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Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 18, 2013, 2:14 pm

Has anyone bought it yet? Would love to know what you think of it!

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Dr. Bombay <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=DrBombay' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 18, 2013, 3:42 pm, in reply to "Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"
Resident Bewitched Historian

I feel the same way...it's rather pricey to buy without knowing if it's worth it.

"I never did dig what Sammy dug about that dodo." ~ Serena

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Tracey <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=imtracey' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 19, 2013, 1:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

How much is it?

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Dr. Bombay <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=DrBombay' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 19, 2013, 5:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

On Amazon it's $64.79!!!

"I never did dig what Sammy dug about that dodo." ~ Serena

Link: The Films of Agnes Moorehead

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Tracey <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=imtracey' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 19, 2013, 6:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Holy cow!!! Way too much cheddar for moi.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 20, 2013, 6:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Amazon has released a Kindle edition today -- and it's $60! Not much of a savings over the print edition. But it does have a "look inside" so people can get a taste of what the book has to offer. It appears that Mr. Nissen has done quite a bit of research, including extensive interviews with surviving co-workers and distant relatives.

Kindle Edition

I broke down and ordered the print edition yesterday from a seller who is discounting a few dollars from Amazon's own price. I hope to receive it in time for next weekend.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Dr. Bombay <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=DrBombay' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 22, 2013, 1:18 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"
Resident Bewitched Historian

I can't wait to hear your review, P. Tourist!

"I never did dig what Sammy dug about that dodo." ~ Serena

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 22, 2013, 10:30 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

I would advise against waiting for any reviews from me.

The "look inside" preview on Amazon, which includes the introduction and the first chapter, should allow people to decide whether or not the book would be of interest to them.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 22, 2013, 3:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

PTourist, Thank you for guiding us so we could take a look inside the book. The first thing that struck me was Debbie Reynolds wasn't contacted to contribute?? So many names listed, but not hers. Were you contacted to contribute, BTW?
And I think everyone is just dying to know what YOU think of it, not necessarily to influence them "to buy or not to buy..." Inquiring minds want to know!

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 22, 2013, 8:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

The print edition now has its own "look inside" preview, which is more extensive, scattered throughout the book rather than just up front. People can get a good impression now of what this book has to offer, and form their own opinions.

Print Edition

From what I've been able to gather skimming through the print edition's new preview, it appears to be more about the films than about AM herself -- meaning less a biography than a themed cinema study. Hmmm.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 24, 2013, 7:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

If there are any NOOKers among us, Barnes and Noble now has a NOOK edition, currently priced at $43:

NOOK Book

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 26, 2013, 10:00 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

If anyone is still interested in this book, the price on Amazon for the print edition keeps going up. Before the book was released it had originally been priced around $55. It went down as low as $51 before it started creeping back up, and kept going up. By the time the book was released the price was over $60, and as of today it's up to $69, which is not much of a discount on the publisher's price of $75.

The Kindle edition, however, has been lowered from $60 to $43 as of this morning (perhaps to compete with Barnes and Noble's Nook edition).

From the impression I have so far, I would say all editions are quite overpriced.

[Still waiting to receive my book ordered last week.]

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Tracey <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=imtracey' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 27, 2013, 12:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

I would agree with you. I wonder how it is selling?

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 27, 2013, 2:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

I found a "review" of the book - first one I've seen - on Tumblr. The "reviewer" is pegasis12. Here is the text:

"This little book isn't bad.not really. But it sure-as-s*it ain't worth 50 bucks. It is talky, and repetitious and not even very original. Die hard fans will recognize many of the anecdotes" from other books. From Sherk to Kear to Tranberg, we've heard it all before. I'll admit that Nissen can be VERY amusing. His bitchy rant(s) put me in mind of John Simon. Which is to suggest that at times, Nissen can be too much.

The badly reproduced photographs in the book culled from the author's collection) aren't anything special either. They've been floating about the Web for ages.

Which brings me to Sunny Point #2-Paul Gregory. When will this bitter Queen just lie down and die
(only half kidding). Every Moorehead "biographer" seems compelled to treat the old bugger like the Oracle at Delphi(at least on the subject of Agnes) and here, Nissen is no exception. And so we get the usual melange of camp, rant, and vitriol. Agnes "devastated" over the dissolution of her marriage to Gist. Agnes(perhaps channeling Emily Hawkins) pining away over Joe Cotton(!?!) New one on me. Agnes made to look as ridiculous as possible. The book hits an all-time-low with PG's account of his reaction to a painting of Aggie as Queen Elizabeth (The Story of Mankind)-"With the small crowned head atop the hugely dressed body, I thought it looked like Frankenstein." Charming.

