Books published by BearManor Media

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.

Urich starred in a record 16 television series, including Vega$, Spenser: For Hire and the popular CBS mini-series Lonesome Dove.However, Bob's greatest role as the author describes wasspokesperson for the American Cancer Society and his six-yearbattle with cancer. Traveling across America, preaching the gospel ofsurvival, Robert Urich served as an inspiration to thousands dealing with their owndisease and urging them never to quit or give up hope for a cure.Previously, unreleased family photo's capture touching moments of theactor's life, including those taken during his final years.Robert Urich's handsome face, complete with his boyish grin wasfamiliar to television viewers for well over 30 years, but until now, littlewas known about his off-screen life, because of his intense privacy. Hispersonal life remained in the shadows. This in-depth biography revealseverything you ever wanted to know about the actor's life and career.A consummate professional, Urich shunned the Hollywood spotlight, but wastenacious in his attempt to be the very best in everything he undertook. AsMartelle points out, "Bob was a really good guy, who loved acting, but lovedhis family more." As you will read, Robert Urich did lead an extraordinary lifeand his story told here will remain the definitive biography.

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 This three-volume series examines the truth about the Raymonds' relationship, often in their own words, from unpublished letters and various drafts of Jeanette's unpublished autobiography.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 one covers their early years through their service during World War II, both overseas and on the home front.

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 one covers their early years through their service during World War II, both overseas and on the home front.

ANDY KAHN, producer/composer of the #1 dance hit, "Hot Shot" is a jazz pianist, record producer and arranger, educator, vocalist, composer, businessman, music historian and archivist. He divides his time between residences in Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The Hot Shot Heard 'Round The World is the singular story of an extraordinary life deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, hit recordings, disco nights and delights, hot jazz, and the humbling experiences of achieving fortune and fame coupled with losses and gains."My main man Andy Kahn has kept them rockin' and dancing in the aisles for almost 50 years with his swinging jazz piano, his legendary dance hit 'Hot Shot' and now with this book The Hot Shot Heard 'Round The World." - Jerry Blavat, Radio Broadcaster and Music Entrepreneur

HENRY DARROW, (su nombre de pila Enrique Tomás Delgado) catapultado al estrellato internacional como el galán y complejo personaje de Manolito Montoya en la serie de televisión El Gran Chaparral (1967-1971). Considerado el primer actor de ascendencia puertorriqueño de ser estrella de un serie de drama. "Henry triunfó, cuando, si eras latino, no podrías ser solamente bueno, debías ser mucho más que bueno y ese es Henry", dice el connotado escritor Rick Najera. En la cima de su carrera, Darrow dio cabida a nuevos talentos hispanos. Continuó cautivando y marcando la pauta por más de 50 años como actor, siendo considerado en las series de PBS como uno de los "Pioneros de la Televisión". Esta obra es todo un regalo para quienes deseen conocer de cerca al inspirador, determinado y cariñoso actor ganador del premio Emmy de la televisión.

HENRY DARROW, (su nombre de pila Enrique Tomás Delgado) catapultado al estrellato internacional como el galán y complejo personaje de Manolito Montoya en la serie de televisión El Gran Chaparral (1967-1971). Considerado el primer actor de ascendencia puertorriqueño de ser estrella de un serie de drama. "Henry triunfó, cuando, si eras latino, no podrías ser solamente bueno, debías ser mucho más que bueno y ese es Henry", dice el connotado escritor Rick Najera. En la cima de su carrera, Darrow dio cabida a nuevos talentos hispanos. Continuó cautivando y marcando la pauta por más de 50 años como actor, siendo considerado en las series de PBS como uno de los "Pioneros de la Televisión". Esta obra es todo un regalo para quienes deseen conocer de cerca al inspirador, determinado y cariñoso actor ganador del premio Emmy de la televisión.

As the sweet, polite, and thoughtful Mary Ann Summers from Kansas in the hit series Gilligan's Island, Dawn Wells created an unforgettable and beloved character that still connects with people fifty years from the shows debut in 1964. As the "good girl" among the group of castaways on a tiny island, she was often positioned against the glamorous and exotic Ginger Grant, played by Tina Louise, prompting many to ask: Are you a Ginger or a Mary Ann? This book not only helps readers answer that question for themselves but also sends the inspirational and heartwarming message that yes, good girls do finish first. Part self-help, part memoir, and part humor-with a little classic TV nostalgia for good measure.

