We know what you’re thinking, but take a closer look at that title. This exposŽ bares all about the first performances of Hollywood’s stars in the movies. Remember The Cry Baby Killer? How about A Party at Kitty and Stud’s? Or Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hey! Just the inauspicious beginnings for Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone and Marilyn Monroe.
The road to fame is always filled with a few detours, and Their First Time in the Movies takes the biggest stars from every Hollywood era and reconstructs their rise to the top. Author Les Krantz captures the "it" factor for more than 70 actors, charting their intriguing family histories, hidden passions and goofy first gigs in bite-sized bits of information on two-page spreads. Filled with delicious movie arcana, it’s fascinating reading for film fans. Who knew that Robert Redford turned to acting after losing interest in a professional baseball career? Or that opera was Meryl Streep’s first love? Looking at the full-page, black and white photos from their early days, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see star quality in these gorgeous young thespians. A young John Wayne puts today’s heartbreakers to shame; although she was nicknamed "Sophia Toothpick," Ms. Loren radiates sensuality; a dewy Marilyn Monroe looks almost virginal.
After you’ve read the history on the big-screen-bound, pop in the companion video and DVD to see the actual footage of 30 of the top performers making their debut. Or head out to the local video store you might get a good laugh from a full viewing of Julia Roberts’ Blood Red, Harrison Ford’s Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round or Clint Eastwood’s Revenge of the Creature, the highly praised sequel to The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Hey, you’ve got to start somewhere!
