Product Description

She was born Virginia Katherine McMath, but the world would come to know her—and love her—as Ginger Rogers: Broadway star, Academy Award-winning actress, and the ultimate on-screen dancing partner of the inimitable Fred Astaire. In Ginger: My Story, the legendary entertainer shares the triumphs of a remarkable career that began when she won a Texas dancing contest at age fourteen; the joys and heartbreaks of her five marriages; her relationships with some of Hollywood's major leading men, including Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and damaged daredevil billionaire Howard Hughes; and the strength of her religious convictions that got her through thick and thin.

Customer Reviews (24)

Ginger: My Story
If you want to be transported back to the early days of musicals then let Ginger, in her own words dance you there.
There is very little negativity in this book and this gives you insight into what Ginger's character was all about.
Her book lets you celebrate watching a women bring forth a beautiful interpretation of femininity and she brings the
classics alive.

To know her is definitely NOT to love her...
First of all, I always really liked Ginger Rogers, not only as Fred Astaire's most charming dance partner, but also as a legitimate actress, both in drama and in comedy. And having read the reviews on amazon.com, I decided I wanted to get this book, to get to know (and like) her even better.
Well, I think I know her better, but I definitely don't like her better.
The thing that bothers me most about her story, is the constant bible thumping. She (and everybody else in the world) is absolutely free to believe what she wants to believe, but trying to convince me that people who were on the brink of death got as fit as a fiddle because someone said a prayer for them, sorry, I don't buy that.
Then she got married (I may have lost count) five times, and off course (being American) none of those marriages lasted more than a couple of months. Then she always found a serious flaw in her husband. Even Lew Ayres, whom she adored, made the mistake of having a prenuptial agreement drawn up. And that bothered miss Rogers, because, as is also very clear from this book, with Ginger it's always about me, me, me and about getting stuff (and money). The best thing she has to say about a number of films is what gorgeous dresses she got to wear. Yeah, real important stuff...
Add that to a really adolescent sense of humour (pretending to be drunk on the set), a disproportionate dislike of anyone who enjoys the occasional drink of alcohol, and the almost incessant adoration of "Lelee" (her mom), and there's someone who was a perfectly adequate, sometimes excellent performer, but as a person, just isn't my cup of tea.

Ginger--Mostly Just Fluff
Ginger Rogers was a legendary movie star of the thirties and forties. She did hit the heights and was most closely associated with Fred Astaire because of the musical movies they made together. Although she appeared in many other films, it is because of Astaire that she is still known. So after many many years as a performer it is difficult to read all of this fluff about her life and not really know much about her.

The things that I learned from reading this lengthy autiobiography are that she was deeply religious, had five husbands and many dalliances with other men, did not drink, and above all that she was her biggest fan (maybe her mother was--it's hard to differentiate between the two). I've never read an autobiography of anyone who is so charmed by herself.

She explains a number of times that she wanted to be known for her work and would do any part that proved she could act. However, throughout this book she constantly tells the reader how important her clothes, make-up and hair color were to her. She remembers every dress that was ever designed for her. She had fights over make-up and hair color as well as costumes. She never fought for better dialogue.

As for her five marriages, there is little about any of them. She speaks of each man being handsome and that she fell head over heels for them. But they disappear and there is no whys and wherefores. It becomes apparent that rarely is she seen with most of them for long. She takes her beloved mother to all the events and special tributes in her life rather than her spouse. Of her last marriage she speaks to the fact that he has a 14 year old son. She never relates another word about this child, who became her step-child. So one would guess that she had nothing to do with the rearing of this young man.

She seems so shallow throughout the entire book. And how could someone who reached the heights in this very cut-throat business be so naive all of the time. The husbands drink; she does not. She is so against alcohol, but marries men who drink. She talks about her swimming pools, tennis courts, ice cream fountains, clothes, trips all over the world with many pieces of baggage, etc. But not once does she talk about what should be important about marriage, career and the rest of it.

It is nice that someone is so devoted to her religious beliefs, but she seems to cram so much hokum down the readers throat, as if she is trying to recruit. Some of the stories are so childish--a husband that she cures of boils on his ass; a husband that she cures of scally feet; a young actress whose life she saves although the young woman is in the hospital being given medical attention.

Lela Rogers, her mother, was always known as a hard-as-nails woman who guided every move her movie star daughter made. It is very apparent that they had a close relationship. She never did anything without her mother's approval. Was this the reason that each marriage failed? None of this is ever explained.

