Books published by BearManor Media

In 1967, Steve Ihnat was on top of the world in Hollywood, an actor on the precipice of true stardom. He was seen as both a heavy and a leading-man type, an actor who could fit into any role that came his way.He was making excellent money as a guest star on virtually every episodic show on television, seen on the screen most every night. Star Trek, The Virginian, The Outer Limits, and many other shows were already part of his resume. He'd branched off into movies, finding himself up against heavy-hitting superstars. Casting directors rang his phone constantly, and he never wanted for work. He was moving into writing and directing movies, and his personal life was turning the page into a deeper, more meaningful story. He was just beginning to live the life he'd always wanted for himself.Yet so many things can happen in five years! Five years later, Steve Ihnat was dead. He was a man of international mystery, from the country of his birth, Czechoslovakia, to his home country, Canada, to his adopted country, the United States. His existence proved to be one of intrigue, not only in a great many of the roles he played, but in some of the underlying tones of his personal life. This was the late '60s and into the early 1970s. The world was in great turmoil with much change going on. Certain things were happening behind the scenes that would alter the direction of Steve Ihnat's story, one which became a tale not even Steve could have imagined. Not even he could have written such a script if he had been trying to put together a movie with him in the starring role ... and that's exactly what he had been doing.To this day, Steve Ihnat stars in a mystery which continues to develop… The Life and Death of Rising Star Steve Ihnat ~ Gone Too Soon.

In 1967, Steve Ihnat was on top of the world in Hollywood, an actor on the precipice of true stardom. He was seen as both a heavy and a leading-man type, an actor who could fit into any role that came his way. He was making excellent money as a guest star on virtually every episodic show on television, seen on the screen most every night. Star Trek, The Virginian, The Outer Limits, and many other shows were already part of his resume. He'd branched off into movies, finding himself up against heavy-hitting superstars. Casting directors rang his phone constantly, and he never wanted for work. He was moving into writing and directing movies, and his personal life was turning the page into a deeper, more meaningful story. He was just beginning to live the life he'd always wanted for himself. Yet so many things can happen in five years! Five years later, Steve Ihnat was dead. He was a man of international mystery, from the country of his birth, Czechoslovakia, to his home country, Canada, to his adopted country, the United States. His existence proved to be one of intrigue, not only in a great many of the roles he played, but in some of the underlying tones of his personal life. This was the late '60s and into the early 1970s. The world was in great turmoil with much change going on. Certain things were happening behind the scenes that would alter the direction of Steve Ihnat's story, one which became a tale not even Steve could have imagined. Not even he could have written such a script if he had been trying to put together a movie with him in the starring role ... and that's exactly what he had been doing. To this day, Steve Ihnat stars in a mystery which continues to develop… The Life and Death of Rising Star Steve Ihnat ~ Gone Too Soon.

This is the softcover color edition. In all the vast and unknown depths of Hollywood - how could there be only one? To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of one of the most popular and influential movie sequels, the updated and expanded edition of Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel contains more facts, more interviews and almost 200 new photos, many never seen before, shared by the cast, crew and fans. Just when you thought it was safe to turn the page again...the story continues!"Originally published in 2015, Michael A. Smith and Louis R. Pisano gave readers an in depth look at the sequel to the movie that started the summer blockbuster. They interviewed so many people behind the film, both ones that worked on the original version and those that were in the picture that was finally released. They give you one fascination story and sheds so much light on this film. We reviewed this version on our site when it came out and just loved it.But now, they have a newer expanded edition, giving us even more information. The original release was 363 pages and this new edition is 530, giving us close to 200 more pages! We get more interviews, almost 200 new photos, many which have never been seen before. While we hate double-dipping for these kind of newer editions, I loved the first book so much that I think I'm going to have to go right back into the water for a second swim."- Kitley's Krypt

Bigger! Better! Bolder! This is an affectionate, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny look at the movies your parents didn't want you to see, the monster movies from Science Fiction's Golden Age. It's also about some of the fans who couldn't get enough of them, known today as monster kids. This is their story too. Some of these monster kids, like stop-motion expert David Allen, became monster movie filmmakers themselves. You'll read about him and Bill Warren, the author of the fabulous Keep Watching the Skies! And Forrest J Ackerman, the editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine. It's all here! With an introduction by monster kid Don Glut. Be warned. You'd better read every word. There's a pop quiz at the end of the book."McGee knows this genre upside down and backwards, and writes with real authority. He loves these movies, and celebrates them as much for their goofy failings as for their imagination and entertainment value. Best of all, McGee is a terrific colloquial writer of great wit. I laughed out loud as I revisited many of my favorite pictures. You will too."- David J. Hogan, author of Dark Romance and Film Noir FAC.

