Books published by BearManor Media

In "One More Thing, Sir", Michael Sloan brings his extensive knowledge of the television business to this charming, personable memoir of his years of bringing such iconic TV shows to life as McCloud, Columbo, The Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman, B.J. and the Bear, The Return of the Man From U.N.C.L.E., Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries, Call of the Wild and The Equalizer. The author tells his tale with humor and insightful anecdotes of his days working with such powerful titans and legendry performers as Glen Larson, Fred Silverman, David Carradine, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, William Shatner, John Frankenheimer, Edward Woodward, Raymond Burr, David Janssen, Patrick Macnee and the incomparable Denzel Washington as The Equalizer. Anyone who was brought up on these iconic television shows will relish these funny and charming reminiscences by an author who was there and saw it all happen.

Joi Lansing made a career in Hollywood at a time when being blonde and curvy was much appreciated. Although she never became as successful as Jayne Mansfield or Mamie Van Doren, let alone Marilyn Monroe, she carved out a path for herself, appearing in several iconic television shows. In the 1960s, she took a new route by becoming a singer, earning praise for her newfound talents. Insecurity about her looks and talent plagued her all her life. In growing older, she did everything to stay young and beautiful. Nevertheless, Joi was also acute enough to know that it had taken more than good looks to become famous. In 1965 she stated that, "Looks are important, of course. But after the looks go, what does a girl have? What I mean is, a girl has to have more than just looks to succeed in Hollywood." "When a Girl's Beautiful" - The Life and Career of Joi Lansing tells the story of a vulnerable, sweet and talented woman, who gave her all to become famous and struggled to survive in the harsh world of show business. With an overview of Joi Lansing's film and television appearances, it also contains rare pictures and many never-before-seen photographs from family albums. It's enlivened with quotes and anecdotes of people who knew and worked with her.

Joi Lansing made a career in Hollywood at a time when being blonde and curvy was much appreciated. Although she never became as successful as Jayne Mansfield or Mamie Van Doren, let alone Marilyn Monroe, she carved out a path for herself, appearing in several iconic television shows. In the 1960s, she took a new route by becoming a singer, earning praise for her newfound talents. Insecurity about her looks and talent plagued her all her life. In growing older, she did everything to stay young and beautiful. Nevertheless, Joi was also acute enough to know that it had taken more than good looks to become famous. In 1965 she stated that, "Looks are important, of course. But after the looks go, what does a girl have? What I mean is, a girl has to have more than just looks to succeed in Hollywood." "When a Girl's Beautiful" - The Life and Career of Joi Lansing tells the story of a vulnerable, sweet and talented woman, who gave her all to become famous and struggled to survive in the harsh world of show business. With an overview of Joi Lansing's film and television appearances, it also contains rare pictures and many never-before-seen photographs from family albums. It's enlivened with quotes and anecdotes of people who knew and worked with her.

Gary D. Rhodes guides a ghostly ship through the bayous and backwaters of Louisiana, casting his lantern's light on the vampires of Universal's 1943 classic Son of Dracula. Also illuminated are the film's production history and its original script. Unmoored from the errors of the past, Rhodes, Tom Weaver, Robert Guffey and Robert J. Kiss do that research voodoo that they do so well. "An engaging, thoroughly researched and accessible book that will appeal to film researchers and fans alike. Son of Dracula is finally receiving the attention it deserves." - Dr. Alison Peirse, After Dracula: The 1930s Horror Film "This is the ultimate tribute to Son of Dracula, an underrated jewel in Universal's 1940s horror pantheon: a reproduction of director Robert Siodmak's annotated script, plus some superb bonuses. Sink y9our fangs into it now!" - Steve Kronenberg, Universal Terrors 1951 - 1955 Contains the script, production history, fun facts, the pressbook, and essays by Robet Siodmak and Curt Siodmak.

Gary D. Rhodes guides a ghostly ship through the bayous and backwaters of Louisiana, casting his lantern's light on the vampires of Universal's 1943 classic Son of Dracula. Also illuminated are the film's production history and its original script. Unmoored from the errors of the past, Rhodes, Tom Weaver, Robert Guffey and Robert J. Kiss do that research voodoo that they do so well. "An engaging, thoroughly researched and accessible book that will appeal to film researchers and fans alike. Son of Dracula is finally receiving the attention it deserves." - Dr. Alison Peirse, After Dracula: The 1930s Horror Film "This is the ultimate tribute to Son of Dracula, an underrated jewel in Universal's 1940s horror pantheon: a reproduction of director Robert Siodmak's annotated script, plus some superb bonuses. Sink y9our fangs into it now!" - Steve Kronenberg, Universal Terrors 1951 - 1955 Contains the script, production history, fun facts, the pressbook, and essays by Robet Siodmak and Curt Siodmak.

