In these pages the reader will find tales of 'the casting couch', racial discrimination, criminal activity, drug and alcohol abuse, shady deals and cover-ups. Myths and legends are exposed and war records examined. Accidental deaths, suicides and murders are scrutinised as well as censorship wrangles, ruined careers and sexual preferences.
On the set clashes, feuds and insults, romances and affairs, marriages and divorces are all depicted as they happened. Editing and continuity gaffs, humorous exchanges, mishaps and technical problems, tricks of the trade and casting anomalies are also featured. For movies based on actual events, the author has drawn comparisons between Hollywood's, quite often, ludicrous interpretations and historical fact.
Over five hundred films are featured alphabetically, from A Beautiful Mind to Zulu, from the industry's humble beginnings in 1905 to the present day. This book is for movie buffs intrigued by the unusual and seamier side of the business, for those more interested in what makes their idols tick than in their actual performances on the screen.
