Books published by publisher BearManor Media

Don't miss this never before released recording of the Dr. Seuss story, dramatized for radio and directed by Daws Butler! Performed by Daws Butler and his sons, Chas and Don Butler, this radio play was produced by veteran award-winning producer Joe Bevilacqua, who talks with Daws' sons before the play. Daws Butler was the master of voice. His was the voice behind most of the classic Hanna-Barbera characters: Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quickdraw McGraw, Elroy Jetson, and a myriad of others. He also originated the vocal character of Cap'n Crunch and other famous Jay Ward cartoon characters. His significant work with Stan Freberg in the 1950s on The Stan Freberg Show and multimillion-selling records such as "St. George and the Dragonet" are still held in reverence today. He also ran a voice acting workshop for many years. Among his many successful students are Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, and Corey Burton from Closet Cases of the Nerd Kind.

The Miracle Worker. The Patty Duke Show. Valley of the Dolls. Those perennial film and television titles still reverberate with audiences entranced with Academy Award-winning film actress and Broadway and television icon Patty Duke. Patty first gained national attention and praise playing Helen Keller in both the Broadway stage and film versions of The Miracle Worker. As identical cousins on The Patty Duke Show, her name became an American household word. Her later work in Valley of the Dolls, Me, Natalie, My Sweet Charlie, a later television remake of The Miracle Worker, and dozens of other productions established her as one of America’s leading actresses. Patty’s previous autobiographical works, Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness, achieved New York Times bestseller status. Now, her indelible show business legacy echoes enduringly with untold stories of her six-decade career and the legends of her time, including Richard Burton, Laurence Olivier, Helen Hayes, Fred Astaire, Anne Bancroft, Judy Garland, President John F. Kennedy, Helen Keller, Margaret Cho, Garth Brooks, Gloria Vanderbilt, Lucille Ball, Darren Criss, Richard Crenna, Patricia Neal, Liza Minnelli, and Helen Hunt. For the first time, Patty also talks openly of her friendship with actress Sharon Tate and her grisly murder at the hands of Charles Manson. Illustrated with over 70 rare photos from both Patty Duke’s career and personal life, many never before published and from her personal collection. About William J. Jankowski: Since receiving his degree from Widener University, he has been interviewed for such publications as USA Today, and consulted on biographical television specials about Patty Duke’s work for A&E, ABC, Lifetime, and E! This is his first book. “Patty Duke was one of the most talented actresses I ever worked with. Her first hand account of anecdotes on her Hollywood career is a must read. This book is both fascinating and touching.” - Tab Hunter “I so enjoyed hearing Anna's (Patty's) voice in these prose! I adored her as an actress. Most of all I adored her as a funny, kind and giving friend. Reading this book keeps her close and helps fill the empty space that she filled in my life.” - Joyce Bulifant

The Miracle Worker. The Patty Duke Show. Valley of the Dolls. Those perennial film and television titles still reverberate with audiences entranced with Academy Award-winning film actress and Broadway and television icon Patty Duke.Patty first gained national attention and praise playing Helen Keller in both the Broadway stage and film versions of The Miracle Worker. As identical cousins on The Patty Duke Show, her name became an American household word. Her later work in Valley of the Dolls, Me, Natalie, My Sweet Charlie, a later television remake of The Miracle Worker, and dozens of other productions established her as one of America's leading actresses.Patty's previous autobiographical works, Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness, achieved New York Times bestseller status. Now, her indelible show business legacy echoes enduringly with untold stories of her six-decade career and the legends of her time, including Richard Burton, Laurence Olivier, Helen Hayes, Fred Astaire, Anne Bancroft, Judy Garland, President John F. Kennedy, Helen Keller, Margaret Cho, Garth Brooks, Gloria Vanderbilt, Lucille Ball, Darren Criss, Richard Crenna, Patricia Neal, Liza Minnelli, and Helen Hunt. For the first time, Patty also talks openly of her friendship with actress Sharon Tate and her grisly murder at the hands of Charles Manson.Illustrated with over 70 rare photos from both Patty Duke's career and personal life, many never before published and from her personal collection.About William J. Jankowski: Since receiving his degree from Widener University, he has been interviewed for such publications as USA Today, and consulted on biographical television specials about Patty Duke's work for A&E, ABC, Lifetime, and E! This is his first book."Patty Duke was one of the most talented actresses I ever worked with. Her first hand account of anecdotes on her Hollywood career is a must read. This book is both fascinating and touching."- Tab Hunter

