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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
A truly fascinating book - I learnt a lot about behind-the-scenes Old Hollywood, especially the predatory nature of many of the big studios, and how Howard Hughes took advantage of the system to entrap, monitor, control and essentially abuse young (some VERY young) women. I was intrigued to learn more about some of these perhaps lesser known actresses (at least to me) and some 30s/40s films I either hadn't heard of or/and haven't yet seen - I definitely want to see "Hell's Angels"(1930) and "The Outlaw" (1943).
I read this for The Movie Palace Podcast. You can listen to host Carl and I discuss the book at length: http://themoviepalace.libsyn.com/karina-longworths-seduction-w-raquel-stecher
I knew it was going to be good because Karina Longworth, and it was.
(For sheer writing and research, this should get 5 stars. But Hughes was so awful, I can't do it.)
(For sheer writing and research, this should get 5 stars. But Hughes was so awful, I can't do it.)
Longworth covered much of this territory on her podcast in the past, so long ago (relatively) that I can't remember what is different, but her writing style is engaging and keeps the pages almost turning themselves. Strikes a great balance between dish and a serious examination of what the Hughes story tells us about the way women were perceived throughout the middle of the 20th century. Longworth isn't explicit about parallels, but it's hard not to see the xenophobic, womanizing, not-quite-all-there Hughes in the current occupant of the White House, someone whose only real ability seems to be knowing how to sell himself and be surrounded by sycophants.
Was really bummed to learn that Ida Lupino was an FBI snitch, though.
Was really bummed to learn that Ida Lupino was an FBI snitch, though.
informative
slow-paced
I loved this book! It’s one long episode of You Must Remember This, masterfully told and narrated by Karina Longworth and a wonderfully researched look into the Golden Age of Hollywood.
dark
informative
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Karina Longworth's Seduction (subtitled Just When You Thought Howard Hughes Couldn't Be More Of A Garbage Person, Look Out!) is a fascinating & impeccably researched account of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
It baffles, it outrages, it entertains, often all in the same paragraph.
I've been a fan of Longworth's work for many years through her podcast You Must Remember This, and while she treads some familiar ground of those episodes in this work, she still keeps the reader thoroughly engrossed throughout. Even with only the most rudimentary knowledge of the films discussed (but with a love of consuming scandal), it's very easy to follow and I heartily recommend for a frothy non-fiction binge.
It baffles, it outrages, it entertains, often all in the same paragraph.
I've been a fan of Longworth's work for many years through her podcast You Must Remember This, and while she treads some familiar ground of those episodes in this work, she still keeps the reader thoroughly engrossed throughout. Even with only the most rudimentary knowledge of the films discussed (but with a love of consuming scandal), it's very easy to follow and I heartily recommend for a frothy non-fiction binge.