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Top positive review
8 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsIntriguing, entertaining, and very readable
ByCynthiaon January 25, 2016
This is a highly-readable, very interesting book. The writing is so graceful and the characters so interesting that it reads like fiction. Yet the book seems thoroughly researched. The author makes a point of noting that he didn't assign words or thoughts to any of the characters that had not been indicated in their writings or in articles of the time. The book changed my opinion about some of the people I had heard of before; Mabel Normand seems an independent, thinking young woman, and Will Hays was not actually a moralistic censor.
Though I had known that attitudes about some drugs were very different then, I was startled to learn how readily-available and prevalent drugs were in early Hollywood. This book also suggests something I had read elsewhere-- that organized crime really got its first important foothold in this country during Prohibition. It's depressing to learn that actors have been dying because of drugs since long before the 1970's. Only the names of the people and the chemicals change.
This isn't to say that the book itself is depressing. Some of it is sad, but there is also humor. The story is fascinating, and I would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in the history of film or celebrities.
Though I had known that attitudes about some drugs were very different then, I was startled to learn how readily-available and prevalent drugs were in early Hollywood. This book also suggests something I had read elsewhere-- that organized crime really got its first important foothold in this country during Prohibition. It's depressing to learn that actors have been dying because of drugs since long before the 1970's. Only the names of the people and the chemicals change.
This isn't to say that the book itself is depressing. Some of it is sad, but there is also humor. The story is fascinating, and I would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in the history of film or celebrities.
Top critical review
One person found this helpful
3.0 out of 5 starsHe was especially loved by three actresses
ByConnie Bon February 28, 2015
An investigation into a 1922 murder of a movie executive. He was a man with a past, but in Hollywood he made it big and was admired and respected. He was especially loved by three actresses, all who became suspects in his death. The book covers all of their stories as well as that of Adolph Zukor who was instrumental in creating the studio system. I enjoyed this book because I love movie history and it gives us a great picture of that era and the people of that time. It goes into the push for censorship and Hayes who's name was placed on the code that movies eventually had to adhere to. I was surprised to learn that he really an adherent of censorship. It was an interesting read. Not great but very good.
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ByCynthiaon January 25, 2016
This is a highly-readable, very interesting book. The writing is so graceful and the characters so interesting that it reads like fiction. Yet the book seems thoroughly researched. The author makes a point of noting that he didn't assign words or thoughts to any of the characters that had not been indicated in their writings or in articles of the time. The book changed my opinion about some of the people I had heard of before; Mabel Normand seems an independent, thinking young woman, and Will Hays was not actually a moralistic censor.
Though I had known that attitudes about some drugs were very different then, I was startled to learn how readily-available and prevalent drugs were in early Hollywood. This book also suggests something I had read elsewhere-- that organized crime really got its first important foothold in this country during Prohibition. It's depressing to learn that actors have been dying because of drugs since long before the 1970's. Only the names of the people and the chemicals change.
This isn't to say that the book itself is depressing. Some of it is sad, but there is also humor. The story is fascinating, and I would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in the history of film or celebrities.
Though I had known that attitudes about some drugs were very different then, I was startled to learn how readily-available and prevalent drugs were in early Hollywood. This book also suggests something I had read elsewhere-- that organized crime really got its first important foothold in this country during Prohibition. It's depressing to learn that actors have been dying because of drugs since long before the 1970's. Only the names of the people and the chemicals change.
This isn't to say that the book itself is depressing. Some of it is sad, but there is also humor. The story is fascinating, and I would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in the history of film or celebrities.
8 people found this helpful
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ByGloria Mundion April 16, 2015
The death of William Desmond Taylor/William Deane-Tanner is among America's most enigmatic unsolved murders. What makes his case somewhat unique is that there were deliberate efforts from people high-up in the movie industry to ensure that the case remained enigmatic and unsolved. It is virtually certain that there were a number of people who knew--or, at least, had a pretty good guess--who shot the film director, but for their own reasons, they launched a conspiracy that allowed someone to get away with murder. Evidence was concealed, misleading rumors were launched, and mouths were kept firmly shut. As all the people "in the know" are now dead, we will never learn for certain who was behind the killing, and why it was done. As very little reliable evidence about the mystery survives, all theories about the case are necessarily based on speculation.
