Cynthia Brideson

A comprehensive look at the life and career of Gene Kelly. However, the authors seemed to rely primarily on other biographies done on Kelly. They did interview Kelly's daughter Kerry which provided some insight. However, I felt that the authors were enamored of Kelly as while they hinted at a darker side, they did not explore it as thoroughly as they should have Additionally, they seemed to feel that every film Kelly did, he was perfect in. There was quite a bit of praise for An American in Paris (which I cannot stand) but little for Brigadoon (which I think is charming). There was an error on Page 405 where they said Debbie Reynolds passed away in January of 2017 when it was actually December of 2016. This is the first biography I have read of Kelly and while comprehensive, left me wanting another view. I remember reading sometime ago that there was little to no affection in his last marriage but that was not explored at all. I feel like I need to some other works about Kelly to obtain a balanced view.… (more)

A standing ovation for Ziegfeld and His Follies. It is rare to read a book that transports you back in time but that is what the authors did on this well researched biography on Florenz Ziegfeld and his Follies. Not only did you go through the planning of each show but you learned about other notables of the era including Anna Held, Eddie Cantor, Will Rogers, Fanny Brice, Marilyn Miller, and so many others. Ziegfeld's relation with his wives (Anna Held) and especially Billie Burke were examined in detail as well as his gambling habit and other idiosyncrasies. There were many quotes from Ziegfeld's daughter as well as those who knew and worked with him. The book also explored Ziegfeld's influence over the decades since his death including an examination of the films The Great Ziegfeld, Ziegfeld Follies, Funny Girl, Funny Lady as well as various Broadway shows. However, the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, which really maintained the Ziegfeld tradition with the ladies in the fantastic costumes coming down the stairs, was not mentioned. There were numerous photographs and an thorough list of shows produced and co-produced by Ziegfeld. The authors did an excellent job of providing follow-up regarding what happened to those mentioned in the book who worked or were particularly close to Ziegfeld.… (more)

Book featuring essays on 40 "character" actors of Hollywood's Golden Age. I'm not quite sure how the people profiled were selected. To me both Claude Rains and Shelley Winters were featured players - not necessarily character actors. Even Frank Morgan had leads in many films and strong supporting parts in many others. Then there are those who are not mentioned - why profile Roland Young and Charles Winninger but not Charles Ruggles? Others who are missing include Frank McHugh, Donald Meek, C. Aubrey Smith, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Alan Hale, Donald Crisp, Sara Allgood, Mary Gordon, and many others. I realize not everyone can be included but the choices were somewhat usual. The profiles were good and I learned some things about people I had not known previously. However, there was an error in the profile of James Gleason which said he starred in a 1931 film called Puttin' on the Ritz with Clark Gable and Norma Shearer. Gable and Shearer did not appear in a film called Puttin' on the Ritz. Gable sang that song in the 1939 film Idiot's Delight which co-starred Shearer but Gleason was not in it. When I see one error that stands out like this one, I wonder how many other errors there are.… (more)