At last, a life story with everything but the movie stuff edited out.This amusing memoir chronicles film critic Betty Jo Tucker's love affair with film from the 1930s through the beginning of the new millennium. It also includes interviews with show biz celebrities and selected movie reviews.
In addition to revealing personal movie-related anecdotes and experiences in CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT, film critic Betty Jo Tucker describes encounters with such veteran actors as Mickey Rooney and Charlton Heston, as well as with current stars like Angelina Jolie, Billy Crudup, Guy Pearce, and Brendan Fraser.
Added attractions in this amusing "life-at-the-movies memoir" include: a Movie Addiction Checklist; a compendium of books and Web sites for movie fans; selected interviews,photos, and reviews of over 70 films released during 2000 and 2001 A.D.
CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT won first place in the memoir category at the 2012 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards Contest.
Excerpt
It all began with FRANKENSTEIN. I remember being a frightened 6-year old hiding under the seat at Clyne's Theater in Pueblo, Colorado, hoping for protection from that scary monster on the big screen. Despite my terror, I couldn't stop peeking. Both horrified and amazed, I became hooked on movies then and there.This addiction continued throughout my childhood and adult life. I even fell in love with my husband partly because he resembled a certain handsome actor, and we named both our children after movie stars.
Reacting to my obsession with film as a pre-teen, my mother actually tried to land me a part in a movie. After learning about MGM's search for a young girl to star in NATIONAL VELVET, she sent the studio a picture of me on a horse. Unfortunately, that role went to Elizabeth Taylor. Go figure!
Professional Reviews I Hate Betty Jo Tucker
Warren Epstein, film critic for THE GAZETTE in Colorado Springs, writes, "I hate Betty Jo Tucker. As a fellow Colorado film critic, I've loathed her for years. Sure, you can call it professional jealousy. But see it from my perspective. We all go to a film festival. Most of us get an article or two out of it. Betty Jo gets an adventure. She ends up being served dinner by the filmmakers, for heaven's sakes! Well, now I have to put up with her new book, CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT, and believe me, it's about as Betty Jo as it can be. She takes us behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, sharing her favorite celebrity interviews and revealing her personal connections and passions for the movies. As if we care. (OK, the mishap at her first X-rated film had me laughing. But just a little.) You'll probably read this book and fall in love with Betty Jo. Fine! See if I care."
Thumbs Up!
Betty Jo's passion for movies, the insights she brings to her reviews and interviews, and her marvelous talent for taking you right along with her into the theater make CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT a must-read --- even for non-addicts.
---- Liz Larrabee, author of RANDOM PIECES: VIGNETTES FROM THE THIRTIES and LIZ LARRABEE'S BOOK
Betty Jo...
I enjoyed your book. Many interesting anecdotes. Some of them delightful. You've had quite a life and have met some very talented people. For me it was musicians though, not actors that I bumped elbows with. The story of you and Larry was unexpected. One of the things I've learned about abiding love, is that once it takes root you cannot kill it. Michele and I still live in SoCal. Aside from the California government, we love it down here nestled in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains. The picture of you, Jonny Lee Miller, and Angelina Jolie, was precious. Your life was certainly (and still is) very special dear Betty. You are one-of-a-kind. Regards. Richard
I always enjoy your well written, informative reviews
m
Reviewed by James Colt Harrison
Reviewed on June 6, 2002
A Funny Look at Movies
by James Colt Harrison, editor of National Film PreVue Magazine
If Oscar's were given for the funniest book of the year, then "Confessions of a Movie Addict" by Betty Jo Tucker would win hands down! Film critic Tucker is as star-struck today as she was as a little girl when she was frightened out of her wits by FRANKENSTEIN and later in high school when she did impersonations of Rita Hayworth singing "Put the Blame on Mame." She fell hopelessly in love with the movies and movie stars. The affection she developed warped her mind from that point on to her present day success as a film critic. It has been said you have to be nuts to be a movie critic, and Tucker would probably agree.
Tucker takes us through her life in a chatty, gossipy way that serves the book's topic well. She regales us with hilarious personal encounters with movie stars and directors. Her unique and jolly way of looking at films is sampled in the reviews that are also included in the book.
If you love movies as much as I do, you'll love CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT. I haven't had so much fun since I watched a Laurel and Hardy comedy. Short of doing pratfalls, Tucker will set you laughing out loud with her confessions.
The city of Savannah, Georgia, long celebrated by tourists and natives alike for its charm, beauty, and cultural diversity, adds another jewel to its fabled crown. ELEMENTAL: The Power of Illuminated Love is a celebrated gift book by two of the city’
I enjoyed your book. Many interesting anecdotes. Some of them delightful. You've had quite a life and have met some very talented people. For me it was musicians though, not actors that I bumped elbows with. The story of you and Larry was unexpected. One of the things I've learned about abiding love, is that once it takes root you cannot kill it. Michele and I still live in SoCal. Aside from the California government, we love it down here nestled in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains. The picture of you, Jonny Lee Miller, and Angelina Jolie, was precious. Your life was certainly (and still is) very special dear Betty. You are one-of-a-kind. Regards. Richard
I always enjoy your well written, informative reviews
m
by James Colt Harrison, editor of National Film PreVue Magazine
If Oscar's were given for the funniest book of the year, then "Confessions of a Movie Addict" by Betty Jo Tucker would win hands down! Film critic Tucker is as star-struck today as she was as a little girl when she was frightened out of her wits by FRANKENSTEIN and later in high school when she did impersonations of Rita Hayworth singing "Put the Blame on Mame." She fell hopelessly in love with the movies and movie stars. The affection she developed warped her mind from that point on to her present day success as a film critic. It has been said you have to be nuts to be a movie critic, and Tucker would probably agree.
Tucker takes us through her life in a chatty, gossipy way that serves the book's topic well. She regales us with hilarious personal encounters with movie stars and directors. Her unique and jolly way of looking at films is sampled in the reviews that are also included in the book.
If you love movies as much as I do, you'll love CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT. I haven't had so much fun since I watched a Laurel and Hardy comedy. Short of doing pratfalls, Tucker will set you laughing out loud with her confessions.