LA Times Article About Hollywood Stories
🔗 http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/04/local/la-me-trivia-tour-20100804
Story Behind The Book
After collecting literally hundreds of vintage tales of Hollywood legends over the years, professional tour guide Stephen Schochet not only wrote a book that everyone could enjoy on the glamorous, as well as the not so much. As explained in an interview with Reuters, this entrepreneur specialized in telling two kinds of stories to appreciative patrons; origin stories – telling how things we take for granted came to be, and funny anecdotes. He not only read a lot of books to find his material, but also tried to meet people who were connected to the famous (like housekeepers) that he could garner some tidbits from, and mixed it all in with his several personal encounters with the stars! Stephen's book is a special blend of biography, history and legends that covers scandalous yarns on some of Hollywood’s greatest characters – from John Wayne to Marlon Brando. The book also covers little-known vignettes about such diverse genres from classic westerns like Unforgiven to vintage superhero movies like Superman and Batman. Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! (Hollywood Stories Publishing) is packed with wild and wonderful short tales on many famous stars, movies and directors – a virtual all-star collection of luminaries that have been a part of the world’s most fascinating and unpredictable industry! The author covers the gamut when it comes to situational stories; from the one about a lazy, well-paid Marlon Brando almost not bothering to show up on the set of the 1978 movie Superman, then refusing to learn his dialogue and at one point having the lines penned on the bottom of his make-believe Superbaby’s diaper! Stephen also shares the story about blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe, suggesting that rather than place her hands and feet in the wet cement at Grauman’s Chinese Theater for the premiere of her 1953 comedy Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, there were other body parts she’d be better remembered for. Also included is about Stephen's encounter with the late Sammy Davis Junior and the great entertainer's friendly but somewhat trigger happy bodyguard. Hollywood Stories truly has something for everyone. It is a thoroughly entertaining book that is jam-packed with surprising and funny tales with often unpredictable endings. No matter which page the book is opened on, there will be some fascinating part of Hollywood history to be savored!
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Reviews
<div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="margin:0px 0px 1em;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:small;line-height:normal;"><i>Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies!</i> is a treasure trove for the casual reader looking for a few quick reads as well as the serious fan looking for information<br /> --Blog Critics<br /><br /> This book is an entertainment smorgasbord of short stories that you'll find yourself not wanting to put down. --Daniel L. Carter<br /><br /> Stephen Schochet has created a special treat for movie fans with his entertaining book, <i>Hollywood Stories</i>. --Betty Jo Tucker<br /> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>The book is great fun to read on many levels.</div> --Alan Caruba's Book Views<br /> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>Hollywood Stories is a thoroughly entertaining read. With many humorous parts, you find yourself laughing out loud, feeling connected with the individual being presented. </div> <div> </div> --From Book Pleasures: <div class="emptyClear" style="clear:left;height:0px;font-size:0px;"> </div> </div> <div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="margin:0px 0px 1em;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:small;line-height:normal;">"Stephen really knows Hollywood! In all the times I've had him on my nighttime Jim Bohannon Show, he ALWAYS surprised me with at least one amazing tidbit of information I'd never have suspected. Usually, it's half a dozen or more."<br /><br /> --Jim Bohannon, Host of the Nationally Syndicated Jim Bohannon Show and America in the Morning.<br /><br /> "What would you expect from Hollywood's best storyteller? Amazing tales about actors, directors, writers and producers, brought to you with incredible research style and wit by a guy who knows it all, Stephen Schochet!" <br /><br /> --Jordan Rich, Host of The Jordan Rich Show, WBZ Radio, Boston.</div>