The Full Story of the Greatest Art Deco Horror/Comedy/Romance/Musicals Ever Made!In The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) and its sequel, Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972), horror great Vincent Price starred as vaudevillian organist and super-genius Dr. Anton Phibes, architect of incredibly ingenious murders. Set in 1920s London and Egypt, their outstanding Art Deco production design, absurd humor, and soaring romance made them hits, beloved by generations of horror aficionados.Now, master Phibesologist Justin Humphreys expands his extensive previous writings on the series to tell the full story of these unique cinematic masterpieces. The Dr. Phibes Companion includes:• An expanded version of "The Kind of Fiend Who Wins," the definitive history of The Abominable Dr. Phibes. • A new essay on the making of Dr. Phibes Rises Again. • A new foreword by Dr. Phibes' creator, William Goldstein. • Interviews with many of the series' creators, including director Robert Fuest, screenwriters William Goldstein and James Whiton, art director Brian Eatwell, sound designer Peter Lennard, including previously unpublished conversations with series vets. • Never-before-seen pages from director Robert Fuest's personal shooting script. • Previously unpublished behind-the-scenes photographs. • Dozens of illustrations from the Phibes films. • A thorough history of the "unphilmed" Phibes sequels. • And much, much more.Read on, relax, and enjoy. The organ plays till midnight. . .Praise for Justin Humphreys' essay "The Kind of Fiend Who Wins: The Making of The Abominable Dr. Phibes" : "Your magazine-or, more aptly, book-on Dr. Phibes is quite remarkable. I've rarely seen such a definitive study of a movie anthologized and written with such passion and painstaking detail. . . I did see Phibes again about a month ago and it is one of those films that always yields some new delightful pleasures upon viewing again." - Stanley Weiser, screenwriter: Wall Street, W.Justin Humphreys is a curator, writer, consultant, and film historian who works for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

You've seen him stand shoulder to shoulder with John Wayne as Indian Chief Scar in "The Searchers", as the insidious Fu Manchu with world domination desires and as Barnaby, the wicked nemesis to Laurel & Hardy in "Babes In Toyland." What you might not know is the versatile Henry Brandon essayed a variety of characters in film, television and a stage career that spanned 55 years amassing over 200 roles.Authors Bill Cassara and Richard S. Greene team up to unveil Brandon's career highlights as one of America's most despicable villains and best character actors. As the vivid Hollywood story of this master craftsman unfolds, listen for Barnaby's evil laughter echoing in the background.