OVER THERE - Hollywood In Britain is the first comprehensive record of made-in-Britain B-films featuring Americans on both sides of the camera. It provides a fascinating and unique record and discussion of significant - and otherwise - British second features boosted by Hollywood stars and filmmakers who were then seeking post-WW2 cinema careers rather than being forgotten or, possibly even more depressingly, ending up stuck in routine made-for-television programmes. The author, Alan Frank, has written over a dozen books on film. He has been reviewing films in the British national press, in magazines, on radio and online for many years. In 2018, he was the first ever recipient of Darkfest's Tod Slaughter "Lifetime Achievement" Award.

OVER THERE - Hollywood In Britain is the first comprehensive record of made-in-Britain B-films featuring Americans on both sides of the camera. It provides a fascinating and unique record and discussion of significant - and otherwise - British second features boosted by Hollywood stars and filmmakers who were then seeking post-WW2 cinema careers rather than being forgotten or, possibly even more depressingly, ending up stuck in routine made-for-television programmes. The author, Alan Frank, has written over a dozen books on film. He has been reviewing films in the British national press, in magazines, on radio and online for many years. In 2018, he was the first ever recipient of Darkfest's Tod Slaughter "Lifetime Achievement" Award.

Remember the show when Monty…It was the end of one of the Let's Make A Deal shows and Monty Hall, the host, asked a woman in a Geisha girl costume, "I'll give you $200 if you have any Japanese money on you." She didn't.Monty then went over to a guy dressed in a sailor suit and said, "If you have a bosun's whistle on you I'll give you $200." He did not.So he found a woman holding a doll feeding her a baby's bottle. "I took the baby's bottle away from her," said Monty, "and I said to her, 'Show me another nipple and I'll give you $200!'" The audience went crazy. "I didn't mean that one!" Monty said compounding the issue. Now the audience was rolling in the aisles. And that's how they went off the air that day.It was the only time in 23 years of "Let's Make A Deal" that Monty turned beet-red. Monty Hall, the man who revolutionized day-time television and became game show's first super-star was totally embarrassed.Most of us remember Monty Hall as the glib, handsome, personable emcee of game shows. There is so much more to the man. So much more. And it's all told in the form of stories from those who knew him best. His children, his cousin, his co-workers, his friends.If you thought you knew him, wait till you read "Remembering Monty Hall". Like we said, there's so much more to the man.

Remember the show when Monty…It was the end of one of the Let's Make A Deal shows and Monty Hall, the host, asked a woman in a Geisha girl costume, "I'll give you $200 if you have any Japanese money on you." She didn't.Monty then went over to a guy dressed in a sailor suit and said, "If you have a bosun's whistle on you I'll give you $200." He did not.So he found a woman holding a doll feeding her a baby's bottle. "I took the baby's bottle away from her," said Monty, "and I said to her, 'Show me another nipple and I'll give you $200!'" The audience went crazy. "I didn't mean that one!" Monty said compounding the issue. Now the audience was rolling in the aisles. And that's how they went off the air that day.It was the only time in 23 years of "Let's Make A Deal" that Monty turned beet-red. Monty Hall, the man who revolutionized day-time television and became game show's first super-star was totally embarrassed.Most of us remember Monty Hall as the glib, handsome, personable emcee of game shows. There is so much more to the man. So much more. And it's all told in the form of stories from those who knew him best. His children, his cousin, his co-workers, his friends.If you thought you knew him, wait till you read "Remembering Monty Hall". Like we said, there's so much more to the man.

In his entertaining and touching memoir The Hot Shot Heard 'Round the World, Andy Kahn relates the incisive and often back-stabbing stories involving his 1978 disco hit record "Hot Shot," the astounding rise and fall of the disco movement and the in-credible evolution of the recording industry from analog to digital. He presents a wholly unique life that includes acting on stage at age nine, befriending actor Robert Preston, helming a pirate radio station at age eleven, the meteoric rise in his career as a jazz pianist, bandleader, musical archivist, jazz educator, arranger, producer for major record labels and as the co-owner of an influential recording studio in Philadelphia where artists like Stevie Wonder, Princess Grace of Monaco, The Gipsy Kings, Astrud Gilberto, Mayor Frank Rizzo, Bobby Rydell and The Dixie Hummingbirds came through its doors. Andy Kahn tells a deeply personal life story-one that's hardly over.