It would seem that during the writing of "The Films of Agnes Moorehead" Paul Gregory and Axel Nissen became fast friends. God help us all."

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Tracey <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=imtracey' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 27, 2013, 8:00 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Geez, if that is the case, I wonder how they are justifying that astronomical price?

Oh well, people ARE buying it, just not moi.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 27, 2013, 9:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Still have not received my book, but from reading and searching through the print edition's preview on Amazon I've uncovered a great deal of negativity. Unkindness, insensitivity, rudeness -- I suppose 'mean-spirited' is how I'd describe the work at this point. What a shame. Agnes does not deserve this kind of treatment. One wonders why someone would conduct several years of extensive research and interviews for someone they obviously don't like.

From the 'review' posted above, I can see there are some errors of fact. The painting of Agnes as Queen Elizabeth I had nothing to do with her appearance as QE1 in "The Story of Mankind." It was painted four years prior, and at the artist's own request as part of a series of paintings he was doing. I rather like it, myself.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 29, 2013, 2:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

I read the additional "look inside" passages in the print edition too - and wholeheartedly agree. Nissen actually writes that as a "wife and mother...she failed as both." He is critical of the "dialects" she uses in some of her films, stating that in Pollyana "it's like hearing Margaret Hamilton play the wicked witch of the west!"

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 29, 2013, 7:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

This book is certainly turning out to be a disappointment, though it's not entirely surprising given the 'tone' of his chapter on AM in his earlier book "Actresses of a Certain Character," which gave the impression that Nissen did not like her.

While continuing to wait for my book to arrive (ten days now) I've identified another site with a free preview, Scribd.com, which includes some chapters not contained in either of the Amazon previews:

Scribd

There are more examples of the author's mean-spiritedness on the first page of the chapter on "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes," which is on page 102 of the eBook, and which spreads beyond Agnes to her co-workers too:

"Our Vines also offers us the toe-curling spectacle of a customarily austere Moorehead massaging liver-lipped screen husband Robinson's shoulders."

and

"Nearing forty-four when she did this film, Moorehead is still believable as the mother of a small child and looks almost preternaturally youthful. The child in question is Selma Jacobson, played with her usually precocious intensity by the ridiculously talented Margaret O'Brien."

From Nissen's point of view, Margaret O'Brien must be described as "ridiculously" talented, AM is "preternatural" in still appearing youthful at age 43 (which is not so unusual at all), EGR is "liver-lipped," and what most viewers would find to be a warm, domestic moment between husband and wife, Nissen sees as "toe-curling spectacle."

It seems difficult for him to give a compliment without putting a negative spin on it. From the chapter on "The Bat," found in the Scribd preview:

"Her hair in the film, either up or down, is mostly her own (I have my doubts about the braid, though)" [I have my own doubts about the author's knowledge of his subject -- the hair is all her own, braid included.]

and

"And young! Except for bags under her eyes, she has been served well by the lighting and makeup departments."

Again, one must wonder what would have motivated Nissen to invest so many years researching someone he obviously does not like.

Is anyone else here buying a copy of the book?

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Dr. Bombay <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=DrBombay' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 29, 2013, 10:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"
Resident Bewitched Historian

I was going to wait for more reviews but from what I've read of the samples I don't think I will. Not until it hits a MUCH lower price and even then I don't know...

"I never did dig what Sammy dug about that dodo." ~ Serena

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 30, 2013, 6:18 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

That's the tricky thing about this book: when you're a die-hard AM fan, you naturally are inclined to purchase this to get the full "picture" of what's being written about her. Yet in doing so, it supports this author's work. I agree from what I've seen in the previews that Nissen's book is FULL of "left-handed compliments." And I, too, heard that Nissen didn't think too kindly of Agnes.
Some Nissenisms:
"Despite being married twice, Moorehead had a spinsterish air..."
"Had Moorehead not had her acting talent and vast ambition, she might well have turned into a meddlesome, man-eating divorcee..."