"Junior Bonner is Jeb Rosebrook's masterpiece, subtly understated and richly rewarding. In 1972, it provided director Sam Peckinpah with a unique opportunity to return to his roots and deliver a portrayal of the modern American West. In this wonderfully written memoir, Rosebrook captures the creative conflicts that are inevitable as words become images. It depicts a classic confrontation between a talented young screenwriter and tyrannical director whose personal visions merge to make a classic motion picture. A must-read for anyone interested in the reality behind great moviemaking."-Garner Simmons, author of Peckinpah: A Portrait in Montage Junior Bonner (1972) is the best rodeo film that's ever been made. It was the best script Sam ever got his hands on.…Junior Bonner is truer to the human element behind the sport than any other rodeo film. It's Sam's one Western film where the protagonists survive the transition-at least for another day. The wreck might still be coming for Junior Bonner another mile or so down the road. That was the story of Sam, too."-Max Evans, author of Goin' Crazy with Sam Peckinpah and All Our Friends "Without the pressure of being commercially successful the film is one of McQueen's and Peckinpah's finest films, dealing with the human heart. The combination of deft performances, inspired writing and directing, and the authentic feel of the locations resulted in a rare experience., in the words of McQueen's next co-star Ali MacGraw, who proclaimed, "Such a beautiful, perfect film!"-Andrew Antoniades and Mike Siegel, authors ofSteve McQueen: The Actor and His Films "Screenwriter Jeb Rosebrook's memoir about the making of the classic Steve McQueen film he penned, Junior Bonner, is infinitely more than a behind-the-scenes account of a great film. It's an inside-the-scenes account of a turning point in his own life, of a dangerous moment in the career of an aging movie star, of a transitional time when Hollywood briefly emulated the artistic ambitions and creative reach of European cinema. The cast of characters includes such flammable figures as McQueen and legendary director auteur-terrible Sam Peckinpah and assorted agents, producers, and 1970s studio executives who were presiding over Hollywood's greatest explosion of audacious, boundary-breaking filmmaking since its founding. And Rosebrook's memoir goes deeper, into the hearts and minds of these dreamers and schemers on both sides of the camera who, almost in spite of themselves, their egos, and their appetites, managed to make lasting film art that's worth analyzing and celebrating all these decades later."-Steven Gaydos, Executive Editor, VARIETY

"Junior Bonner is Jeb Rosebrook's masterpiece, subtly understated and richly rewarding. In 1972, it provided director Sam Peckinpah with a unique opportunity to return to his roots and deliver a portrayal of the modern American West. In this wonderfully written memoir, Rosebrook captures the creative conflicts that are inevitable as words become images. It depicts a classic confrontation between a talented young screenwriter and tyrannical director whose personal visions merge to make a classic motion picture. A must-read for anyone interested in the reality behind great moviemaking."-Garner Simmons, author of Peckinpah: A Portrait in Montage Junior Bonner (1972) is the best rodeo film that's ever been made. It was the best script Sam ever got his hands on.…Junior Bonner is truer to the human element behind the sport than any other rodeo film. It's Sam's one Western film where the protagonists survive the transition-at least for another day. The wreck might still be coming for Junior Bonner another mile or so down the road. That was the story of Sam, too."-Max Evans, author of Goin' Crazy with Sam Peckinpah and All Our Friends "Without the pressure of being commercially successful the film is one of McQueen's and Peckinpah's finest films, dealing with the human heart. The combination of deft performances, inspired writing and directing, and the authentic feel of the locations resulted in a rare experience., in the words of McQueen's next co-star Ali MacGraw, who proclaimed, "Such a beautiful, perfect film!"-Andrew Antoniades and Mike Siegel, authors ofSteve McQueen: The Actor and His Films "Screenwriter Jeb Rosebrook's memoir about the making of the classic Steve McQueen film he penned, Junior Bonner, is infinitely more than a behind-the-scenes account of a great film. It's an inside-the-scenes account of a turning point in his own life, of a dangerous moment in the career of an aging movie star, of a transitional time when Hollywood briefly emulated the artistic ambitions and creative reach of European cinema. The cast of characters includes such flammable figures as McQueen and legendary director auteur-terrible Sam Peckinpah and assorted agents, producers, and 1970s studio executives who were presiding over Hollywood's greatest explosion of audacious, boundary-breaking filmmaking since its founding. And Rosebrook's memoir goes deeper, into the hearts and minds of these dreamers and schemers on both sides of the camera who, almost in spite of themselves, their egos, and their appetites, managed to make lasting film art that's worth analyzing and celebrating all these decades later."-Steven Gaydos, Executive Editor, VARIETY