"Tinseltown" is no exception to this rule, but William J. Mann offers the fullest, richest account of the Taylor killing to date, introducing several new details, a novel, intriguing "solution," and--perhaps most valuable of all--offering a fascinating look at Old Hollywood.
The Taylor murder is, in fact, only a plot element in the complex, often sordid, but always exciting history of the film industry's early days. The anti-hero of our story is Adolph "Creepy" Zukor, the ruthless film mogul who likely engineered the Taylor cover-up. Other stars of the show include Mabel Normand (one of the few sympathetic characters in this story,) the sad, tormented ingenue Mary Miles Minter, Taylor's eccentric valet Henry Peavey (depicted much more sensitively and positively than most other accounts of the case,) and a host of grifters, blackmailers, killers, drug addicts, and desperate wanna-be stars.
Mann's scenario of how Taylor died is interesting, but, of course, he necessarily cannot present much hard evidence to back it up. His theory cannot be accepted as the "final word," but it's certainly one of the most plausible "solutions" to date.
As thorough as Mann's book is in most respects, he does make a few odd omissions. He barely mentions the curious fact that Taylor's brother, Dennis Deane-Tanner, also abandoned his family and disappeared. It has been proposed, as a matter of fact, that Dennis was really Taylor's sinister former valet, "Edward Sands." Not long before the murder, Sands robbed Taylor and vanished--yet another puzzling element to this endlessly mysterious case. (Mann states that Sands was never seen again, although other accounts claim that the ex-valet was found dead under suspicious circumstances.) I believe Mann may have made a mistake in dismissing all possibility that brother Dennis and Sands the valet somehow figured in the murder.
Still, this book is wonderfully absorbing reading. Even if you have little interest in true crime, the soap-opera like saga found in these pages is almost certain to draw you in.
"Tinseltown" is no exception to this rule, but William J. Mann offers the fullest, richest account of the Taylor killing to date, introducing several new details, a novel, intriguing "solution," and--perhaps most valuable of all--offering a fascinating look at Old Hollywood.
The Taylor murder is, in fact, only a plot element in the complex, often sordid, but always exciting history of the film industry's early days. The anti-hero of our story is Adolph "Creepy" Zukor, the ruthless film mogul who likely engineered the Taylor cover-up. Other stars of the show include Mabel Normand (one of the few sympathetic characters in this story,) the sad, tormented ingenue Mary Miles Minter, Taylor's eccentric valet Henry Peavey (depicted much more sensitively and positively than most other accounts of the case,) and a host of grifters, blackmailers, killers, drug addicts, and desperate wanna-be stars.
Mann's scenario of how Taylor died is interesting, but, of course, he necessarily cannot present much hard evidence to back it up. His theory cannot be accepted as the "final word," but it's certainly one of the most plausible "solutions" to date.
As thorough as Mann's book is in most respects, he does make a few odd omissions. He barely mentions the curious fact that Taylor's brother, Dennis Deane-Tanner, also abandoned his family and disappeared. It has been proposed, as a matter of fact, that Dennis was really Taylor's sinister former valet, "Edward Sands." Not long before the murder, Sands robbed Taylor and vanished--yet another puzzling element to this endlessly mysterious case. (Mann states that Sands was never seen again, although other accounts claim that the ex-valet was found dead under suspicious circumstances.) I believe Mann may have made a mistake in dismissing all possibility that brother Dennis and Sands the valet somehow figured in the murder.
Still, this book is wonderfully absorbing reading. Even if you have little interest in true crime, the soap-opera like saga found in these pages is almost certain to draw you in.
ByAndy Glasson June 24, 2015
This book was outstanding! It reads like a thriller-mystery, and Mann does a great job of developing all of the players involved and interweaving all of the story lines. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. If you're into true crime, Hollywood history or the 1920's, this book is for you. I was originally drawn to it as my daughter is currently chasing the Hollywood dream, and as a kid, my parents had the Time/Life books that highlighted each decade of the 20th century. For whatever reason the Fatty Arbuckle story had stuck with me since first reading about in those books. Tinseltown tells his story as part of the whole canvas that is painted in it. Very readable and enjoyed every page!