I recall going to see her in 1980 at Radio City Music Hall. She appeared with a number of young male dancers, who did most of the dancing. She had much too much very blonde hair and much too much make-up, appearing as if she thought she was 30 years younger than she was at the time. It was kind of a Baby Jane moment.

THe book has some interesting stories, but most of it is fluff. She certainly throws famous names around thoughout the entire book. But I never got a feel for who she was other than a woman who was very impressed with who she was.

VERY ENJOYABLE
I have enjoyed this book.I especially recommend taking it with you if you are going to be traveling.Recently within one week I took four airplanes and seven buses.This book was really good for those in-between waits.

Great Read!!
Can't go wrong with this inspirational autobiography!Entertaining and most well-written, this is a wonderful review of a life well lived.Ginger reviews the important moments of her life and career, sharing what made each special in its own way.This is not a "kiss and tell," and any who expect that will be sorely disappointed.She writes with enthusiasm, frankness, and discretion.I was somewhat disappointed that she didn't go into more detail on her artistic development during her early years, such as any lessons she took or practicing via whatever means and influences.Guess we'll find that out in the hereafter.But for now, this is a great source of much "Ginger" information that is indispensable for any fan of Miss Rogers.Only wish I'd gotten it in hardback! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

THE FRED ASTAIRE AND GINGER ROGERS BOOK
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK, ESPECIALLY FOR ROGERS/ASTAIRE FANS. IT CONTAINS BRIEF HISTORIES OF ROGERS/ASTAIRES' CAREERS BEFORE THEY STARTED WORKING TOGETHER.. THEN, CONTINUES TO EXAMINE THE 10 FILMS THAT THEY DID TOGETHER. THE AUTHOR PROVIDES THE READER WITH AN EXCELLENT REVIEW OF ROGERS/ASTAIRE AND OF THEIR FILMS. I AM TRULY PLEASED WITH THIS BOOK.

The Fred and Ginger Book
What a beautiful book! I truly enjoyed the insights of the author and it made watching the movies a much more in-depth experience. The partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers was extraordinary and won't be seen again, and any fan wanting to know more should explore this book and Hannah Hyam's FABULOUS book, "Fred and Ginger." Their complete works together are also available on DVD.

Highly recommended, and a special thanks to the retailer for shipping so quickly.

A Must have book on the peerless Astaire and Rogers!
This retro-review is for,sadly,the now out of print 1987 paperback edition of "The Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Book".This is a re-released edition by Obelisk Books in 1987 and pretty much looks like the original hardcover edition printed in 1972 throughout.
I was really shocked to see that this book had gone out of print,for it isTHE essential volume for any Fred Astaire fan,and especially those interested in his period with Ginger Rogers.
Like the original hardcover edition this one carries on with the "flip" pictures in the top right and left corners of the book.That is there are a series of incremental pictures that if one flips through at a causal speed,they can see Astaire and Rogers dancing in two different numbers.A nice little touch.
The best thing about this book though is how the author approaches her subject matter.She starts off the book giving us a short but well rounded look at both subjects and careers pre-teaming.Like the rest of the book you know here is a person who knows her subject matter inside and out and never writes DOWN to the reader.She writes more like a friend imparting details and essential background material on a subject you both love.
After the intro(about 18 pages) we come to the heart of the book,the film by film look at the ten benchmark motion pictures made starring Astaire and Rogers.
Each chapter is divided into four areas.First are the detailed production and acting credits.Second comes "The Film",thirdly "The Numbers" and lastly "Production".This is repeated for each chapter/film throughout the book and the details and knowledge she imparts are invaluable to any serious student of this dancing duo.Her prose are definitely not dry by any stretch and she keeps you riveted to the page throughout.
Here is an example from her chapter on "Roberta",where she is talking about one of the big numbers from the film,"Hard to Handle":
"The context for the number is an informal session on the dance floor of the Cafe' Russe,the audience for it consists of bartenders and cleaning women,and the beauty of it is that it really seems to be happening for the first time-it's like a moment of cinema verite' bursting through the surface of a polished commercial film.
We've all seen numbers in musicals that start in this supercasual way- and the "impromptu" walked-right-into number became a staple of the Astaire-Rogers repertory-but how many times,no matter how good the routine or how sophisticated our response,it happens that we feel a little stab in our childish hearts-"Oh,they've rehearsed".Sanity tells us that Astaire and Rogers have rehearsed;publicity statistics tell us how many back-breaking hours.But the difference between them and other performers is that,watching them,we aren't in possession of our sanity,we're happy children again,the story the numbers tell us is true.And the illusion of spontanteity makes the plot implication of the number credible;it cements the relationship of the screen characters they portray."
This is a typical sampling of Croces' prose and delivery but as you can see she talks with a deep and sure understanding of her subjects and imparts it to us in that wonderfully direct but non-condescending manner.Her understanding and feelings match very much our own which she translates beautifully to the page.No other book I have read on Astaire(and I have read ALOT!) matches Croce's style and understanding,attention to detail and all put in context to the times and the behind-the-scenes production details so essential in giving its' readers the fullest understanding possible of what went into creating the finished products.
This edition is about 191 pages long in total and has a plethora of pics to enhance your reading pleasure.The last approximately 10 pages are devoted to miscellaneous pics from the films and a full spread of director Mark Sandrichs' production notes from "Follow the Fleet".
For those interested in Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in an either casual fashion or from a more learned point of view,there isn't a volume before or since that will educate but entertain you at the same time,like "The Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Book".
An essential must-have volume on this peerless pair!

