Customer Reviews

Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood: Edie and Lew Wasserman and Their Entertainment Empire

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This is an important book. I've been waiting a long time for someone to report the insider details about how the Wassermans impacted U.S. politics as early as John Kennedy's election, how their mafia ties helped them control and skyrocket their entertainment empire, how Lew himself wheeled and dealed alternately like a king and a common criminal. This man had more federal investigations into his business than Enron, but he came out smelling like a rose every single time. Wonder why? The answers are here. Today, all of us - people around the world - have been shaped by the Hollywood-based entertainment media. How did this happen, and what does it mean to you and the future? For answers large and small, this is the one book to read.

This is a "can't put it down" read. It is very powerful and thoroughly researched book that pulls no punches. Anyone interested in the founding of Hollywood and Universal Studios, the "dirt" on many Hollywood stars, writers, the agents and the social life of the times will love this book. It has very interesting information about Ronald Reagan and his beginnings in politics including his willingness to appease his backers and friends, even at the expense of others. The Wasserman's controlled the film industry and the social life of all involved for many years. I gave my book to a fried and intend to buy another one for my granddaughter. It is a significant History book that will grab everyone's interest.

Once upon a time... they used to call Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford Hollywood royalty. But from the 1940's through the 1990's, the crown was placed squarely on the heads of Lew and Edie Wasserman. And in Hollywood, there were no arguments over that! Kathleen Sharp has taken on the task of personally interviewing super-agent, super-mogul and super-powerful Lew Wasserman for this book. Sure he spoke to her, but let's face it he was never the type to REALLY disclose anything about himself or his dealings. So Kathleen has had to tread very carefully, threading together bits and pieces from close friends and associates. And they say behind every great man there's a woman, in this case the absolute power behind the throne was Edie. For those that were unfortunate enough to incurr the displeasure of Lew, Edie could be much worse. Yet their good cop, bad cop roles were always inter-changeable. From Cleveland to Hollywood to Washington, their kingdom was no fairy tale. Together they were a team that could build a career or bury it, whether for actors or politicians -that is if there is a difference. They could be both charitable and ruthless, even at the same time. Always defensive of her MCA-UNIVERSAL husband, Edie was the power at home and on the Hollywood social circuit.

It's a good book that concentrates as the title implies on the couple, over other books that have formerly detailed just Lew. Actually, it really compliments "The Last Mogul" dvd which is also available on Amazon. Alas, today's Hollywood is without their like. They're all too busy making money and running, to stand on any ceremony or tradition!

Book arrived in timely fashion exactly as advertised. Condition report is accurate. Book well wrapped and packaged. Would recommend this seller.

This book was shipped to me almost immediately and arrived in great shape. I have been enjoying it ever since.