Donna Marie Nowak

Settling in somewhere between knowledgable fandom and a reference work, I found Donna Marie Nowak’s Mad About Mystery: 100 Wonderful Television Mysteries from the Seventies, great fun. Rather than being aimed at those in the industry with extensive background knowledge of these made-for-television films, and great series with which so many of us grew up, it’s more like a nostalgic look back by someone who loved ’70s television as much as we did. Though there isn’t any whinging of show more note by the author concerning the state of television programming today, just the plethora of enjoyable entertainment from the Golden Age when names like Quinn Martin and Aaron Spelling seemed everywhere in our lives speak volumes in that regard. This is more a celebration of the good in the 1970s.

As the title suggests, the author has focused on made-for-television movies, and weekly series which were either mysteries, or had some element of mystery in them. While this isn’t some hefty reference tome, you do get a healthy dose of examples that will have many people of a certain age wallowing in nostalgia. With eighty telefilms and twenty series given their moment to shine again, there’s a lot to like here. If you come at this with the idea that’s it’s a comprehensive listing of everything ‘70s in television, however, you may be slightly miffed if your favorite show or recollected made-for-TV film isn’t listed. However, I truly enjoyed the book for what it was, rather than what it isn’t. There’s a friendliness here, and an enthusiasm all too often missing from even casual reference works such as this one, and it’s refreshing.

As of late, my wife and I have been watching some old 1970s films on youtube at night, some with Donna Mills, a few starring Kate Jackson. I was pleased to find them all listed here. But there were also quite a number of films listed which I only vaguely recalled after so many years. In going through this nice and easy to enjoy book, I found myself making note of them to check out later. Donna Marie Nowak has done a really nice job of talking about each film without ruining everything. We get a sense of the film, how enjoyable or atmospheric it was, and how it compared to others. There is of course a list of stars and years, which network it aired on, etcetera. I also generally agreed with the majority of observations about the films with which I was familiar.

Because it leans slightly toward the reference end of such publications, photos are sparse, but very nice ones have been chosen when they do show up. Also, the Kindle index makes it very navigational in that you can go to specific movies or shows, or even interviews with folks like Peter S. Fischer, Sharon Farrell or Diana Muldaur, at the click of a button (I’m using a Kindle Keyboard). I suggest just a chronological browse first, however, then you can use the index to reference what films or shows you wish to read about again. With the series entries, the author gives an enjoyable overview of the tone, the stars and producer, and what made that show stand out. I don’t want to ruin what’s here, but I was pleased to find that Mannix, McMillan & Wife, Hawaii Five-O and one of my all-time favorites, Ellery Queen, starring Jim Hutton were included. I was surprised to discover that Peter S. Fischer felt that Hutton never gelled for him as the character, at least from a writing standpoint.

The introduction is actually a terrific interview with Stefanie Powers, star of Hart to Hart. At the back end we get more interviews, as I alluded to earlier. Not a lot of them, but enough to make it worthwhile, and with some interesting stuff included in their answers to specific questions. While this isn’t an all-inclusive or incredibly extensive reference work, it isn’t meant to be. It strikes a perfect balance — at least for this fan — in capturing some of the best of television during the seventies, which was a wonderful time. For the casual fan, or the knowledgable one, this is very enjoyable as ’70s nostalgia, and a nice companion for viewing ideas the next time you turn on the TV and realize they just don’t make ‘em like they used to… show less

Illustrated with over 300 photos, many of them rare and never before in print, JUST JOAN is a compilation of over four years of comprehensive research, culled from rare Lincoln Center archives, original magazines and those who knew her. Crawford is examined as a feminist forerunner, a gay icon, a dynamic artist, and as one of the world's great movie stars. The many anecdotes and quotes within JUST JOAN reveal the sassy, indomitable spirit of this actress who grew up in abject poverty with an show more indifferent family and yet, against unseemly strife and setbacks, rose from the ashes like a phoenix. Her determination, talent and committed work ethic enabled her to find a career and home with what would be one of the most celebrated and powerful studios in film history, MGM. Hers is the moving, complex story of the pursuit and realization of the American Dream, part sublime, part nightmare, self-actuated. With rich detail and devotion, JUST JOAN bears testament to Crawford's enduring enigma and powerful star. "If Joan Crawford was the ultimate star then Donna Nowak is the ultimate fan. She appreciates this complex subject for her skill as an actress, her importance as a pop culture icon, as well as displaying a fine sense of humor for Crawford's more lurid notoriety. Nowak has a fervor, devotion, and attention to detail that even the fastidious Crawford would cheer." - Charles Busch "Intelligent, insightful, witty - Donna Nowak's essays and reviews on the style, work and life of Joan Crawford would have compelled the Ultimate Star to officially adopt her as the devoted creative daughter she always longed for." - Shaun Consid show less