5 comments about Cinema Under the Stars: America's Love Affair With the Drive-In Movie Theater.

1. I never read it so I guess I'm in the same boat as the all caps reviews. In my case I hate SPAM ads so much I will be critical here just because I don't appreciate reviews that don't show anything more than they read the preface or the back book cover. Maybe not even that. They may have been given the text to use in an e-mail. At any rate, if you want me to buy something, DON'T hire fake reviewers to write glowing fake reviews.



2. A reasonable attempt to cover the love that we all have for drive-ins, but unfortunately it misses the mark. The pictures are great but over-all you can tell the authors don't really know the business.
   
   Several major inaccuracies exist including a cover of a Castle 8mm and 16mm home movie catalog with the caption "Brochure offered by Castle Films for theatre owners". Even keen amateurs would know that Castle Films are for home movie use only and their commercial rights are expressly forbidden. Drive-in operators delt with the major distribution companies exclusively and only with 35mm and 70mm film.
   
   At the right price it's worth a read, but there are other authors like Don and Susan Sanders and Kerry Seagrave amongst others, who are experts in this genre and deserve your dollars first.



3. Very nicely put together, great graphics throughout (though the Janet Lane paintings are not necessary), nice color section. Only reason I deducted a star is because it is short at 95 pages.



4. I HAD SO MUCH FUN READING THIS BOOK! IT BROUGHT BACK SO MANY MEMORIES OF THE FUN THAT I HAD GOING TO DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATERS. WHAT A GREAT BOOK, I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH. THE PICTURES ARE THE BEST. BUY THIS BOOK FOR A GREAT WALK DOWN THE DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATER MEMORY LANE!!!!!!



5. THIS BOOK IS PACKED FULL OF FACINATING INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATERS. THE COLOR AND BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS OF DRIVE-INS AND DRIVE-IN MEMORABILIA ADDS TO THE TEXT. I RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO LOVES TO READ ABOUT ROADSIDE AMERICANA. A DEFINATE WINNER THAT WILL BRING BACK FOND MEMORIES OF GOING TO THE MOVIES OUTDOORS.

1 comments about The Jews of Prime Time.

1. 'The Jews of Prime Time' is a fine analysis of Jewish characters in prime time television going all the way back to The Goldbergs in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Zurawik shows how few Jewish characters there have been, notes that between 1955 and 1972 there were virtually no such characters, and describes how many of the characters reflect stereotypes about Jews, many of them negative. Particularly interesting is his analysis of the virtually complete absence of marriages between Jews--almost every marriage involving a Jewish character since the 1970s has been an intermarriage. What's especially remarkable is that all this took place when a high proportion of network and production company writers, producers, directors, and executives were Jewish. Thus, The Jews of Prime Time shows that television was like the movies--Jews were very important as creators of the medium and played a great role in its development, but were so ambivalent about their own Jewishness, and so fearful of anti-Semitism, that their impact on the image of Jews in the U.S. may very well have been negative. And this is not just a matter of history, either. There are few positive portrayals of Jews even today, and, ironically, the entry of more Jewish women into responsible position in television may be associated more with the reinforcement of negative stereotypes about Jewish women than with undermining them.
   This is a serious book, published by a university press, but that shouldn't scare anyone off. It's easy to read, the narrative carries the reader along, and it's fun reading the inside story of an aspect of television history--even if the story is depressing in some ways. I read it in a day.

1 comments about Michelangelo Antonioni: The Investigation 1912-2007 (Basic Film).

1. Antonioni : The Investigation (Basic Film Series)
   This product has not arrived yet - The Book Depository promised to re-send a replacement if by March 27 (one week after the proposed date of delivery) the book did not arrive - in spite of having written to them there has been no response to my request yet.
   Please do look into the matter
   Brian D'Monte

5 comments about The Journey of Luke Skywalker: An Analysis of Modern Myth and Symbol.

1. Quite an outstanding analysis of he steps through which we all pass in life. The author takes you through Carl Jung's theory of development of "normal" human to achieve their full potential. By taking Carl Jung's theories and using the steps Luke takes from immature and undeveloped young man to a mature and self-actualized adult/hero (something we all need to pass from and to), Galipeau explains Jung and Luke extremely well and interestingly. Well done....well worth a couple of weekends to read and digest.



2. Joseph Campbell wrote "The Writer's Journey" and "The Hero with a Thousand Faces"; two books which have altered storytelling and which were a direct influence on the creation of Star Wars. Go buy those books.

