Book Review: FRANK CAPRA by Sam Wasson

October 26, 2026

When a biographer assumes the weight of researching and writing about a legend within a particular industry, few undertake a man so complex, or with a career so relevant, or a life so intertwined with history as filmmaker Frank Capra. But then, few writers are as accomplished as Sam Wasson, known for numerous movie industry-based books, including my personal favorite, “The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood”. With access to Capra’s personal archives, Wasson goes deep on multiple aspects of Capra’s fascinating life … a life of ups and downs; and one that certainly proves the adage: “Each man’s life touches so many other lives.”

At nearly 660 pages, the book requires a serious commitment from the reader. Fortunately, the reward is a journey that covers Capra’s family’s emigrating to this country, his achievement of the American dream, the height of recognition and fame, and a lasting legacy with beloved films. Beyond those familiar pieces, we go back to the times when Hollywood was discovering sound and developing the popularity of movies; some of the impact of the Great Depression; the devastation, sacrifices, and true patriotism of World War II; and the cultural and economic shifts of a post-war universe. Wasson even dives into the scandal of communism, blacklists, and naming names … and the role of the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Many of Frank Capra’s affiliations throughout his career are well known: Columbia Pictures founder Harry Cohn, renowned screenwriters Robert Riskin and Jo Swerling, and A-list movie stars Barbara Stanwyck and James Stewart. Writer Wasson explores each of these relationships, in addition to going deep on lesser-known topics like Capra’s organizational and political involvement with the Academy and Directors Guild, and his direction of propaganda films under the banner “Why We Fight” during WWII. What sets this book apart are the stories and details attached to each of these.

Speaking of stories, Wasson includes little vignettes throughout … things we’ve never previously heard, yet they provide a better understanding of Capra the person, rather than merely Capra the famous director. Will Rogers at the Academy Awards is certainly a shocking incident, a personal moment with President Franklin Roosevelt at the White House is memorable, and there are a few marital items included involving Capra and Lu, his wife and key supporter for more than fifty years. An extensive section on James Stewart is included, outlining his service as a fighter pilot – all of which is connected to his relationship with a director (and man) he trusted, Frank Capra.

As one would expect (and hope for), there is a section of the book dedicated to IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) – this after dropping many related nuggets throughout the book. Some may think even more should have been included regarding this most beloved movie, however, Wasson delivers significant details surrounding topics like the communism fallout in Hollywood and how Capra was involved (an informant) and impacted. Once again, it’s the specifics that make the difference. It’s staggering how Frank Capra rose from deep poverty to become a part of so many aspects of American history, while working in the movie industry from the 1920’s through the 1960’s. Movie lovers remember him for his classic movies (sometimes referred to as Capra-corn) like IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934, 5 Oscars), MR DEEDS GOES TO TOWN (1936, one Oscar), LOST HORIZON (1937, 2 Oscars), MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939, one Oscar), and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946). Sam Wasson’s book ensures that this wonderfully complex man … one who was sometimes controversial … receives the full life treatment. It’s a treatment that’s quite a treat for the reader.

Available from HARPER COLLINS beginning October 27, 2026

Available from AMAZON beginning October 27, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- THE STEPS: A MEMOIR by Sylvester Stallone

October 18, 2026

Most anyone who has seen the 1976 movie ROCKY would describe it as inspirational. Still, I can’t help but wonder how many movie lovers would apply that same label to Sylvester Stallone, the man who starred in the film and wrote the screenplay. My guess is that not many would. For the past fifty years, the public persona of Stallone has been as a mega-wealthy mega-star with a full serving of ego and multiple marriages. Perhaps that fed his desire to pen an autobiography that details his rise from poverty … a rise attributed to resilience, perseverance, determination, and talent. It’s a story only he could tell, and he does so in a manner that finds him likable and relatable – and one to admire and respect.

The three ‘steps’ that make up the bulk of the book are New York, Los Angeles, and Rocky. Readers will find the most ‘new’ information in the New York step, as it details Stallone’s childhood and his later pursuit of a dream. The Stallone we know now lives in a stunning multi-million-dollar seaside mansion, but those early years were often spent in squalor with cockroaches and a mattress made of pizza boxes. This was a young college dropout so determined to find a path that he juggled his waking hours between odd jobs, trying to find an agent, and writing (and writing some more). These jobs included cleaning the lions cage at the Central Park Zoo, slicing fish at a deli, and working the aisles as a movie theater usher. It’s that last one where he didn’t just watch hundreds of movies, but he studied the acting and especially the writing to determine what worked and what didn’t.