Aren't You Gonna Die Someday? explores the deceptions and veiled truths lurking within a film that has haunted author Patrick Cooper for nearly a decade: Elaine May's Mikey and Nicky. Called both a "masterpiece" and a "celluloid death wish" upon its release in 1976, Mikey and Nicky is an astonishingly dark work in the oeuvre of legendary comedienne-filmmaker Elaine May. This book examines May's tragic film scene-by-scene, digging up the titular friends' long-buried truths in an attempt to get at the heart of their lies.Along the way, Cooper offers behind the scenes insight and anecdotes, gathered from interviews and research, as well as never before seen set photos. Weaved together with this detailed look at the film are autobiographical threads in which Cooper uses Mikey and Nicky as a lens to examine toxic friendships from his own past. A tapestry of film history, reconstruction, and personal reflection, Aren't You Gonna Die Someday? is an unexpected look at a wholly unique American film.

This is the hardback edition.Urich starred in a record 16 television series, including Vega$, Spenser: For Hire and the popular CBS mini-series Lonesome Dove.However, Bob's greatest role as the author describes wasspokesperson for the American Cancer Society and his six-yearbattle with cancer. Traveling across America, preaching the gospel ofsurvival, Robert Urich served as an inspiration to thousands dealing with their owndisease and urging them never to quit or give up hope for a cure.Previously, unreleased family photo's capture touching moments of theactor's life, including those taken during his final years.Robert Urich's handsome face, complete with his boyish grin wasfamiliar to television viewers for well over 30 years, but until now, littlewas known about his off-screen life, because of his intense privacy. Hispersonal life remained in the shadows. This in-depth biography revealseverything you ever wanted to know about the actor's life and career.A consummate professional, Urich shunned the Hollywood spotlight, but wastenacious in his attempt to be the very best in everything he undertook. AsMartelle points out, "Bob was a really good guy, who loved acting, but lovedhis family more." As you will read, Robert Urich did lead an extraordinary lifeand his story told here will remain the definitive biography.

The men and women; women who were disguised as men, fought for our independence and freedom during the Civil War. Those that survived made their journey home, not knowing what to expect. All those who fought in this war and all the wars that followed, experienced the same anxieties, fears, doubts and other unknown expectations upon their return to their families and the life they left behind. Time and wars change, but the painful emotions of war torn memories remain.'Six Rode Home' is the story of six Southern horse soldiers, who fought together in the Civil War for four years and were now returning home. They were disappointed that the war was over because they were on the losing side, but also happy they survived, heading home to their loved ones. What they experienced in route were emotions of joy, sadness, horror and a hopeful anticipation for a new future of happiness and peace. But, there was a lingering fear that what they were hoping to find, was not to be.During this crucial period in American history, the North and the South had their ups and downs, and so did these six that rode home…to what?

'Six Rode Home' is the story of six Southern horse soldiers, who fought together in the Civil War for four years and were now returning home.

Imagine you're a young movie producer trying to jump from small pictures into the international film market. Imagine a novice German director comes to you with a lousy script and barely enough money to pick up lunch. Now imagine that, for reasons that boggle your mind, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton announce that they want to star in your movie.This is the outlandish, funny, touching, and mostly true story told by Yoram Ben-Ami in Guiding Royalty: My Adventure with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.In 1975, Ben-Ami was a struggling young producer making movies and TV shows in Israel. He was married, trying to start a family, and desperate to make it to Hollywood. Suddenly the highest-paid, highest-profile movie stars in the world land in his lap. They are movie royalty and their marriages and private lives fill supermarket tabloids everywhere. He brings them to Israel for publicity only to discover that, as famous as they are, "Liz and Dick" are out of work with no prospects. In other words, both sides need each other. During the five days that they spend together, all of Israel opens up to Taylor and Burton, and Burton and Taylor open up to Ben-Ami. Now Ben-Ami opens up to the reader about what happened.Guiding Royalty: My Adventure with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is an intimate look at two ultra-famous people at a time when their fame was at a low ebb. Set in the Holy Land and featuring places and personalities who shaped the history of their times, here is an untold and richly human story. Yoram Ben-Ami (author) has made films for major American studios and TV networks including Lone Wolf McQuade, Stone Cold, Steal the Sky, Jury Duty, The Lion of Africa, The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains, Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, and the 3 Ninjas franchise, among others. He is active in Hollywood in the Directors Guild and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.Nat Segaloff (co-author) has written over a dozen books and produced documentaries including biographies of Arthur Penn, William Friedkin, Harlan Ellison, Stan Lee, Larry King, and John Belushi. His books for Bear Manor Media include Final Cuts: The Last Films of 50 Great Directors and the Screen Saver series.