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 30, 2013, 9:05 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

I hadn't come across that last quote. Just searched for it. How awful -- Agnes compared to Emily Hawkins on a personal level! Agnes does not deserve this kind of treatment, not by a long shot. Nissen must have a personal axe to grind with her, but who knows how or why. If this book is read by the old friends and distant relatives who shared with the author their time and memories, I imagine they would feel angry and betrayed.

For what it's worth, here's another preview from Google Books:

Google Books

It has some content not in the other previews from Amazon and Scribd.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 30, 2013, 1:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Thank you for the Google link! I'm sure everyone on this Board looks forward to more in-depth commentary from you once you receive and "devour" this book. Funnily enough, that was my first thought reading the "previews" - that devotees & friends who contributed will feel betrayed. God save our Queen Aggie!

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Erika <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Erika' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 30, 2013, 4:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

I bought it. Only about halfway through it. Nissen peppers his writing with one-liners and cruel jabs --not many escape them-- perhaps in hopes that we won't fall asleep at the more technical aspects of the book. Most of what he covers (so far) of Agnes' personal life is rehash but it has his own negative spin. As for Paul Gregory…..I think the point has now passed where his contributions have begun to reflect less on Agnes and more on his own character.
The only positive I can think of is that perhaps to have Agnes' filmography outlined might come in handy.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by octolad <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Octolad' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 30, 2013, 5:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"
Breeder-Champion Dust Bunnies

To writers who would dare defame
Miss Agnes Moorehead's Holy Name,
May indigestion wrack your chest
And ants crawl up your pants and vest.

:D

"Sterbo... Vectra... Rangay... Zeem.
You're about to have a dream.
And, in the words of a wise philosopher, it's going to be a BEAUT!"

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Erika <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Erika' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 30, 2013, 7:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

octolad, I should've come here for the laughs and saved my 60 bucks.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by octolad <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Octolad' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 30, 2013, 7:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"
Breeder-Champion Dust Bunnies

Erika, I'm sorry you spent good money on what sounds to be a literary hit-job on Ms. Moorehead, but I appreciate that you shared your opinion with those of us (most of us) who haven't yet shelled out the price. My bad poetry (pseudo-Endora curse) did not intend to overlook your contribution. Great to see a new name here at Harpies!

"Sterbo... Vectra... Rangay... Zeem.
You're about to have a dream.
And, in the words of a wise philosopher, it's going to be a BEAUT!"

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Erika <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Erika' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 30, 2013, 8:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

I was joking, too.

Everything gets lost in translation over the internet. I will have to give credit where credit is due when I say Axel Nissen can serve up some funny lines. I laughed out loud through his analysis of "The Conqueror" though the actual lines of the film are equally funny.

Thanks for the welcome. I look forward to others opinions about the book.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Dr. Bombay <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=DrBombay' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 30, 2013, 11:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Octolad, that was a great spell!

And I hate to be a self-promoter (however, I'm going to LOL), but from the sounds of it, everyone should save themselves about $15 and just buy my book - THE BEWITCHED HISTORY BOOK - which had it's beginnings on this board. It's much more entertaining and I LOVE my subject!

"I never did dig what Sammy dug about that dodo." ~ Serena

Link: The Bewitched History Book

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Tracey <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=imtracey' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2013, 6:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Great poem Octolad! Dr. Bombay: It is never a bad idea to plug your book. That is what we authors do!

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by maurine <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=maurine' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 6, 2013, 5:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Great incantation! Got more of those up your sleeve??

"Witches are good! Witches are dear!"

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 6, 2013, 5:58 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Maurine, do you still feel that "This will be a great addition to our bookshelves" ??

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2013, 8:56 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

My book has finally arrived! I'm not sure if I should read it or burn it in effigy to its author. But I'll read it.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Dr. Bombay <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=DrBombay' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2013, 9:07 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"
Resident Bewitched Historian

Looking forward to your review!

"I never did dig what Sammy dug about that dodo." ~ Serena

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2013, 10:28 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

As of this morning, Amazon and Barnes & Noble have raised the price to $70 for the print edition.

Putting the quality and quantity of the content aside for the moment, the book is not particularly well printed. The photos look much better in the online previews; in the book they look light, low-res, and streaked.

