Customer Reviews

Talking to the Piano Player

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"Actors, away from their roles, are people, too." Stuart Oderman, a man I have tremendous admiration for, whisks his readers away from the "tabloid culture" that reiterates one junky story after the other and provides us with a breath of fresh air with his new book, Talking to the Piano Player. As stated in a previous review of mine, reading a book by Stuart Oderman, is, in a sense, reminiscent of finding an old photo album, and taking a much-needed vacation down memory lane. Stuart recalls and interviews a handful of silent film stars and filmmakers, recording their triumphs, tribulations, and tragedies in such an enthralling fashion that puts contemporary authors to shame. Mr. Oderman, requires his readers to listen, smell, taste, and feel the moment, taking a visual medium and transforming it into a roller coaster ride that you will never forget. During his adolescent years, a very mature Oderman would opt to go to theatres in New York City instead of attending school. Serendipitously, as fate would have it, he encountered silent film star Lillian Gish, during one of his theatre visits. He asked her if she knew Arthur Kleiner, a brilliant film accompanist who was playing there that day. Lillian Gish took Stuart's hand, and marched him down to Kleiner. She asked Arthur if he could give lessons to her new friend and Kleiner happily obliged. Stuart's career as a silent film pianist began. Subsequently, he was introduced to some of the most unforgettable people of this era, including, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Frank Capra, Marlene Dietrich, and many more. Talking to the Piano Player, a fine piece of writing, will resonate in the hearts and souls of every reader. Whether you love film or not, Talking to the Piano Player deserves to be part of your collection. 

Critic 2000