Excellent Insights into the Dances
Croce's book focuses upon the dances within each film. Her understanding of the wide range of the Astaire-Rogers filmed dance legacy, and her knowledge of what it took to achieve such excellence in performance...makes this book one of the main literary sources on the great dance pair. Astaire-Pan-Rogers, and Borne were the team that created a choreographic wellspring, in 10 films, of highly elegant, vital, energetic, and graceful dancing....just laden with meaning and emotion. The likes of this pair, made in heaven, is not likely to be seen soon again. They were the best, the top of the top...and they knew it. Arlene Croce succeeds in this insightful and informational book in explaining why, through dance, and personality, and professionalism, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers continue to appeal to such a universal audience.

The only area where I would have some question are a few of her comments regarding the integration of the comedic Woodhosian scripts and the emotional weight and seriousness of the dancing. But, in fact, just the raising of the question gets one thinking more deeply about the highly challenging construction of the dance musical itself:

For example, I didn't agree with her sharp criticism of George Stevens...for not "having enough material" for Helen Broderick's laughter at the end of "Swing Time". In fact, Stevens spends the first twenty minutes of the film creating that material.....and the rest of the film has more turns in it than the Almalfi Drive, as Ginger changes her mind back and forth about Fred. The Broderick character, as Penny's best friend, sees this mercurial behavior in her young friend, at least SEVEN TIMES! And this is not enough material for Broderick NOT to believe that she'll change her mind again? No. Croce is not even being logical here...and she's weighing the absolutelybrilliant singing and dancing so highly, that she misses the well considered comedic plot...that really works on screen!

As in an ancient Greek drama, Stevens has created an effective ending(s)...a comedic catharsis. And what's better, and more effective, than the power of laughter to finally overcome the darkness in this great film, in arriving at its inevitable and bright conclusion?

And by the way, IMHO, she's also dead wrong about Steven's "Vivacious Lady", which hilariously and logically reaches its happy ending through tears!

Nonetheless, in no way, does my little criticism affect my regard for this book, and for Arlene Croce, indeed, for her intense and deeply grasped critique, is a real classic, and a first class piece of writing...with consistent, highly insightful, and sharp investigation of the great dances. It will always be a touchstone in the understanding of the truly wonderful Astaire/Rogers magic and timeless mythos. It was most helpful to me, and I recommend it highly.

Best book published on this team
Actually published in the 1970's,
Arlene gives great insight into the
dances, the casting, script, and other details.
A wealth of useful information for both
dancers and Astaire-Rogers fans.
Far and away the best book on this great team. ... Read more

Product Description
Ginger Rogers had a versatile and successful career as a dancer, singer, comedienne, and Academy Award winning dramatic actress. Here is a detailed guide to her many accomplishments in the entertainment world. Though she is remembered chiefly as the dance partner of Fred Astaire, her work spanned a number of media and she was one of the most famous actresses in the United States. Faris provides detailed information on all of her performances. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

If you need it, it's worth it.
The research is exhaustive, accurate and meticulously organized.I'm working on a project on Ms. Rogers, and was astonished to find this book on the market.A little pricey but, let's face it, when the market isn't going to be enormous, you have to charge what you have to charge.For me, it was worth the price. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Overview of the Films
This is simply the best brief overview of the films of Ginger Rogers...which include the newspaper critiques at the time of release. This book is not the venue for detailed weighing of the dances, or for that matter, the films. For that I would recommend Hannah Hyam's "Fred and Ginger". All the seventy-three films...not just Roger's ten dance-musicals with Astaire...are included in chronological order...with excellent accompanying photographs, plot synopses, and full credits. It's complete, well organized, and easy reading.

