Gregory William Mank Livres

Focusing on the lives and careers of 21 iconic leading ladies and monsters from classic horror films, this book explores their contributions to Hollywood's legacy of terror. It highlights the unique challenges they faced, including sexual harassment and exploitation, while showcasing their roles in legendary stories alongside figures like Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster. The narrative intertwines cinematic history with personal struggles, offering a compelling look at these actresses as both stars and survivors in the film industry.

Inspired by John Steinbeck's tragic novella, this film adaptation is renowned for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. Released during "Hollywood's Greatest Year" in 1939, it boldly confronted societal taboos, earning a nomination for Best Picture at the Oscars. The film's haunting portrayal of friendship and dreams amidst hardship has left a lasting impact on cinema history.

Exploring the intersection of horror and femininity, this book delves into the lives and careers of 21 iconic female figures in classic Hollywood horror films. It highlights their roles as leading ladies, femme fatales, and even monsters, while addressing the darker side of their experiences, including exploitation and harassment. Notable figures like Elsa Lanchester and Gloria Holden are featured, showcasing their contributions to the genre and the cultural impact of these legendary characters amidst the backdrop of cinematic terror.

They made fans go crazy and censors apoplectic, spent fortunes faster than they made them, forged Rembrandts and hung them in major museums, went on trial for committing statutory rape with necrophiliac teenage girls, reinterpreted Hamlet as an incestuous mama's boy,and swilled immeasurable quantities of spirits during week-long parties on wobbly yachts.They were "The Bundy Drive Boys," and they made the Rat Pack look like Cub Scouts.Their self-destructiveness was spectacular, the misanthropy profound, but behind the boozy bravado was a devoted mutual affection. The Bundy Drive Boys' un-bowdlerized stories have never been illustrated so well or told so completely as within Hollywood's Hellfire Club.Author Gregory William Mank also wrote It's Alive!: The Classic Cinema Saga of Frankenstein and Hollywood Cauldron.

The film adaptation of John Steinbeck's tragic novella explores deep emotional themes and societal taboos, making it a landmark in Hollywood history. Nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in 1939, it stands out in a year renowned for cinematic excellence, showcasing the haunting and passionate storytelling that characterizes Steinbeck's work.

Set in 1931 Hollywood, the story unfolds during the production of Frankenstein at Universal Studios, which hopes to thrive amidst the Great Depression. A self-proclaimed witch, conducting a Black Mass in Malibu, cunningly weaves her way into the film crew, capturing the attention of Colin Clive, the talented yet troubled actor portraying Dr. Frankenstein. This narrative intertwines themes of ambition, seduction, and the darker elements of creativity, as the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur on set.

Laird Cregar's haunting portrayal of Jack the Ripper in 1944 marked the peak of his troubled career as a typecast villain. Standing 6' 3" and over 300 pounds, he struggled against his image, yearning to transform into "a beautiful man." His extreme dieting efforts ultimately led to his untimely death at 31. This first biography delves into the poignant life of the talented yet tragic actor, featuring appendices on his film, theatre, and radio contributions, along with many previously unpublished photographs.

Set in 1931 Hollywood during the Great Depression, the narrative revolves around Universal Studios' ambitious production of Frankenstein. The story unfolds as a self-proclaimed witch, who conducts a Black Mass in Malibu, cunningly weaves her way into the film crew. Her seductive influence particularly captivates Colin Clive, the talented yet troubled actor portraying Dr. Frankenstein, leading to a blend of supernatural intrigue and the challenges of the film industry during turbulent times.