What do you think?
Rate this book
In the Company of Legends
Starting with their award winning profiles of Fred Astaire in 1980, Joan Kramer and David Heeley documented the lives and careers of many Hollywood legends, establishing a reputation for finding the un-findable, persuading the reluctant, and maintaining unique relationships long after the end credits rolled. These were recognized as high-quality, definitive film portraits, which revitalized the genre and made it a mainstay of television programming.
This is their insiders’ view of the famous and the Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Lew Wasserman, Ronald Reagan, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Jane Fonda, Richard Dreyfuss, Audrey Hepburn, and Bette Davis, among others. Kramer and Heeley’s behind the scenes stories of the productions and the personalities involved are amusing, sometimes moving, often revealing, and have never been told before.
This is their insiders’ view of the famous and the Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Lew Wasserman, Ronald Reagan, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Jane Fonda, Richard Dreyfuss, Audrey Hepburn, and Bette Davis, among others. Kramer and Heeley’s behind the scenes stories of the productions and the personalities involved are amusing, sometimes moving, often revealing, and have never been told before.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2015
74 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 12, 2016
This book has been on my Amazon list for a few months. I'm probably not the target audience for this one, as I haven't seen any of the profiles directed/produced by David Heeley and Joan Kramer. But all the famous, "Old-Hollywood" names mentioned in the book's description sucked me in! By the time I was old enough to appreciate the works of Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Jimmy Stewart, etc. most of them had been dead for some time already. It's nice to read the experiences of working with these people, in their later years. And while remaining respectful, Joan and David still manage tell the truth, even when it doesn't always reflect well on the "star." My favorite ancedote was when Katharine Hepburn spoke of becoming friends with Michael Jackson and going to a concert of his (in her 80s!!!) with her 80-something housekeeper and her great-niece Schuyler Grant. It definitely made me laugh! Overall, I enjoyed this memoir and fully intend to look up the programs mentioned within. I'm especially interested in watching the Jimmy Stewart one, that's hosted by Johnny Carson. :)
February 9, 2016
My Thoughts....
I think I found this book on BookBud one day last week. It sounded interesting to me, so downloaded it, read it this week, and I really enjoyed it.
The book was a fun, informative behind the scenes look at famous celebrities for documentaries, most of them were for the PBS documentary shows. I would love to see them now, because I missed them the first time around.
It was quite interesting to see how these shows developed and all the work that went on behind the scenes to make the shows happen before they hit the airwaves.
It is a very positive view of the celebrities. No real dirt is dug up here, this book has no interest in such reporting. I found the book very refreshing. I especially enjoyed the stories about Katharine Hepburn, and Fred Astaire, since I have always admired their work.
If you enjoy stories about old Hollywood, as I do, I'm sure you would enjoy this one. I feel like I found a "gold mine" among a lot of fool's gold.
This book is a part of my Kindle library, and I enjoyed it enough to award it 5 "Golden" stars.
I think I found this book on BookBud one day last week. It sounded interesting to me, so downloaded it, read it this week, and I really enjoyed it.
The book was a fun, informative behind the scenes look at famous celebrities for documentaries, most of them were for the PBS documentary shows. I would love to see them now, because I missed them the first time around.
It was quite interesting to see how these shows developed and all the work that went on behind the scenes to make the shows happen before they hit the airwaves.
It is a very positive view of the celebrities. No real dirt is dug up here, this book has no interest in such reporting. I found the book very refreshing. I especially enjoyed the stories about Katharine Hepburn, and Fred Astaire, since I have always admired their work.
If you enjoy stories about old Hollywood, as I do, I'm sure you would enjoy this one. I feel like I found a "gold mine" among a lot of fool's gold.
This book is a part of my Kindle library, and I enjoyed it enough to award it 5 "Golden" stars.
May 27, 2015
Fun, informative behind-the-scenes look at a pair of director/producers who did profiles of famous celebrities for PBS. Also interesting to know how these things develop and the perspective of the writers was unique. It is - for the most part - a very positive few of the celebrity culture, however. No real dirt is dug up here and 99% of the big names profiled are written about in glowing prose. Our tabloid culture has, perhaps, prepared me for more salacious and scandalous details, but you will have to look elsewhere to find them since this book has no interest in such reporting. Refreshing, in its own way! Especially good are the many stories about Katharine Hepburn.
July 22, 2015
IN THE COMPANY OF LEGENDS
Joan Kramer and Davie Heeley
A very interesting book of award winning profile documentaries about the careers and lives of many Hollywood legends. Joan Kramer and David Heeley started with the first profile about Fred Astaire in 1980 that was so successful they just kept going on the next legend. Recognized as top in their field they became a mainstay of Television programming winning 5 Emmys and 20 Emmy nominations.
The behind the scenes stories of the legends were very revealing, touching, and giving us a glimpse of those we admired.
Joan Kramer and Davie Heeley
A very interesting book of award winning profile documentaries about the careers and lives of many Hollywood legends. Joan Kramer and David Heeley started with the first profile about Fred Astaire in 1980 that was so successful they just kept going on the next legend. Recognized as top in their field they became a mainstay of Television programming winning 5 Emmys and 20 Emmy nominations.
The behind the scenes stories of the legends were very revealing, touching, and giving us a glimpse of those we admired.
April 19, 2015
Interesting , Sort of
The authors certainly have had a lot of interesting experiences with Hollywood's biggest stars but the book was sort of a recap of the making of documentaries about those experiences and was just not that interesting. Only for those diehard Hollywood/movie star gossip lovers.
The authors certainly have had a lot of interesting experiences with Hollywood's biggest stars but the book was sort of a recap of the making of documentaries about those experiences and was just not that interesting. Only for those diehard Hollywood/movie star gossip lovers.
