Double or Nothing [Audio Cassette]

M. D. Baer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1998

Wealthy land developer Rudyard Hodges learns something is wrong with Fox Run. The previous owner used the land as a toxic waste dump. Then Hodges catches his daughter, Tina, with Jeff Strand, a talented musician with a troubled past. That evening father and daughter have a show down - BANG! Tina holds the gun but it's Jeff who runs. The police give chase. He drives off an ocean side cliff. His body is never found.

Seven years later. Tina is married to sinister Luthor Lockleer. Fox Run is about to be sold to the Japanese. To make matters worse, a mysterious stranger, David Manley, appears and looks a lot like Jeff Strand. The stakes are high for everyone - Lockleer, his bodyguard with b.o. the sexy but psyco ex Hollywood make-up artist, the outraged gay E.P.A. agent, the hesitant conservative black congressman, the Tokyo billionaire, the slimey used car salesman and the truly twisted hired thugs. Is Manley the dead man or isn't he? Double or Nothing?

Editorial Reviews

Review

Double or Nothing (Audio Movies) is a strange hybrid audio. This audio theater style presentation is pure 1940 crime noir told in 1990's style. This multi-cast production has such diverse talents as Leif Garrett, Baltazaar Getty, Nicholas Savalas, Michael DeBarres and Michael Hutchence (from INXS) - most which are first time audio narrators. The one problem is it starts slow, but if you stay around to the bitter end - it will be worth it. If you are debating buying this one at your local book store, you'd be hedging on a sure thing bet! -- Bennet Pomerantz, Audioworld, November 1998.

Double or Nothing is an original comic noir thriller and the debut title for Audio Movies. The concept is to turn movie scripts into "sound movies", providing the listener with an aural intensive, image rich listening experience combining narration, full cast dialogue, original music, and densely layered sound design basically an audio-cinema experience for the mind. Double or Nothing brings together a gifted pianist, a beautiful violinist and a multi-million dollar North San Diego County land deal to create a story of intrigue, mystery and murder. This three hour thriller stars Leif Garrett, Lisa Collins, and a cast of twenty three supporting players. The narration is by Michael Greene, music by Myron McClellan and sound design by Charles Xavier. Double or Nothing is not your typical "talking book", but a fully composed and highly recommended "theater of the mind" listening experience. -- The Bookwatch - November1998

Double or Nothing is the first production by M.D. Baer, a novelist and filmmaker who's gathered a talented cast to offer up an entertaining story of intrigue, murder, and mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you listening. Unlike other audio books, it also features original music and sound effects. Did you know that audio books are now a $2 billion a year industry? -- Alan Caruba, Bookviews, November 1998

Double or Nothing, written and directed by Los Angeles screenwriter M.D. Baer is a witty and very funny cross between Chinatown and The Big Sleep with a contemporary southern California attitude. The sound effects and the score are excellent and Leif Garrett is a winning lead. This ambitious first attempt from Audio Movies is a winner. -- Max England, Audiobook Buyers Guide, November 1998

From the Author

I believe there is an audience for original, full cast, full score, fully "soundscaped" audio drama. Double or Nothing was a big undertaking and several very accomplished people were involved. Most of the cast are working Hollywood actors and Leif Garrett still has a following as a pop icon, as does Michael Debarres and the late Michael Hutchence from INXS. Myron McClellan, who did the music, was a professor at Princeton and studied with John Cage. Arthur Barrow worked with Frank Zappa for many years and is a gifted composer in his own right. John Fodor is the supremely talented but lesser known brother of violinist Eugene Fodor.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Audiotext; 1 Ed edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966758102
• ISBN-13: 978-0966758108
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,377,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Original Comic Noir Masterpiece, March 13, 1999

By 

Andy Seklir ([e-mail]) (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Double or Nothing (Audio Cassette)

Pour yourself a martini, turn the lights down low, relax and drift away into a world of intrigue, murder, double crosses and passion. From the start this briskly written, intricately crafted audio movie takes hold and won't let go. It is a richly textured audio experience full of music, sound effects and a variety of colorful characters which allow the listener to clearly visualize the action and the drama as it unfolds. Full of humor, clever twists, colorful language and cool style this audio experience is best experienced in its entirety--and once you start listening you won't be able to stop! If you're a fan film noir, radio drama, or classic mysteries then you'll love Double or Nothing, don't miss it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Captivating!, March 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Double or Nothing (Audio Cassette)

Double or Nothing is a gripping tale of murder, deception, and true love. It boasts a well written script, and an intriguing plot line. This modern who-dunnit is executed masterfully by an exciting cast of characters, led by Leif Garrett and Lisa Collins. They turn in fantastic performances as two fated lovers that time and injustice cannot separate. I have listened to this Audio Movie again and again in the two weeks since I purchased it, and I still find it absolutely captivating!

5.0 out of 5 stars Cinematic Revelation for your mind, March 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Double or Nothing (Audio Cassette)

Imagination was the only form of entertainment in the mid 1920- 1950's and for writer M. D. Baer to take the most fascinating part of the entertainment business full circle. He has created not only a masterpiece for the industry. But has re-established what the original fore fathers of the business took so much pride in, imagination creating reality.

The audio movie "Double or Nothing" brings not only a gifted writer but an aspiring cast of seasoned entertainers from all branches of the entertainment business.

The combination of singing sensation Leif Garrett and Lisa Collins is just remarketable. If awards were given Garrett who is more famous for singing the love songs has found a new genre that highlights his resume.

Garrett plays dual roles in this story and as well as the other 28 cast members. But these piece is more than just a story it is a must to have item for any entertainment collector's den.

Garrett is joined by another music sensation, Michael Hutchence of INXS. This was Hutchence's last performance outside of his musical performances before he died. Also, Baltazaar Getty, Michael DeBarres, Donald Morrison and others whose name is synomious with the business.

For some the story starts out slow, but then you get hooked. It is east to follow and the story get's just stronger as it goes.

For those who like to put the tape in and drive, this is one that really needs to be in the bag. Whether you are traveling by air, train or car it would be like leaving the best part of your vacation at home.

As for the movie as awhole it is like a good book, sometimes it is not easy to put down.

Leif Garrett was the world's most famous "Teen Idol" and sold more albums during that genre and his fans would like this. It is vintage "Garrett".

And just like back in the 1970's Garrett kick down the doors of music and achived rock and roll fame. Garrett, now older and seasoned is kicking at a new door as co-producer with writer Baer for audio movies. As co-producer Garrett's vision is to take it one step further and that is obvious by the production of "Double or Nothing".

From the cover to cover this project is awardable