A wonderful accompaniment to a wonderful career
... Homer Dickens is perhaps the King of this series, his other 'Films of...' books including Gary Cooper, Marlene Dietrich, James Cagney and Katharine Hepburn. The book begins with a brief but complimentary biography entitled 'Ginger Rogers - The American Girl' which Dickens starts of by summing up Ginger's all-American appeal. The chapter tells Ginger's life story from birth and childhood in Missouri to her days as a teenager on the vaudeville circuit before going to Hollywood. This chapter features many great stills from her vaudeville and Hollywood days not to mention ones from her early television appearances. This is followed by a section devoted to portraits including some of Ginger's early Hollywood stills (before she became blonde) through to her star years. Then come the films first the short film appearances from 'Campus Sweethearts' in 1929 to 'Ginger Rogers Finds a Bargain' which is a 5 minute trailer for the Fourth War Loan Drive. The features begin on page 44 and like all of Dickens 'films of' books features cast, credits, synopsis, reviews of the day and Dickens own notes. From her first appearance in 'Young Man of Manhattan' in 1930 (where she famously utters the line 'Cigarette me, big boy') to her final screen appearance in the 1964 bomb 'Quick Let's Get Married'(though 'Harlow' was filmed the following year this was not released till 1971), all of Ginger's classic roles from Dale Tremont to Kitty Foyle are included. But it doesn't end there - beggining on page 228 is a wonderful secton entitled 'Fred and Ginger - The Dances' which has stills from every one of the classic Rogers/Astaire routines. This is followed by the last chapter, a theatre chronology which features Ginger's stagework from vaudeville in the 20's to her triumph as 'Mame' on the London stage in 1969. A great book for any collection. ... Read more

Product Description
An exciting photo-biography of the legendary Ginger Rogers pays tribute to the great actress and dancer, best known for her work with Fred Astaire, looking at all aspects of her varied career and at her sometimes difficult private life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

the Junior Morley
I'm in full agreement with the one-star rating of this malevolent book. If there was a grounding in fact, of the author's numerous attacks and harsh judgments, I would be among the first the make a reassessment of Ginger Rogers's career. With his Oxford education, one could ask of the Junior Morley, what ever happened to the intellectual instinct for solid research?

From the front cover itself, picturing Rogers AND Astaire, the Junior Morley insults the achievement of Ginger Rogers, who had a distinguished career apart from Fred. From his very first statement concerning the famous "high heels" quote...which was NOT Ginger's quote, the Junior Morley has it wrong...

To his assertion that "Swing Time" was rejected by 30s audiences....In fact, it had the longest run at Radio City Music Hall of any film to that time, and today, is ranked 90th on the AFI list of great films. "Swing Time" was highly profitable, and of the hundreds of films made at RKO, Astaire/Rogers's films earned six of the nine top spots in profitability. The correct statement would be that "Swing Time" was slightly less profitable than "Top Hat" and "Follow the Fleet", and indicated a gradual loss of profitability. The reason was NOT a loss of popularity, asserted by the Junior Morley. It was the increasing production costs of musicals...which by 1939 were four or five times those of regular features. At twenty five cents a head, they just were no longer profitable to Hollywood producers.

To his snide repeating of a belittling attack even on Fred Astaire....As the greatest dancer of the 20th century, according to Balanchine, and Nureyev and Fonteyn, he was (and is) regarded with great reverence, by dancers all over the world, including Gene Kelly...who the Junior Morley brazenly uses to diminish Astaire...and hence Fred and Ginger's achievement.

To his closing "ad hominem" attacks on Ginger's personal life....His simple-minded, ignorant, and unresearched opinions on her marriages, her politics, and her mother. All of this...and I could go on and on...is a bald faced attempt to smear.

Other things are used to damage her memory....Kate Hepburn's statement about Fred bringing Ginger class, and Ginger bringing Fred sex..is uncritically related...in fact, the Junior Morley considers it "astute".....when major film critics like Roger Ebert and Mick La Salle, both consider it just too simplistic. In fact, Ebert goes so far as to correct it with a quote of his own..."They both had class, and sex was never the point.".

In regard to her other films....He gives complete short shrift to the high quality of her acting...which helped establish the screen credibility of Astaire...and which was evident in so many comedic and dramatic roles...that all added to her beloved status with American and international audiences. And, as to her Oscar in 1940 for "Kitty Foyle", the Junior Morley promotes the idea that it must have been a fluke.

This book is so unremittingly unfair, and at times so overtly pernicious, that's it's hard for me to understand how the publisher could print such an error filled book. It must have been the money, and a determination to ignore its cash-for-trash content.