   This book, on the other hand, is a glorified retelling of Star Wars with not a single ounce of valuable insight.

   Let me repeat that: this book is a retelling of the Star Wars saga. The author is clearly trying to make a buck off of that name. His commentaries are uninformative and uninteresting. What a waste.




3. This book is yummy. Definitely not a cocktail table book. I love understanding why I have enjoyed the series of movies so much. It puts into words my feelings and occasional thoughts. I appreciate the author's style, I can hear and see the movie as he writes. At first it may seem dry or difficult to grasp, yet as one reads the author explains concepts clearly and the subject matter kept me reading.



4. I was very excited to come across this book as I have been looking for a Jungian analysis of the Star Wars saga for quite some time. I have always been fascinated by George Lucas' use of various mythical motifs and archetypes throughout his amazing Star Wars saga. It is no secret that Lucas was an enthusiast of Joseph Campbell and his Jungian analysis of myths and legends and how they resonate across cultures and generations. Lucas himself catagorized his saga as modern myth and it is loaded with powerful images of the collective unconscious. But Galipeau's "The Journey of Luke Skywalker" doesn't really touch on these aspects so much as describe scene by scene the various nuances of the scenes and characters. It isn't a bad book in any regard. In fact, there are many interesting psychological aspects of the story that I had never even anticipated. For instance, the use of color and it's inherent meaning throughout the saga, particularly references to alchemistic symbolism. Also, images of the Jungian anima and animus appear throughout the Star Wars storylines, especially regarding Luke Skywalker's quest for the Self. And of course, there is no missing the concept of the Shadow in regard to Darth Vader and the Empire. Thus, this is really the tale of two entities, the individual (Luke Skywalker), and the Galaxy at large (human civilization and its many manifestations). This shows that there is much deeper meaning involved in this wonderful space adventure than meets the eye. Unfortunately, I am still left to search for a thorough discussion of the profound mythical aspects of this great epic elsewhere.



5. I always enjoy reading other people's thoughts on the underlying themes of Star Wars. And this book takes a great Jungian approach to it. Several times the author points things out that make you think "Hey, i never thought about it like that." On the other hand, there were some parts where I felt the author was making an observation that was a litle out there. But then, I'm not a psychology student.
   The majority of the text in the book is relating the events of the movies. So even if you're not a hardcore fan like me, who's seen the movies a bazillion times, you'll be able to follow along as if you were watching the movies.

1 comments about Stagecoach (BFI Film Classics).

1. This is a very good entry in the BFI series. Buscombe takes us from the development of the film (Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich as Ringo and Dallas!!!) to its release and reception. He does a very thorough job, covering things like political implications, the musical score, the compensation of the cast, and the role of "Stagecoach" in the revival of the Western at the end of the Thirties. All of his judgments seem very sound and are free of jargon.

   Really, this is a fine book for anyone interested in Westerns, John Wayne and John Ford. Strongly recommended.

No comments about Handstands in the Dark: A True Story of Growing Up and Survival.

No comments about The Actor Takes a Meeting: How to Interview Successfully with Agents, Managers, Producers, and Casting Directors.

5 comments about Le Grand Tango: The Life and Music of Astor Piazzolla.

