In the Moment: My Life as an Actor

Book Description

For the first time, the acclaimed actor Ben Gazzara (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Anatomy of a Murder, Husbands, Saint Jack) shares his intimate account of more than fifty years in film, theater, and television.

The son of Sicilian immigrants, Ben Gazzara began acting at age sixteen in New York City’s Italian American community. Making the improbable leap to the Actor’s Studio in the 1950s, Gazzara learned his craft alongside stars such as Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe, and went on open-calls and auditions with James Dean. But Elia Kazan turned Gazzara into a star when he hand-selected him to originate the role of Brick in the landmark Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Gazzara made the jump to Hollywood with Otto Preminger’s Anatomy of Murder, bringing him national stardom. Nevertheless, Gazzara is most celebrated for the innovative movies he made with John Cassavetes — movies that in the 1970s helped launch today’s independent film movement.

In the Moment takes readers behind-the-scenes and onto the movie sets, revealing how movies were created through an intense collaboration between actors and their director. Gazzara’s more recent films continue to shape the independent film tradition for a new generation.

Customer Reviews:

I make movies and travel extensively. My life is great. .......2005-10-04

This is not very good. That is to say, the writing and the fluidity of Gazzara's life become bland and uninteresting quite fast.
I initially picked it up because as an actor I find biographies or autobio's about somewhat lesser known people more curious than approaching someone like Paul Newman or Brando, who each have several books...And Gazzara's career has been an intruiging one. As a member of the Actors Studio, which produced the aforementioned actors along with countless others, his rise to Broadway and Hollywood was quick. He originated Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and played his first film for Otto Preminger-opposite James Stewart and George C. Scott, among others-in Anatomy of a Murder.
But his approach to acting, which is of primary importance to me, was not chronicled. Instead he regales with stories of what and who the people he worked with were like. What the particular country he was shooting in was like, etc., etc.
One of his primary sources of regard is his work with John Cassavetes, and it is clear Cassavetes was a major influence and close friend, someone Gazzara owes much, and the process by which they created Husbands and other films is investigated more than any other. Cassavetes too comes out as a more interesting, Larger Than Life guy, while Gazzara's tales of living in Italy, or being in Spain, New York, Hollywood, the Philippines, etc., etc. just made me jealous...
I guess I wanted to know more about the life of an Actor who has worked as long as Gazzara has, is still relatively known-but never became a "star," and continues to work, without feeling he is a hack who doesn't take his work seriously...

I like actor autrobiographies........2005-08-09

Mr. Gazzara had an interesting life and did some good work.

He said-she said.......2005-01-18

Interesting book if interested in author. His claim to have Hepburn at his beck and call until he found someone "better" sounds a bit self serving in light of the fact Hepburn never mentioned the supposed affair to any of her friends according to Barry Paris' book on Audrey. Could it be that Ben is a legend in his own mind?

He LIVED the GOLDEN AGE and tells his story!.......2004-12-30

I saw Ben Gazzara in the new movie, "Broadway: The Golden Age" and really liked him. It inspired me to get this book and I certainly don't regret it. It is fascinating to hear his first hand stories of growing up in NYC and becoming part of the golden age of Broadway and then his first hand stories of making films with John Cassavettes and everyone else under the sun. I also really appreciated his honesty about his battle with depression. He does a great service by telling the truth - and helps many who suffer from the disease. An inspiring and moving book!

ACTING WELL AND BEHAVING BADLY.......2004-12-19

When you're a septuagenarian looking back on a life marked by intoxicating highs and terrifying lows, you have a story to tell. Noted actor Ben Gazzara certainly has a story - and he tells it well. There aren't any ruffles and flourishes in this showbiz bio but rather a candid, straight forward account by a man who, as they say, has been there, done that.

The son of Sicilian parents, Gazzara grew up on New York's Lower East Side where he lived with his mother, Angela, and his father, Antonio, who never learned English and yearned to return to his native land. Older brother, Tony, is gay. Remember this was a time when being gay was unacceptable and, if you were gay, the Lower East Side wasn't any place to be.

Describing himself as a lonely child, Gazarra found company and inspiration in movie houses. He was an altar boy, and came upon acting quite by chance at the Madison Square Boys Club. From there he made a giant leap to the Actor's Studio in the 1950's where he trained with Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe. His big moment arrived when Elia Kazan tapped him to play the role of Brick in the original production of "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof."