Nook & Kindle editions are holding at $43.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Erika <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Erika' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2013, 3:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

PT, you should burn it. I finished it and, like you, I don't understand why anyone would undertake writing a book about someone they don't seem to like very much. The tone of the book is 90% negative.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 11, 2013, 7:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

I have finally finished reading the book and writing my review. I have uploaded it to Amazon, but apparently it has to go through a review process before it is posted. So here it is, for anyone who would like to read it now.

====================

1.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended for established AM fans, August 11, 2013
By Professional Tourist

This review is from: The Films of Agnes Moorehead (Hardcover)
This book focuses on the sixty-three major motion pictures of Miss Moorehead's career in the form of an introduction followed by individual chapters for each film. Although the author has conducted much research into primary sources (archives and personal interviews) the book as-written relies heavily upon secondary sources such as previous Moorehead bios, bios of other actors and of directors, and prior studies of these films -- as documented throughout.

There is some new information here and a few rare photos, but the majority of the content -- though uniquely presented -- has long been available to the general public. At $71 it is not a good value for those who have read Lynn Kear, Charles Tranberg, and James Robert Parish's Moorehead efforts. Further limiting its value, of the 382-page length -- which is already slight for the price -- sixty-three pages are dedicated to photos (poorly reproduced in my copy of the print edition) and roughly fifty pages list credits and technical data which are readily available online. There is repetition within the book, too, particularly between the introduction and the film chapters, where there are several instances of word-for-word copying, as well as some rehashing of info from a film's profile within the chapters of related films.

The introduction states "Each profile concentrates on Moorehead's contribution to the film in question." This does indeed occur in some chapters, but not in all of them. Some profiles ("Mrs. Parkington," "Tomorrow, the World") may describe the character and her physical appearance but contain no comment on her performance. Other chapters focus more on cinema history or comparison of the scripts to original properties. For example, the chapter on "The Magnificent Ambersons" contains a three-page riff on earlier representations of spinsters in film. While this type of info may be of interest, it makes the book more a themed cinema study than a study of Miss Moorehead's film work.

Beyond the questions of value and audience (and others outside the scope of this review, such as personal interpretations and reliability of sources) the issues most significant to me as a fan are the over-arching unkindness and disrespect toward the subject and her associates (shockingly unprofessional) and the sprinkling of factual errors. Here are some examples of the more egregious among them:

*** Errors of fact ***
-- Page xi: ". . .an increasingly successful and busy radio actress, doing as many as six shows a week." In fact, she performed in as many as six shows a day.

-- Page 45: "Apart from the Mercury Wonder Show . . . in August 1943 and a performance of King Lear on CBS Radio's Mercury Summer Theater on September 13, 1946, Moorehead never worked with her foremost mentor and Svengali again." In fact, there were additional radio broadcasts together, including several appearances on Orson Welles Radio Almanac throughout Jan-July 1944; 10 April 1945, on The Master of Ballantrae for the CBS Radio series This Is My Best; and the 31 March 1946 broadcast of the Radio Readers Digest episode Back for Christmas.

-- Page 61 quotes lines of dialog from The Seventh Cross, which AM does not speak in the film (as released by the Warner Archive).

-- Page 141: [Of her desire to reside in Beverly Hills] "She finally arrived there in 1953. . . ." In fact, newspaper articles of the day put this purchase at early 1952. For example, Hedda Hopper's column Looking At Hollywood, published 23 February 1952. [Similar statement page 213]

-- Page 194: "Though she would make several TV movies at Universal in the early 1970s, Agnes Moorehead would make only two feature films there in the course of her career." In fact, The Lost Moment, which was a co-production of Universal and Walter Wanger, was filmed at Universal Studios, which brings the count to three. [See also page 200, which attests to this fact.] [Similar statement page 207]

-- Page 221: "Moorehead died of uterine cancer, which is caused by a virus and not set off by external, environmental factors." In fact, uterine (endometrial) cancer is not caused by a virus. From mayoclinic.com: "Doctors don't know what causes endometrial cancer. What's known is that something occurs to create a genetic mutation within cells in the endometrium -- the lining of the uterus."

-- Page 266: "To commemorate this notable role, she had herself painted as Queen Elizabeth." In fact, the painting of AM as QE1 was executed a few years earlier, at the request of the artist.

