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Today I begin a thread of 2020 books I like with my close personal friend @Glenn__Kenny& #39;s MADE MEN: THE STORY OF GOODFELLAS. I *love* to read a smart, detailed production history. It& #39;s meticulously researched and written with Glenn& #39;s characteristic wit and verve.
Next up, @sydney_stern& #39;s THE BROTHERS MANKIEWICZ. This one packed an emotional wallop I wasn& #39;t expecting. The career detail is aces, but it& #39;s also so sensitive about sibling dynamics, alcoholism, and how hard it is to escape family patterns.
SCOUNDRELS AND SPITBALLERS by Philippe Garnier is about lesser-known (but gifted) Golden Age screenwriters like John Bright, Wilson Mizner, or A.I. Bezzerides (of THEY DRIVE BY NIGHT). NOT on Amazon; find it at @EddieMuller& #39;s Black Pool Productions. http://blackpoolproductions.com/scoundrels1.html">https://blackpoolproductions.com/scoundrel...
Garnier spoke to many of the writers while they were still alive, as well to their friends and family. It& #39;s such a fun book and I recommend it to all my classic-film peeps. Read this rave from John McElwee of Greenbriar Picture Shows: https://greenbriarpictureshows.blogspot.com/2020/07/excellent-book-alert.html">https://greenbriarpictureshows.blogspot.com/2020/07/e...
While I& #39;m at this, let me also recommend the extensive set of book reviews at @RaquelStecher& #39;s Out of the Past blog, and links to her 2020 Summer Reading Challenge (which I should have done if both I and this year were less catastrophically disorganized): http://www.outofthepastblog.com/search/label/Book%20Reviews">https://www.outofthepastblog.com/search/la...
Back to book matters and one of my half-dozen gets at the McFarland sale. @JimLNeibaur is a prolific film historian and a friend. This film-by-film appreciation focuses on Jean Harlow& #39;s acting talent and gives careful attention even to obscurities.
Today& #39;s book recommendation: @donnarifkind& #39;s biography of the magnetic and talented Salka Viertel. Donna shows that Viertel& #39;s aid to artists and intellectuals fleeing Hitler went well beyond her celebrated parties.