Otto Preminger's "Anatomy of Murder" marked his Hollywood debut, and along with it came recognition that here was a major talent. For the next twenty years Gazzara worked with most of Hollywood's luminaries. He also married actress Janice Rule, which proved to be a disaster for both. During that time the actor is frank about his one-night stands and affairs with Audrey Hepburn, Eva Gabor, and Elaine Stritch.

The film "Bloodline" (1979) brought Hepburn and Gazzara together. Of their first meeting on the set he writes, "My jaw dropped. She seemed to have appeared in close-up. Her large glistening eyes, set in that exquisite one-of-a-kind face, set me back on my heels." The pair romanced their way across the world. But, it ended when he met and fell in love with his future wife, Elke. "She (Hepburn) was so kind and sweet," he writes. "Amazing. And I hurt her."

There was more hurt to come as Gazzara became clinically depressed following the death of his best friend, John Cassavetes, in 1989. Next, he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1999. Following radiation and a lengthy recovery period, it was back to what he loves to do - act.

The heart of Gazzara's story for this reader is his obvious love for his craft, a profession he honors. There are many reminiscences about working with the greats - Elia Kazan, Edward Albee, Peter Bogdanovich, his idol, Jimmy Stewart.

He didn't take home an Oscar or quite become a super star. Of this, he writes, "...I was never jealous of another actor, `cause I was really pleased with myself, with my talent. I knew I had the goods."

He does, indeed, have the goods.

- Gail Cooke

Book Description

Who Will YOU Be?
·Information on every profession, including Holy Paladin and Evil Necromancer
·Maps for every area, including the new and unexplored region of Malas
·Tips for using the custom house design tool to build the house of your dreams
·How-to for the new magic item system to help you create an endless array of magic items
·Updated stats and skills for all creatures, including 20 NEW monsters
·Combat tactics for the 13 new special moves, and more!

Average customer rating:

For all Ultima Fans, a must read!
Ah, nostalgia
Excellent book for fans of the Ultima series!

The Official Book of Ultima
Shay Addams
Manufacturer: Compute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0874552648

Customer Reviews:

For all Ultima Fans, a must read!.......2002-09-14

Smashing! Explains it all, and is exceptional in its coverage of how Ultima IV came together. Wasn't exactly how I pictured it, but tied up a lot of loose ends.

After reading this - you'll have to play 1 through 6 again just to see all the easter eggs, the in-jokes, the hidden items, and see it all in a whole new light.

Ah, nostalgia.......2000-06-15

This book took me back to childhood days in front of my Commodore 64, wandering the realms of Sosaria and Britannia. Fans of the famous computer-game series will get a kick out of this book, although it is dated -- I think it only goes up to Ultima VI.

Excellent book for fans of the Ultima series!.......1997-07-04

Shay Addams' companion piece to the first 6 titles in the Ultima series, "The Official Book of Ultima", will appeal to fans of the games on two fronts:

The first half of the book is a well-written, lively history of the Ultima series, all the way back to Richard Garriot's first game, Akalabeth. Addams presents all the usual anecdotes, but adds many new stories to the legend of Lord British and the company he founded, Origin Systems.

The second half of the book consists of solutions to the first 6 games in the Ultima series, including a full solution to Ultima I, the first such solution ever published. The solutions are written in a narrative style, as if the game character is actually experiencing the game, rather than the usual "Click here, do this" type of solution we're all familiar with.

Amazon.com

Origin's The Second Age update to its Ultima Online massively multiplayer role-playing game world provides new territory to explore and new monsters to battle. In order to make sense of the game's new surroundings--and the many changes in Ultima Online (UO) since its inception--Prima's official guide to the game provides information on everything from basic statistics and skills to dungeon diagrams for the die-hard adventure seeker. The book provides a thorough breakdown of each of the key aspects of the game, including skills, weapons, and magic spells. Other topics of interest, such as player-owned vendors and player-run guilds, are also covered. A complete bestiary covers all of the original UO beasties, as well as the mysterious creatures to be found in the new lands. You'll learn all about Ophidians, Terathans, Titans, and Ostards, among others. The book also includes a graph explaining the game's complex reputation system, as well as a brief listing of some of the many "Easter eggs" you might find in Ultima Online.

