A Mad, Mad, Mad World [Scarce Full Leather First Edition Signed by Author]

by Stanley Kramer, Thomas Coffey

1st edition 1st printing hardcover fine book & fine dw condition. In stock shipped from our UK warehouse

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Film

262 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[M.R. Dowsing · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir barely skims the surface of Kramer's private life, focusing instead on the genesis and making of each of his movies, some of which receive more attention than others. There are some interesting behind-the-scenes stories and it's an entertaining, light read, but it never really goes very deep.

[Steve Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serviceable memoir of producer/director Stanley Kramer’s career in motion pictures. Kramer discusses his film successes and failures and brings interesting backstory to them. I will say that I grew tired of his tendency to explain away one box office flop after another.

One would think that after so many years at his craft Kramer would have keyed in better on the essential elements of success. Periodically he would have roaring successes like “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” or “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?”, but one sees these as almost accidental, as if Kramer had succeeded in spite of himself.

Stanley Kramer’s inclination always ran toward social commentary in his films, but what if as the commentator your perspective is slightly off target - or so on target as to be pedantic where one wants to be artful?

Still, Kramer made the films he wanted to make even if he himself was never truly satisfied with them and could never quite put his finger on why.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step behind the scenes of a Hollywood producer who has brought so many great stories to life. This is an interesting read and a sneak peek at the real happenings in an unreal world.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personable and frank, this was a joy to read for the movie and the people he met, but it lacked a confidence and insight into himself that would have been nice to read.

[Eve Diana]

eh

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great memoir by producer/director Stanley Kramer, primarily discussing the films he first worked on as a producer, then began directing. He directed such classics as the title film (unusual for him to do a comedy film, and then do one of the best ever done); Judgment at Nuremberg; Inherit the Wind; Ship of Fools; On the Beach; Guess Who's Coming to Dinner; and many more.

My only complaint is that I wish each chapter on the movies he directed would have been much longer, and a few more anecdotes about the making of each film included. Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable book.

**#7 of 120 books pledged to read/review in 2016**

[Anna Valenzuela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it interesting to read about the behind the scenes coming & goings of the movie business.