Hollywood Urban Legends: The Truth Behind All Those Delightfully Persistent Myths of Film, Television, and Music

by Richard Roeper

Book Overview

Recounts stories written and circulated via email and the Internet regarding Hollywood stars past and present, from John Wayne's supposed draft dodge to Mel Gibson's barroom brawl, and reveals the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1564146472
• ISBN13: 9781564146472
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: New Page Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

What FUN!

I have been reading Urban Legends since "The Vanishing Hitchhiker" in the '80's. This is a great take on the subject, Hollywood and those "Famous" stories. I appreciate Roeper's debunking, and he does and especially nice job with Marylin's dress size. Unlike one person in the book, I don't consider Roeper to be "Mr. Urban Legend", that title is reserved for Jan Harold Brunvand. Brunvand's books are what you want to read for a general understading of Urban Legends. This book, however, is alot of fun to read.

Recommended reading!

My wife and I first heard this book being promoted on television and as avid readers of entertainment publications and books, I figured that I would give Richard Roeper's second book on "Urban Legends" a try. Once I received the book and started reading a few pages, I was instantly hooked. Next thing you know, I read the book completely. It's that entertaining.The book covers mostly urban legends relating to movies and television and a few on music. Without revealing too much what's in the book, here are a few urban legends that some of you may or may not know:* Was John Wayne a draft-dodger? Can America's movie icon who was portrayed in many movies as a military hero be a draft-dodger in real life? True or False?* Did Monica Lewinsky actually tell Larry King, "I've learned not to put things in my mouth that are bad for me"? True or False?* Did Tom Green really attend a Bar Mitzvah dressed as Hitler? True or False?* The reason why the Little Rascals is no longer on television is because Bill Cosby purchase the rights of "The Little Rascals" and he didn't want it shown anymore because of the shows portrayal of Blacks? True or False?* Did Mama Cass of the Mamas and Papas die of a ham sandwich? True or False?* Did Jane Fonda really betray P.O.W.'s during a trip to Hanoi? True or False?* Is the children's song "Puff the Magic Dragon" by Peter, Paul and Mary about Marijuana? True or False?* Was Lucille Ball a communist? True or False?* Is there a curse among the actors who were on any of the "Poltergeist" movies? True or False?Roeper does a great job setting up the urban legend and gathering and analyzing the facts necessary to prove the urban legend right or wrong. As a person who never really cared too much for urban legends or followed many of them, I found the book very interesting and informative. I mean, how would I ever know that Chachi of the TV series "Happy Days" was popular in Korea because his name literally translated to "penis". Of course, for many people who have followed these legends, this book may be of no use to you because it may be a rehash of old legends that you may have known about already. But nevertheless this is one entertaining book that I wouldn't mind sharing with friends.Recommended reading!

Does "Chachi" really mean that?

I saw Richard Roeper on The Tonight Show the other night with this book. He was really funny so I decided to buy it and the book does not disappoint. Some of the stories about the stars I had heard for years and thought were true. I can't believe they're not! It was really interesting to read about some of the other hollywood gossip. My favorite one was the "Joanie Loves Chachi" urban legend. The book is hilarious, just like Richard Roeper was on the show.

The guy knows his movies!

I have to admit I'm a Roeper fan from watching him with Roger Ebert. I was a Gene Siskel fan, too, but I think Richard is, in his own right, a wonderful foil to Ebert. Having admitted my prejudice, I have to say that I enjoyed this book even more than Urban Legends, his previous book. While that covered everything, this really concentrates on movies and TV (and, to a lesser extent, music). And it's fascinating! The very last legend is the absolute best. I'm not going to ruin it for you, except to say that it concerns Matt Groening (creator of the Simpsons) and is the best, best, best! It's at the end of the book so maybe you want to buy it and turn right to the end! It's not a mystery so you won't miss anything. You can still go back and read about Bogart, Ronald Reagen, the Duke, Lucille Ball, Johnny Carson, Eminem and all the stars who have supposedly died! '

Thumbs up, again!

Once again, Richard Roeper has given the reading public something to savor. In Hollywood Urban Legends, Roeper has compiled some of the most interesting legends about Hollywood and its stars, from Lucille Ball and John Wayne to Eminem and Tom Green, and has debunked them all. There is something for everyone here, all in one place. What makes this book great is Roeper's writing expertise and his wit. His humor and natural storytelling ability make this book a fantastic read, over and over again. Roeper is a true master. Readers and lore-lovers alike will return to this book time and time again, not only to enjoy reading the truth behind these myths, but to continue the discussion about them and keep them alive. Great job, Rich! Can't wait till the next installment.