1. If you are discovering or reliving the music of the master composer, the epitome of tango, Astor Piazzolla , than you have to have this book. I cannot over emphasize the clarity it lends to the music La Camorra as you listen Tango: Zero Hour and read simultaneously about one of the great 20th century musical figures. This book is fantastic. It is a journey that begins in Mar del Plata, south of Buenos Aries and traverses the globe, highlighting the life of Astor Piazzolla as he spread and expanded his musical vision of the tango worldwide. The authors present a book that begins somewhat dense and challenging at first but than draws you into the magical world of Astor's humble beginnings, continues as he he spreads his tango vigor with evangelical zeal and an untiring work ethic that resulted in over 3,000 compositions; all the while as he rubs elbows with all the major dignitaries and artists of his time and goes through several mariages and many bands with different musicians from different genres.. The authors who colloborated on this great book, about an even greater man, Maria Susana Azzi and Simon Collier, give us a glimpse into Astor Piazzolla that is both intimate and scholary at once; the balance lends itself to the character of the subject. They both have extensive credentials when it comes to tango and Latin America. The portrait of the man revealed is not sugar coated, as the various first hand accounts of dealing with the sometimes troublesome and difficult genius indicates. This is a complete book and a great compliment to Natalio Gorin's Astor Piazzolla: A Memoir that is even more detailed. The book is divided neatly into three parts, Part I Struggle, Part II Man and musician and Part III Fame. the first part deals with his early life up to the mid-seventies and fame takes it from the mid-seventies until his death in 1992. As you can see, from the years indicated, that most of his life was a struggle. As there are many different versions of his compositions recorded, the book serves as a good reference point to distinguish the players or different groups that made the recordings. This is one of the interesting , strong points of the book that helps you understand the music of Astor Piazzolla. The classical-jazz-avant garde-traditional sound of maestro Piazzolla's tango is brought to the forefront with explanations as to the goings on in his life that resulted in such wonderful compositions and the varied interpretations. The book also has several "extras" like a foreward by Yo-Yo Ma Soul of the Tango: The Music of Astor Piazzolla, a family tree, a glossary of South American terms, sources and notes and some great photographs that include some from the family archives. Essentially, this is about as a complete a book as you can find on Maestro Piazzolla and not to be be missed. If you are fan of the tango and the man who furthered the evolution of the soul of the music of Argentina than you need this book. Recommennded for people who want to know more about the controversies and music associated with Maestro Astor Piazzolla's tango.



2. This is the best and most complete document about the life and work of Astor Piazzolla. The authors inter-link Piazzolla's work with the major events of his life and the artistic and political context of the time. If you are really interested in learning about Piazzolla, you should go ahead and buy this book.



3. Nearly ten years after Astor Piazzolla's death, the debate still rages about whether or not his music is "tango". Well, some of it is, and some of it isn't. But the roots of all his music lie deep in the tango tradition and whether or not a particular piece is or isn't tango is of no real importance. The fact is that Astor Piazzolla composed some of the finest music in any genre and all Argentines can take pride in that. I have been a fan of Astor Piazzolla for nearly 30 years but only knew the music. After having read Le Grand Tango, I now feel as though I know the man. Having "met" him, my understanding and admiration of both the music and the man has increased exponentially. Azzi and Collier have authored an easy to follow, entertaining and informative book about El Maestro. One learns not only about his music but about his forceful personality and the forces which shaped Piazzolla and drove him to be the most dazzling musician of the 20th century. His life, his loves, his triumphs and his failures all spring to life here. Though most readers will likely be hardcore fans of Piazzolla, its flowing style makes it an engaging hagiographical read for anyone who has even a mild interest in music history or in the forces and personalities which have shaped and regenerated tango throughout second half of the 20th century.



4. Piazzola means tango for many people. The first tango music I ever purchased was Piazzola's music. His music dominated Sally Porter's movie, "Tango Lesson." This is a man that you must know about if you like tango, the dance and the music. Even if your interest is 20th century music, you will be fascinated. The story of Piazzola's life is a story of how cultures, music, and people are interrelated. As a person who was born in Argentina, his music was tango; as a kid named "Lefty" who grew up in Manhattan, he felt the influence of jazz. As a musician known as "El Gato," he built on the tango traditions of Troilo, Sarli, and Pugliese.

   He began his musical career as a musician who could not read music. Anibal Troilo hired Piazzola because he had memorized the band's repertoire. He studied music and composition while playing in tango groups, and went on for more formal training in Paris. Piazzola loved everything from the classical music of Rubenstein to the jazz of Gershwin. Although we think of Piazzola in terms of tango, many of his contemporary tango aficionados hated his music because it was nontraditional, evolutionary, and avant gard.

   This book was of value to me because it increased my understanding not just of Piazzola, but also of the major twentieth century tango musicians and composers. It may not make me a better dancer, but the increase of knowledge added to my appreciation of the music not just of Piazzola, but also of Pablo Ziegler, Romulo Larrea, and Felix Leclerc. It was a fitting complement to "Tango!" a collaborative book by Simon Collier, Artemis Cooper, Maria Susana Azzi, and Richard Martin. You don't have to be a serious student of music to enjoy either book. It will add to your appreciation of tango.




5. Piazzola means tango for many people. The first tango music I ever purchased was Piazzola's music. His music dominated Sally Porter's movie, "Tango Lesson." This is a man that you must know about if you like tango, the dance and the music. Even if your interest is 20th century music, you will be fascinated. The story of Piazzola's life is a story of how cultures, music, and people are interrelated. As a person who was born in Argentina, his music was tango; as a kid named "Lefty" who grew up in Manhattan, he felt the influence of jazz. As a musician known as "El Gato," he built on the tango traditions of Troilo, Sarli, and Pugliese.