It's true that inevitably Ginger's career faltered, and parts diminished, as with many actresses of the era. But she had the spunk to regain some measure of success with "Hello Dolly" and "Mame". It's also legitimate to explore the nature of her film acting talents...and, despite some occasional successes, how she eventually lost her knack for box office triumphs...and how age, scripts, separation from work, luck, casting, desire, and direction, had something to do with this...all this is very legitimate. But to employ difficult periods in her career to fortify his denigrating assessment of her great successes, THAT is really pretty low.

It's also true that, in later life, Ginger...like Fred, to some extent...developed a hard shell of skepticism against critics, some of whom, were genetically incapable of getting any fact of her life right. The Junior Morley, in his writing, proves her to be amply justified in this attitude.

In one salvo, Morley writes of his "favorite story" of Lela reminding Ginger in London, during her "Mame" visit: "You should be thankful that they still remember you.". Well, in Anette Kuhn's "Dreaming of Fred and Ginger: Cinema and Cultural Memory", Britisher Kuhn proves, by survey, that Morley (and Lela) were wrong, for, of all the great American stars, it is Fred and Ginger who are today remembered THE MOST in England.

As for her alleged extremist politics....Unlike the mal-treated, delusionist, liberal saint, Dalton Trumbo, Rogers was a staunch anti-communist...just like Harry Truman, who had a day for her in Independence, Missouri. Something to keep in mind, when in 1948 the bloody mass murderer Stalin, was still in office, and Trumbo, was a committed and card carrying member of the CPUSA. And Ronald Reagan, that other staunch anti-communist? Oh yes, fighting off his own right wing, he negotiated with Gorbachev to help hasten the end of the Cold War. That's right, Ginger, invited to the White House several times by Reagan, and unlike liberal darling, Kate "I am a communist" Hepburn, was a staunch anti-communist. There's nothing to be ashamed of there. Being anti-communist, especially in the 1940s, is a positive, not a negative. I, for one, am glad she lived to see the victory of her convictions. Hers was also an international victory, over the "gilded cage", sanitized, world view, that characterizes Hollywood to this day.

As for the Junior Morley himself, readers should know that he was a child of privilege, (quite unlike Rogers and Astaire), a depressive, the son of a famous writer father, who found a ready niche in that same privileged familial world. One of the characteristics remembered today, about the Junior Morley on the London theater circuit...is that he was prone to fall asleep, during performances...after which his reviews would be unremittingly positive.

It doesn't say much for his professionalism. Clearly, it does show that he was at least as prone to human imperfection as Ginger Rogers...and with a significantly lower level of achievement...in spite of all the advantages of his birth.

Shall We Dance (bk: Sheridan Morley)
I think it is possible that some people do not like the truth about their favourite stars hence the comments so far.
Personally, I think the book is to the point and S.Morley does not mince his words and in my estimation: that is being honest.
This book is extremely good (for those who are quite willing to accept human fraility in the star).

Condescending rubbish
One can only imagine the author Sheridan Morley obtained his employment at The SPectator and on the BBC due to who his father was and NOT because of any talent or insight he has about actors and acting. This is clearly revealed in the petty, pointless attack on Ginger Rogers in his sorry excuse for a review of her career.

Shall We "Crap On Miss Rogers"
I should have listened to all the negative feedback in this forum on this item. Mr. Morley hasn't got a kind, or even fair, thing to say about his subject if he can't substitute something rotten for it. The entire "biography" is marred by mean-spiritedness (and isn't even entertaining on that dubious level). I say give it a wide berth.

A really unfair and nasty book
I bought this book shortly after Miss Rogers passed away.
I had enjoyed watching her films with my Grandmother, who adored Ginger! I simply wanted to learn more about the ladies life, work and add shine to my memories of "Nan".
While I was not looking for cheesy and sickly sentimental representations of Miss Roger's life, I did not expect to find the book to be so scathing, critical and frankly, bitchy.
It was nasty to the point of horribly dismissive and cruel. The photography is lovely, it could not fail to be, she was a beautiful woman. The written word here is just mean and spiteful and it assumes all her achievements to be accidental folly or ruthlessly aquired.
Morley has such an axe to grind, but why he does is best known to himself since he never discloses the source of his disdain. I hope no author is as cruel to the memory of his Father, the British actor Robert Morley, as he is to Miss Rogers. The only postive thing about this book is that you won't want to buy a Morley book again, and he has produced many on other stars.
Biographers can be hard to take at best, making a living by picking over the lives of others so disrespectfully, when they do so nastily it just smacks of the worse kind of envious resentment and inadequacy. As a boigrapher, Morley is as awful as Andrew Morton, the awful man who picked over Princess Diana's life both before and after her death. These people are like verbose vultures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ginger Rogers and the Riddle of the Scarlet Cloak
I did not receive the product I ordered, and this is the 2nd time I've been asked for a review of this order.

