“A Recommended Read”

Many thanks to the distinguished film historian Stephen Michael Shearer for contributing this review of Rochelle Hudson: A Biography and Career Record.

And if you haven’t read his fine books on Patricia Neal and Hedy Lamarr, among others, what are you waiting for?

“The Review is In!”

Color me flattered by veteran film historian James L. Neibaur’s recent review of Rochelle Hudson: A Biography and Career Record. Jim calls it “an interesting, enlightening, and impressive portrait of both the person and the actress,” one that “gives us a truly thorough understanding of Hudson’s screen career as well as her life.” He adds that it’s “highly recommended for libraries, research centers, and fans of classic Hollywood.” (Are you listening, librarians, archivists, and readers?)

You can read the review in its entirety here. While you’re there, check out the impressive list of film books Jim has published over the course of a noteworthy career.

A First Look

Many thanks to noted film historian James Robert Parish for contributing the first Amazon review of Rochelle Hudson: A Biography and Career Record, which he says “gives [the] subject Grade A treatment,” and offers “many noteworthy facts on her life on- and off-screen.” 

I’m flattered by his kind words, which I hope will encourage more readers to get acquainted with the fascinating Miss Hudson.

It’s Here!

I was excited to see author copies of Rochelle Hudson: A Biography and Career Record arrive on my doorstep this week, which means it can also be in readers’ hands shortly. In addition to the link above, you can find it at Amazon and other online bookstores. The print version is out, with eBooks to follow shortly. I’ll also share a few reviews as they come in.

I enjoyed learning about her life and career, and hope you will too.

Cover Reveal!

Here it is! The beautiful cover of my forthcoming book, Rochelle Hudson: A Biography and Career Record, due out later this year:

You can read more about it here.

It's Done!

I'm very happy to report that I have submitted the completed manuscript for my book on Rochelle Hudson, which should be published by McFarland this year or early next year. (You can safely bet I'll keep you posted!)

Now perhaps I can be a little more of an active blogger here. I've received a couple of interesting books that I look forward to reviewing soon. Other than that, I might just be lazier than usual for a bit. Thanks for your support.

The Fun Part

Once a first draft is on paper, next comes is one of my favorite parts of writing a book -- proofreading and editing. 

The preceding paragraph was a complete lie. 

But I am plugging away nonetheless, doing my best to deliver the most polished and accurate manuscript possible. Hope you'll see the results in the new year.

New Book in 2022

I'm delighted to announce that I've signed a contract to publish a book on the life and films of Golden Age actress Rochelle Hudson, coming from McFarland next year.

Born in 1916, Rochelle was trained for stardom from childhood by her ambitious mother. In 1930, the fourteen-year-old landed her first studio contract, and a year later was named a WAMPAS Baby Star. In the 1930s, she made such classic films as Imitation of Life and Les Misérables, and worked with stars like W.C. Fields (three times), Shirley Temple, and Henry Fonda. 

Married four times, Rochelle and her first husband, a Navy man, went on espionage expeditions during World War II on behalf of Naval intelligence. In the 1950s, she was the leading lady of the television comedy series That's My Boy, and played Natalie Wood's mother in Rebel without a Cause.

Rochelle died young, in 1972, but her life was full of accomplishments and intrigue. She's a fascinating lady. I hope you'll be interested in reading her story.

Your Sister Did WHAT?

That look you reserve for your sister-in-law. The one played by Joan Crawford. The one who's coming to live with you. The one who was just released from a mental institution after twenty years. For committing axe murders...

Happy birthday, Rochelle Hudson! Born March 6, 1916, she became a movie ingenue in the 1930s, named a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1931. Some thirty years later, having paused along the way to play Natalie Wood's mother in Rebel Without a Cause, she made the acquaintance of flamboyant director William Castle. He gave her two of her last movie roles, in his shockers Strait-Jacket (pictured above) and The Night Walker. Miss Hudson died in 1972.