The cross-country drive to Los Angeles brought more of the same struggle for Stallone. Continually being told he was not a fit or didn’t have “the look”, he rigorously auditioned for acting roles while writing script after script, honing his skills. Although he avoids an overabundance of name dropping, Stallone sprinkles a few interesting stories along the way … Henry Winkler and Ben Gazzara being two (very different) examples. Times got so economically tough for Stallone, he even sold his beloved dog, Butkus. Of course, the two were later reunited (to co-star in ROCKY). It’s in the Los Angeles ‘step’ where it becomes crystal clear just how crucial the support of Sasha Czack was to his career pursuits as well as his mental state. She spent years by his side, and they eventually married in 1974.

The ROCKY ‘step’ will surprise some readers in just how close it came to never being made. Stallone’s commitment to starring in the film nearly cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as his first break. Of course, we now know that by sticking to his plan, he became world famous and kicked off one of the most successful franchises in cinema. The casting stories are interesting, and it’s in this section where Stallone circles back to his parents. These are parents incapable of showing love to Stallone or his brother Frank. In fact, Stallone mentions how he never got a hug from either parent, yet his desire to make them proud led to dad’s role in the film and a sad story about inviting mom to the Oscars.

It’s important to note that Sylvester Stallone wrote this autobiography in a style that makes for warm and comfortable reading … like a friend is telling you his life story. However, this isn’t his full ‘life’ story, as it really takes us only through the Academy Awards ceremony in 1977, where ROCKY won three Oscars, including Best Picture. This story isn’t written to boast about a remarkable career. Rather it’s written to inspire and preach the importance of dedication to a cause and how dealing with failure is crucial to dealing with life’s ups and downs. “The Steps” is a perfect title as it fits for life, Stallone’s writing, and the sprint up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Available at Amazon

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- EMPEROR OF NOTHING: THE MAKING OF LARRY DAVID

October 16, 2026

by Blake J. Harris

No one should question whether a biography on Larry David is justified. Very few have achieved the level of success he’s had over the past thirty-plus years with not just one, but two of the most popular TV shows in history … one of which regularly appears on the lists of all-time bests. No, the only real question comes down to whether that’s worth 550 pages. As a huge “Seinfeld” fan and one who found much of his backstory quite interesting, I’ll admit, in Larry David language … it’s just too much.

Biographer and bestselling author Blake J. Harris divides the book into five sections, although it’s really three: David’s backstory and climb (approximately 200 pages), the “Seinfeld” era (the next 250 pages), and finally, the details on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. Not surprisingly, the most interesting section is the first which details Larry David’s upbringing and years spent as a struggling stand-up comedian working to find his place, his voice, and his audience. He even worked as a taxi driver … he says, “because it was easy.”

Another ‘not surprising’ fact is that Larry David initially balked at the idea of a biography, imagining no one would be interested. It’s stated that there are ‘few things in life he enjoyed more than being left alone’. After relenting, off-and-on discussions between David and the author spanned nearly five years, producing some remarkable and detailed stories that all seem to fit the comedian, actor, and writer we’ve come to admire and tolerate. Reading about his bizarre approach to stand-up combined and his propensity for walking off stage mid-set if he was not satisfied with his material or the audience makes his ultimate success all the more impressive.

Despite being acknowledged by fellow comedians as ‘the least likely to succeed’, we learn about his comedy influences (Woody Allen and Mel Brooks), as well as a lifelong friendship with comedian Richard Lewis – the man likely most responsible for keeping David in the game. Observational humor, in contrast to what many say, is not ‘about nothing’. Larry David spent years taking notes on names, events, incidents – some seemingly meaningless to many. Those people and occurrences often fed the stand-up and later formed the foundation for characters, scenes, and episodes of “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”.

For a guy making the rounds at comedy clubs in New York, it was only a matter of time before he crossed paths with an up-and-comer named Jerry Seinfeld. The two would later create TV history together, but there’s so much more to the story. Larry David’s relationship with a fellow named Kenny Kramer became a cloudy mixture of real life and comedy, ultimately leading to one of the most outrageous TV characters anyone had ever seen … well that and David’s time on the comedy skit show “Fridays”, where he worked with a bizarre comic named Michael Richards.