ByJim Lesteron January 1, 2016
Who killed William Desmond Taylor? In answering the question of who murdered the famous movie director in the early 1920s, the author delivers an interesting look at Hollywood in its infancy. The book is a wonderful combination of a business history, a history of entertainment, a whodunit, a true crime story and a social and cultural study of the struggle over which worldview would control America in the 1920s.
The author fills the book with fascinating real life characters--the producer, Adolph Zukor; Will Hays, whose name incorrectly has become associated with censorship in the arts; child star, Mary Miles Minter and the victim himself, William Desmond Taylor.
The murder was never officially solved and Mann gives the reader plenty of suspects, not tipping his hand until the end of the book. It's a satisfying read that richly deserves all of the awards it has garnered. I would highly recommend it to any one interested in the history of the movies or anyone who enjoys a good true crime story.
The author fills the book with fascinating real life characters--the producer, Adolph Zukor; Will Hays, whose name incorrectly has become associated with censorship in the arts; child star, Mary Miles Minter and the victim himself, William Desmond Taylor.
The murder was never officially solved and Mann gives the reader plenty of suspects, not tipping his hand until the end of the book. It's a satisfying read that richly deserves all of the awards it has garnered. I would highly recommend it to any one interested in the history of the movies or anyone who enjoys a good true crime story.
ByNormon November 25, 2017
I bought the audiobook and am enjoying it immensely. The narration is well paced and an excellent reading. I've researched the William Desmond Taylor homicide in the past, so most details are familiar to me. What the author does so compellingly is to flesh out news headlines into behind the scenes motivations. The era and characters are richly textured and humanized.
I was surprised to like Will B. Hayes, who had seemed too stern for Hollywood but in reality was a man with empathy for actors and tried to lessen their plight. Mary Miles Minter and Mabel Normand are more interesting than fiction. The studio chiefs come across as paranoid control freaks they are. Everyone has everything to lose.
If you're a fan of the silent film era, murder mystery and the human condition, I recommend Tinseltown highly.
I was surprised to like Will B. Hayes, who had seemed too stern for Hollywood but in reality was a man with empathy for actors and tried to lessen their plight. Mary Miles Minter and Mabel Normand are more interesting than fiction. The studio chiefs come across as paranoid control freaks they are. Everyone has everything to lose.
If you're a fan of the silent film era, murder mystery and the human condition, I recommend Tinseltown highly.
ByFrankon September 3, 2015
I couldn't walk away from it !!! A true-crime story very skilfully told in novel form. If like me you are a fan of factual stories about "Old Hollywood" and a whodunit then buy this book. Mr. Mann certainly did his homework. So much was going on in Hollywood at the time. Drugs, Drinking, Reformers,Greed,ambition, the birth of an industry and the problems created by those taking these things to extreme. Also by those who felt they were above it all. Mann used all of this to skillfully craft a portrait of the time. A most colorful backdrop for the story. Bravo! It's not just another mediocre Hollywood word fest that in the end leaves the reader shaking their head skeptically. I was consumed and completely drawn in. I had to know all that the author came to realize. I was not disappointed. All details throughout are completely dealt with and wrapped up in the end. No stone left un-turned and no story line left hanging. An unsolved murder is Intriguing. This one hung out there for a long time. Perhaps partially solved. I now believe we know all we are ever going to know thanks to William Mann. I'm looking forward to the flicker :) ..
ByAnthony McGillon March 31, 2015
A thoroughly entertaining read in what should be the last word on the infamous William Desmond Taylor murder in 1922 Hollywood.
I was familiar with the one of the previous accounts via the Sidney Kirkpatrick version ("A Cast of Killers") which heavily relied on distinguished director King Vidor's research papers who was a living witness during these turbulent times.
William Mann's account which takes in a much broader scope of the period and many, many more personalities and diversions is impressively researched and captures the film business of the time in detailed, almost epic style. He comes up with different solutions and a different guilty party, all very convincingly, to the Kirkpatrick/Vidor version.
At times I got a little put off by some of the writing and assumptions, particularly by the author's obvious dislike of Adolph Zukor and while his observations of the old Paramount tycoon may have been correct but continual references to him as "old creepy" became rather tiresome.
