Customer Reviews

Hollywood Divas : The Good, The Bad, and The Fabulous

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The term "high maintenance" used to be a liability for movie stars; now it's a prerequisite. At least, that's one of the two attributes of Diva-hood in motion pictures, the other being talent. As chronicled by James Robert Parish in his latest book, "Hollywood Divas: The Good, the Bad, and the Fabulous," such women have always been the mainstay of movies, they were just known by their own above-the-title names: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, and Elizabeth Taylor, right up through Cher, Whitney Houston, Sharon Stone and Drew Barrymore. Here is a clever sorority roster of nearly a century's worth of unforgettable screen women from Theda Bara to Jennifer Lopez. What they have in common is that they can dominate a scene simply by entering it (that and make their male co-stars go crazy for them). Parish -- the dean of American film historians with over 40 books to his credit -- has the knack of writing in a tone that is both confident and confidential without sounding pandering, like a friend at a party who happens to know the inside story. We learn, for example, that Miriam Hopkins -- who almost played Scarlett O'Hara -- was smart enough to negotiate her own contracts but too volatile to keep them. We shudder at Demi Moore's contract demands yet admire her for her devotion to her child (if not her husband). And we read how Cybill Shepherd trumped the trash-mongers by the "simple" act of having character. But that's not to say there isn't enough scandal in these pages to grease the gossip gears: unwanted pregnancies, substance abuse, divorces, loonies and lovers abound. Yet it's not embarrassing to read about them. Each essay -- there are 70 plus an introduction -- is well-focused and individual, yet finds the quintessence in each great lady of the screen. An index and huge bibliography wrap up the package.

The master of film books has done it again! Combining the glamorous, eccentric Divadom of Hollywood's Golden Age with the eccentricities of today's female stars is a fascinating trip. Parish knows well that the movie fan base is growing younger and includes profiles on all of today's controversial female celebrities along with the classic ladies of the silver screen. He also gives the reader a fascinating overview of how tempermental and demanding star behavior gives celebrities fodder to be included in today's "Inquirer/E!TV" mindset media coverage. The profiles are concise, fun and well-researched. I only wish I really cared about the ladies of today the way I do about the female stars of the 30s-50s. They just don't make 'em like they used to! But, If it is a book by Parish, get it.

In his latest book, Hollywood Divas, James Robert Parish, has assembled glamorous women often considered to be demanding and self-centered. He writes mini-bios on each one; he unveils them with sensitivity and their star personalities fade. We see them in their private lives, often difficult and harsh. What they have in common is their ability to survive it all. As an avid movie-goer and a film buff, I recommend this book; it is a delight to read with a choice of quotes and photos that enchance the work. Parish is an excellent writer and his research and knowledge of films make his books invaluable resources.

Marvelous, darling. That's not a diva talking, but this reviewer giving his assessment of Hollywood Diva's: The Good, the Bad and the Fabulous, the latest from the industrious James Robert Parish. We learn that Tallulah once slept with the bride and the groom, Whitney's thoughts on being a star, and Lucille's problems with Desi, among many things. There's also fascinating material on Sharon, Jennifer, Clara and many more of the ladies we love to love and love to ridicule. As usual, Parish has an uncanny knack for selecting just the right information and the right amount of information to keep the reader enthralled. His brief bios are packed with fascinating and telling material. I was struck by the number of divas that escaped a miserable upbringing by heading to Hollywood. Once there, they achieved fame and glory, but often at a steep price. Did they bring on their disasters themselves? In many cases, yes, but we adore them anyway. Even casual followers of the world of film will find it hard to put down this book. You will want to read about all these women, not just the really big stars. The stories resonate with all of us, whether we are divas, whether we adore divas, or whether we want nothing to do with divas.

My favorite guru on Hollywood, its history and its stars is at it again!! He has struck paydirt once more with an intriguing take on Hollywood called "Hollywood Divas." It's a fascinating peek at some of the most famous Hollywood female star and what made them so very special. This is a book to read, to re-read and to treasure by all of us who delighted and entertained by Hollywood and the movies. Not to be missed!!!

As an author of over 80 books to his credit, James Robert Parish has again proved that he can write about stars who have been much publicized and make them seem "new" again. The photos accentuate the articles very well. His style is never verbose - you're hooked on every word, because he writes as if he's talking to you about the lives of these interesting and noteworthy women. This book is a great addition to my library, which includes many of his other fine works.

I think I own all of Parish's books and I usually rave about them but this one was a little ho hum for me. I think I was put off by the fact that Parish has included contemporary "celebrities" such as "Jennifer Lopez" and "Britney Spears" along with the classic stars that he usually writes so well about. No need to mix it up like that.

For the price it's worth a look and the cover art is beautiful. A nice coffee table book.

For those of you who've always wondered what made some female performers stars, and others divas, there's no better way to learn than to read the latest book by James Robert Parish, "Hollywood Divas." In it, you'll learn that often, success leads to excess, whether in matters of conspicuous consumption, outrageous public behavior, or in Hollywood's favorite game, musical beds. A wittily wicked book by a veteran
show business chronicler, it is definitely for those with enquiring minds who want to know.

"Once you become a star, you are always a star." Mae Murray said that long after her name recognition had lapsed. If you don't know who Mae Murray was and care about film, buy 'Hollywood Divas.' It's another in a long series of books by the hard-working James Robert Parish who has been chronicling the lives of stars -- past and present -- for longer than Britney Spears has been alive.
His latest volume offers 70 short biographies of leading ladies known as much for their egos as their talents. From Bette Davis to Barbra Streisand, most of the difficult ones are here.
The book is chockablock with quotations by and about this contingent of prima donnas. For instance, Gloria Swanson wired her studio the date of her arrival from Paris, adding "Please arrange ovation." She might be pleased to know that nearly two decades after her death Parish is doing exactly that.

James Robert Parish is one of my favorite authors. His books are always a lot of fun to read and filled with juicy stories. This one has profiles of many great classic actresses including Paulette Goddard, Betty Hutton, Jayne Mansfield, Lana Turner, Jeanette MacDonald, and Norma Shearer. My one complaint is that there are too many current stars featured in the book.