“Seinfeld” fans will not only enjoy the stories about PROGNOSIS NEGATIVE, a movie script Larry David wrote, but also the numerous other bits of inspiration that led to some of the show’s most memorable lines, characters, and scenes. It is likely that many devotees of “Seinfeld” are unaware of the initial hurdles of the pilot, “The Seinfeld Chronicles”, what caused the title change, and how the show continued to secure another chance (on numerous occasions). These early challenges surely say more about network executives than about the creative forces of Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. The original idea of how a comedian gets his material seems like an obvious hit now, but in those days couldn’t have been more of a question mark. The multiple chapters on “Seinfeld” are informative and detailed, sometimes overly so. We get casting stories, as well as how it went from three leads to four. The stories speak not just to the success of the show, but also to the minds of its creators.

The “Curb Your Enthusiasm” section details what came next for Larry David after the rousing success of “Seinfeld”. It also put him front and center as an actor, something he had avoided with the previous show (except for the man in the cape and Steinbrenner’s voice). The casting stories come together here and we learn Cheryl Hines was previously Rob Reiner’s personal assistant at Castle Rock. ‘Curb’ gave Larry an outlet for the mounds of material he collected and provided a platform for his alter-ego … the one most assume is the real Larry David. Of course, the show became a bit of a crossover with the “Seinfeld” regulars making frequent appearances on ‘Curb’, giving credence to the rumors that the actors (not just Jerry) had bonded nicely in their previous venture with Larry David.

“Seinfeld ran for 172 episodes over nine seasons, while “Curb Your Enthusiasm” had 120 episodes over 12 seasons. This book from Blake J. Harris is thoroughly researched and goes quite deep on details for the two shows and for Larry David’s backstory. He’s quick to give credit to other behind-the-scenes folks (e.g., Larry Charles), which feeds right into the final shocker: Larry David is a pretty decent guy in real life. Sure, he’s a professional perfectionist sometimes filled with anxiety, but his observational skills and comedic instincts are gold, I tell ya’. If all that somehow isn’t enough, we even get an OJ Simpson story which may be the biggest surprise of all.

Available on Amazon beginning October 20, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER: A MEMOIR

October 5, 2026

by Alice Cooper and Daniel Richler

When you think of Alice Cooper, images of the goth rocker putting on a macabre theatrical rock and roll performance likely fill your mind. A chicken, the gallows, the guillotine, baby dolls, and (fake) blood were all part of the show, alongside the music which spanned heavy metal, glam rock, and even new wave. Mr. Cooper is now 78 years old, and this is his third memoir/autobiography. He opens this latest by pledging, after six decades of entertaining, to come clean about some of the previous rumors, exaggerations, and inflated legends.

You might be aware that ‘Alice Cooper’ was first the name of the band, and then in the 1970’s lead singer Vincent Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper. That matters because this book is written from the perspective of Vincent Furnier, with periodic (and often humorous) interjections from Alice Cooper, Vincent’s celebrity alter ego (and his now legal name). If that’s a bit confusing, fear not, the book’s structure works just fine, and we empathize with the man who prefers to separate himself from the legend.

The first half of the book acts as a cautionary tale for teenagers dreaming of a glamorous and high-roller lifestyle associated with rock stars. Alice Cooper the rock star was borne from Alice Cooper the band, which had begun as The Spiders and transitioned into Nazz. Vincent/Alice walks us through the teenage years of poverty and sleeping in cars, hoping to book a gig that could be split amongst band members in a way sufficient for food and beer. The cautionary tale label can be applied equally to the struggles of a band striving to get noticed and young men succumbing to the bottle (and other things). In fact, Vincent seems intent on emphasizing the regrets he has about his many years of heavy drinking, and eventual drug use. In the later chapters, he goes into detail about the drug use and difficulty in finding a way out. Sure, these are entrapments we’ve come to expect from a rock band, but the effects on the person behind the mask (makeup) are what come to light here.

As you might expect, much of the book is dedicated to the band’s rise to the top with gold records, charting singles, and the infamous live shows. What’s surprising is that the glory days are recalled with as many downs as ups. Challenges within the band, with recording, and with the record companies are all outlined. It acts a bit as a behind-the-scenes look, as the curtain is pulled back and we find out that even the most popular and famous performers face professional challenges throughout their career.

Songwriting, performing, band dynamics, life on the road, addiction, and love life are all given due weight throughout the book, and this never reads like self-promotion or an ego trip. Rather, it’s memories of the progression from high school band to global fame, with the many ups and downs highlighted for those who want or need to know. From the childhood foundation of religion to blackout addiction and rehab to finding and losing love, Alice Cooper/Vincent Furnier has lived a life every bit as colorful as the stage persona. What many will find surprising is that he’s basically a shy and thoughtful and nice guy … admittedly one who has made mistakes along the way. In this book, Alice Cooper welcomes us to his nightmare, while confirming it wasn’t all so bad.