A full-color map of Britannia and the new lands of The Second Age comes with the book. On it, you'll even find thumbnail guides to each of the many dungeons in the game. More complete maps of these underground caverns can be found at the back of the book. Lastly, the guide offers a complete listing of the gateways between the original lands of Britannia and the new lands of The Second Age. Simply put, this book is as valuable a resource to current UO players as the first UO guide was at the game's inception. Don't wander the new lands without it! --Michael Ryan

Book Description

Analysis of creature and NPC behavior and stats
Explanations of magic and combat systems
In-depth advice on developing skills and occupations
Tables of weapons and armor stats
Maps to guide you on your dungeon crawl
Full-color map poster with all towns, dungeons, shrines, moongates, and paths to the Lost Lands revealed
Check out these //updates.

Customer Reviews:

Ultima Online.......1999-11-25

This book is great! The only downside is that it is not for newbies but that's ok because im not one.

This book is a great help to any UO player........1999-08-29

This book will help you on your way threw the roll-playing adventure that the makers of Ultima On-Line have created. Without this book there is a very big chance that you will get lost in the very large world of UO.

Some Useful Information, But missing in many areas........1999-07-13

Paying an extra $15-$20 for a Guide, you would think that you would find answers to your questions. Too much editorial, not enough helpful hints. What do the switches in Covetous level 1 do? How many skill points in smithing do I need before I can smelt agapite ore? These are the questions that all of us face, but that nobody, most notably this book, have answered.

Great but not for newbies.......1999-05-06

Good book, I liked it even though there wasnt much for newbies, however I am not a Newbie so I Liked it

Superb.......1999-04-24

An absolute jem. A must for all Ultima fans

Ultima Collection : Prima's Official Guide to Ultima Collection

Average customer rating:

A very comprehensive guide
Ultima
Must have for the Ultima Adventurer!

Ultima Collection : Prima's Official Guide to Ultima Collection

Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Video & Electronic Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Ultima Collection

ASIN: 0761514856
Release Date: 1998-02-18

Amazon.com

The first eight installments of the Ultima series of fantasy role-playing games may be a little old, but they are still a lot of fun to play. This guide to the Ultima Collection provides all the information you'll need in order to complete each of the 10 games included in the package. If you're not careful, you'll thumb right past the two-page section on Akalabeth, Richard Garriott's (a.k.a. Lord British) first ever role-playing game. Each of the other Ultima games--from I through VIII--are described in intricate detail, with more complex write-ups devoted to the later, more complex installments. Maps of the changing game world and the many towns in each game are extremely helpful. Hints and tips are plentiful and range from the infamous "clone ship" exploit in Ultima II to the complex route through the Ice Dragon's Lair in Ultima VII, Part 2: Serpent Isle. There's even a nice big color pullout featuring the world maps for each of the Ultima games. Simply put, this is the perfect companion to an excellent compilation of classic games. -- Michael Ryan

Book Description

The Ultima Collection is a complete record of one of gaming's longest-running, most ground-breaking achievements. Prima's Official Guide to the Ultima Collection is the perfect companion - a complete compendium of all the knowledge necessary to complete these classic games and unearth the secrets of the magical land of Britannia!
Solutions to 10 classic games including Ultima I through VIII, Serpent Isle, Forge of Virtue, The Silver Seed, and Akalabeth.
Complete Walkthroughs
Hints and Tips
City and Dungeon Maps
Useful Lists
Copious stats for creatures, weapons, and spells
Plus a two-sided, pull-out color poster of all the world maps from all the games, translated into English.

Customer Reviews:

A very comprehensive guide.......2001-08-20

All essential information for playing Ulima I-VIII and Akalabeth is in this book. One small problem: the Ultima VIII section is based on an older, slightly inferior version of the game -- it should have been updated. However, it is good enough to get you through most tough spots.

Ultima.......2001-06-03

Not much to say... I love RPGs and these are some really cool classics.

Must have for the Ultima Adventurer!.......1998-07-02

At first glance the early Ultima games seem quite simple, but don't let the stick figures and pixilous graphics throw you, this is hardcore role-playing at its best. This book gives you everything from the beautiful detailed maps of every game, to prices of every item at every store, plus hints and walkthroughs (and dungeon maps!!) But watch out, there are a few spoilers for some of the puzzles as well. So if your in a stuck, or maybe just looking for a quick way to beat one of the games, this book is for you.

