Customer Reviews

Stardust and Shadows

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Can it be true? The unsolved 1922 murder of director William Desmond Taylor is really solved! Charles Foster, writer of this intriguing book about the silent era and its stars claims to have heard a confession, with others present, by the killer. I won't spoil your fun by telling you the murderer's name, but Foster has convinced me the murder is now solved. But there is much more in this remarkable book from a writer who met and befriended many directors, stars an technicians in Hollywood in 1943.Want to know why W.C. Fields enjoyed being hit in the face by a pie thrown by Three Stooges director Del Lord? Or why an actor named Sam De Grasse got a lifetime contract with Douglas Fairbanks as both actor and dentist? I consider myself an avid silent movie buff but have learned more fascinating things in this wonderful book than I learned in a lifetime elsewhere.The book moves from silents to early sound and reveals a lot of heartbreak and a lot of triumph. A totally readable book. I sat up to 3 a.m. finishing my copy and regretted reaching the final page. This is a must book for every movie enthusiast who wants to know the truth about early Hollywood. Kenneth Henderson

I thought that the subject of this book was interesting, and a book which explores it long overdue. Always cautious, I decided to get it from my university library before buying it. I am so glad I didn't waste my money on it. This book has good intentions but is full of unsubstantiated rumors-there are no source listings, there is no bibliography. The author bases his "information" on 60 year old meetings, and the readers are supposed to believe that his famous subjects revealed (to someone they just met) their deepest, darkest secrets. Did it happen? Perhaps, but I'd like to see some proof, any proof, for some of his wilder rumors. This is okay if you want a light, quick read - but for those with a serious interest in film history or who are looking for a scholarly discussion of the subject, look somewhere else. If you are interested in unsubstantiated rumors-this is just the read for you.

I happen to know Charles Foster personally and am well acquainted with his vast collection of memorabilia from the early Hollywood era. He is 'not' of the ilk of the present-day celebrity hounds and, no doubt, because of that, many persons of the era were very relaxed and unguarded in his presence. His knowledge and familiarity of the subject and persons are "first-hand" and, for those interested in "real history", he and his may be considered a 'primary' source. The proof many seek is Charles himself. When one enters his home and regards his library and office replete with letters, photographs, and priceless memorabilia, one knows for certain they are in the presence of the real thing. I wish you only the same privilege one day. An entertaining read to be sure.

As a "foreigner" I thought that I might find it hard going.
No! I was pleasantly surprised when I actually got started. To be very honest, it`s one of those books you pick up and then have great difficulty putting down again, my good wife Linda will testify to that fact.
Some years ago I had a very brief preview and even then I knew it would be worth reading in it`s complete form. Uncle "Baz", as he is affectionately known, has certainly come up with a winner.
The book gave me an enlightened view of what it must have been like in the "good old days", extremely entertaining.
Well done!
I can`t wait for the next one.I know it will be even better and that`s not because we`re family, it`s because I have an idea of what`s coming, I`ve seen the draft copy already.
Thanks for the enjoyable read.

If you want to know about old Hollywood and how Canadians figured in to it... This book is for you!

I met Charlie Foster in Moncton N.B. a few years ago. He and his lovely wife had come out to see me and my partner at the time, perform a Comedy show at a local club. He enjoyed the act and told us that it reminded him of Old English Music Hall and his youth in Hollywood.

We went back to his home where he would regale us with stories of Hollywood days gone by. All his name-dropping had me suspicious of these tales of being on the set of the Beverly Hillbillies, the movie Spartacus, and all the people he met and interviewed. He then showed me some pictures of him with some Hollywood folk... I was convinced that he was on the up and up.. I said Charlie you should write a book... he said no one would want to read about it... Well Charlie, I guess you were wrong, and I'm glad. It's okay to be wrong.

This book was a wonderful read. I found a couple of spots in the book a bit repetitive, but I have no right to be critical... who real does?

Buy this book. You'll learn a lot about Hollywood of old and you'll have fun doing it. Charlie Foster won't let you down.