Available on Amazon October 6, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review: EVERY TIME A BELL RINGS

September 28, 2026

by Emily St James and Lauren Theisen

Like many families, our holiday traditions include annual viewings of the 1966 animated “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983), and, of course, the main event, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946). The latter, Frank Capra’s classic, is now 80 years old, and the timing is perfect for a deep dive into why this film has made such an impact on so many viewers over the years. Co-authors Emily St James and Lauren Theisen clearly share a love for the film and fully engage when writing about the individual pieces that make up the whole: the studio, the filmmakers, the cast, and a couple of odd (perhaps lucky) breaks along the way.

When classics collide, the result can be fascinating. The ties to the 1938 short story, “The Greatest Gift” by writer Philip Van Doren Stern is pretty direct, and we can’t help but notice some connection or familiarity to Charles Dickens’ classic 1843 novella “A Christmas Story”, which has spawned many movie versions. And then there is the tale of director Frank Capra’s trip to Seneca Falls, NY, a town that even today, stakes a claim and its identity to being the inspiration for Bedford Falls (understandably, no town attaches its tourism hopes to Pottersville). The book explores all of this, giving Mr. Capra a well-earned extended segment on his life, career, and feelings about the film.

“No man is a failure who has friends.” Perhaps no quote better exemplifies the crux of the film’s message than that one. It certainly applies to George Bailey, played so beautifully by lead actor James Stewart, and couldn’t be further from describing his nemesis Mr. Potter, played with a snarling Ebenezer Scrooge-like persona by Lionel Barrymore. It’s here where the co-authors excel – detailing cultural aspects at the time the film was made, and how that time capsule has so been so readily adopted by contemporary viewing audiences. Well, of course, that’s only after the bookkeeping fluke that lost the copyright and opened the film up to the masses.

Chapters in the book are devoted not just to the main characters of George, Mary, and Potter, but also to Clarence Odbody, Angel 2nd Class; forgetful Uncle Billy; heroic Harry Bailey; Bert the cop; Ernie the cab driver; Nick, Martini, and Annie (lumped in to one chapter); other Bedford Falls ‘weirdos’; and Violet (a terrific Gloria Grahame), a character we wish we knew a bit more about. There are also chapters on Bedford Falls, Seneca Falls, and the copyright mess. Because of these separate segments, and the fact that each chapter is credited to one of the authors, we are asked to think of the book as “a series of essays”, rather than a traditional ‘making of’ book.

Most fans of the film know this was James Stewart’s first film after returning as a war hero from WWII. Another well-known fact is that the film wasn’t a box office smash the year it was released, and despite its five Oscar nominations, there were no wins on a night dominated by THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES. The authors also address why the story is sometimes labeled as promoting socialism, and yet, even with married screenwriters Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett being close to known communists, neither the film nor the filmmakers were part of the extended Hollywood blacklist of the era.

Contributing to the film’s brilliance is how most who watch describe it as upbeat, joyous, and/or inspirational. This, despite the lead character contemplating suicide and the entire ‘Pottersville’ sequence which can simply be described as bleak and horrific. The authors cover how the film generates a favorable vision of community and country, and how heroism and morality overcome darkness … explaining the film’s place in cinematic history. The book’s Introduction opens with, “Certain movies take on lives of their own.” This movie in particular seems to make the lives of all who watch just a bit more ‘wonderful’, and this book helps us all understand why.

The book is available on Amazon beginning September 29, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PLAYERS

September 21, 2026

by Peter Gammons

There are fans of baseball and then there is Peter Gammons. He’s on another level with his passion for the game, appreciation of its history, and respect for its players. While there are quite a few talented baseball writers, Mr. Gammons expertly utilizes his love of the game to describe what he’s seen and what it means to him. In this book, baseball history is the foundation, but it’s Gammons’ knowledge, experience, and adoration that feed his perspective and the words that fill the pages.