When veteran award-winning radio theater producer Joe Bevilacqua was a student in his final semester at Kean College (now Kean University) in 1982, he designed his own course, in which he produced and directed a radio version of Hamlet. Casting Kean faculty and students, and portraying the melancholy Danish prince himself, Bevilacqua did not simply complete his nearly four-hour radio adaption of Shakespeare's greatest work. He did so while carrying a double major in speech-theater-media-communication and English and while producing, acting in, and sometimes writing radio plays for the WKNJ Radio Theater he founded at the college station. He also portrayed Dr. Martn Dysart in Equus on the Kean Stage and worked 24 hours per week as the assistant manager of Kean's Writing and Math Lab. After graduating summa cum laude, Bevilacqua saw his production of Hamlet picked up and distributed by the National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB) and aired on public radio stations nationwide. Bevilacqua went on to become one of the most prolific radio-drama producers in the United States as well as an on-camera actor in such films as The Fly Room and The Better Angels. He also appeared in television shows, including portraying British General Bernard Montgomery in the History Channel's The Wars and the head of NBC in 1931 for HBO's Boardwalk Empire. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare at an uncertain date between 1599 and 1602. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatizes the revenge Prince Hamlet is instructed to enact on his uncle, Claudius. Claudius had murdered his own brother, Hamlet's father, and subsequently seized the throne. He also married his deceased brother's widow, Gertrude.

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 number-one 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!"

During his lengthy show business career, George Raft achieved the reputation as one of the screen's toughest and most convincing movie mobsters. His roles in Scarface, Each Dawn I Die, Invisible Stripes, Rogue Cop and Some Like it Hot were so convincing that audiences frequently thought they were watching the genuine article. Yet to classify Raft merely as a cinema gangster is to do him a disservice. He delivered equally strong performances in such classics as Night After Night, Bolero, Souls at Sea, Spawn of the North, They Drive by Night and Manpower, his success in these roles quickly establishing him as one of the top box office draws during the 1930s and 40s. But Raft just missed the brass ring of superstardom - due to his notorious friendships with men such as "Bugsy" Siegel and, more significantly, his famous rejections of films that his rival Humphrey Bogart turned into major triumphs: Dead End, High Sierra and The Maltese Falcon. Written with the generous cooperation of many of Raft's friends and co-workers, George Raft: The Man Who Would Be Bogart details the fascinating life and career highs and lows of a man who created an unforgettable image - onscreen and off.

The Miracle Worker. The Patty Duke Show. Valley of the Dolls. Those perennial film and television titles still reverberate with audiences entranced with Academy Award-winning film actress and Broadway and television icon Patty Duke. Patty first gained national attention and praise playing Helen Keller in both the Broadway stage and film versions of The Miracle Worker. As identical cousins on The Patty Duke Show, her name became an American household word. Her later work in Valley of the Dolls, Me, Natalie, My Sweet Charlie, a later television remake of The Miracle Worker, and dozens of other productions established her as one of America's leading actresses. Patty's previous autobiographical works, Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness, achieved New York Times bestseller status. Now, her indelible show business legacy echoes enduringly with untold stories of her six-decade career and the legends of her time, including Richard Burton, Laurence Olivier, Helen Hayes, Fred Astaire, Anne Bancroft, Judy Garland, President John F. Kennedy, Helen Keller, Margaret Cho, Garth Brooks, Gloria Vanderbilt, Lucille Ball, Darren Criss, Richard Crenna, Patricia Neal, Liza Minnelli, and Helen Hunt. For the first time, Patty also talks openly of her friendship with actress Sharon Tate and her grisly murder at the hands of Charles Manson. Illustrated with over 70 rare photos from both Patty Duke's career and personal life, many never before published and from her personal collection. About William J. Jankowski: Since receiving his degree from Widener University, he has been interviewed for such publications as USA Today, and consulted on biographical television specials about Patty Duke's work for A&E, ABC, Lifetime, and E! This is his first book. "Patty Duke was one of the most talented actresses I ever worked with. Her first hand account of anecdotes on her Hollywood career is a must read. This book is both fascinating and touching." - Tab Hunter "I so enjoyed hearing Anna's (Patty's) voice in these prose! I adored her as an actress. Most of all I adored her as a funny, kind and giving friend. Reading this book keeps her close and helps fill the empty space that she filled in my life." - Joyce Bulifant

