What Books Do you Read, and What are you reading now?

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 6:30 am

I'm reading a very enjoyable biography of Alfred Hitchcock called 'It's Only a Movie'.
The book highlights his genius, particuarly with 'set pieces', and how Hitch had already made the film 'in his mind' when developing a project.
So much so that he didn't like watching his films upon completion because invariably the finished film would never be a good as his initial concept.

Gray

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:00 pm

Read on teletext tonight that Tippi Hedren has slated the recent remake of the classic (her words not mine) - "The Birds"

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:11 pm

Also read on teletext that the favourite all time theme tune from a TV series is one I really like too - WHITE HORSES

---- The theme from Van Der Valk - from which Matt sang AND YOU SMILED came third

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:39 pm

Aha--I have been wondering on the result of that poll--Glad "White Horses" won, and that "Van der Valk" came third.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:34 am

Hi Robert,

Oh no! Not another remake!
Are there no writers anymore in Hollywood?

I love film, but not recent movies so much

It's funny you mention 'White Horses', my sister was only talking the other day about how much she loves that song (she remembers it fondly from her youth).

And She Smiled was Matt's last singles chart hit in the UK, I think...?

Gray

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:59 pm

Yes it was Gray

Tippi Hedren also mentioned about the lack of "original" screenplays these days. There is no point in re-doing old movies when the originals cannot be bettered

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:18 pm

Hi Robert,

I agree with Ms Hedren 100%, there seems to be a definite lack of originailty in the film industry of late.

I'm reading a very interesting book called 'Censorship in the theatre and cinema' currently.
It covers work from the turn of the century to the early 1970's (roughly when censorship in the theatre was abolished) including Entertaining Mr Sloane, The Moon Is Blue, I Am a Camera & The Devils.

It is very easy to read and presents the arguments for and against each piece without judgement.
A lot of the plays I have never heard of, but it is interesting to know that not all plays were considered offensive because of strong language or 'adult themes'..
There is a whole chapter on work that came under scrutiny for fear of offending other countries!

Might not be the best time to tell you my Englishman, Irishman & Scotsman joke.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:33 pm

Reading Barry Norman's memoirs at the moment, not sure if I like it.
Not as interesting as I'd hoped, bearing in mind the number of stars he must of interviewed over the years.

He does speak very highly of Tom Hanks, Barry says he is a real gent, and Michele Pfeiffer is lovely also.

Gray

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 10:19 pm

I am reading a wonderful biography of Dusty Springfield at the moment, very interesting and a real roller coaster story with the problems she faced and the way she blounced back.

A couple of post earlier in this thread, we mentioned Tippi Hedren, did anyone notice in the news that one of her workers at her sanctuary was killed by a lion a few days ago? Very sad.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:21 am

He was the head keeper I think Gray? I knew he had been badly injured, but I didn't know he had passed away. Sad

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 9:47 am

Will Travers, son of Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, from the Born Free Foundation, was on tv yesterday talking about certain circuses which still use wild animals like lions and tigers in their acts, and for the call for this practice to be banned outright.
Marian

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 10:04 pm

Gosh Robert, you may be right!
Maybe he hasn't died! Now I'm worried!

So sorry if I've got this wrong.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:36 am

I finished the Dusty Springfield biog last night, my goodness it was soooooo sad

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:33 pm

And now I have just finished Barry Norman's choice of the 100 Greatest Films of the 20th Century.
The list was a bit suspect, he chose a couple of Hitchcock's, several Coppolla's and two by Bergman.
Did I find 'Carry On Screaming'?
Did I heckers like.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:06 am

Amanda bought me for Xmas Peter Risdale's book on his exploits as Leeds United chairman, can't wait to get my teeth into that