He’s well known as a sportswriter, announcer, analyst, and historian, and for many of us, Peter Gammons has been an educator … one who teaches us the intricacies of the game. It’s the stuff not in rule book. So why am I writing so much about Peter Gammons in this review? Well, because this book is a collection of stories and observations that he has collected over many decades. This book answers the question, ‘Why does Peter Gammons love baseball?’ It’s joyous reading for any baseball fan, but especially for those of us of a certain age who have watched and admired the players he writes about. He takes us into the clubhouses and dugouts. He lets us hang out by the batting cages. This is ‘inside baseball’ at its finest … easily accessible.

Gammons’ entire professional career has been intertwined with baseball. Being born and raised in the Boston area, his early ties were to the Boston Red Sox, and as any fan knows, those early loyalties often stick. He spent years as a writer for the ‘Boston Globe’, ‘Sports Illustrated’, and ‘The Sporting News’, before joining ESPN as an analyst. Over those decades, he won many awards and was recognized nationally for his baseball insight.  All of that time spent around the game is laid out with stories and moments and memories of the players who made his time at ballparks so special. Baseball fans will soak up these stories and feel like we were right there with him.

In keeping with the book’s title, each of the seven Parts and most of the chapters are sub-titled with the names of the players being written about in a particular part of the book. As an example, one of the most fascinating segments is titled, “Geniuses”, and subtitled with names like Jason Varitek, Greg Maddux, Robin Yount, Tony Gwynn, and Johnny Bench, to name a few. Gammons proceeds to tell a story about each that identifies the player as a baseball genius or savant … the trait, other than raw talent, that set them apart from other big leaguers who simply played hard.

Gammons has at least one story about every significant player over the past fifty years, and since the timeline of my love of the game corresponds so closely to the writings of Gammons, the book acts as a trip down memory lane … with the added benefit of being educational and entertaining. Even the stories on players who weren’t among my favorites are fascinating to read, providing a feeling of discovery and bonding over a beloved sport. This book is for you if you are the type who would be thrilled to read about such things as Ted Williams smelling the burning of the wood of the bat, the green wall and green grass of Fenway, the Yaz era, the rise of Latin American players and later Asian players, Castro’s Cuba, Frank Robinson as the first black manager, the uber-talented Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr, the remarkable Cal Ripken Jr, an enigmatic Alex Rodriguez, “Chicks dig the long ball”, Moneyball, Cubs relief, difference-making GMs, the inexact science of drafting, Gammons’ chat with young Bryce Harper, torch passing from Mattingly to Jeter, and so much more.

Gammons comes clean about his brain surgery and facing the significant chance that his memory would be gone. Memories are what this book is – a treasure for baseball fans everywhere.

Available on Amazon beginning September 22, 2026 

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- BLOW BY BLOW: THE JEFF BECK STORY

July 13, 2026

written by Brad Tolinski & Chris Gill

When we think of a Rock ‘n Roll legend, we usually envision arenas packed with screaming fans and a decadent lifestyle filled with groupies, endless parties, and mansions. We don’t tend to think of a tortured artist toiling for decades in search of perfection and capturing the music they hear in their head. As authors Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill detail in this book, the toiling perfectionist label fits guitar legend Jeff Beck much better than decadent party animal. And perhaps no writers are better positioned to write about Beck than the two long-time music journalists from “Guitar World” magazine.

It’s not surprising when a list of greatest guitarists is published without Jeff Beck’s name. Always listed are Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Eddie Van Halen (about whom the two authors wrote, “Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen”). However, the writers at Rolling Stone magazine placed Beck fifth on their 2023 list, and, as foolish as it seems to try to rank great guitarists, any list omitting Beck cannot be considered legitimate. Although his long-time girlfriend, British model Celia Hammond and his wife (at the time of his death) Sandra Cash are mentioned in the book, the focus is on Jeff Beck’s never-ending search for music perfection (as if it exists), rather than any semblance of his personal life not involving music or cars.

The book does an extraordinary job of taking us on Beck’s non-linear musical journey. It’s impossible to place one label on his music or style, yet all of the following apply: rock, jazz, jazz fusion, R&B, blues, instrumental, and progressive. The authors recount Beck’s early influences, while understanding that the most effective approach is allowing Beck’s story to speak for itself. Was he a key piece of rock supergroup The Yardbirds? Well, yes, he was … and they fired him. Did he seem to prefer instrumental music? Well, yes, he did … yet he also recorded with legendary vocalist Rod Stewart, as well as many others. Has anyone ever opted NOT to join the Rolling Stones? Well, yes, Jeff Beck decided it wasn’t for him.

