The first film covered by Charles Mitchell in this fine book happens to be my favorite "devil" movie of all time - the film noir "Alias Nick Beal," starring Ray Milland as Satan and Audrey Totter as his unwilling femme fatale accomplice out to ensnare the soul of an ambitious politician (Thomas Mitchell). And reeling me in, Mr. Mitchell also includes such classics as "The Devil and Daniel Webster" and "Heaven Can Wait," the wonderfully camp "The Devil's Rain" (with Ernest Borgnine, of all people, as the Devil), and the abysmal "Satan's School for Girls." In addition to the ninety-five films and terrific photos presented in this exhaustive work, there are two appendices - one listing more than 100 obscure "devil" films dating from 1896 to 2000 and another covering 18 actors, including Fred Astaire, Burgess Meredith, Mickey Rooney, and Julie Newmar(!), who have portrayed the Devil on television. Mr. Mitchell, the author of "Screen Sirens Scream!" and "The Hitler Filmography," has written a detailed and entertaining book that deserves to be in every film buff's library.

This is a dun book with a "Devil may Care" approach. Each film is completely annotated with witty and sometime hilarious reviews (and, as a change of pace, a few profound observations). Are you looking to learn more about the silent classics? STUIDENT OF PRAGUE (1913 or 1927) or Murnau's FAUST. This is the right place to come. Many delightful photos, plus rating system that separates the wheat from the chaff. You will find more scree devil's than you ever dreamed existed..singing devils (such as Ray Walston and Danny Elfman), comic devils (such as George Burns and Stanley Holloway), charming devils (such as Laird Cregar and Vincent Price), charming devils (such as Ray Milland or Max von Sydow), sinister devils (such as Richard Burton or Victor Buono) or really creepy devils (such as Jeff Goldblum or Michael York). This book can be enjoyable when read in short spurts or an all night readathon. Plus the information in the appendix alone is an expert compendium. Recommended

When I first began reading THE DEVIL ON SCREEN, I looked for my favorite films---Mitchell begins with ALIAS NICK BEAL (1949)with Ray Milland as 'the Devil.' He goes through all of the screen credits, gives an annotated cast listing, an appraisal and succinct synopsis, a word on the actor's performances and finally, some notable quotes from the screenplay. Stills and lobby cards are included wherever possible.

The author's forte is that he uses this configuration for every film he analyzes---and his perception is always on target!

For example, besides the fantasy element in BEAL, Mitchell also
catches the aspects of "film noir," which make his review doubly rewarding. He knows his film music, especially the noirish Franz Waxman score (which has gone unrecorded all of these years) but more importantly, despite all of the detailed turns of the plot, Mitchell uses original source information to enhance the chapter.

He interviwed Audrey Totter, one of the film's stars, who related some "inside information" about her fellow actors, their attitudes on the set and her dissatisfaction with the studio, Paramount, which promoted the film badly. Mitchell hopes for its "rediscovery" and as a reader, I applaud his critique---not for just this film but the hundred or so films he accurately and astutely examines with his fine sense of critical purview.

Mitchell's book is an A to Z of "devil films," with two excellent appendices, a thorough and useable index and wonderful stills and lobby cards that entice the reader to read a review of a film that he or she may NOT have seen. His publisher has also done justice to the author's work because of its beautiful, artful and colorful front and back covers and has produced a library bound edition worthy for purchase for collectors, libraries and for those of us who are fascinated by the theme of the "devil in cinema."

Too bad Mitchell had to begin his critical analysis in 1913 and ended it in 2000---for there must be some "devilish" films out there through 2002---and his gaze is not only on American cinema but international films that come under his critical view--such as the 1922 silent Danish work by Ben Christensen, HAXAN, which was recently brought out on DVD by Criterion and that French sound marvel from 1942, LES VISITEURS DU SOIR with Arletty and Jules Berry as the Devil. Certainly, Mitchell's exploration of the theme is comprehensive, detailed, insightful and at times, even humorous.

This is a book I have always wanted for my own collection---and Mitchell's other books, one on APOCALYPTIC CINEMA and a GUIDE TO FILMS OF CHARLIE CHAN (both published by Greenwood Press)[Note: Mitchell's book on CHAN is the BEST ONE ON THE MARKET!]-- are worthy forerunners in film criticsm to this new DEVIL work from McFarland & Co. I hear by the critical grapevine that Mitchell has something in the works about "HITLER IN FILM" and possibly a biography of RICHARD BASEHART, one of the most neglected character actors of the late forties and early fifties. I hope my sources are correct and we also see these future volumes--but I am still content with THE DEVIL ON SCREEN for now---there is so much good "stuff" in it that I can hardly put it down.

I happened across The Dona by accident. Having never once read a western, I had no idea what to expect. But The Dona did not disappoint. It's a classic story of good against evil and Mitchell's prose flows so smoothly I found it very hard to put down the book. I also learned quite a bit about early California, which made the book that much more enjoyable. If you've never read a western before, I can highly recommend it. And if you're a veteran of them, this one is sure to rank very high on your list of all time favorites.

