Showing results by publisher "BearManor Media" in All Categories

When Yvette, a New York model for White Rain shampoo, first appeared in Sunset Boulevard (1950), she could not have imagined that her own death would be as bizarre as Norma Desmond's gigolo, Joe's. After roles in Short Cut to Hell (1957) and Reform School Girl (1957), Yvette's fate cast her into dubious signature roles in Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958) and Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959).

Sometimes fiction is the best way to tell the truth. In this, his first collection of short stories, Nat Segaloff (Final Cuts, Guarding Gable, Mr. Huston/Mr. North) reveals the truth behind some of Hollywood’s biggest scandals, agendas, and confidences. First published by reporter/columnist Nikki Finke on her acclaimed website HollywoodDementia.com, these romans-à-clef expose long-hidden secrets about the Blacklist, the Oscars, publicity stunts, studio follies, ageism, celebrity weirdness, and other gambits that, even today, are barely whispered.

The Hollywood Canteen was the jewel in the crown of World War II Hollywood. From 1942 to 1945, over three million servicemen came through its doors on their way to fight in the Pacific - some never to return. There, in a converted barn in the heart of Hollywood, soldiers were fed, entertained by, and danced with some of the biggest stars in the world.

You've seen him stand shoulder to shoulder with John Wayne as Indian Chief Scar in The Searchers, as the insidious Fu Manchu with world domination desires and as Barnaby, the wicked nemesis to Laurel & Hardy in Babes in Toyland. What you might not know is the versatile Henry Brandon essayed a variety of characters in film, television, and a stage career that spanned 55 years amassing over 200 roles.

Everyone was “In the Mood for Love” when Frances Langford, renowned Big Band singer with a rich contralto voice, rose from performing at hometown parties in Mulberry, Florida, to Broadway, old-time radio, and movies during Hollywood’s Golden Era. Her signature song carried her from turntables to troops in World War II, and then into the stuff of legends. For the first time, her personal interviews with author-publisher Ben Ohmart bring the treasured memories from her past to light. 

The Warner Bros. Western series Lawman starring John Russell, Peter Brown, and Peggie Castle was originally broadcast on ABC-TV with 156 new episodes between September 1958 and June 1962. As played by steel-eyed John Russell, Dan Troop is a no-nonsense marshal who has little patience for outlaws or hypocrites but will stand up for underdogs and outsiders. He also displays a warmer side with his mentoring of his young deputy (Peter Brown) and, beginning in the second season, in his relationship with Peggie Castle’s beautiful Lily Merrill.

The autobiography of master impressionist Joe Alaskey takes listeners on a fun-filled behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood and how he became Mel Blanc’s replacement as the voices of Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and many of the Warner Bros. cartoon characters. Joe Bevilacqua performs as Alaskey and even demonstrates some of the voices along the way, including a sketch that pits Daffy Duck against Colombo, and Archie and Edith Bunker as Romeo and Juliet. Bevilacqua was trained with Mel Blanc and Daws Butler (Yogi Bear).

Radio was the number one form of family entertainment for a quarter century. In a dazzling step back in time, veteran broadcaster John Rayburn talks about the fantastic era of broadcasting in these fascinating interviews.

Discover the man behind the myth in Sandy Grabman’s richly researched book. Pat’s career sounds like a true Hollywood success story from his humble beginnings to living the dream of making people laugh, winning the The Pacific Pioneers Broadcaster’s Award, and winning an Emmy. His was one of the most recognizable voices in movies and on television. For the first time, his story is recalled by friends, family members, co-stars, and co-workers at Gene Autry Enterprises. Also interspersed throughout the book are many of Pat’s original, unforgettable one-liners.

The Hot Shot Heard ’Round the World is the singular story of an extraordinary life deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, hit recordings, disco nights and delights, hot jazz, and the humbling experiences of achieving fortune and fame coupled with losses and gains.

When Charles Chaplin signed a record-setting contract with the Mutual Film Corporation in February 1916, it was the culmination of events that changed the motion picture business. Mutual's founders redefined how films were bought, sold, and distributed. Chaplin redefined screen comedy with a character that leapt into the hearts of moviegoers around the world. Together they established the value of star power and created 12 magnificent comedies that have endured for generations.

You can imagine how often Janet Cantor Gari heard that her mother was inadvertently as funny as her father, the legendary Eddie Cantor, and that she ought to write a book. Whether Janet is describing situations in her native New York or the nine years she lived in Hollywood, the book is completely candid. You'll casually meet celebrities under circumstances you'd never expect, and you'll empathize with the Cantor clan's triumphs and tragedies as if you were a next-door neighbor!

A massive biography of Zorro and Lost in Space star, Guy Williams. Author Antoinette Girgenti Lane's honest, loving account of Disney's dashing TV star contains the first ever detailed information on the man behind the legend.

The true life story of Michael Elihu Colby and his childhood days at Manhattan's Algonquin Hotel. His grandparents Mary and Ben B. Bodne had traded their Southern oil fortune for the legendary but faded Algonquin and restored the hotel's former glory. Their efforts led to a remarkable renaissance and attracted an overflow of celebrities from the ridiculous to the sublime.

The official biography of the Oscar-winning star of Cocoon, and the great radio actor, Don Ameche. Written with the aid of the Ameche family, this first book features many interviews with family and friends.

Fess Parker grew up in Texas, served in World War II, and later became TV's incredibly popular Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. After his film and TV career, Parker became a successful businessman, hotel builder, and vintner. William R. Chemerka's authorized biography is a respectful tribute to an amazing man that features thoughtful recollections from Parker's family, friends, co-stars, and fans.

Titles produced and directed by Joe Bevilacqua include Seven Letters of Love, Michael & Louise, The Dying End?, and The Ad Game.

In this post-apocalyptic drama, Ten is unfrozen and guided into an unfamiliar world by caretaker Barnstormer Pfaff. This original radio play was written by Daws Butler (Yogi Bear) and produced and directed by Joe Bevilacqua.

Spooky comedy, including: "The Monster in the Wardrobe", "Forever a Monster"; "A Halloween Happening", "Bewitched Tongues", "A Camp Waterlogg Halloween", "The Ugly Fairy", "The Evil Millispore", "The Poor Bunny's Magic Bouquet", "The Flying Contest", "The Incredible Black Rain", and "Rain Drop, Snow Flake".

Included in this comedy variety show, Lorie Kellogg performing "Bob Dylan Sings Mother Goose", "The Big Match", "The Vegetable Patch", "Elise's Bachelor Party" part one (from The Comedy-O-Rama Hour), "The Girl with the Beautiful Face", kitchen scene from "Our Miss Brooks: One Principle Too Many, One Principle Too Meany", "The Island of Invention", "Elise's Bachelor Party" part two (from The Comedy-O-Rama Hour), "Uncle Goopie: Too Big or Too Small Store" (from The Comedy-O-Rama Hour), and more.