Whilst not criticizing Mann's portrayal of early Hollywood, I wonder if any of us can really comprehend this tumultuous time in show business. Suddenly in a blink, actors, directors, producers et al, many barely speaking English, some poorly educated, were suddenly catapulted into the public spotlight and blessed with unimaginable fame and fortune. A nice position to be in but were these people psychologically and physically suited to cope with this rapid transition with wisdom and grace? It makes me wonder and I now tend to look back on those crazy times with perhaps a little more understanding than I once did.
I was familiar with the one of the previous accounts via the Sidney Kirkpatrick version ("A Cast of Killers") which heavily relied on distinguished director King Vidor's research papers who was a living witness during these turbulent times.
William Mann's account which takes in a much broader scope of the period and many, many more personalities and diversions is impressively researched and captures the film business of the time in detailed, almost epic style. He comes up with different solutions and a different guilty party, all very convincingly, to the Kirkpatrick/Vidor version.
At times I got a little put off by some of the writing and assumptions, particularly by the author's obvious dislike of Adolph Zukor and while his observations of the old Paramount tycoon may have been correct but continual references to him as "old creepy" became rather tiresome.
Whilst not criticizing Mann's portrayal of early Hollywood, I wonder if any of us can really comprehend this tumultuous time in show business. Suddenly in a blink, actors, directors, producers et al, many barely speaking English, some poorly educated, were suddenly catapulted into the public spotlight and blessed with unimaginable fame and fortune. A nice position to be in but were these people psychologically and physically suited to cope with this rapid transition with wisdom and grace? It makes me wonder and I now tend to look back on those crazy times with perhaps a little more understanding than I once did.
ByJery Tillotsonon February 16, 2015
I'm an intense fan of that early Talkie world before the real star system began. Author William J. Mann wrote one of my all time favorite celeb biographies: How to Be A Movie Star, about the phenomenal career of Elizabeth Taylor. In this study of the unsolved murder of William Desmond Taylor, we're introduced to a host of would-be killers and the wild and colorful and primitive background against which this celebrated murder took place. We read about the wheeling and dealing of the studio honchos as they try to handle this latest scandal in old Hollywood which was still reeling from the notorious death of Olive Thomas and the on-going scandal of Fatty Arbuckle, accused of killing sometimes starlet, sometimes prostitute Virginia Rappe. One has to feel sad about hot star, Mary Miles Minter, whose career and life were ruied by this murder. She always swore that she and the dead man were lovers but with a witch-like mother of her's, I don't see how that could have happened.
Another triumph for author William J. Mann.
Another triumph for author William J. Mann.
ByZacharyKindle Customeron August 22, 2017
What a book! When there were things that I questioned, I'd look them up on the internet and there they were. This guy should get five stars for just the amount of information he researched and put into this book. However, don't get me wrong the book is written in a story like fashion. It's just amazing to learn about these people that you've heard of in passing and then to actually find out their stories. It just makes them seem all the more real to you. Remember, this is HOLLYWOOD in its infancy!!!! Good book!
Bybonfireblondieon March 23, 2015
I can see how much research has gone into these in depth accounts of old Hollywood and of all of the people who were in someway connected to this baffling mystery of the death of William Desmond Taylor. I knew of the principal suspects and up until now, I was convinced Mrs. Shelby was the killer. Now with this new research it seems to fit many pieces of the puzzle into place and puts a whole new slant to the fateful event of that night so many decades ago. I do remember reading , about a dying old women, briefly mentioned in "Cast of Killers" confessing to the murder of Taylor, with not too much speculation of her involvement . To me it is very plausible that this group of con people and black mailers may well be the answer to this long ago murder.
Another interesting fact to me was how Hay's got started. I always thought it was the government that appointed him. I never realized how much studio politics played into all of this even back then. All in all I enjoyed this read and commend Mr. Mann for all the hard work that went into writing it. I love a satisfying mystery. Very enlightening.
Another interesting fact to me was how Hay's got started. I always thought it was the government that appointed him. I never realized how much studio politics played into all of this even back then. All in all I enjoyed this read and commend Mr. Mann for all the hard work that went into writing it. I love a satisfying mystery. Very enlightening.
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