In the spirit of the great westerns by Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey, The Dona transports you to another world, another time where love knows no barriers and good always prevails. Mr. Mitchell leads you through life in a California rancho, showing the rich and beautiful customs of the Mexicans that inhabited the California foothills. The characters are as real as they get and you find yourself rooting for the good guys. An engaging story eagerly guides you to the suspensful ending. In a world were everone is searching for complex and hidden meanings, The Dona is simple, pure enjoyment. This is a classic good guy vs. bad guy story. A must read.

Mr Mitchell wrote a book that I could not put down. I picked the book up just to kill some time. Then I found that I could not put the book down. Yes, it was one of those. You could tell that the author did some research on this time period and the things that went on during the time. I throughly enjoyed this book and would highly recomend it to anyone.

First World Flight: The Odyssey Of Billy Mitchell by Spencer Lane is the impressive history of how, after the destruction of World War I and the military budget cuts of the 1920s, General Billy Mitchell decided to bolster popular and political interest in the U.S. Air Service by planning the very first successful world flight. Against political pressures, limited funds, and the very oceans themselves - the Pacific and North Atlantic had never been crossed by air before - General Mitchell dared to found a milestone in aviation history. First World Flight is an incredible and exciting read, and one which is especially recommended for aviation history buffs.

This book brings to life the world of Aviation as it existed at the beginning of this century. Spencer Lane has written a book that is not only difficult to put down, but one that provides an education and insight into a time few of us know well. The excitement and danger of the early aviators, and especially the First World Flight is a gripping tale, well told and worthwhile. I would suggest this book to any American who wants to see the American Spirit in action.

Be careful when you start this book, because you won't want to put it down!

First World Flight tells the tale of Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer and military hero who orchestrates the first flight around the world to promote the role of aviation in the United States. Author Spencer Lane steps into the shoes of the brave pilots who persevered to make the dream of flight a reality. Aviation, history, and war buffs will particularly enjoy this story of bravery, dedication and the will to succeed.

I think I read about your book in Essence or saw it on Oprah, can't remember, but I am so glad that I did. It has helped me start a book club with a few friends that enjoy reading, but also just enjoy the company of other african-american women. It's a great way to get away from the husband and kids and bond with your friends. One thing that we are going to add to our club is a community kitchen, we will be cooking with one another also.

Great book!

Where else can you find: 1. The history of African American reading groups in America 2. The history of African American literature genres 3. The history of the only African American national reading group network

4. Previews of the works and interviews of national best-selling, award winning authors

This is a goldmine of information!!!!

This book is just what I needed to start a book club in my area. I have not quite read all about the different authors. Telling us from start to finish is the best outline I have ever read in starting a project like this one. Thanks so much for sharing a book like this for African American women.I will keep you in touch about the one I am going to attempt to start here in Columbia ,Tn.

This is the perfect book for big or little "collectors." They'll love Ebenezer Overall, the old prospector who saves everything for a rainy day and becomes the town hero as a result.

Ms. Mitchell's text is fun to read, and Mr. Chartier's illustrations are delightful.

Ebenezer was saving nails, lumber, shingles--all kinds of junk for a rainy day--and even though he took grief for his packrat ways, it was a good thing he did! When a monsoon wiped out the town, all that junk came in real handy--that junk and the gold Eb had been hiding for the rainy day that finally came. Eb models the ultimate community spirit when he shares it all...

If you're looking for a character-building, engaging story told with rich language, this is a great choice. What's more, the illustrations are really appealing and feature different-hued people. Let's see more from Marianne Mitchell, please.

This book outlines a rather novel approach to the quest for a career in Hollywood. My opinion is that it can be successfully applied with very little modification here in the UK.
Additionally, the acting technique described in this book is brilliant and I've found an immediate improvement in my own acting talents as a result of having studied it. This is not an admission I make lightly!
I highly recommend it to those seeking a career in front of the camera.

This book is the best acting class I've ever had!

After reading this book,I now understand why my acting "career" never took off. The authors have explained things in such a way as to make me feel absolutely stupid for not having seen things more clearly when I was taking my shot at the silver screen. Sadly, my time for that has passed me by, but my daughter is reading the book so I doubt she'll make the mistakes I did. As to the technique, it is nothing short of revolutionary and should send shock waves through the fraternity of acting coaches. The added benefit to my wife and I is that my daughter needn't be leaving home just to get things going in Hollywood.

I am a kindergarten teacher that has a passion for Cinderella stories and my students and I agree this is one of our favorites! It has the traditional theme with a 'Western' touch. You will want to share it with others and have one copy for library! GREAT READ!

A newfangled, wrangler Cinderella? You bet your boots! Cowboy boots, that is.

Joe Cinders' three lazy stepbrothers, Butch, Buck and Bart Bronco, spend their days counting buzzards in the sky while poor Joe, an orphan, does all the chores. When pretty Miss Rosalinda invites them to a fall fiesta at her ranch, the three brothers decide to go.