I ordered Ginger Rogers and the Riddle of the Scarlet Cloak - I received "Ginger, My Story" which is her autobiography.I returned the product to Amazon and received a full credit. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1953 Hollywood, dancing legends Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers prepare to dance with Russia's Baronovitch Ballet, but the two have trouble concentrating on the show while investigating a murder. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Dance Until You Drop
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were a wonderful on-screen pair and everyone loved their simple charm.I think Baxt captures that charm in this little book.Like all of his celebrity mysteries, this is a satire, and I think it portrays the McCarthy hearings quite well.Life in Hollywood in 1953 was difficult and everyone looked at everyone else to try to figure our whether or not they were "commies".In this book we see Fred and Ginger smack in the middle of a Russian espionage scam.Ginger's therapist dies and Villon and Mallory know that he was poisoned.What's his background and history?They find out and its a world of double agents, family rivalries and Communist underworld.Of course Villon figures it out, but even he is surprised to find out who the "kingpin" is.

An Enjoyable, if Implausible, Read
I picked up this book because I have always loved Astaire and Rodgers.However, when I started reading, I was dissapointed.The plot seems a little farfetched.I think there were too many characters, and I kept wondering why everybody knew each other.Russia is a large country, but reading this book makes it seem like a small town.However, this book did manage to keep me interested in what happened at the end.I would read it for distraction because it is by no means great literature.

odd, yet...
Like many of Baxt's novels, this one goes a little off-track with all the characters and spies, et cetera.However, that, in this humble reader's opinion, is part of the charm.These mysteries were obviously not writtenfor deep, critical analysis, but for simple enjoyment.All the characters,and there are many, are fleshed out, and if the plot lacks bits that areshoved in a bit too hurriedly at the end, well that's just part of thecharm.Another three cheers for George Baxt. And for Fred and Ginger. ... Read more

Product Description
An Original Story Featuring Ginger Rogers Famous Motion-Picture Star As The Heroine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Combine a movie star with a mystery....!
I hardly ever see great dustjackets on these great old books, but here's a winner. Bright vibrant dustjacket in a strangely abstract 1930's style! Drawings inside, too, including in endpapers. Don't you want to solve this?! Great deal, rare, recommended.

A Plus: the back of the dustjacket lists lots more books like this published back then, like Blondie, Betty Grable, Deanna Durbin and more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Respectful Treatment of a Star
It's not necessary to agree with everything, in a review of someone's life...but in the context of too many nasty and factually incorrect reviews of Ginger Rogers's life...I rate Richards book highly....for his noble attempt at balancing objectivity and empathy. As it turns out, he ended his work, unknowingly, at the end of Ginger's film career...in 1965...so the book has turned out to be more definitive than intended by its author.

He reviews her films in chronology, and rates them from the early period starting in 1930...to her classic period from 1933 to about 1945...and through to her period, more or less, of film decline, from 1945 to 1965. He praises strongly, where warranted...and Ginger Rogers made many timeless and wonderful films...as he points out deficiencies in scripts, indirection, and sometimes in Ginger's acting. He does this frankly, as she later did in her autobiography....and he does it, without recourse to critical rancor. How refreshing.

Ginger Rogers was a imperfect human being...as she reminds us in her autobiography. Part of her private life was subject to public scrutiny which would be difficult for anyone to endure. Richards, in his creditable bio, effectively discusses her personal life; her self-admitted romanticism, mixed with her nitty-gritty realism and clean living, which makes her such an interesting woman.

I don't know why he didn't interview her directly...perhaps at that time, she was just too busy living to take time off....which she eventually did in 1991, with the publication of "Ginger: My Story".

She was many things...a very competent woman, hard to keep up with for any man; a romantic; a homebody who loved being married; very empathetic and helpful with many of her colleagues; a very hard worker; a woman who was on occasion hurt and vulnerable; a genuine super talent in many areas...and plus, a person who had truly tremendous spirit, enthusiasm, strength, and resilience.

In late career, she had a few things to say about all the erroneous things that were said about her over the years. And, so it was, that some (notably, male) critics considered her to have become hard-hearted and egocentric....and for sure, there were instances where she was fully capable of vinegar...but Richards's biography was before her later confrontation with the "fourth estate"...and, before her official autobiography in 1991.

