Books published by publisher BearManor Media

The Charlie Chan film series from 1931-1949 went through three lead actors and two studios over 44 films while still maintaining consistent popularity with moviegoers. This book looks at all of the films in the series, including early ones that are now lost, and examines each movie in context. Common themes, critical assessments, discussion of the director and the actors, period reviews, production information, and recollections from those who appeared in the films are all included. From its literary origins to its modern day controversies, The Charlie Chan Films continue to resonate as late as the 21st century.

"Like millions of people, I've been listening to June Foray for most of my life. I remember when I first encountered Rocky and Bullwinkle in their first season on TV, and falling under the spell of Jay Ward's sharply-written, wonderfully performed cartoons. What I can't remember is when I learned that the same woman who provided the voice of Rocky also acted as Natasha, Nell, and a host of other characters on the series, including the gravely-voiced fairy godmother who was patterned after character actress Marjorie Main. But as a diehard cartoon fan, it didn't take me long to memorize the names of the actors in the show's credits (fleeting though they were). "Around the same time I became enamored of Stan Freberg's comedy records, including such hit singles as "St. George and the Dragonet" and classic albums like Stan Freberg Presents the United States of America. The rich, colorful voices on those records became permanently ingrained in my consciousness, and in time I connected the dots and realized that June, Paul Frees, and Daws Butler were the same people I heard on so many cartoon soundtracks." - Leonard Maltin, from his Foreword

The Charlie Chan film series from 1931-1949 went through three lead actors and two studios over 44 films while still maintaining consistent popularity with moviegoers. This book looks at all of the films in the series, including early ones that are now lost, and examines each movie in context. Common themes, critical assessments, discussion of the director and the actors, period reviews, production information, and recollections from those who appeared in the films are all included. From its literary origins to its modern day controversies, The Charlie Chan Films continue to resonate as late as the 21st century.

This is an updated, expanded edition. Dear Barbara never had an itch she didn't scratch. - AC Lyles, Producer Barbara was like a Catholic church with a blazing neon sign out front. - Tony Provas, Barbara's fourth husband Men were fascinated by Barbara, and she knew she had them under her spell. - Bill Ramage, actor She was a worthwhile person and I only wish she had believed that. - Yvette Vickers, actress I will always love her as she, I believe, has always loved me. - John Lee Payton, Barbara's son Barbara has carved a niche in my heart, something I never expected to happy. - Lisa Burks, Franchot Tone's biographer

Gary Craig, actor, singer, and renowned radio personality, amused audiences on stage, film, television, and radio. He punked Walter Cronkite and tricked Whitney Houston. He shadowed Larry King, enthused Larry David, and acted with Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, and Christian Bale. Hartford’s #1 morning radio personality finally pulls the mask from the myriad myths surrounding him. Hilarious anecdotes, riotous pranks, and sidesplitting stories regale you with the raucous roots of his radio reign from humble beginnings to his current spectacular ratings on Hartford’s beloved WTIC-FM morning show, Craig and Company. Follow his footsteps as an underdog struggling to secure a niche career while reaching for the stars to follow his dreams. His upbeat, ribald, all American success story radiates joy and illustrates an inspiring example of how hard work and a determination to overcome obstacles can propel a man to achieve what others can only dream. Larry King says, “I’ve known Gary a long time, and he’s a super talent!”

ANDY KAHN, producer/composer of the #1 dance hit, “Hot Shot” is a jazz pianist, record producer and arranger, educator, vocalist, composer, businessman, music historian and archivist. He divides his time between residences in Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The Hot Shot Heard ’Round The World is the singular story of an extraordinary life deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, hit recordings, disco nights and delights, hot jazz, and the humbling experiences of achieving fortune and fame coupled with losses and gains. "My main man Andy Kahn has kept them rockin’ and dancing in the aisles for almost 50 years with his swinging jazz piano, his legendary dance hit 'Hot Shot' and now with this book The Hot Shot Heard ‘Round The World.” — Jerry Blavat, Radio Broadcaster and Music Entrepreneur

ANDY KAHN, producer/composer of the #1 dance hit, “Hot Shot” is a jazz pianist, record producer and arranger, educator, vocalist, composer, businessman, music historian and archivist. He divides his time between residences in Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The Hot Shot Heard ’Round The World is the singular story of an extraordinary life deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, hit recordings, disco nights and delights, hot jazz, and the humbling experiences of achieving fortune and fame coupled with losses and gains. "My main man Andy Kahn has kept them rockin’ and dancing in the aisles for almost 50 years with his swinging jazz piano, his legendary dance hit 'Hot Shot' and now with this book The Hot Shot Heard ‘Round The World.” — Jerry Blavat, Radio Broadcaster and Music Entrepreneur

