Jean Lipman-Blumen discusses her book, “Connective Leadership.” She begins by detailing three stages of leadership. The first stage was in pre-recorded history when leaders protected their followers by keeping them behind geographical...
World War, 1939-1945 - Music and the war; Berlin, Irving, 1888-1989. This is the Army
Alan Anderson discusses his book, “The Songwriter Goes to War.” He begins by explaining that after he was inducted into the army he was assigned the duties of a production stage manager and first sergeant of the detachment “This is the...
Clar, Reva Howitt; Dancers - United States - Biography; Vaudeville - United States - History
Mimi Melnick discusses her mother Reva Howitt Clar’s autobiography, “Lollipop.” She begins by explaining how her mother was a vaudevillian ballerina for the Fanchon and Marco vaudeville company and that her stage name was Lollipop. Melnick...
Stoker, Bram, 1847-1912. Dracula; Stoker, Bram, 1847-1912 - Adaptations; Stoker, Bram, 1847-1912 - Film and video adaptations; Horror tales, English - History and criticism; Vampire films - History and criticism; Dracula, Count (Fictitious...
David J. Skal discusses his book, “Hollywood Gothic.” He begins by talking about the different depictions and looks of the character Count Dracula. Skal describes Bram Stoker’s decision to name the character Dracula, and how Stoker decided...
Culture diffusion; Human beings - Effect of environment on; Ethnology; Civilization - History; Social evolution
Jared Diamond discusses his book, “Guns, Germs, and Steel." Diamond explains that his book argues that geographical and environmental factors shaped the modern world. He elaborates by explaining that societies that historically had a head start...
Channing, Carol; Actors - United States - Biography; Singers - United States - Biography
Carol Channing discusses her autobiography, “Just Lucky I Guess.” She begins by explaining her early life and childhood, and how she grew up singing and acting. She talks about her early acting career and how she tried out for a part in the...
Lindfors, Viveca, 1920-1995; Actors - Sweden - Biography
Viveca Lindfors discusses her autobiography, “Vivika… Vivica…” She begins by explaining why she decided to change the spelling of her name at an early age. She talks about her career as a stage actress and singer from Sweden. She...
Quentin Crisp discusses his book, “Manners From Heaven.” He begins by explaining how his early life was different from most children’s, how he got made fun of by bullies and the strained relationship with his father. He advises how to...
T.D. Jakes discusses his book, “God’s Leading Lady.” He explains that the book was written in an effort to uplift Christian women by encouraging them to step out of the shadows and take their positions onstage as God’s leading ladies. To...
Theatrical producers and directors - United States - Biography; Houseman, John
John Houseman discusses his book, “Front and Center.” He explains that the book is an autobiography of his life. He recounts his youth and his early years in show business, sharing numerous anecdotes and thoughts on the events of his life and...
Motion picture actors and actresses - United States - Biography; Dean, James, 1931-1955
George Perry discusses his book, “James Dean.” He begins by explaining that the book is a biography of the actor, James Dean. In the work, Perry explores the early history of Dean using various interviews, including several with Dean’s cousin...
Cari Beauchamp discusses her book, “Anita Loos Rediscovered.” She begins by explaining that the book is a collection of previously unpublished film treatments, short stories, and one-act plays that span fifty years of Anita Loos' creative...
Dixon, Thomas, 1864-1946; Dixon, Thomas, 1864-1946 - Film and video adaptations; Dixon, Thomas, 1864-1946 - Political and social views; Motion pictures - United States - History - 20th century; Authors, American - 20th century - Biography; Film...
Anthony Slide discusses his book, “American Racist.” He begins by explaining that his book chronicles the life and films of Thomas Dixon. He discusses how being born during the reconstruction period in the South shaped Dixon’s attitude and...
Chaplin, Charlie, 1889 -1977; Motion picture actors and actresses - United States - Biography; Comedians - United States - Biography
Jeffrey Vance discusses his book, “Chaplin.” He begins by sharing some of Charlie Chaplin’s background, such as, his birth in England and his childhood working on stage. He explains that Chaplin’s first film was called “Making a...
Grant, Cary, 1904-1986; Motion picture actors and actresses - United States - Biography
Marc Eliot discusses his book, “Cary Grant.” He begins by discussing Grant's early childhood in Victorian England during which he was called Archie Leach. He then shares that when Grant first came to New York and was trying to get parts on...
William Morris Agency - History; Theatrical agencies - United States - History; Performing arts - United States - History - 20th century
Frank Rose discusses his book, “The Agency.” He begins by explaining how the William Morris Agency was one of the largest and most prominent acting agencies in Hollywood. He describes how a young man William Morris started the acting agency...
Musicals - New York (State) - New York - History and criticism
Michael Kantor and Laurence Maslon discuss their book, “Broadway.” They begin by explaining that the book is a result of a 6 week PBS special on Broadway musicals. They talk about the early history of musicals, including the first performer...