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

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.

The thrill is far from gone. B. B. King, legendary Blues singer, electric guitarist, songwriter, and record producer, left a lasting legacy that reverberates through his influence on many later electric blues guitarists. Daughter Shirley, his only child raised by the King family, was there through his rise from rags to riches and on to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. From a cotton plantation to unforgotten ovations, B. B. and Shirley were known for performing tirelessly for appreciative audiences worldwide. B. B. never wanted Shirley to ride on his coattails. He challenged her to earn the King name while he was still alive. Her legendary father helped open a few doors along her rocky road from student to star, but Shirley’s magnetism and flair sparked her first success as an exotic dancer known as “Shirley King the Body Queen,” and eventually earned her the later crown, “Shirley King, Daughter of the Blues.” Remember a time when B. B. King’s voice graced daily radio airwaves? You recall such recordings as “Sweet Sixteen” (1960), “Rock Me Baby” (1964), “They’ll Come a Time” (1969), “The Thrill is Gone” (1970), “Let’s Stay Together” (1972), “Guess Who?” (1973), “Dolemite” (1975), and “The Human Tornado” and “Let the Good Times Roll” (1976). Those songs provide the undulating backdrop for an absorbing story that includes their behind-the-scenes brushes with Marcia Ball, George Benson, Billy Branch, James Brown, Eric Clapton, Sam Cooke, Robert Cray, Shirley Dixon, The Drifters, Redd Foxx, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Buddy Guy, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Jackson 5, Etta James, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Bonnie Raitt, Jackie Wilson, and Stevie Wonder.Discover B. B. King’s heartbreaking journey, the backstories and backstreets, and Shirley’s determination to rise above pain, an absentee father, B. B.’s controlling management team, and her lost loves to preserve B. B. King’s name and to keep their music eternally alive. After all, it was in her blood.Illustrated. Indexed. About Shirley King: the daughter of B. B. King, she lives in Chicago, performs around the country, and regularly travels to Portugal, German, and Brazil, where she headlines Blues festivals and pays tribute to her father. This is her first book.About Dave Smitherman: a professional writer and editor, his previous works include Shirley, I Jest by Cindy Williams; The Presidency in Black and White by April Ryan; At Mama’s Knee by April Ryan; Run, Holly, Run! by Kathy Coleman; Twice As Strong by Paul and JP Norden; Two Versions by Bill Hudson. He lives in the Washington, DC area.

The stunning new biography from Stone Wallace!During his lengthy show business career, George Raft achieved the reputation as one of the screen's toughest and most convincing movie mobsters. His roles in Scarface, Each Dawn I Die, Invisible Stripes, Rogue Cop and Some Like it Hot were so convincing that audiences frequently thought they were watching the genuine article.Yet to classify Raft merely as a cinema gangster is to do him a disservice. He delivered equally strong performances in such classics as Night After Night, Bolero, Souls at Sea, Spawn of the North, They Drive by Night and Manpower, his success in these roles quickly establishing him as one of the top box office draws during the 1930s and 40s. But Raft just missed the brass ring of superstardom - due to his notorious friendships with men such as "Bugsy" Siegel and, more significantly, his famous rejections of films that his rival Humphrey Bogart turned into major triumphs: Dead End, High Sierra and The Maltese Falcon.Written with the generous cooperation of many of Raft's friends and co-workers, George Raft: The Man Who Would Be Bogart details the fascinating life and career highs and lows of a man who created an unforgettable image - onscreen and off.