Movie studios are the wondrous; almost magical locales where not just films; but legends; are created. Unfortunately; these celebrity playgrounds are; and always have been; largely hidden from public view. Although some movie studios offer tours; few guests from outside the Hollywood community have ever been witness to the artistry; politics; and scandals that routinely go on behind the soundstage walls and away from the carefully orchestrated scenes visible to them from their tram carts.In this book; studio staff historian and Hollywood insider Steven Bingen throws open Hollywood’s iron gates and takes you inside the greatest and yet most mysterious movie studio of them all: Warner Bros. Long home to the world’s biggest stars and most memorable films and television shows; the Warner Bros. Studio lot functions as a small city and is even more fascinating; glamorous; and outrageous than any of the stars or movies that it has been routinely minting for more than ninety years. Accompanied by stunning behind-the-scenes photos and maps; and including a revealing backstory; this book is your ticket to a previously veiled Hollywood paradise.
#724111 in Books PublicAffairs 2010-03-09 2010-03-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.50 x 6.13l; 1.61 #File Name: 1586488163592 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very informativeBy natThis detail-packed book is a tough read but certainly worthwhile. The author describes how African country after country fell into disaster and calamity after each had become independent from their colonial powers; who had divided up the map of the continent into separate national units with zero knowledge or understanding of the future (usually terrible) consequences. Leadership in country after country fell to the most ruthless and corrupt; and societies declined into truly horrible circumstances characterized by crumbling infrastructure; deepened poverty; wars; atrocities; and AIDS. Often self-serving interventions by outsiders; including even some aid organizations; only made matters worse. The really amazing aspect of African culture that the author portrays is the attitude of hope that permeates African societies living in circumstances that we in the West would consider unbearable. In the midst of incredible suffering; Africans retain their dignity and their love of family. This book; which is best read in small doses; leaves one with the feeling that if only Africa can put its political house in order; significant progress; maybe even miraculous progress; will be made.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The real thingBy CustomerReally informative! Has different parts of history that influence the common culture; shows the differences in similarities that Americans like to generalize as "Africa" rather than the vastness and diversity of all the different lands and people. Highly recommend for anyone serious about learning about the different countries.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This book to be highly engaging!By Tina DreffinDowdens' insight and knowledge of Africa are impressive. Having traveled to most of the countries in Africa as an author; I found his account accurate–a quality hard to find in some writers. His criticisms of 'big men'; the militaristic Americans; and the Chinese gave me additional insight into the tragedy of Africans against the world. It's pitiful the African leaders care so little about their nations; preferring to bank away AID money in European bank accounts.If you have an interest in knowing the truth about American aid into Africa; this is a must read. I found this book to be highly engaging.