Ultima IX: Ascension (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)

Average customer rating:

This book makes the game more of an experiencee
A wonderful guide...
Walkthrough lacking, but additional info is TERRIFIC!
Great if use as a reference
The Frustration Pill

Ultima IX: Ascension (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)
Inc. IMGS
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Video & Electronic Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Ultima 9: Ascension

ASIN: 0761515852
Release Date: 1999-12-01

Book Description

Discover what the answers to the gypsy's questions will get you.
Learn the strengths and weaknesses of your weapons, armor, and enemies before you come across them.
Unearth the locations of spells, reagents, and other magics.
Study the maps of the dungeons to quickly find the artifacts you need.
Review the area maps to plan your travels through Britannia.
Meet the characters and creatures of Britannia during the detailed walkthrough outlined inside.
Bonus: Interview with Richard Garriott

Check out these //updates.

Customer Reviews:

This book makes the game more of an experiencee.......2001-10-26

First of all, if you haven't, play the Ultima Collection(that may not be possible as it is currently not availible!). The Ultima Collection will give you some story background and continuety. Ultima 9, however lacks continuety, but you will still have a much better experience if you play at least Ultima VI, VII(and part II) and Pagan.

This book gives you some insite into this game. Do not read the walkthu's until you have finished a given section of the game(eg. dungeon, shrine, towne sub-plott, ect.) The walkthru's are spoilers and have a lot of info partaining to the plott. Much like Serpent Isle's clue book did for me. However, they can be useful for getting unstuck. (That is not likely in this game) and give usefull tips on where to get good wheapons and items. If you are wondering about how to 'be nice' to people and adhear to the virtues, that information is in here(unlike Ultima 4, where you had to second guess). There are a few things that will hurt your Karma that cannot be avoided. Undocumented is taking the hammer from the goblin in Paws. That will hurt your Karma, he is evil and he is dead and doesn't need it anymore, but never-the-less, it hurts your Karma! Taking wheapons/gold from other goblins, however, does not hurt it. Killing the brat who throws fireballs at you(find out for yourself) General rule, don't be rude, help the needy, speak the correct mantra at a shrine, and never turn down a quest(most especially clensing the shrine). Some choices aren't that simple, however.

A wonderful guide..........2001-08-20

While the walkthrough lacks somewhat in truly useful details, it does have great item lists and spell descriptions. The interview with Ultima creator Richard Garriott is a must have for any Ultima fan. The dungeon maps, though not of the best resolution, are useful in navigating these places. Greater coverage of where to find items of any kind would be helpful as well, though.

Walkthrough lacking, but additional info is TERRIFIC!.......2000-01-04

Being a web author of cluebooks myself, I found the Walkthrough section EXTREMELY lacking. It explains the most obvious things that a player could have easily figured out him/herself, but is very lacking on the specific areas where most players get stuck. On the other hand, the background info for the game, items lists, and character creation info is GREAT! The 48 page interview with Richard Garriott at the end is pretty interesting, too. For the die-hard Ultima fan, or someone looking for a handy reference to the game, this book is an absolute must-have. But, if you're just looking for solutions to the game, much better help is to be found by searching on the Net!

Great if use as a reference.......1999-12-24

This strategy guide provides great deal of information regarding spells, armours, weapons etc. It really helps the readers to understand the rules of Britennia. However, it lacks details about quests and many little things that Avatar can do while fighting Guidian. Personally I think it worths the money.

The Frustration Pill.......1999-12-19

Ultima IX, Ascension is, in many ways, geared towards adults. Unfortunately, it is not specifically geared towards fans of previous Ultima games. What this means is: the clues are few and far between, and everything you already know about Ultima is probably not going to help much. Fortunately, we have this strategy guide. It is well structured, so that you can get the hint you need without spoiling much at all. It gives you just the boost you need to stay interested in Ultima IX, the best Ultima game since Ultima IV by my opinion. (The virtues are back!)