A (usually friendly) rivalry with Eric Clapton is understandable, as are friendships with Jimmy Page and Ronnie Wood. As the chapters passed in the book, I couldn’t help but wonder if the authors put together a flow chart of fellow musicians Beck played with, toured with, or recorded with. It’s a veritable ‘who’s who’ of music beginning in the 1960’s. We learn an early spark occurred for Beck while watching Little Richard in THE GIRL CAN’T HELP It (1956) and listening to Gene Vincent play guitar. Still, his constant drive for the sound he wanted was an internal trait that didn’t always sit well with band members and music producers, much less the labels that pushed him for mainstream/accessible songs.

Attempts to reconcile, or make sense, of Jeff Beck’s life and career are fruitless. It’s best to let the music speak … or the words on this book’s page. Beck is a man who jammed on stage with rock royalty, traded pranks with Les Paul, played with Jagger at the White House, and had a complicated history with the great Stevie Wonder over the classic song, “Superstition”. The book goes into detail on that messy situation, while ending with the confirmation that Johnny Depp was one of only two humans graveside at Beck’s burial. The two men had become close friends and recorded an album together … Beck’s last.

Authors Tolinski and Gill worked diligently to help us understand what drove Jeff Beck, and how he often created his own obstacles to success by sticking to his methods. Beck had successful solo albums (“Blow by Blow”, “Wired”), won multiple Grammy Awards, and was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with The Yardbirds, and as a solo act), yet his mainstream popularity never reached the level of his talent. Should you doubt his place as a music legend, simply take time to read the tributes paid to him upon his death by the long list of music legends you likely have on your playlist. Better yet, just take the time to read this book and appreciate the commitment Jeff Beck maintained for his art.

The book is available on AMAZON beginning July 14, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review: A SUDDEN FLICKER OF LIGHT: A REVISIONIST HISTORY OF MOVIES

July 6, 2026

Book by David Thomson

If you are looking for a timeline of movie history compiled by one of the foremost film historians, and if you find text sprinkled with harsh opinions from a pompous expert to be an added benefit, then David Thomson has written the book for you. The British-born octogenarian has contributed thoughtful film criticism to most every major publication, and this is his 45th published book – some biographies, some based on television, most on cinema, and all with ties to the industry that supplies moving pictures for entertainment. This latest book covers the entire history from Eadward Muybridge’s galloping horses in 1887 to the Best Picture win for Sean Baker’s ANORA at the 2025 Oscars.

Mr. Thomson has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, and the years have not softened his approach in the least. It’s important to note that this book serves as an overview of an industry that’s well over one hundred years old. Rather than drop a brief synopsis on thousands of movies released, he instead opts to pick the highlights and then dig a bit deeper on those topics, films, and contributors. Never do we doubt Mr. Thomson’s knowledge, nor are we left wondering where he stands on a particular movie, actor, writer, director, producer, or studio head. His clarity can be blinding and abrasive, while also being informative and thought-provoking.

True cinephiles will find value in the historical commentary. Thomson takes us back to the days of the Lumiere brothers and Georges Melies, and through the “new” waves – the studio systems of Selznick, Mayer and Thalberg; ‘talkies’; followed by the French directors Truffaut, Godard, and Rohmer; and then the 1970’s brats of Coppola, Lucas, Scorsese, and Spielberg. What Thomson spells out are the eras involved as cinema reinvents itself. Of course, technological advances played a role in filmmaking changes, and so did societal and cultural differences. Pre-Code, the Production Code, and the morality shifts post-code have all influenced who makes movies and what we see on screen.

Mr. Thomson has a recurring comparison throughout of movies versus books – watching versus reading. The difference between plopping down in your favorite chair and quietly escaping through the page-turning is one thing, and yet, the darkness of a spacious theater and the illumination of the silver screen is yet another escape that brings pleasure. It’s not surprising that Thomson is no fan of watching movies on personal devices, or even screening movies at home. Nothing replaces the communal experience of a packed theater for opening night of the latest release. Perhaps this is just the latest shift in movie watching, and we will learn to accept, regardless of how much nostalgia is lost.

At times, reading Thomson’s latest is a bit of a downer as he dwells on a particular film or topic of which he’s no fan. However, as soon as we begin to label him a “hater”, he will eloquently describe his admiration of a particular film or filmmaker. His respect for THE GODFATHER and CHINATOWN is as clear as his understanding of the vital advances from those early days as the industry was building and developing. Segments on DW Griffith, Thomas Dixon, Erich Stroheim, Francois Truffaut, Frank Capra, Hitler/Riefenstahl, CASABLANCA, CITIZEN KANE. Alfred Hitchcock (especially PSYCHO), OUT OF THE PAST, SUNSET BOULEVARD, BONNIE AND CLYDE, the 1970’s are among the most interesting. Personally, I embraced the connection of Norman Bates to Hannibal Lecter, as those are two characters (and movies) I’ve watched numerous times. Many other films, directors, and actors are referenced, though the value is in the highlights throughout the timeline of movies.