Dwarfsploitation is an entertaining and educational look into the world of dwarf cinema. From Freaks to Willow, Dwarfsploitaton analyzes a wide variety of both independent and mainstream films, chronicling the number of ways in which little people are exploited. It is a must have for any fan of little people or film itself."Dwarfish reviews about dwarf films seems an odd basis for a book, but it's surprisingly entertaining and enlightening and respectful about the little folk. A snappy, unique guide to all films Dwarf."- Joe R. Lansdale, author of Bubba Ho-Tep"This book is truly a one-of-a-kind. An inspired idea, and an equally-inspired book. Chris Watson and Brad Paulson have created something special with "Dwarfsploitation". In an age when there seems to be books about every aspect of cinema, these authors have discovered a niche that had yet to be explored. Kudos."- Andrew J. Rausch, author of Turning Points in Film History"The first time I went to the Library of Congress to do research on midgets in film, I was directed to a single tattered volume produced by the MGM publicist on "The Wizard of Oz." I was astounded. The literature was virtually non-existent. Later I had a special assignment involving dwarf-tossing, and I sought out any dwarf-tossing trade association that could possibly be of any assistance. Again, my exertions were frustrated. That's why, when I first heard that "Dwarfsploitation" was in the works, I was cautiously hopeful but still ready for a Billy Barty headbutt to the nuts. I'm happy to say that the resulting book is a resource that we've needed for 60 years, and should take up permanent residence on the Ikea children's-room book shelves of anyone shorter than 4-foot-4."- Joe Bob Briggs, author of Joe Bob Goes to the Drive-In"Brad and Chris's book stands head and shoulders above the run of the mill cinema book types. It makes little people everywhere stand a little."- James Bryan, director of Don't Go in the Woods"Paulson and Watson's book is a unique perspective to say the least. We seem to have books on everything these days, so, why not something that is entertaining, informative and celebrates our little friends in cinema." - Robert Davi, actor from License to Kill "It was a short read and I loved it. Don't overlook it!"- Joe Estevez, actor from Soultaker"Wow, I'm impressed! This has to be the most comprehensive guide to cinematic dwarves that you'll ever read. Meticulously researched, with hysterically funny yet genuinely fond comments by the authors, running the gamut from dwarfsploitation to 'normal' life. A must-have for any film-fan's library."- scream queen Brinke Stevens"A salute to Little People everywhere that belongs on every film aficionado's desk . Horror film makers: A demented dwarf is icing on the cake. I am working one into my next film. I'm the man that discovered both Luis Dejesus and Herve and can say without fear of contradiction what they lacked in height they made up in talent and length."- Joel M. Reed, director of Bloodsucking Freaks"Celebrating the little guy, in an easygoing manner that's both affectionate and amusing."- bookgasm.com

The Charlie Chan film series from 1931-1949 went through three lead actors and two studios over 44 films while still maintaining consistent popularity with moviegoers. This book looks at all of the films in the series, including early ones that are now lost, and examines each movie in context. Common themes, critical assessments, discussion of the director and the actors, period reviews, production information, and recollections from those who appeared in the films are all included. From its literary origins to its modern day controversies, The Charlie Chan Films continue to resonate as late as the 21st century.

The Charlie Chan film series from 1931-1949 went through three lead actors and two studios over 44 films while still maintaining consistent popularity with moviegoers. This book looks at all of the films in the series, including early ones that are now lost, and examines each movie in context. Common themes, critical assessments, discussion of the director and the actors, period reviews, production information, and recollections from those who appeared in the films are all included. From its literary origins to its modern day controversies, The Charlie Chan Films continue to resonate as late as the 21st century.

Radio was the number one form of family entertainment for a quarter century. In a dazzling step back in time veteran broadcaster John Rayburn talks about the fantastic era of broadcasting in fascinating interviews with a sterling list of guests, including Durward Kirby (Garry Moore Show), Parley Baer (original "Chester" on radio's Gunsmoke), Arthur Anderson (Let's Pretend), Carmel Quinn (Irish singer on Arthur Godfrey), Ezra Stone (Henry Aldrich), Minnie Pearl (Grand Ole Opry), Fred Foy (Announcer on The Lone Ranger), Gale Gordon (I Love Lucy, Our Miss Brooks), Charles Correll (Andy of Amos 'n' Andy), Himan Brown (Inner Sanctum, Grand Central Station), Chet Lauck (Lum of Lum and Abner), Frankie Carle (Big band leader). There are great stories about Red Skelton, Jack Armstrong, Lights Out, Quiz Kids, Little Orphan Annie, Jimmy Durante, Time Marches On, Hindenburg disaster, President Roosevelt's December 8, 1941 declaration of war against Japan and many, many more.