   He began his musical career as a musician who could not read music. Anibal Troilo hired Piazzola because he had memorized the band's repertoire. He studied music and composition while playing in tango groups, and went on for more formal training in Paris. Piazzola loved everything from the classical music of Rubenstein to the jazz of Gershwin. Although we think of Piazzola in terms of tango, many of his contemporary tango aficionados hated his music because it was nontraditional, evolutionary, and avant gard.

   This book was of value to me because it increased my understanding not just of Piazzola, but also of the major twentieth century tango musicians and composers. It may not make me a better dancer, but the increase of knowledge added to my appreciation of the music not just of Piazzola, but also of Pablo Ziegler, Romulo Larrea, and Felix Leclerc. It was a fitting complement to "Tango!" a collaborative book by Simon Collier, Artemis Cooper, Maria Susana Azzi, and Richard Martin. You don't have to be a serious student of music to enjoy either book. It will add to your appreciation of tango.

1 comments about Preventing Dance Injuries.

1. I have danced for 17 years and have been a PTA for 3 1/2 years so this book is right up my alley!! I love this book and is a must have for any dancer or those treating dance injuries!!!

2 comments about Up Late with Joe Franklin.

1. In his long awaited autobiography.Joe Franklin and his co author:Mr.R.J.Marx try to recall Joe's life story.From his humble beginnings in The Bronx,NYC during the hideious days of The Great Depression to his first encounter with a former star:George M.Cohan to his early job in radio as a record librian and research asistant first to Martin Block(for Mr.Block's "Make Believe Ballroom Time"Show)and later for Paul("Pop")Whiteman.Before Franklin finally got his own radio talk/music shows on stations like WJZ.To his earliest days on TV: First on WJZ/WABC TV Ch.7 in NYC with"Joe Franklin's Memory Lane!"to his later years on WOR TV/WWOR TV Ch.9 in NYC and in Seacaucus,NJ with"The Joe Franklin Show" &"When Movies Were Movies"and his most recent nostalgia talk/music program on WOR Radio.While the book tries to tell Franklin's life story.Most of the bio's facts are questionable.Since Joe does not go into alot of details about his career and his disrespect for NYC based kids tv hosts/performers is eveident.He gets the facts about the hosts/performers of WJZ/WABC TV Ch.7 NYC's"Time For Fun"/"The Johnny Jellybean Show"wrong.Since Joe Bova..never played:"Johnny Jellybean"on that show(The role was played first by Bill Britten and later by Keith Hefner).Mr.Bova did host:"Time For Fun!"but as "Uncle Joe".Franklin also gets the facts wrong about Claude Kirchner.Mr.Kirchner never played a clown on his WOR TV Ch.9 NYC based cartoon shows.He played a circus ringmaster.Who worked with a clown puppet"Clownie".But he never wore a clown suit and make up on his NYC based kids tv shows and Franklin also gets the facts wrong about who hosted:"The Tommy Seven Show".The host/performer..who played the sad faced tramp clown was not:Keith Hefner..but The Late Ed Bakey.Mr.Bakey passed away in May,1988 not Mr.Hefner.This book does little more have Mr.Franklin give the readers a random smapling of his life stories.With inaccuate facts and nasty lies about his colleages in NYC tv added to the manuscript for those lovers of gossip mongering.This is one memiors not worth having.Kevin S.Butler.



2. There are many interesting anecdotes about the greats and the near greats (whatever that is?) I think it means when they mention your name, they have to explain who you are. "Greats, near greats and ingrates" is a Damon Runyon line. Mr. Franklin is even somewhat kind and forgiving to the ingrates...As to what is Joe Franklin really like? There are plenty of stories about his youth, his rise in show business, his marriage and his son. If you like sexy tidbits about the stars and about Joe also, there are plenty. If you don"t like that stuff, or you think it's overdone, skip over it...The funniest pages in the book, at least to this reviewer, are about three "never-weres" who had a "fixation" on Joe Franklin. Busted out laughing reading that stuff. But some of the stories are very sad. This isn't all light reading. Some are mysterious (you wonder how that happened)...The book (copyrighted 1995) seems to celebrate the "retirement of Joe
   Franklin." If that was true, he seems to be making a big comeback. He's as active as ever and has a great restaurant near Times Square, and it's a great New York book. It happened in New York.