Imagine you're a young movie producer trying to jump from small pictures into the international film market. Imagine a novice German director comes to you with a lousy script and barely enough money to pick up lunch. Now imagine that, for reasons that boggle your mind, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton announce that they want to star in your movie.This is the outlandish, funny, touching, and mostly true story told by Yoram Ben-Ami in Guiding Royalty: My Adventure with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.In 1975, Ben-Ami was a struggling young producer making movies and TV shows in Israel. He was married, trying to start a family, and desperate to make it to Hollywood. Suddenly the highest-paid, highest-profile movie stars in the world land in his lap. They are movie royalty and their marriages and private lives fill supermarket tabloids everywhere. He brings them to Israel for publicity only to discover that, as famous as they are, "Liz and Dick" are out of work with no prospects. In other words, both sides need each other. During the five days that they spend together, all of Israel opens up to Taylor and Burton, and Burton and Taylor open up to Ben-Ami. Now Ben-Ami opens up to the reader about what happened.Guiding Royalty: My Adventure with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is an intimate look at two ultra-famous people at a time when their fame was at a low ebb. Set in the Holy Land and featuring places and personalities who shaped the history of their times, here is an untold and richly human story. Yoram Ben-Ami (author) has made films for major American studios and TV networks including Lone Wolf McQuade, Stone Cold, Steal the Sky, Jury Duty, The Lion of Africa, The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains, Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, and the 3 Ninjas franchise, among others. He is active in Hollywood in the Directors Guild and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.Nat Segaloff (co-author) has written over a dozen books and produced documentaries including biographies of Arthur Penn, William Friedkin, Harlan Ellison, Stan Lee, Larry King, and John Belushi. His books for Bear Manor Media include Final Cuts: The Last Films of 50 Great Directors and the Screen Saver series.

Jules Verne's series of science fiction and adventure tales, the "Extraordinary Journeys," were subtitled "Worlds Known and Unknown," so that is an appropriate title for this volume of the Palik Series, edited by the North American Jules Verne Society and devoted to the author's stories not previously translated for the English-speaking world. Worlds Known and Unknown is an anthology featuring a variety of astonishing shorter works, with background and illustrations chosen from the original engravings that accompanied the first French publication and other historical sources. Beginning with his own adventures, Verne recounts several harrowing balloon ascensions, followed by a ghostly tale, and two satires of evolution-a man leading an army of apes, and a P.T. Barnum-type huckster unearthing a prehistoric human giant in New York! Here also is Verne's stage recreation of a romance between Mona Lisa and Leonardo da Vinci, and a series of fantastic stories by Jules Verne's son and collaborator, Michel Verne.

JULES VERNE'S SERIES of science fiction and adventure tales, the "Extraordinary Journeys," were subtitled "Worlds Known and Unknown," so that is an appropriate title for this volume of the Palik Series, edited by the North American Jules Verne Society and devoted to the author's stories not previously translated for the English-speaking world. Worlds Known and Unknown is an anthology featuring a variety of astonishing shorter works, with background and illustrations chosen from the original engravings that accompanied the first French publication and other historical sources. Beginning with his own adventures, Verne recounts several harrowing balloon ascensions, followed by a ghostly tale, and two satires of evolution-a man leading an army of apes, and a P.T. Barnum-type huckster unearthing a prehistoric human giant in New York! Here also is Verne's stage recreation of a romance between Mona Lisa and Leonardo da Vinci, and a series of fantastic stories by Jules Verne's son and collaborator, Michel Verne.

Davy Crockett's real-life adventures and legendary exploits have been constantly acknowledged, memorialized, and celebrated in prose and poetry, film and television, music and art, newspapers and periodicals, and in outrageous myths. This book provides a chronicle of those assorted manifestations in three major sections: The first highlights Crockett's life, the second traces his legend, and the third provides a 366-day calendar, which notes various aspects of both the David Crockett of history and the Davy Crockett of popular culture.

Davy Crockett's real-life adventures and legendary exploits have been constantly acknowledged, memorialized, and celebrated in prose and poetry, film and television, music and art, newspapers and periodicals, and in outrageous myths. This book provides a chronicle of those assorted manifestations in three major sections: The first highlights Crockett's life, the second traces his legend, and the third provides a 366-day calendar, which notes various aspects of both the David Crockett of history and the Davy Crockett of popular culture.