-- Page 309: ". . .she had resisted the temptation to bob her famously auburn tresses in her youth. As far as we know, she kept her hair long up until that day in 1961. . . ." In fact, as a young woman in her late teens and early twenties, AM wore her hair short, as evidenced in all her college yearbooks.

*** Rude remarks ***
-- Page 50: "Had Moorehead not had her acting talent and vast ambition, she might well have turned into a meddlesome, man-eating divorcee like Emily."

-- Page 83: "Our Vines also offers us the toe-curling spectacle of customarily austere Moorehead massaging liver-lipped screen husband [Edward G.] Robinson's shoulders."

-- Page 97: "The role unified nearly all the qualities that Moorehead uniquely projected on the screen: theatricality, self-dramatization, artificiality, malevolence, sexual rapaciousness and frustration, possessiveness, jealousy, and nosiness."

-- Page 161: [Of Errol Flynn] ". . .we are quite unnecessarily treated to the sight of his sad, sagging tits as he gets a scrubdown from his black manservant."

-- Page 178: " . . .the ballerina's filthy-rich, piss-elegant, feminine yet forceful auntie. . . ."

-- Page 200: ". . .playing the butch blonde proprietor of a Honolulu 'private club' in the first and the patrician battle-ax in the second would have been signature roles for her in any cinematographic process."

-- Page 207: ". . .St. Oegger had given [Jane] Wyman a severe, unbecomingly short hairstyle with Claudette Colbert bangs that made her look more like a bilious Pekingese than ever."

-- Page 266: [In reference to a painting of AM] "With the small crowned head atop the hugely dressed body, he [an old friend] thought it looked like Frankenstein."

-- Page 291: "If you close your eyes during one of her scenes in Pollyanna, it's like hearing Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West! All that's missing is the cackle."

On balance, I find the book serves up little to sustain this AM admirer, who couldn't wait for its release and ended up sorely disappointed. One wonders what would motivate a person to conduct extensive research on an artist seemingly disliked. Although the author does at times present Miss Moorehead's work in a postive light, in my view, those instances are overshadowed by the preponderance of negativity. A frustrating, distasteful read from start to finish.

==========

As lengthy as this is, I actually edited it down by quite a lot!

I'd be happy to discuss or answer any questions.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2013, 7:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

Oh boy. For me, reading this book is an uphill climb. There is no "devouring," it's more like force-feeding.

Besides all the unkindness, there are many errors of fact and misinterpretations. I have notes marked on nearly every page -- in purple ink.

I'm making enough notes for an essay, let alone a review, but I can't help myself.

There is quite a bit of repetition, especially between the introduction and the movie chapters where there is word-for-word copying. And there is a tendency to use certain pet words and phrases again and again. Some of the more overused include capacious, (un)congenial, and termagant (which is misused as an adjective when it is actually a noun). Overall, though, the writing style is pretty good, as are the mechanics considering english is not the author's native language.

I've just completed the chapter on Mrs. Parkington, and there is not a single comment on AM's performance. However, in the previous chapter, about The Seventh Cross, where he claims to admire her performance, it is for erroneous reasons. He quotes lines she did not speak (perhaps from an older version of the script?), and obviously misinterprets her character's motivations, seeing psychological complexity which is simply not there. Sigh.

It'll probably be a couple more weeks before I can finish this thing and put together some kind of review.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2013, 11:45 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

I want to thank everyone who put their 2 cents in (sounds like that's what this book is WORTH!)

It seems a shame that this may be used as a "textbook" by film students going forward.

But I also want to encourage anyone who dislikes this book to PLEASE post a negative review online! Esp on Amazon!
If PTourist isn't "devouring" this book, you know something is very, very WRONG!

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 7, 2013, 8:20 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book!"

As of this morning, the author has added what appears to be a defense of himself and his work at the Amazon page for this book, in the section "More About the Author." From my own point of view, I don't care what a person's background is, I judge them on their behavior.

The worst part is that he says this book is just Part 1 of his treatment of AM -- he's planning to publish a full biography of her in the forseeable future. Oh my. Poor Agnes.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 7, 2013, 9:08 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

Amazon follow-up: the author has just posted a long comment to the one (negative) review posted so far at Amazon. Here's the closing line:

"It seems to me that the small community of persons keenly interested in this fascinating actress, whether film scholars or fans, should stick together, respect and support each other, rather than making ill-considered and spiteful attacks of the kind you have lowered yourself by making."