Radio was the number one form of family entertainment for a quarter century. In a dazzling step back in time veteran broadcaster John Rayburn talks about the fantastic era of broadcasting in fascinating interviews with a sterling list of guests, including Durward Kirby (Garry Moore Show), Parley Baer (original "Chester" on radio's Gunsmoke), Arthur Anderson (Let's Pretend), Carmel Quinn (Irish singer on Arthur Godfrey), Ezra Stone (Henry Aldrich), Minnie Pearl (Grand Ole Opry), Fred Foy (Announcer on The Lone Ranger), Gale Gordon (I Love Lucy, Our Miss Brooks), Charles Correll (Andy of Amos 'n' Andy), Himan Brown (Inner Sanctum, Grand Central Station), Chet Lauck (Lum of Lum and Abner), Frankie Carle (Big band leader). There are great stories about Red Skelton, Jack Armstrong, Lights Out, Quiz Kids, Little Orphan Annie, Jimmy Durante, Time Marches On, Hindenburg disaster, President Roosevelt's December 8, 1941 declaration of war against Japan and many, many more.

ISN'T THAT WHAT'S-HIS-NAME?! Maybe you remember him as a regular on two of the longest running sitcoms on television. On ALICE he played Henry Beesmeyer, the telephone repairman who hung out at Mel's Diner. And before that as Alfred Prinzmetal, an aspiring poet, on the sitcom MEET MILLIE. Or more recently as Mr. Gordon, the long-suffering patient, on the sitcom BECKER starring Ted Danson. And who can forget that voice of the flamboyant Choo Choo on the primetime cartoon series TOP CAT. Maybe you saw Jonathan Winters throw him out of a window in MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD. Or laughed at his character in THE GREAT RACE starring Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Or A NEW KIND OF LOVE as Paul Newman's sidekick. He was called a scene-stealer in his first movie ADAM'S RIB playing a court stenographer opposite Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. His filmography (included in this book) comprises dozens of television, theater, and film credits. You know who I'm talking about. Had a distinctive, whining, deadpan Brooklyn accent, wore thick round eyeglasses with those bushy eyebrows. What's-his-name?! Marvin Kaplan. Undeniably the most beloved character actor in all of Hollywood. This is his story.

Steve Bluestein is articulate, and funny, and incredibly insightful. You will laugh as you completely identify reading this book.- Henry Winkler, Actor best know asArthur Fonzarelli on Happy Days Steve Bluestein has always been able to make me laugh out loud, and now his book… Memoir of a Nobody has that same magical power. It makes me laugh.- Cindy Williams, Actress best known for her role in Laverne & Shirley and author of Shirley, I Jest! Steve Bluestein's Memoir of a Nobody is one of the most entertaining books you will ever read. While you are laughing non-stop you will marvel at how he is able to turn every bad day into one of the funniest stories you've ever heard. It's a true gift that comes right out of his amazing humor and perfectly skewed view of the world. You will laugh and cry, and when you are done you will feel like you have a new best friend.- Elayne Boosler, stand up comedian,activist, TV personality

Steve Bluestein is articulate, and funny, and incredibly insightful. You will laugh as you completely identify reading this book.- Henry Winkler, Actor best know asArthur Fonzarelli on Happy Days Steve Bluestein has always been able to make me laugh out loud, and now his book… Memoir of a Nobody has that same magical power. It makes me laugh.- Cindy Williams, Actress best known for her role in Laverne & Shirley and author of Shirley, I Jest! Steve Bluestein's Memoir of a Nobody is one of the most entertaining books you will ever read. While you are laughing non-stop you will marvel at how he is able to turn every bad day into one of the funniest stories you've ever heard. It's a true gift that comes right out of his amazing humor and perfectly skewed view of the world. You will laugh and cry, and when you are done you will feel like you have a new best friend.- Elayne Boosler, stand up comedian,activist, TV personality

At the age of 61, Sydney Greenstreet made one of the most memorable debuts in classic cinema as the mysterious Kaspar Gutman in The Maltese Falcon (1941). His performance earned him a Best Supporting Actor Nomination. Born in England, Greenstreet had enjoyed a forty-year stage career which encompassed everything from Shakespeare to musical comedy and some of the most acclaimed plays of the 1930s. His film career lasted a mere eight years but included the timeless Casablanca (1942) and saw him teamed to great effect with the inimitable Peter Lorre. This is the first book dedicated to Greenstreet and includes over a hundred photographs, many of which are previously unseen.