Ray Danton was an actor who exemplified a particular Hollywood period even though he was not famous. He was a contract player during the demise of the studio system, a precarious time for the grooming of stars. Like the big stars of his time, Ray Danton earned his share of press and publicity puff pieces announcing business deals, vacation plans, personal appearances, industry parties and movie and television contract signings. His name had its time in bold tintype, especially in the late 50's through the mid-60's: the Eisenhower-Camelot eras. Danton's heyday was the Hollywood of slick hair, cigarette smoking, hard drinking and two-fisted negotiations. His sharp-edged baritone matched dark chiseled features, making him a natural for his roles as suave heroes or venal hustlers. He had the look of a sly fox and the smooth moves of a dancing thief. Ray Danton's confident attitude, serpentine movements, switchblade stare, and silver-tongued voice gave his characters a touch of menace and panache.

Ray Danton was an actor who exemplified a particular Hollywood period even though he was not famous. He was a contract player during the demise of the studio system, a precarious time for the grooming of stars. Like the big stars of his time, Ray Danton earned his share of press and publicity puff pieces announcing business deals, vacation plans, personal appearances, industry parties and movie and television contract signings. His name had its time in bold tintype, especially in the late 50's through the mid-60's: the Eisenhower-Camelot eras.Danton's heyday was the Hollywood of slick hair, cigarette smoking, hard drinking and two-fisted negotiations. His sharp-edged baritone matched dark chiseled features, making him a natural for his roles as suave heroes or venal hustlers. He had the look of a sly fox and the smooth moves of a dancing thief. Ray Danton's confident attitude, serpentine movements, switchblade stare, and silver-tongued voice gave his characters a touch of menace and panache.

In 1958, a down-on-his-luck songwriter with the unlikely name of Ross Bagdasarian (1919-1972), plunged the last of his family's savings on a multi-speed tape recorder and created two beloved and memorable songs: "Witch Doctor" and "The Chipmunk Song". Both were #1 hits and changed the fortunes for his family and for his record label, Liberty Records, which was also on the verge of bankruptcy.Bagdasarian previously had hits with Rosemary Clooney's "Come On-a My House" and with his own "Armen's Theme", released under his pseudonym of David Seville.After "The Chipmunk Song" was a major hit, Bagdasarian parlayed this success into a series of record albums and singles and an animated series called The Alvin Show (1961-1962). This primetime animated series was made by Format Films, an animation studio founded by former UPA studio personnel. Format kept up with UPA's quality with The Alvin Show and other animated series like The Lone Ranger.The complete story is told in this book!

In 1958, a down-on-his-luck songwriter with the unlikely name of Ross Bagdasarian (1919-1972), plunged the last of his family's savings on a multi-speed tape recorder and created two beloved and memorable songs: "Witch Doctor" and "The Chipmunk Song". Both were #1 hits and changed the fortunes for his family and for his record label, Liberty Records, which was also on the verge of bankruptcy.Bagdasarian previously had hits with Rosemary Clooney's "Come On-a My House" and with his own "Armen's Theme", released under his pseudonym of David Seville.After "The Chipmunk Song" was a major hit, Bagdasarian parlayed this success into a series of record albums and singles and an animated series called The Alvin Show (1961-1962). This primetime animated series was made by Format Films, an animation studio founded by former UPA studio personnel. Format kept up with UPA's quality with The Alvin Show and other animated series like The Lone Ranger.The complete story is told in this book!

The Big Valley, Burke's Law, The Rifleman, Zane Grey Theatre - these are just a few of the iconic series produced by Four Star Productions. This book covers all of the series produced and/or syndicated by Four Star from 1952 to 1989 as well as the many pilots the company made but were unable to sell. Topics include the first Western series created by legendary film director Sam Peckinpah, the first detective series with a female main character, the first, and perhaps only, ninety-minute game show pilot, and the one series that accounted for 70% of Four Star's revenue in 1969.Richard Irvin is the author of The Early Shows: A Reference Guide to Network and Syndicated Prime-Time Television Series from 1944 to 1949, Forgotten Laughs: An Episode Guide to 150 TV Sitcoms You Probably Never Saw, and Spinning Laughter: Profiles of 111 Proposed Comedy Spin-offs and Sequels that Never Became a Series - all from Bear Manor Media.

