As a boy; Michael Simkins always wanted to be someone. While his friends were out getting laid and stoned; he was tucked up at home dreaming of his name in lights; of holding an audience rapt; of perhaps becoming a TV heart-throb; or having someone; anyone; ask for his autograph in the supermarket. This is the true story of an obsessive pursuit of acting fame. It is a life marked by occasional hard-fought successes and routine helpings of ritual humiliation: scout hut Gilbert and Sullivan; dodgy rock operas; sewage farm theatre workshop; Christmas panto hell; straight-to-video film flops; leading roles in Crimewatch reconstructions and dressing up as a chicken to advertise TV dinners. It is a hilarious tale of turgid theatre; tights; trusses and tonsil tennis with Timothy Spall.
#4422376 in eBooks 2013-10-16 2013-10-16File Name: B00BQ7WQFS
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Inside Stories from the Golden Age of HollywoodBy Mark KnowlesAs the author of this book; I was hesitant to write a review of it myself; however; I have have been receiving letters; cards; and phone calls from Alex Romeros family and friends and wanted to share just a few quotes from them.His nephew John said; "...the pictures alone are magnificent. And the copy is strong; enlightening and heartfelt...brilliant writing..."His niece Alix said; "What a wonderful book you created. I literally could not put it down. What a gift you gave us; and such rich; fun stories. When I finished it last night; I closed the book and laid it across my heart and cried."His daughter Judy read the book in Kauai on the same beach where her father worked on the choreography for "Pagan Love Song" with Esther Williams. She said; "I am so proud of you. What a lovely tribute to dad and our family. I have read it several times and refer to it constantly now that I have a reference point..."His daughter Melinda said; "Hope I told you how much I love the book. You did an amazing job sorting out all the stories. I remember you said you couldnt confirm that dad choreographed the Oscars and I want to tell you he did. I recall very plainly because I was shocked when I read the script and saw that all Bob Hopes supposed ad libs were actually in the script; typed right there on the page. Who knew??1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A fascinating read!By Christine A. ReiferThis is a fascinating look at the work of Alex Romero. The author had a unique perspective because he had been able to interview Romero to get first-hand accounts of his experiences. In a way; Romero finally gets credit for all the amazing choreography he did through this book. I look forward to reading Mark Knowles other books. Well done!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Definitely a MUST for any Musical Theater/Movie lover!By Marka D. RodgersI absolutely the personal way in which Mr. Knowles tells Mr. Romeros story; or should I say stories! This was an enjoyable and "easy" read. Easy in that it was captivating; as if I was there and part of this wonderful history! Definitely a MUST for any Musical Theater/Movie lover!