwomen and the ghosts of those who've loved them... a universal celebration and recognition of small sacrifices and gestures hidden within grand tales of mythic proportions. Keep this book close for the rest of your eventful life.

5 comments about The Exonerated: A Play.

1. This is a great play, When you're reading it it feels more like you're watching a documentry , rather than a play that someone has created. I think the writers have done a great job in giving us an inside look into being a prisoner or a loved one of a human being on death row. I think this is a really brave play and it has something to say. However if you're after something upbeat, this is not the play to read.



2. whereas Bush killed more in Texas, with Al GOnzo's ineffectual five minutes "clemency" rubber stamp reviews, than any other governor in history since Vlad the Impaler.
   
   This important play for today tells us in the condemned innocents' own words why we must cease being a rogue nation and rejoin the community of civilized nations by outlawing capital punishment. Look at the short list of nations which still practice the barbarism which is the death penalty, and decide which list you stand with.
   
   Read the words of these innocents driven mad by the fatal, inexorable and casual uncaring injustice of our system.
   
   What purpose has the death penalty? It is no deterrrent. We have known that since James Joyce outlined the objections in his Episode Twelve of Ulysses. The Catholic Church continually condemns its immorality and injustice as a pro-life issue. Yet we kill on. Why?



3. I first SAW this play at the Edinburgh Festival. It is immensely powerful. It gives the story, in their own words,of a number of people who have been unjustly or erroneously accused of crimes and sentenced to death in the USA, and have spent time, sometimes decades, on Death Row. These people were eventually found innocent, but the play also has much to say about the justice system, prison conditions, and human courage and cowardice.The humour, resilience and lack of bitterness is stunning. My copy is now being passed round on Death Row in Ohio.



4. This play is very well written. The story just makes you know what people's lives are like after they are convicted of a crime that they never commited. If you want something real and new than this play is for you! This play is very creative and well thought out for the viewer,reader, and actor to enjoy.



5. Truth is a very scary thing but it's something we should all know. I went into it knowing the of the horror that is present today and it was still a very touching story. (Probably due to the personal feel it swelled with) For those who aren't aware of the injustice that is so prominent, this would be groundbreaking. It's an amazing play and personally, I think it's better than "I AM MY OWN WIFE".

2 comments about The Playwright's Workbook.

1. I've been wrestling with playwriting for more than a decade. The last book I used was Playwriting in Process, which is excellent, but the exercises are too advanced for me. "Write a scene in which two people have a secret but no one talks about it," for example. If I knew how to write a scene I wouldn't need to do exercises!

   The Playwright's Workbook, on the other hand, deals in the very basics. Van Itallie explains how each scene needs a "who," "what," and a "where." His writing voice is notable for its simplicity and warmth. For the first time in my life I'm getting the sense that I can actually write plays.




2. Jean Claude Van Itallie is a great playwright, hes been making good stuff for many many years. In theatre class I have had the privliage to preform many of his pieces and they are very humerous. Any who, if you like to write plays then get this book, he tells about how he does it.

5 comments about Keep Watching the Skies! American Science Fiction Movies of the Fifties (Mcfarland Classics, 3) (Mcfarland Classics, 3).

1. This is a terrifically entertaining and informative compendium of 1950's science fiction movies that, for fans of this inexplicably overlooked genre, will serve as an almost endless supply of delectable brain candy. Other reviewers have nicely captured the essence of this book; I'll simply add that this is the one volume you'll want to keep by your bedside and savor night after night.



2. do you ever wonder about the old days? how people thought about space and time, and oh yes, giant monster bugs? then look no further than this fine and funny volume. from 1950 to 1962, warren covers the best to the worst with a wry sense of humor and a clear love for the subject. almost everything is covered, from obscure jungle movies, to elaborate space epics. if you want to know about these old films, and have a laugh or two, then by all means pick up this book.



3. Bill Warren is obviously very knowledgeable concerning classic science fiction films, having spent a lifetime researching the subject. "Keep Watching the Skies" is not only factually accurate, it is also extremely entertaining to read.
   
   Highly recommended for all fans of the genre.



4. If you're a fan, or even a casual watcher, of science fiction movies of the 1950s and early 1960s, this exhaustively researched, 2-1/4-inch-thick tome deserves a prominent place in your library. It is, quite simply, THE definitive reference book on the subject. Period. There is none better. The conscientious reviewer MIGHT point out only one minor "problem"--but more on that later.
   
   Mr. Warren does an unbelievably thorough job of presenting the most minute details of virtually every American science fiction film produced from 1950 through 1962. The classics are all here, of course. "Destination Moon," "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "The Thing From Another World," "Forbidden Planet," "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "War of the Worlds" each receive 10 or so pages of treatment (in very small, closely spaced print, mind you). Mr. Warren tells you everything you could ever want to know about the script, the director, the actors, the special effects (such as they were, in those days), the budget, the editing, the musical score and the reception that each movie got on its initial release. He includes meaningful, interesting details and fascinating anecdotes, many of which I can't imagine how he managed to dig up. Lesser films such as (to pick a couple at random) "Mesa of Lost Women" and "The Rocket Man" get only a page or so, but still with full discussions of each film's production and how it fits into the genre. Well-chosen still photos, typically printed in full-page size and in many cases not the same ones seen in other books, illustrate some of the movies.
   
   I found that the best way to use Mr. Warren's monumental work is to refer to it just after watching one of the films that it covers (which means ANY science fiction movie of the era). With the screenplay fresh in one's mind, reading the relevant chapter adds immeasurably to the viewing experience, much as a director's commentary does on a DVD. You can, of course, read "Keep Watching The Skies" through from cover-to-cover, but only at the risk of information overload. Its usefulness is sure to last for many years--as long as there are VHS tapes, DVDs or (if you're very lucky) old 35mm prints of classic science fiction movies to watch and enjoy. It adds new meaning to the term "reference book."
   
   Now, for the one and only "problem" with "Keep Watching The Skies." The book consists of two parts. Part 1 covers the years 1950 through 1957; Part 2 covers 1958 through 1962. Both parts were apparently once issued as separate volumes. For this reissue, both volumes are bound together. Each part has a comprehensive index, but ONLY for that part. Thus, it can be a little difficult to find a specific film if you don't know its year of release, especially since many films in Part 1 are referred to--and thus indexed--in Part 2, and vice versa. A single integrated index would make Mr. Warren's magnum opus much easier to use. With that single tiny quibble aside, I give "Keep Watching The Skies" the highest possible recommendation. Five stars is not nearly enough. It deserves a galaxy of stars.



5. The best science fiction book I have ever read.A must-have for everyone fond of golden age movies and classic science fiction.
   I read the book in one go.I wish I could read another book like this!