From the moment I first entered the room and found myself in his presence, I immediately sensed that this was no ordinary man. In fact, this was no ordinary movie star. As a writer in Hollywood, I'd met and worked with many of the giants in film and television. But this man was somehow different. He seemed to exude a powerful aura that filled the entire room. And yet . . . and yet . . . there was also a kind of warmth and gentleness in his presence that invited you closer.

From the moment I first entered the room and found myself in his presence, I immediately sensed that this was no ordinary man. In fact, this was no ordinary movie star. As a writer in Hollywood, I'd met and worked with many of the giants in film and television. But this man was somehow different. He seemed to exude a powerful aura that filled the entire room. And yet . . . and yet . . . there was also a kind of warmth and gentleness in his presence that invited you closer.

The Universal Filmscripts Series - Classic Comedy Vol. 1 Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein Universal Pictures 75th Anniversary Edition 1915-1990For the first time in history, Universal Studios has opened its vaults and is allowing us to view these rare artifacts of filmmaking. Previously seen only by the stars and technicians, we now have the opportunity to review the complete original shooting scripts from these classic motion pictures. Each book also contains the complete story of the making of the film, many rare behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with the people in front of and behind the camera, and complete pressbook.Production Background! Pressbook! Rare behind-the-scenes photographs! Biographical notes on the cast & crew!"I shall treasure my copy of the script, and many thanks for your splendid contribution to its preservation." ..Franklin Coen (screenplay author, This Island Earth)"I've been seeing Universal pictures since 1923. The Universal Filmscripts Series is unique, and a highly prized portion of my collection of 40,000 books." ...Forrest J. Ackerman"As they say in the Coming Attractions-'Don't Miss It!'"...Robert Bloch"The Ackerman Archives provide another treasure for posterity."...Ray Bradbury"A fascinating addition to magical movie lore."...Vincent Price.

The Universal Filmscripts Series - Classic Comedy Vol. 1Abbott & Costello Meet FrankensteinUniversal Pictures75th Anniversary Edition1915-1990For the first time in history, Universal Studios has opened its vaults and is allowing us to view these rare artifacts of filmmaking. Previously seen only by the stars and technicians, we now have the opportunity to review the complete original shooting scripts from these classic motion pictures. Each book also contains the complete story of the making of the film, many rare behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with the people in front of and behind the camera, and complete pressbook.Production Background!Pressbook!Rare behind-the-scenes photographs!Biographical notes on the cast & crew!"I shall treasure my copy of the script, and many thanks for your splendid contribution to its preservation." ..Franklin Coen (screenplay author, This Island Earth)"I've been seeing Universal pictures since 1923. The Universal Filmscripts Series is unique, and a highly prized portion of my collection of 40,000 books." ...Forrest J. Ackerman"As they say in the Coming Attractions-'Don't Miss It!'"...Robert Bloch"The Ackerman Archives provide another treasure for posterity."...Ray Bradbury"A fascinating addition to magical movie lore."...Vincent Price.

Hidden in all of us is a metaphorical closet where we have hoarded our darkest secrets, irrational fears, and unresolved traumas. In Dancing Out of the Closet, Matthew Shaffer exposes his outlandish childhood dramas, zany coming of age (while coming out of the closet) young adult debacles, and the "pinch me" moments that come from working alongside superstars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Amy Poehler on his quest for fame, fortune, and a size thirty waistline. Hilariously self-deprecating, addictively charming, and packed with pop culture commentary, Shaffer will have you crying with laughter, blushing with relatable embarrassment, and your heart exploding from shock that comes from an honest look inward.Dancing Out of the Closet is the perfect book for everyone who has survived childhood with a dream in their heart, those still seeking a stage to release their inner dancer, and anyone ready to laugh their way through the trials and triumphs of this journey we call life.Matthew Shaffer wrote, directed, and starred in his first production when he was seven years old and has been entertaining family members (and audiences) ever since. When Matthew isn't busy performing on stage and screen, he spends his time traveling the globe as an educator, choreographer, and content creator, collaborating with husband, Jeff Payton for their production company, A Group Production, Los Angeles, California. Shaffer is the author of the Amazon #1 New Release, So You Want To Be A Dancer.