In this book, David Thomson does what we’ve come to expect David Thomson to do. We even depend on it.  He will shoot straight with us about his opinions, no matter how strongly many movie-goers may disagree. Pointed zingers are common in the book and often aimed at specific filmmakers and their final products. Thomson even shares his thoughts on Donald Trump a couple of times. David Thomson has devoted many decades of his life to an industry that he’s not hesitant to criticize. Disagreeing with Thomson on a movie, or debating him on the merits of a scene, are what keeps his work relevant after all of these years. He doesn’t seem to mind at all if we believe he’s wrong about something … just be prepared to defend your stance. A book that recounts history, provides insight from an expert, and encourages thought from the reader, is one that isn’t for everyone, but you know if it’s for you.

Published by Simon & Schuster, the book is available on AMAZON beginning July 7, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- A CENTURY OF HITCHCOCK: THE MAN, THE MYTHS, THE LEGACY by Tony Lee Moral

June 1, 2026

Alfred Hitchcock certainly earned the moniker ‘The Master of Suspense’.  Through his many classic films and superb TV show, “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” (1955-62, 268 episodes), Hitch consistently built tension that frayed our nerves to the point that we could neither look away, nor hardly wait for the next film or episode. The list of filmmakers influenced by his work is endless, and as film lovers, we are continually drawn back to his movies due to emotions and nostalgia. While all of that remains true one hundred years after his debut feature film, the reputation of Alfred Hitchcock the man was forever changed/damaged with the unauthorized biography by Donald Spoto and the memoir of actress Tippi Hedren.

Author Tony Lee Moral, a British filmmaker and film historian, has devoted countless hours to research in offering a counterpoint, or rebuttal, to the previous accusations hurled at Hitchcock. His interviews and real-world examples provide a profile of a genius filmmaker who was described (in various ways) by his co-workers as an often quiet gentleman dedicated to maintaining structure on his sets. Since Hitchcock passed away in 1980, unable to defend himself against the later accusations, Mr. Moral offers perspective from the other side. Moral’s book is less about the fascinating films Hitchcock directed (there are literally hundreds of publications dedicated to this), and more about his personality, demeanor, and approach to the work – as recalled and documented by those he worked with.

Part 1 of the book details young Alfred’s rise through German, British, and ultimately, American filmmaking. Part 2 dives into the psychology of Hitchcock – both real and perceived, specifically the allegations brought by Ms. Hedren, and Francois Truffaut’s role in providing a contrasting prospective. Part 3 provides context to Hitchcock’s overall legacy and how revenge, greed, the need for attention, and changing social mores likely played a role in shifting attitudes. It’s important to note that this book is not designed to provide critical film analysis or a creative breakdown of any of film in the Hitchcock oeuvre. Rather, at its core, this is an author and film historian providing a measured and detailed response to the attempted character assassination of a deceased man. Moral even provides substantial information on what was possibly behind the words of Mr. Spoto and Ms. Hedren.

As a film lover and film critic, I’ve long been an admirer/fan who obsesses over Hitchcock’s body of work. I’ve also been fascinated by how he turned himself into an iconic public figure through film cameos, measured interviews, and especially, the hosting of his TV series. Author Moral lays out the memories of many who worked with Hitchcock, and includes the importance of the director’s long-time wife and frequent collaborator, Alma Reville. We also learn of Hitchcock’s penchant for practical jokes … a trait that contrasts with his meticulous approach to structure on the set. It’s likely many will find interest in Hitchcock’s intent to create a new movie star out of a beautiful model with little acting experience. His success in this venture may be best judged by the films they made together, THE BIRDS (1963) and MARNIE (1964) … as well as her acting career post-Hitchcock. The legacy of Alfred Hitchcock is certainly more complex now than it was at time of his death. The MeToo# movement played a part in the shift, while the movies and words of all collaborators must be considered. This book from Tony Lee Moral helps us do so.