Gary Craig, actor, singer, and renowned radio personality, amused audiences on stage, film, television and radio. He punked Walter Cronkite and tricked Whitney Houston. He shadowed Larry King, enthused Larry David, and acted with Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale. Hartford’s #1 morning radio personality finally pulls the mask from the myriad of myths surrounding him. Hilarious anecdotes, riotous pranks, and sidesplitting stories regale you with the raucous roots of his radio reign from humble beginnings to his current spectacular ratings on Hartford’s beloved WTIC-FM morning show, Craig and Company. Follow his footsteps as an underdog struggling to secure a niche career while reaching for the stars to follow his dreams. His upbeat, ribald, all American success story radiates joy and illustrates an inspiring example of how hard work and a determination to overcome obstacles can propel a man to achieve what others can only dream. Larry King says, “I’ve known Gary a long time, and he’s a super talent!”

At the top she made millions- at the bottom she scrubbed floors in a parish priest house. All the while she was making headlines around the world. What really happened?There was never a more boisterous or vivacious movie star than Betty Hutton. She bulldozed her way in Hollywood with spirit and spunk and good humor through a string of hits during the 40's and 50's to a singing Annie Oakley in Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun and that high flying trapeze artist in The Greatest Show On Earth. Her recordings demonstrated a boundless vocal range from zany romps to tear-stained ballads. Hutton's 1940's Big Band hits, her movies like The Perils of Pauline replaying constantly on television and video sales prove that Betty Hutton is back in style. Or maybe she never really went away. Now, here for the first time we have her story as related in her words about that life of one of the most popular Hollywood performers of her generation. Misinterpreted, misquoted and often fictionalized in the past, the true story of her rise and fall and redemption is spoken here as only she could tell it. In Rocking Horse Betty Hutton speaks for herself - through recorded interviews before her passing in 2007- from her own point of view of the spectacle, stardom and nostalgia. Who should know better- she lived it! She wanted her public to know the truth- they made her, stood by her through her ups and downs. This story Betty said is for them!

In his entertaining and touching memoir The Hot Shot Heard ‘Round the World, Andy Kahn relates the incisive and often back-stabbing stories involving his 1978 disco hit record “Hot Shot,” the astounding rise and fall of the disco movement and the in-credible evolution of the recording industry from analog to digital. He presents a wholly unique life that includes acting on stage at age nine, befriending actor Robert Preston, helming a pirate radio station at age eleven, the meteoric rise in his career as a jazz pianist, bandleader, musical archivist, jazz educator, arranger, producer for major record labels and as the co-owner of an influential recording studio in Philadelphia where artists like Stevie Wonder, Princess Grace of Monaco, The Gipsy Kings, Astrud Gilberto, Mayor Frank Rizzo, Bobby Rydell and The Dixie Hummingbirds came through its doors. Andy Kahn tells a deeply personal life story—one that’s hardly over.

Gary Craig, actor, singer, and renowned radio personality, amused audiences on stage, film, television and radio. He punked Walter Cronkite and tricked Whitney Houston. He shadowed Larry King, enthused Larry David, and acted with Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale. Hartford’s #1 morning radio personality finally pulls the mask from the myriad of myths surrounding him. Hilarious anecdotes, riotous pranks, and sidesplitting stories regale you with the raucous roots of his radio reign from humble beginnings to his current spectacular ratings on Hartford’s beloved WTIC-FM morning show, Craig and Company. Follow his footsteps as an underdog struggling to secure a niche career while reaching for the stars to follow his dreams. His upbeat, ribald, all American success story radiates joy and illustrates an inspiring example of how hard work and a determination to overcome obstacles can propel a man to achieve what others can only dream.Larry King says, “I’ve known Gary a long time, and he’s a super talent!”

At the top she made millions- at the bottom she scrubbed floors in a parish priest house. All the while she was making headlines around the world. What really happened? There was never a more boisterous or vivacious movie star than Betty Hutton. She bulldozed her way in Hollywood with spirit and spunk and good humor through a string of hits during the 40's and 50's to a singing Annie Oakley in Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun and that high flying trapeze artist in The Greatest Show On Earth. Her recordings demonstrated a boundless vocal range from zany romps to tear-stained ballads. Hutton's 1940's Big Band hits, her movies like The Perils of Pauline replaying constantly on television and video sales prove that Betty Hutton is back in style. Or maybe she never really went away. Now, here for the first time we have her story as related in her words about that life of one of the most popular Hollywood performers of her generation. Misinterpreted, misquoted and often fictionalized in the past, the true story of her rise and fall and redemption is spoken here as only she could tell it. In Rocking Horse Betty Hutton speaks for herself - through recorded interviews before her passing in 2007- from her own point of view of the spectacle, stardom and nostalgia. Who should know better- she lived it! She wanted her public to know the truth- they made her, stood by her through her ups and downs. This story Betty said is for them!