It's generally conceded that she's been underrated compared to other great Hollywood female stars. This, as of 2008, is in process of being rectified....as her own work apart from Fred's...comes more and more to light...on TCM, and on newly released CDs.

Richards respectful treatment paints us a picture of an extraordinarily giving and grateful human being who, aside from her contributions in more than 70 films, led a very exciting, very full, and very happy life in Hollywood's Golden Age.

Wonderful Honest Look at Ginger Rogers
For anyone who is an admirer of Ginger Rogers, or simply likes to read about true and honest people who have found success in practicing virtuessuch as hard work, honesty, sobriety, and a spectactularly positive outlookon life will take great joy in learning about this wonderful woman.DickRichards paints a very honest homage to a woman who is the symbol of theAmerican dream.This has to be one of the most honest biographies I haveever read.It's really tricky to write about the lives of Hollywood starsbecause of the abundance of gossip and the constant debate about whether ornot such and such part of their life is true.But Mr. Richards explains inthe beginning that he is in no way trying to write a true biography, whichwould take much time in interviewing and getting to know Miss Rogers muchbetter, but simply to give some praise to someone who truly deservesit...And rightly so.Ginger Rogers is someone to be greatly admired.Herintegrity, her clean, healthy life is an inspiration, especially in herline of work.She was the example of the American dream and what makes youadmire her more is not only her worldly reknown beauty, but her fabulouspersonality and sense of humor.This is a great book for anyone who wantsto read about a great woman.It truly makes you want to jump up and be abetter person.Though at times Mr. Richards does fall on other tangents,you can really feel how much he respects and worships Ginger Rogers. ... Read more

Product Description
Detective Leon Smith, a 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, guides us on a nostalgic journey to famous LAUREL AND HARDY and OUR GANG movie locations, as well as other famous Hollywood film locations. His investigations reveal exact addresses of these historical sites and feature his present-day photographs along with production stills showing how the locations appeared in the original film. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book!
Even on Kindle this is a great book. I wish there were more books like this with more locations. This book needs to be much longer and include more movies. I think there is only one location from "Chinatown". What about all the other period buildings, where are they? Has anyone read this book using Kindle for iPad? Can you enlarge the pictures? ... Read more

Product Description
Ginger Rogers' beauty, grace and talent delighted us on the silver screen, and this paper doll book by Marilyn Henry is sure to please with costumes representing Ginger s films such as Top Hat, Swing Time, Carefree, Fifth Ave Girl, Kitty Foyle, Flying Down To Rio, Lady In The Dark, and Follow The Fleet. There are two pretty dolls and over 40 costumes and accessories to cut out and enjoy. Also included is a brief biography of Ginger s life and career by fashion expert, David Wolfe. This special paper doll book is sure to delight fans of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, classic movies and paper dolls. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful but could be better
I eagerly awaited this new paper doll book of my favorite movie star, Ginger Rogers. Her costumes were out of this world! Most paper doll books come with a page or two of the paper dolls themselves. In this case I assume you cut the dolls out of the covers, back and front, as there are no Gingers in the inside of the book. Ginger's most famous dress (I think) is the famed Feather Dress from the movie Top Hat. There is only a little sketch of it on the cover. I would have loved a larger version of it. Besides these things the rest of the paper doll book is wonderful with many of Gingers other costumes nicely done. There are little black and white photos of Ginger scattered throughout the book which are a nice touch and a biography of her on the inside back cover. ... Read more

Product Description
Throughout its history and up to the present day, the theatre has served as amagnet to thousands of fans and tourists who flock to the site daily to view theflamboyant architecture and the historic cement squares in the theatre'sforecourt. The footprints, handprints, and signatures of 176 of Hollywood's mostfamous celebrities have been placed here, plus those of three comedy teams, onegroup of quintuplets, two robots and a villainous sci-fi character, onventriloqist's dummy, a radio character, and the world's best known duck. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

John Tartaglia's rescue to Hollywood's Footprint Ceremonies
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R26EQQ8ZE7RBHU Hollywood at Your Feet: The Story of the World-Famous Chinese Theater

This book may interesting for the photos but it lacks a certain depth and lack of simple research. Published, as it is, the publishing company did a disservice to my Great Uncle, Mr John Tartaglia, who was the cement artist who replaced Jean Klossner after a feud, of sorts, with Sid (Sid Grauman). That feud set the stage for John Tartaglia. What was thought to be a temporary take-over job turned out to be 34 years (1953 - 1987) of service, "When Hollywood was Hollywood," in making Hollywood history enshrining 38 stars in the forecourt of the Grauman's (Mann) Chinese Theatre, from Jean Simmons in September 24, 1953 to Eddie Murphy in May 5, 1987.

