<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: We need more
Review: An incredibly detailed and fascinating look into the world of perhaps hollywood's greatest businessman ever. I wish there was more information about the great company mca and mr. wasserman, especially something sanctioned by him. there are libraries of info inside that man that we need to know! so far, we have added a tunafish lunch to our routine, a la lew. but we need more info, more books to balance this story. seems to me that bernard dick's "city of light" about universal pictures, "stiffed" and "hit men" about the music business and others offer snapshots from the whole film of the last mogul, but i would love to know more. respect to lew wasserman and dennis mcdougal.
Rating: 
Summary: Often Funny
Review: Good book, very funny and detailed. Read it
after listening to the interview on First Voice.
The interview is online at
http://www.7to7.net/mcd.html There's a transcript for those using dial up. --J. R.
Rating:
Summary: Often Funny
Review: If you enjoy reading about the history of Hollywood, this is the book for you. But be forewarned, it reads like a history book and takes a real time commitment to finish. The author goes back to the beginning career of Jules Stein and booking of bands through the sale of Universal to the Bronfman's. Clearly the focus of the book is Lew Wasserman who led MCA from agency to studio with significant influences in politics. Probably the most entertaining part of the book is the unique stories of the stars of the 40s and 50s since Wasserman was at his peak making careers. Stories are presented about Tony Curtis, Jimmy Stewart and Marilyn Monroe to name a few and are quite entertaining as well as showing Wasserman's power to destroy or make a career. This book tries to intertwine politics, entertainment and the mafia, and while there may be a connection, sometimes he seems to reach too far and lose focus on the principals who grew MCA into the behemoth that it was. I recommend this book to anyone with an in-depth interest in Hollywood history and what it was like from mid-century.
Rating:
Summary: A history book of Hollywood
Review: If you enjoy reading about the history of Hollywood, this is the book for you. But be forewarned, it reads like a history book and takes a real time commitment to finish. The author goes back to the beginning career of Jules Stein and booking of bands through the sale of Universal to the Bronfman's. Clearly the focus of the book is Lew Wasserman who led MCA from agency to studio with significant influences in politics. Probably the most entertaining part of the book is the unique stories of the stars of the 40s and 50s since Wasserman was at his peak making careers. Stories are presented about Tony Curtis, Jimmy Stewart and Marilyn Monroe to name a few and are quite entertaining as well as showing Wasserman's power to destroy or make a career. This book tries to intertwine politics, entertainment and the mafia, and while there may be a connection, sometimes he seems to reach too far and lose focus on the principals who grew MCA into the behemoth that it was. I recommend this book to anyone with an in-depth interest in Hollywood history and what it was like from mid-century.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific history through the eyes of a lost generation
Review: McDougal has written a monumental book. Exisquitely details and finely told, the story of Lew Wasserman is one for the ages. The history of hollywood is terrific. Some have called this an unfair bashing of a legend--I say it is a fairly balanced portrait of a complex and cold man. Lew is admirable in his own way. My only real issue with the book is the connections that McDougal draws between MCA and the Mob. Clearly, they did do some work together, but the endless sections about the later years (rudnick's work, etc)--get to be confusing (so many names and no glossary) and ulimately without revelation. Lots of accusations. Some of it is interesting (the Sidney Korshak stuff) and some dull. The book is best when focused on Lew and those around him (non-mafia types). A terrific read for the patient and fan of Hollywood behind the scenes books.
Rating: 
Summary: Low Grade Hatchet Job
Review: This is a great book for anyone who loves Hollywood and the history of Hollywood. It is a great read, filled with details of past deals, and well defined characters. From the early days with Jules Stein, up until the sale of the company, this is a history book which is valuable for anyone who wants to know why certain movies were made, why hollywood functions as it does, and who the true power brokers were over the past 40+ years. The only thing better than reading about Lew Wasserman would be to meet the man, and listen to his stories, including Hollywood, MCA, Universal, Jules Stein, and all of the stars who worked for him.
Rating:
Summary: The Last Mogul Is Alive And Well Worth Reading!
Review: This is a great book for anyone who loves Hollywood and the history of Hollywood. It is a great read, filled with details of past deals, and well defined characters. From the early days with Jules Stein, up until the sale of the company, this is a history book which is valuable for anyone who wants to know why certain movies were made, why hollywood functions as it does, and who the true power brokers were over the past 40+ years. The only thing better than reading about Lew Wasserman would be to meet the man, and listen to his stories, including Hollywood, MCA, Universal, Jules Stein, and all of the stars who worked for him.
<< 1 >>
| 