I would say that "ill-considered" and "spiteful" (albeit mysteriously so) describe the book itself! And then he signs the comment "With every good wish," in the manner of AM's secretary Georgia Johnstone.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 7, 2013, 12:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

PTourist, looking forward to your own review on amazon (and elsewhere I trust) with thanks in advance.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 7, 2013, 5:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

Yes, I am going to push myself to try to read more of the book each day so that I can prepare my review, which I will definitely post at Amazon among other sites. There is a second bad review on Amazon now.

I would encourage everyone who has read the whole book in some format (print or eBook) to post a review at Amazon, no matter what one thinks of it. Since the author is planning a second volume, reader feedback is important.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Erika <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Erika' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 7, 2013, 7:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

To speak toward the lighter side of this topic, I actually hadn't seen some of those photos in the book. I specifically remember the one from "Station West" catching my eye.

Wow. One star at Amazon. Before it had been rated at Amazon, I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads. That's my true rating. To be fair, he did give technical film details that I never would've taken the time to put together. Also, there were a few personal details added that I never knew--that she rented the home at Kincardine (I don't recall reading about that address). There are things I can appreciate about the book to at least give it a 3. I've already stated my (very big) disappointments.

Also, how much of a liar would I be to rate it so poorly while realizing that I will probably, b###hing all the way, buy his forthcoming Agnes book? I'm that interested in her life and I personally haven't the research skills to find very much on my own.

PT, I hope one day you'll endeavor to write a book on Agnes. With your knowledge of the details of her life, I'm sure it would be a wonderful read.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Melanie <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Melanie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 8, 2013, 10:25 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"
Queen of the Harpies

You should leave your review on Aamzon.com, too, Erika. I think it is good to point out that there is new information and photos that you haven't seen before. Of course, it doesn't mean they will be new to everyone, but I think reviews are critical to help readers decide whether they want to invest of not.

Sow's ears are not made into silk purses by the addition of a few dandelions, Samantha!

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 12, 2013, 6:15 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

I want to thank PTourist for a magnificent, well-annotated review. I SO agree with the examples cited, which "ate away" at me as well. It just strikes me as ludicrous that anyone should be so critical of her acting abilities/how she portrays a character. To do this is to undermine her uncompromising devotion to her craft. As it is, Moorehead had so much to offer and such off-the-charts talent, it's a shame "Hollywood," as it were, didn't showcase her to the max. To then be critical about the "scraps" the industry handed this brilliant thespian is to add salt to the wound.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Erika <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Erika' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 12, 2013, 4:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

I agree with most all of PT's points though I really don't have a problem with criticisms of Agnes performances or acting. It's too subjective for me to be up in arms. I don't think her acting needs defending? Maybe that's just me.

I feel like I'm repeating myself but as I've said elsewhere and even suggested years ago, PT why not write a book yourself? Perhaps you can put a lot of untruths to rest.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 12, 2013, 6:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

My review does not call into question the book's right to criticize AM's performances. I think it's fine if someone doesn't like some or even most of AM's work, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, it doesn't make much sense to conduct extensive research and publish a book about an artist if one doesn't appreciate (most of) their work. If there is motivation to do so anyway, then the author needs to make a particular effort to be fair and accurate. To summarize the points I was trying to make:

1) Not a good value for the price
2) It's more of a themed cinema study in some respects, than a study of AM's film performances
3) Errors of fact throughout (many of which are easy to check online or by popping in a DVD -- no need to take my word on most of the items I pointed out)
4) Disrespectful, rude, even cruel comments on AM and her associates, some of them thinly disguised as 'humor' and some not.

I don't think I have to undertake the writing of a book myself in order to point out what's incorrect or unfair or of limited value in a published work. Candid, yet courteous, reviews from the general public are useful. We need more of them.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Erika <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Erika' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 12, 2013, 8:24 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

I didn't think my pesky urging would prevail. Just seems logical from my POV. Doesn't hurt to try.

I look forward to any future corrections then.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 13, 2013, 6:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

Looking forward to any future corrections? Well, I've got several more. I included only half the list I had typed up, and I had stopped typing when I realized that I had many more than I could include already. If the moderators don't object, and if there is interest, I could post some more of the errata here. Melanie and Bob?