The Ronald Reagan Murder CaseA George Tirebiter Mystery Travel back to 1945 and the Hollywoodof Ronald Reagan and Raymond Chandler.It's the Golden Age of Radio and B-Movies.A Notorious Unsolved Tinseltown Slaying! Nudists! Spies! Stars!A Hard-Boiled Dick! A Celebrity Sleuth! A Mysterious Lady!At Last The Story Can Be Told! George Leroy Tirebiter has had a long and distinguished career in American entertainment and politics. Born near Chicago on December 7, 1920, he was a child actor who appeared with Eva Le Gallienne in "Medea," and had a long run as the young Thomas Edison in the "Pageant of Electricity" at the Century of Progress Exposition in 1933. He soon moved on to roles in local radio shows and became well-known at 17 as YOUNG TOM EDISON, RAILROAD DETECTIVE. Under contract to Paranoid Pictures, Tirebiter directed wartime musicals, including BABES IN KHAKI and PARDON MY PIN-UP. His WHAT A FAMILY! (Argyle Artists 1948) spoofed teenagers Georgie Tirebiter and his pals. In his startling Hollywood roman a clef STREET OF BROKEN GLASS (1954) he discusses the blacklisting which contributed to his sudden decline and fall at age 32. The Academy, however, voted him a Good Sport Award in 1958 after he was revealed to be the auteur of two memorable sci-fi classics: NOMADS FROM NEPTUNE (in 3-D) and THE BEAST FROM UNDER THE BED (both Monotone Pictures, 1953).Also contains the NEW short story, "Another Christmas Carol."Tirebiter's creator, David Ossman, is a co-founder of The Firesign Theatre and editor of Firesign's literary heritage. His other books include THE¿FLYING¿SAUCER¿MURDER¿CASE, FIGHTING CLOWNS¿OF¿HOLLYWOOD, DR. FIRESIGN'S¿FOLLIES, and a classic collection of conversations with major poets of the 1960s, THE¿SULLEN¿ART.

The Ronald Reagan Murder CaseA George Tirebiter MysteryTravel back to 1945 and the Hollywoodof Ronald Reagan and Raymond Chandler.It's the Golden Age of Radio and B-Movies.A Notorious Unsolved Tinseltown Slaying! Nudists! Spies! Stars!A Hard-Boiled Dick! A Celebrity Sleuth! A Mysterious Lady!At Last The Story Can Be Told!George Leroy Tirebiter has had a long and distinguished career in American entertainment and politics. Born near Chicago on December 7, 1920, he was a child actor who appeared with Eva Le Gallienne in "Medea," and had a long run as the young Thomas Edison in the "Pageant of Electricity" at the Century of Progress Exposition in 1933. He soon moved on to roles in local radio shows and became well-known at 17 as YOUNG TOM EDISON, RAILROAD DETECTIVE.Under contract to Paranoid Pictures, Tirebiter directed wartime musicals, including BABES IN KHAKI and PARDON MY PIN-UP. His WHAT A FAMILY! (Argyle Artists 1948) spoofed teenagers Georgie Tirebiter and his pals. In his startling Hollywood roman a clef STREET OF BROKEN GLASS (1954) he discusses the blacklisting which contributed to his sudden decline and fall at age 32. The Academy, however, voted him a Good Sport Award in 1958 after he was revealed to be the auteur of two memorable sci-fi classics: NOMADS FROM NEPTUNE (in 3-D) and THE BEAST FROM UNDER THE BED (both Monotone Pictures, 1953).Also contains the NEW short story, "Another Christmas Carol."Tirebiter's creator, David Ossman, is a co-founder of The Firesign Theatre and editor of Firesign's literary heritage. His other books include THE FLYING SAUCER MURDER CASE, FIGHTING CLOWNS OF HOLLYWOOD, DR. FIRESIGN'S FOLLIES, and a classic collection of conversations with major poets of the 1960s, THE SULLEN ART.