Hidden in all of us is a metaphorical closet where we have hoarded our darkest secrets, irrational fears, and unresolved traumas. In Dancing Out of the Closet, Matthew Shaffer exposes his outlandish childhood dramas, zany coming of age (while coming out of the closet) young adult debacles, and the "pinch me" moments that come from working alongside superstars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Amy Poehler on his quest for fame, fortune, and a size thirty waistline. Hilariously self-deprecating, addictively charming, and packed with pop culture commentary, Shaffer will have you crying with laughter, blushing with relatable embarrassment, and your heart exploding from shock that comes from an honest look inward.Dancing Out of the Closet is the perfect book for everyone who has survived childhood with a dream in their heart, those still seeking a stage to release their inner dancer, and anyone ready to laugh their way through the trials and triumphs of this journey we call life.

He made the Universal back lot his own personal preyground: Rondo Hatton, who attained B-movie stardom at the very end of his life via the role of the spine-snapping serial killer The Creeper. The victim of a disfiguring disease, Hatton needed no makeup when he played this night stalker in The Pearl of Death (1944), House of Horrors (1946) and The Brute Man (1946). A lot of misery and physical pain were packed into Rondo Hatton's 51 years on Earth and he met his challenges with courage. This book tells his full story and pays tribute with a biography chapter, the lowdown on The Brute Man's production and theatrical release, artist George Chastain's tribute to other "brute men" of the movies, and more. Also: Rondo's miraculous 21st-century "rebirth" as a coveted award for the finest in Monster Kid achievement.

He made the Universal back lot his own personal preyground: Rondo Hatton, who attained B-movie stardom at the very end of his life via the role of the spine-snapping serial killer The Creeper. The victim of a disfiguring disease, Hatton needed no makeup when he played this night stalker in The Pearl of Death (1944), House of Horrors (1946) and The Brute Man (1946). A lot of misery and physical pain were packed into Rondo Hatton's 51 years on Earth and he met his challenges with courage. This book tells his full story and pays tribute with a biography chapter, the lowdown on The Brute Man's production and theatrical release, artist George Chastain's tribute to other "brute men" of the movies, and more. Also: Rondo's miraculous 21st-century "rebirth" as a coveted award for the finest in Monster Kid achievement.

During the Golden Age of Hollywood, actress/singer Jeanette MacDonald and actor Gene Raymond were touted as one of the happiest couples in show business. In recent years, many sources claimed their marriage was a sham. This three-volume series examines the truth about the Raymonds' relationship, often in their own words, from unpublished letters and various drafts of Jeanette's unpublished autobiography. Volume three looks at the changes in the entertainment industry after World War II and how the war affected the Raymonds' careers, their marriage, and their lives.

During the Golden Age of Hollywood, actress/singer Jeanette MacDonald and actor Gene Raymond were touted as one of the happiest couples in show business. In recent years, many sources claimed their marriage was a sham. This three-volume series examines the truth about the Raymonds' relationship, often in their own words, from unpublished letters and various drafts of Jeanette's unpublished autobiography. Volume three looks at the changes in the entertainment industry after World War II and how the war affected the Raymonds' careers, their marriage, and their lives.

During the Golden Age of Hollywood, actress/singer Jeanette MacDonald and actor Gene Raymond were touted as one of the happiest couples in show business. In recent years, many sources claimed their marriage was a sham. This three-volume series examines the truth about the Raymonds' relationship, often in their own words, from unpublished letters and various drafts of Jeanette's unpublished autobiography. In volume two, the Raymonds' surviving World War II correspondence is transcribed, giving insights into their personal relationship.

During the Golden Age of Hollywood, actress/singer Jeanette MacDonald and actor Gene Raymond were touted as one of the happiest couples in show business. In recent years, many sources claimed their marriage was a sham. This three-volume series examines the truth about the Raymonds' relationship, often in their own words, from unpublished letters and various drafts of Jeanette's unpublished autobiography. In volume two, the Raymonds' surviving World War II correspondence is transcribed, giving insights into their personal relationship.

The Firesign Theatre began their long comedy career in 1966 as radio satirists based in Los Angeles. Before their debut LP "Waiting For The Electrician or Someone Like Him" appeared, Firesign began performing together live over the newly-hippified KRLA-AM. Direct from their sold-out broadcast performances in late 1967 at The Magic Mushroom, a popular rock club in Studio City, EXORCISM IN YOUR DAILY LIFE presents ten surreal classics in which the Four Firesigns undertake to play dozens of characters in stoned variations on prison escape movies, whaling sagas, jungle adventures, Roman epics, Sherlock Holmes, King Arthur and Ali Baba along with "educational" films and a day in the life of your TV set. Tokes and jokes take the four or five crazy guys a little higher by the end of every show. Some said Firesign itself was a new psychedelic drug!"The Firesign Theatre is a legal, if not quite natural, high." Lew Segal, Entertainment World

MAE WEST: Broadcast Muse explores with hilarious details all the famed actress' radio and television ventures - those that made it on the air, and the many more that didn't - and bring the actress back to life in a way her fans have never seen before.