That night, as raggedy Joe is out watching the herd, a man with 'baggy old overalls, a wool serape, and a crooked stick in his hand' appears out of the darkness amid 'sparks swirling like dust devils.' He provides Joe with some fancy new duds, a four-wheeled 'bronco' and instructions to leave when the midnight fireworks begin. And, well, we all know the rest' (Substitute red cowboy boot for glass slipper.)

This book's charm lies in the author's clever use of Westernisms and its light-hearted illustrations.

This is a great retelling of the classic Cinderella story. It has some really funny cowboy type humor, yet keeps that fairy tale feel throughout. The pictures are filled with many little details that I missed the first time through. This is one book you'll want to read again and again.

This refreshing work is a literary trinity composed of these elements: philosophy, pragmatism, and playfulness. Randy Mitchell arouses your spirit for learning and its application with the ultimate goal of making a difference. His word gifts inspire our present and enrich our future. This book will serve as a great primer for the practitioner. It deals with issues not learned in school, but that are ubiquitous in higher education. Most of all, the book engages you to discover your own answers to the perplexing questions posed.

Dr. Mark J. Warner, Vice President of Student Affairs, James Madison University, and Author of THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM

Randy Mitchell's down-to-earth, personable writing style might initially obscure the wide variety of settings where this book could be used. It's obviously a rich source of material for student affairs staff development, at all levels. But it also has utility for other divisions/areas on campus, for other educational organizations, and for the corporate world. Organizations of all kinds could benefit from talking more about WHY they're doing something, not just about WHAT. Although getting employees to examine the WHY questions is difficult, any of Mitchell's warm reflections would be a perfect catalyst.

Fabels, Labels and Folding Tables is small in size but big in heart. If you are interested in how to educate college students, or if you just want to know how to reflect on your life's work, this book is packed with amusing experiences, poignant reflections, and invaluable tips from an author of obvious wisdom and passion.

Without question, college students learn as much or more outside of class than they do in class, and the people that construct those learning experiences are as talented, passionate and dedicated as any group of teachers. This fascinating book takes you inside that world and reveals many truths about the process by which we help young people grow and succeed. In some places the book unfolds in wonderful stories that anyone, anywhere can relate to... in other places the book resembles a veritable college student owner's manual.

Books from a successful Broadway or off-Broadway show are typically pretty silly, or at least pandering about how fabulous it is. This is a decidedly curious marketing tool, since it comes out after the show has lost its steam in New York, before the movie is made, and while the show is sort of on tour.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch was a really fabulous off-Broadway show, though I don't think the script on paper will quite capture the experience and power of it. Still, as it is a most worthwhile production, any marketing tool behind it is assuredly for the bet.

For some people, the stage production of Hedwig And The Angry Inch was this greally great Off-Broadway musical. For others it taught them a little bit about themselves, about those around them, and about their lives. John Cameron Mitchell's text laces beautifully with Stephen Trask's lyrics to dish out an emotional beat down that hurts so much you love it.

If you haven't seen it, I'll admit, reading the script isn't going to do it for you, but if you've at least heard of it, go out and get yourself the CD and read along between the songs. There's also some incredible photography to look at, many of which haven't been seen before. You get a semi-decent idea of what's going on on stage, anyway. It's quite a show by some extremely talented people. I will never forget Hedwig or her brain parents as long as I live.

Well, I guess what I really have to say is, "wow!" I've been listening to the Hedwig soundtrack since it came out, but I never got a chance to see the play, and, consequently, I missed out on a GREAT deal. While this book doesn't replace seeing a show, it does contain the entire script. So now I've caught up and know more exactly what all of those fabulous songs are about!! And what a story . . .

Buy the soundtrack, and if you are at all moved, the next logical step is to buy the book. You will not be disapointed.

I thought the book was enjoyable to read and has some good suggestions on ways we can treat ourselves better and slow down our lives. A wide variety of topics is covered and references to further reading are noted if there is one area that is of interest (journaling, altars...). The book has good ideas for creating special places within our homes for us and everyone else to feel comfortable and relaxed.

I'm actually the author's neice, so I read the book when it first came out in 1996. However, I got married a year ago and reached for the book again to get inspiration for turning my new 'house' into a 'home'. This book is fun and easy to read and it is full of good ideas for decorating, living, and developing family traditions. I would recommend it as a wedding gift, a housewarming gift, or just a 'feel good' read. The cover is attractive and looks great on a guest room nightstand!

Be sure to check out her other works as well as her contributions in the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series!

Beer in America parallels the development of the country from the earliest settlers to the awakening of industrial America. Along the way you learn that nearly every founding father was a beer drinker and often a brewer.

Not intended as a history book, it is the story of how beer was there as the country developed. The book provides an excellent introduction to how the United States affected beer and brewing, and how beer was there at some of the most important moments in the country's young life. In the second part of the story individual topics guide the book, from the earliest prohibition movement, to the development of homebrewing, commercial brewing technology and colonial beer-based cocktails.

Beer in America is highly recommended as a light hearted look at beer, brewing and History