Ultima Online: Lord Blackthorn's Revenge (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)

Average customer rating:

Nice but not very usefull
It's ok, but...
Great information for any player

Ultima Online: Lord Blackthorn's Revenge (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)
Inc. IMGS
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Internet Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Video & Electronic Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0761539115
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Customer Reviews:

Nice but not very usefull.......2002-05-03

I play UO almost since the game is out and I have the two previous Prima's UO books. The last one was for The Secong Age which was the first expansion for UO.

When I bought the previous book I was disappointd to see that the content was the same except for some fiction which was lost and some more monsters.

Now with three more "updates" (Renaissance, Third Dawn and Lord Blackthorn's Revenge) which brought in two more worlds (Trammel/Fellucca and Illshenar), a faction system and many new other things the book would have seen a major overhaul.

Nope. Nothing. Nada.

The book has been "updated" and is still handy to have some good info on creatures, monsters or weapons and printed maps (which are few and too small)... The only section I found interesting was the chapter on previous background events and characters of Britannia and the other factes, but it is still too short for my taste. Another "bonus" is an interview with Todd "Spawn" McFarlan. A last and disappointing point is that no fold out map is included this edition of the book.

In the end I recommend this book to newcommers who don't own one of the previous books or to customers who like to have some printed references. If you surf often on the previous mentionned site and use the third party program UO Automap then this book is a luxury.

It's ok, but..........2002-04-25

I'm a veteran player of UO, but it's nice to have reference materials around. This guide is pretty good. But I keep finding places where I wish it went just a bit further.

It gives information about tradeskills, but doesn't give you the practical walkthrough on how to actually use them. It has spell lists, but not the details on how exactly they work and how best to use them. It's not "hands on" enough for a complete beginning, but it's not detailed enough for a veteran.

It does have a pretty complete set of maps, but these are all available online through the UO Automap (which is included in the game CD thesedays). It does have the usual reference materials--what ingredients you need for what.

I guess I'd recommend buying it, at least if you have enough disposable income to not be concerned about it. But if you have one thing you can get with your [money] this week, this wouldn't be my choice.

Great information for any player.......2002-03-26

This book has just about every detail you need to successfully play this game to its full potential. The maps and pictures are great and the information is well organized. This is a must for all UO players, Young or Veteran

Book Description

Now in its third edition, The Treasury Bond Basis is the mandatory reference text for Treasury bond and note futures trading rooms around the world. This updated edition reflects the numerous market changes, chief among them the Chicago Board of Trade’s decision to switch from an 8 percent to a 6 percent conversion factor. Revisions include greater detail on hedging and trading, updated explanations of options valuation and short delivery options, and discussion of global bonds futures trading and applications.

Customer Reviews:

Yet another masterpiece for the doctor.......2003-01-07

After reading the Doctors masterpiece three times, i had enough of his theta gamma explanations. I am an avid reader who greatly enjoyed the Doctor's complicated explanations. I totally agree with Elvis. Great work again doctor

Yet another masterpiece for the doctor.......2003-01-07

Top class reference.......2001-03-22

I've been working in Futures & Options research for 3 years now, and this has proven to be the best refernce guide available. Terrence elucidates the concepts and mechanisms underlying the treasury bond basis with eloquence and intellect. His other work, Eurodollar Futures and Options, is also a great reference for the shorter end of the curve.

THE textbook for basis trading.......2001-03-22

This is simply the only truly readable and authoritative book on its subject. Terry Belton is acknowledged as being the foremost authority on futures research, and this book bears it out. If you're thinking about basis trading, or work in the derivatives market, this book is well worth a look.

(I should also mention that Terry is my boss..doesn't stop it being a good book, though. Hope I get that raise!)

Simply Outstanding.......2000-12-27

Dr. Belton has once again outdistanced himself from other writers on this topic. His clear concise style is refreshing.Belton provides all the technical details needed and presents them in a logical and easy to follow manner.A must for any risk manager. I strongly recommend this book and Dr. Belton's previos work, Eurodollar.

Average customer rating:

Treasury Bond Basis

Manufacturer: MCGRAW-HILL BOOK COM
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GTBX1K

The Treasury Bond Basis (Mcgraw-Hill Library of Investment and Finance)

Average customer rating:

The Treasury Bond Basis (Mcgraw-Hill Library of Investment and Finance)
Galen; Belton, Terry Burghardt
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFMK54

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books