MAE WEST: Broadcast Muse explores with hilarious details all the famed actress' radio and television ventures - those that made it on the air, and the many more that didn't - and bring the actress back to life in a way her fans have never seen before.

This is the hardback volume 1 of 2. "What has Gracie Fields got to do with anything?" -Alan Bennett, The History BoysIn this new in-depth biography of the Queen of Hearts of her generation, discover in great detail the answer to Alan Bennett's question.From humble beginnings above a fish and chip shop in Rochdale to the beautiful Isle of Capri, follow the complete story of the Queen of the British Music Halls and her seven-decade career. Discover how a mill girl from a Northern English industrial town conquered stage, screen and radio and became Hollywood's highest paid film star of the 1930s.With hundreds of previously unpublished stories, facts, photographs and interviews, Pride of Our Alley tells the story of Our Gracie Fields for the first time in its honest, factual entirety.Sebastian Lassandro first heard the music of Gracie Fields when a school student. Over ten years later, he is a now a recognised and renowned expert on his subject and tender of the eternal flame of "Our Gracie."

This is volume 1 of 2."What has Gracie Fields got to do with anything?"-Alan Bennett, The History BoysIn this new in-depth biography of the Queen of Hearts of her generation, discover in great detail the answer to Alan Bennett's question.From humble beginnings above a fish and chip shop in Rochdale to the beautiful Isle of Capri, follow the complete story of the Queen of the British Music Halls and her seven-decade career. Discover how a mill girl from a Northern English industrial town conquered stage, screen and radio and became Hollywood's highest paid film star of the 1930s.With hundreds of previously unpublished stories, facts, photographs and interviews, Pride of Our Alley tells the story of Our Gracie Fields for the first time in its honest, factual entirety.Sebastian Lassandro first heard the music of Gracie Fields when a school student. Over ten years later, he is a now a recognised and renowned expert on his subject and tender of the eternal flame of "Our Gracie."

For the first time in its history, Universal Studios has opened its vaults and is allowing us to view these rare artifacts of filmmaking. Previously seen only by the stars and technicians, we now have the opportunity to review the complete original shooting scripts from these classic motion pictures. Each book also contains the complete story of the making of the film, many rare behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with the people in front of and behind the camera, and complete pressbook."I shall treasure my copy of the script, and many thanks for your splendid contribution to its preservation."- Franklin Coen (screenplay author, This Island Earth)"I've been seeing Univrsal pictures since 1923. The Universal Filmscripts Series is unique, and a highly prized portion of my collection of 40,000 books."- Forrest J Ackerman"As they say in the Coming Attractions -- 'Don't Miss It' "- Robert Bloch"The Ackerman Archives provide another treasure for posterity."- Ray Bradbury

For the first time in its history, Universal Studios has opened its vaults and is allowing us to view these rare artifacts of filmmaking. Previously seen only by the stars and technicians, we now have the opportunity to review the complete original shooting scripts from these classic motion pictures. Each book also contains the complete story of the making of the film, many rare behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with the people in front of and behind the camera, and complete pressbook."I shall treasure my copy of the script, and many thanks for your splendid contribution to its preservation." - Franklin Coen (screenplay author, This Island Earth)"I've been seeing Univrsal pictures since 1923. The Universal Filmscripts Series is unique, and a highly prized portion of my collection of 40,000 books." - Forrest J Ackerman"As they say in the Coming Attractions -- 'Don't Miss It' " - Robert Bloch"The Ackerman Archives provide another treasure for posterity." - Ray Bradbury

The United States of the 1910s and 1920s was terrorized by an epidemic so pervasive, so virulent, it threatened to destroy every family it touched. Parents prayed their children would be spared. Small-town America formed tactical police units to combat it.Influenza? Communism? Nope.Vampires. Not the kind repelled with garlic, either.Peek into the secret files of eleven screen sirens who drained the life (and banknotes) out of men by day while leading criminally captivating lives by night: Alice Hollister, Carmen Phillips, Claire de Lorez, DeSacia Mooers, Edna Tichenor, Iva Shepard, Marcia Manon, Olga Grey, Rosa Rudami, Rosemary Theby, Ruth Taylor.