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Melanie <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Melanie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 13, 2013, 10:02 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"
Queen of the Harpies

His response to the latest review is outrageous. All he needed to do was ask other Agnes Moorehead fans and there would have been a line of "factcheckers" ready to assist him in getting this book ready to print for a mere credit and copy of the finished work. He didn't do his due diligence and when someone takes the time to cite page numbers and give corrections, he should be thankful and work on checking them out instead of labeling them as hysterical because the reviewer does not provide their full name.

You need to have very thick skin to be an author. In addition to choosing a subject matter that doesn't already have a well-received biography out there.

Sow's ears are not made into silk purses by the addition of a few dandelions, Samantha!

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by NewYorkSinger <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=NewYorkSinger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 13, 2013, 3:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

I am hurt by the response PTourist's well-thought-out review has gotten by the book's author, who calls us "cronies" and has apparently been reading this Board.

PTourist - your review was so intelligent, so fact-based and so "gentle," under the circumstances. If I were an author I would not attack. Nay! - I'd be grateful! - for the pointing out of said errors.

I also defend your position PTourist: anyone saying in effect, "Oh yeah? Well then YOU go out and try to write a book!", is part of the PROBLEM...not the SOLUTION!

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Dr. Bombay <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=DrBombay' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 14, 2013, 1:07 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"
Resident Bewitched Historian

In regards to the author's response to the reviews, it reminds me of what Endora said about Durwood in Season Three's "It's Wishcraft" after Mrs. Stephens said she wished Endora wouldn't criticize her son:

"Durwood needs no criticism from me. What's wrong with him is for the whole world to see!"

Mr. Nissen would serve himself better to not respond the way he is. Based on his childish responses alone I wouldn't buy the book.

"I never did dig what Sammy dug about that dodo." ~ Serena

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 14, 2013, 8:07 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

Doc, and everyone else FYI -- the author's comment to my review has been removed and replaced by a rewritten comment.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Melanie <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Melanie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 14, 2013, 9:31 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"
Queen of the Harpies

I'm thrilled to see that he has apologized in the updated comment and hopefully, he will use the errors you cite to update the book to offer a 2nd edition.

Axel has been trying to register here to post and I'm not sure what the problem is as I've been able to test post with the credentials supplied. But hopefully it will be sorted out soon.

Sow's ears are not made into silk purses by the addition of a few dandelions, Samantha!

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by ctranberg <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=ctranberg' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 14, 2013, 10:46 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

I have been reluctant to wade into this thread, but I just wanted to say that I have met Mr. Nissen on a couple of occasions when he came to Madison, WI to do research at the State Historical Society Archives. I have read that some of the concerns expressed is that he is not showing proper respect to Agnes in the book, but in meeting him let me say that he is truly an admirer of Agnes both as an artist and as a person. Out of all the actresses he wrote about in a previous book "Actresses of a Certain Character" he put Agnes on the cover which I think says something as well--and believe me, I don't think most authors will spend years researching the life and career of somebody they can't stand. At this point I can't add much more as I haven't yet read the book--but I intend to at some point.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Professional Tourist <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=protourist' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 14, 2013, 11:08 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

I hear you Mr. Tranberg, and we were all looking forward to the book -- that's why the finished product turned out to be an unhappy surprise. But I was already a little wary because the tone of the chapter on AM in the book "Actresses of a Certain Character" was one of dislike. And I must admit that the cover photo, although in color, was not the most complimentary. There are much nicer portraits of AM, both b&w and color.

If someone's writing on a subject leads the readers to believe that he does not like the subject, then the author might want to ask himself just why the readers are getting that impression. For my part, I've provided several examples of rude remarks, direct quotations with page numbers, which contribute to the forming of that impression. I could provide more examples if desired.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by ctranberg <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=ctranberg' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 14, 2013, 11:54 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"

Thank you PT, I certainly understand what you and all the others are saying--and respect it. As stated I have not yet read the book, but look forward to doing so.

Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!

Posted by Dr. Bombay <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=DrBombay' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 15, 2013, 1:24 am, in reply to "Re: Films of Agnes Moorehead book - Oh No!"
Resident Bewitched Historian

I'm very glad to see the apology. It's good when fans can come together

"I never did dig what Sammy dug about that dodo." ~ Serena

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