Our family would kindly appreciate that John Tartaglia receive the same recognition as we would want Jean Klossner to receive for his services as well in any and all future publications on the web, videos and/or in print. (Please take note on page where John Tartaglia is standing just behind Sidney Poitier, while being referred to as "Others Unidentified")

Please look for John Tartaglia in photos and articles on Facebook (keywords: John Tartaglia Chinese Theatre), Google (Jet Magazine and The Florence Times - Tri-Cities Daily page 6), Tweetcepts ([...] - Courtesy of Dan Ferrero - [...]) and also Craigslist (Los Angeles Events - John Tartaglia Chinese Theatre).

You may see John Tartaglia in Jet Magazine with Eddie Murphy by Google searching in "Google Books" as well as an article entitled, "Footprints Tell Story of Talented Man" in The Florence Times - HERE: [...] Thank you for reading!

Please watch this Video interview from his son and I with Judd Mcilvain:

THE VIDEO: [...]

In regards to the Klossner family, I feel we should colaborate our efforts and info if you have any interests in developing and publishing our own book devoted to Hollywood history. You may also converse with my Godfather who is John's son. I only wish I knew sooner to contact you and the shortcomings of this publishing company. My family and I are working on resolving these errors as well.
Please feel free to contact me via my website:
(Courtesy of Dan Ferrero - [...])
(We have additional Footprint Ceremony photos as well!!!)

Definitely a must for film buffs!
What a wonderful book - as the Library Journal mentions it is an absolute must for movie buffs.Conscientiously written, I have found it to be an end-all reference source for years...and so much fun. Highly recommended!

SAVE YOUR MONEY!
The pictures are nice but that's where it ends! My grandfather, JEAN KLOSSNER built the Chinese theater in 1926-27 and then went on to perform the footprint ceremonies for Forty years (I assisted him in '53-'54) and I can tell you that these authors failed to do their homework! When you choose to write about a subject you should at least know something about it! A little research at the files of the Hollywood Chamber of commerce would have proved invaluable to these people who apparently were more interested in deadlines than facts.There are five surviving members of our family who remember "Grandpa Jean" or "Mr. Footprint" as Hollywood knew him, and any one of us could have provided much more insight to the facts, trivia and stories. These authors missed so much of the real stories (They weren't there!) that the book is a shell of what it could have been..... if they only had done some research.....JR ... Read more

Product Description
This is a original copy of the 1942 Whitman Publishing Company. All condition is related to the age of the book, 66 years old. The cover is very good with normal handling wear around edges. All of the pages and cinside cover have aging browish color but the inside pages are in excellent condition and all are legitable. There is evidence of the pages pulling from the binder. The pages are fully attached. A small amt of glue can fix this.Pleasenote I am not a professional and if you have questions please advise. ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Jim Thorpe, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Patrick Swayze, Cheryl Burke, Julianne Hough, Derek Hough, Lacey Schwimmer, Brian Fortuna, Cyd Charisse, Chelsie Hightower, James R. Lyons, Jonathan Roberts, Mary Murphy, Ashly Delgrosso, Ken and Miye Ota, Heidi Groskreutz, Corky Ballas, Mike Sexton, Melanie Lapatin, Tony Meredith, Ariella Rush, Barbara Moore, Edward Simon, Marjorie Parker Smith, Hunter Johnson. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 179. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Fred Astaire (May 10, 1899 June 22, 1987), born Frederick Austerlitz, was an American film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer and actor. His stage and subsequent film career spanned a total of 76 years, during which he made 31 musical films. He was named the fifth Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute. He is particularly associated with Ginger Rogers, with whom he made ten films. According to another major innovator in filmed dance, Gene Kelly, "The history of dance on film begins with Astaire." Beyond film and television, many classical dancers and choreographers, Rudolf Nureyev, Michael Jackson, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Jerome Robbins among them, also acknowledged his importance and influence. Fred and Adele Astaire, c.1906Astaire was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Johanna "Ann" (née Geilus) and Frederic "Fritz" Austerlitz (born September 8, 1868, as Friedrich Emanuel Austerlitz). Astaire's mother was born in the United States to Lutheran German immigrants from East Prussia and Alsace, while Astaire's father was born in Linz, Austria, to Jewish parents who had converted to Catholicism. After arriving in New York City at age 24 on October 26, 1892, and being processed at Ellis Island, Astaire's father, hoping to find work in his brewing trade, moved to Omaha, Ne...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=64962 ... Read more