Mary Mallory – författare

Poised, cultured, and unforgettable, Grace Kelly had the aura of a princess, even before she was crowned. She exuded grace, polish, flair, and serenity as a fashion icon, actor, and humanitarian. Living with Grace is a captivating look at this elegant woman who has been an inspiration for many and whose legacy enlightens a new generation of fans. Seldom seen photos and outtakes are complemented by inspiring quotes from and about Grace and the famous roles she played. These words and images highlight what made her so iconic on film and in life.

Fans from around the world continue to be fascinated by classic-era Hollywood (1925-1960) and its larger-than-life stars. Nostalgia for this simpler, more glamorous time offers a safe and temporary escape from our complex lives. The authors capture this era with in Hollywood at Play, featuring unique and rarely seen images of such legendary stars as Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Judy Garland, W.C. Fields, and Tyrone Power enjoying fun and relaxation outside of their studios.Hollywood at Play presents iconic images of the classic stars taking time out from the demands of celebrity to enjoy dancing, bike-riding, roller skating, bowling, and playing tennis; diversions offering a chance to relax and be themselves. This delightful and unique book will appeal to classic movie fans, and enthusiasts of celebrity, fashion, and Hollywood history.The photos contained in Hollywood at Play come from the collection of Eddie Brandt’s Saturday Matinee, Hollywood’s first and oldest family-owned photo archive. From the 800,000 images available in their collection the authors have chosen over 200 fascinating and rare photos to include in this book. Among the photos are eight rare photos of a young Marilyn Monroe at play; Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland frolicking at a pool party; Steve McQueen and James Garner astride McQueen’s iconic motorcycle between takes of The Great Escape;Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee out on the town; Sammy Davis Jr. hamming it up with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra; and many others.

Poised, cultured, and unforgettable, Grace Kelly had the aura of a princess, even before she was crowned. She exuded grace, polish, flair, and serenity as a fashion icon, actor, and humanitarian. Living with Grace is a captivating look at this elegant woman who has been an inspiration for many and whose legacy enlightens a new generation of fans. Seldom seen photos and outtakes are complemented by inspiring quotes from and about Grace and the famous roles she played. These words and images highlight what made her so iconic on film and in life.

The early motion picture industry exploded in the 1910s when middle class audiences became hooked on the beautiful storytelling images flashing by them onscreen. As movie attendance exploded, more workers were required to produce this riveting new form of entertainment. Largely created by immigrants, the film industry creatively and scientifically evolved over its first few decades thanks to the work of people outside the traditional ruling class—immigrants, people of color, women—partly as a result of elites denigrating the fledgling field. As the moving picture business transitioned from neophyte to powerhouse, young and ambitious rebels—both men and women—energized and revitalized its output. At the same time, American culture was evolving as women sought the right to vote and work outside traditional fields, unions exploded, and immigrants contributed to flourishing businesses.Mostly written out of history, women provided an integral component for popularizing silent film and making it an enormous success, paving the way for Golden Age Hollywood. They often pioneered practices and established trends, leading several fields in its early days. Women were integral inproducing enough films for exploding demand in the industry's second decade. Men often resented their power and success, and as the studio system of massive factories and industrialization took hold, women found themselves out of favor and replaced.First Women of Hollywood will explore and illustrate the invaluable role and contributions of these mostly forgotten and unacknowledged pioneers.