The book is available on Amazon beginning June 9, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU: MARILYN MONROE: A LIFE IN 100 TAKES by Andrew Wilson

May 29, 2026

Glamour is the descriptive word that comes to mind when we think back to Hollywood’s Golden Age. The stars shone brightly in the days of Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor. However, many would agree that the brightest star and the most glamorous was Marilyn Monroe. She might also have been the most tragic. This detailed and intricately researched book from author Andrew Wilson pulls back the curtain on Marilyn’s façade of glamour, while serving up specifics about her childhood, her desire to be loved, and her recurring depression. The book may not be a traditional tribute, but in fact it serves as proof of how she struggled to overcome her personal challenges.

Wilson’s book is timed to release in celebration of what would have been Marilyn’s 100th birthday. Of course, it’s a tragedy that she only lived for 36 years, and we discover even more tragedy and sadness as the book guides us through a childhood (as Norma Jeane) we wouldn’t wish on anyone … foster homes and orphanages. This led to her foundation of fear and insecurity. Wilson describes how her need to be loved and wanted was often at odds with her public image of glamorous blonde bombshell, as was her commitment to reading and learning – despite being a high school dropout.

As proof of her iconic image as a movie star and celebrity, it’s truly fascinating to note the number of legends, rumors, and conspiracies linked to Marilyn. Wilson discloses his access to the archives (tapes, interviews, documents, letters) of 1985 biographer Anthony Summers, who wrote “Goddess: The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe”. Additionally, Wilson researched so much more on his own, making this work truly stand out despite the dozens of books already published profiling Marilyn. What we learn is that stories and tales and memories of Marilyn are easy to come by. The difficult part is separating fact from fiction, especially when so much of the fiction has been fed to us over the years. Wilson lays out the facts and admits when he’s drawing his own conclusions. This is in stark contrast to how he feels about Norman Mailer’s 1973 “Marilyn: A Biography”, which Wilson describes as ‘sloppily researched.’

When it comes to beloved icons, the real money makers are conspiracy theories and rumors when trying to sell one of those many Marilyn books. Wilson methodically addresses the facts as applied to such items as her being sexually assaulted as a minor, the white piano, multiple miscarriages, her endometriosis, the clashes with Laurence Olivier, the ‘wrong door raid’, her conversion to Judaism, that infamous dress from “Happy Birthday, Mr. President”, her three marriages (the first at age 16), brothers John and Bobby Kennedy (each get their own chapter), and of course, her death at such a young age and under mysterious circumstances. Also included is the story behind Hugh Hefner obtaining the Marilyn photos he used in the 1953 launch of “Playboy” magazine.

For those interested in Marilyn’s three marriages, Wilson includes plenty. First husband Jim Doughterty, a police officer, wrote two books about her, while neither Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio nor Pulitzer Prize winner Arthur Miller did. In fact, the latter two remained quite close-lipped when it came to discussing Marilyn after her death. Specifics on the marriages are included, and as you’d suspect, it wasn’t all rosy for Marilyn. Other romances and rumored romances are part of her story. This includes Frank Sinatra and Yves Montand, as well as screenwriter Jose Bolanos, supposedly her final lover.

Famed acting coach Lee Strasburg not only worked with Marilyn, but also became one of the few she trusted implicitly. Wilson covers her lifelong connection to therapists, including her time with Anna Freud, daughter of Sigmund. Marilyn’s struggles with mental health and depression were a constant battle, and given her childhood and fame, it’s actually understandable. Arthur Miller is quoted as telling her, “You’re the saddest girl I ever met.” Compare that to what Oscar winning director Billy Wilder said: “When I met her, she did not impress me. When I saw what the camera saw, I knew she was special.” Wilder directed Marilyn on THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH (1955) and SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959), the former included the iconic scene of Marilyn standing on the grille as the wind blows her skirt up. It’s that transformation in front of the camera that Wilson notes a few times.

Clark Gable passed away twelve days after filming wrapped on THE MISFITS (1961 screenplay by Arthur Miller), and it became the final feature film released for both Gable and Marilyn Monroe. The last public photos of her were taken at Dodger Stadium for a charity game with kids, and yes, writer Andrew Wilson covers her death and funeral and how those have been analyzed and debated since. It’s interesting to note that Marilyn lived in more than fifty different places during her short life, and the only house she purchased had an inset in the tiled doorway that read “Cursum Perficio”, translated to ‘My journey ends here’. And what a journey it was … despite ending much too soon. Marilyn’s cover story is glamour, but Andrew Wilson separates the person from the star.

The book by Andrew Wilson is available on Amazon beginning June 2, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

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