The Big Valley, Burke's Law, The Rifleman, Zane Grey Theatre - these are just a few of the iconic series produced by Four Star Productions. This book covers all of the series produced and/or syndicated by Four Star from 1952 to 1989 as well as the many pilots the company made but were unable to sell. Topics include the first Western series created by legendary film director Sam Peckinpah, the first detective series with a female main character, the first, and perhaps only, ninety-minute game show pilot, and the one series that accounted for 70% of Four Star's revenue in 1969.Richard Irvin is the author of The Early Shows: A Reference Guide to Network and Syndicated Prime-Time Television Series from 1944 to 1949, Forgotten Laughs: An Episode Guide to 150 TV Sitcoms You Probably Never Saw, and Spinning Laughter: Profiles of 111 Proposed Comedy Spin-offs and Sequels that Never Became a Series - all from Bear Manor Media.

Holidays are festive occasions and with family, even more so. Kathy Garver "Cissy" from TV's classic Family Affair and writer/producer Scot Weaver have assembled some of their favorite holiday recipes and put them in menu form to help take the stress out of those favorite occasions and allow you to have courage in the kitchen!

Holidays are festive occasions and with family, even more so. Kathy Garver "Cissy" from TV's classic Family Affair and writer/producer Scot Weaver have assembled some of their favorite holiday recipes and put them in menu form to help take the stress out of those favorite occasions and allow you to have courage in the kitchen!

When I was born, I weighed two pounds, three ounces. The doctor who examined me told my mother, "Congratulations, Mrs. Pryor, you have a boy! No, wait, it's a girl! No, it is a boy!"Mom cried, "What did I have? A freak?"Yes and No.My freakish life parallels my father's in many ways: a Peoria whorehouse, abuse, alcohol and drug addiction, and frequent bad decisions.But I survived. And that's what my book is about, a real-life story of overcoming obstacles, surviving, and thriving. Richard Pryor Jr.

When I was born, I weighed two pounds, three ounces. The doctor who examined me told my mother, "Congratulations, Mrs. Pryor, you have a boy! No, wait, it's a girl! No, it is a boy!"Mom cried, "What did I have? A freak?"Yes and No.My freakish life parallels my father's in many ways: a Peoria whorehouse, abuse, alcohol and drug addiction, and frequent bad decisions.But I survived. And that's what my book is about, a real-life story of overcoming obstacles, surviving, and thriving. Richard Pryor Jr.

"B-B-B-B Bad… Bad to the bone…" Packed with interviews from director John Carpenter, screenwriter Bill Phillips, producer Richard Kobritz, stars Keith Gordon and Alexandra Paul, plus various members of the cast and crew including co-composer Alan Howarth and SFX artist Roy Arbogast, "Hell Hath No Fury: The Making of Christine" is a definitive look at the 1983 cinematic adaptation of Stephen King's terrifying novel about the eponymous demonic Plymouth Fury and the obsessive teenage boy who loves her. Author Lee Gambin examines Carpenter's film by exploring themes such as possession, gender politics, sexuality, the use of rock'n'roll, the complexities of varied relationships, class resentment, the landscape of suburbia, the alienation felt during teenage years and more, including a recurring coverage of cars in film (both supernatural and not). Loaded with photographs as well as production notes, this book is essential for all John Carpenter fans, Stephen King devotees, horror film enthusiasts and for anyone who can remember their first car. So buckle in and take a ride and remember "Rock'n'Roll is here to stay! It will never die!"

"B-B-B-B Bad… Bad to the bone…"Packed with interviews from director John Carpenter, screenwriter Bill Phillips, producer Richard Kobritz, stars Keith Gordon and Alexandra Paul, plus various members of the cast and crew including co-composer Alan Howarth and SFX artist Roy Arbogast, "Hell Hath No Fury: The Making of Christine" is a definitive look at the 1983 cinematic adaptation of Stephen King's terrifying novel about the eponymous demonic Plymouth Fury and the obsessive teenage boy who loves her. Author Lee Gambin examines Carpenter's film by exploring themes such as possession, gender politics, sexuality, the use of rock'n'roll, the complexities of varied relationships, class resentment, the landscape of suburbia, the alienation felt during teenage years and more, including a recurring coverage of cars in film (both supernatural and not). Loaded with photographs as well as production notes, this book is essential for all John Carpenter fans, Stephen King devotees, horror film enthusiasts and for anyone who can remember their first car. So buckle in and take a ride and remember "Rock'n'Roll is here to stay! It will never die!"