May 30, 2015
Starting in 1980 and lasting until 2005, documentary filmmakers Joan Kramer and David Heeley focused their creative eye on the best and brightest of Hollywood’s golden age. Beginning with Fred Astaire and including documentaries on other film greats like Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Spencer Tracy, Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, and Henry Fonda, Kramer and Heeley’s documentaries (many shown on PBS) won countless awards. They also allowed viewers to see these movie stars as they really were beyond the calculated machinations of the old studio system.
Now Kramer and Heeley are sharing their notable filmmaking careers, the stars they covered and all the hard work that went into making these documentaries in their hugely entertaining and fascinating book In the Company of Legends.
Kramer and Heeley’s documentaries showcased these stars film legacies, often bringing on other stars to talk about their peers’ notable work. But these documentaries recognized so much more than a movie star’s career. They also covered the anecdotes, opinions, ideas, friendships and odd quirks that made these stars so much more interesting than the glossy veneer of the studios’ publicity machine. And finding the innate humanity behind these movie stars is probably why Kramer and Heeley’s documentaries were so successful and why In the Company of Legends is such a great read.
While reading In the Company of Legends I couldn’t help be reminded why I love classic movies and the stars that made these movies so legendary. What a body of work these amazing talents left the world.
I also really appreciated the sensitive and respectful nature of Kramer and Heeley’s treatment towards their subjects. They are reverent without debasing themselves and their subjects. They never slip into embarrassing and unprofessional squealing fandom. Kramer and Heeley are both fair and firm (not exactly easy considering some of their subjects could be a bit challenging).
While it was fun to take a walk down a celluloid memory lane, I also loved the various personal stories the authors share about the stars. These stories showed more personable and relatable aspects of the stars. Sure, Katharine Hepburn could be a bit prickly, but when someone accidentally dropped some raspberry sauce on her couch, she just turned over the couch cushion-no muss, no fuss. Jimmy Stewart at the time was frail and a bit insecure, but once he put his toupee on top of his head, he regained some confidence and reminded everyone why he was a true star. The regal Audrey Hepburn made couturier Hubert de Givenchy a household name, but loved to kick back in simple sweaters and trousers (and being Audrey Hepburn, made them effortlessly stylishly). And my mom, a long time fan of the late Paul Newman, will be thrilled to know he was a funny, down-to-earth man, and fully devoted to his wife, Joanne Woodward.
I also learned about the lifelong friendships these stars had with each other. Jimmy Stewart and his wife Gloria were friends with President Reagan and the first lady, Nancy Reagan. Judy Garland was close to President Kennedy and would sometimes sing her signature song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to him. The oddest and most surprising friendship had to be the one Katharine Hepburn had with Michael Jackson. And she wasn’t exactly thrilled with his vulgar stage moves, and let him know it! Does that surprise you?
Through the In the Company of Legends I also learned about legendary movie mogul Lew Wasserman of MCA/Universal, the controversial theater troupe The Group Theatre, which was accused of being rife with Communists, and character actor John Garfield who you probably best know from the movie “Gentleman’s Agreement.”
Inspired by Kramer and Heeley I will probably treat myself to a classic moveie binge some upcoming week-end. And I’m thrilled my local library carries some of Kramer and Heely’s work. You know I’ll be checking them out soon.
As much as I enjoyed reading In the Company of Legends, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of a loss. I know we will never go back to Hollywood’s golden age and the studio system, which is probably a topic for another book. However, I do feel a sense of melancholy on how fame has been so cheapened in this day of inspid bloggers, reality show cretins and other assorted D-list celebrities. In the Company of Legends reminds the important of talent and hardwork that leads to lasting and deserving fame. One I hope our society can get back to. But nevertheless, thank Joan Kramer and David Heeley. In the Company of Legends is a book I will treasure and turn to again.
Originally Published at the Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
Now Kramer and Heeley are sharing their notable filmmaking careers, the stars they covered and all the hard work that went into making these documentaries in their hugely entertaining and fascinating book In the Company of Legends.
Kramer and Heeley’s documentaries showcased these stars film legacies, often bringing on other stars to talk about their peers’ notable work. But these documentaries recognized so much more than a movie star’s career. They also covered the anecdotes, opinions, ideas, friendships and odd quirks that made these stars so much more interesting than the glossy veneer of the studios’ publicity machine. And finding the innate humanity behind these movie stars is probably why Kramer and Heeley’s documentaries were so successful and why In the Company of Legends is such a great read.
While reading In the Company of Legends I couldn’t help be reminded why I love classic movies and the stars that made these movies so legendary. What a body of work these amazing talents left the world.
I also really appreciated the sensitive and respectful nature of Kramer and Heeley’s treatment towards their subjects. They are reverent without debasing themselves and their subjects. They never slip into embarrassing and unprofessional squealing fandom. Kramer and Heeley are both fair and firm (not exactly easy considering some of their subjects could be a bit challenging).
While it was fun to take a walk down a celluloid memory lane, I also loved the various personal stories the authors share about the stars. These stories showed more personable and relatable aspects of the stars. Sure, Katharine Hepburn could be a bit prickly, but when someone accidentally dropped some raspberry sauce on her couch, she just turned over the couch cushion-no muss, no fuss. Jimmy Stewart at the time was frail and a bit insecure, but once he put his toupee on top of his head, he regained some confidence and reminded everyone why he was a true star. The regal Audrey Hepburn made couturier Hubert de Givenchy a household name, but loved to kick back in simple sweaters and trousers (and being Audrey Hepburn, made them effortlessly stylishly). And my mom, a long time fan of the late Paul Newman, will be thrilled to know he was a funny, down-to-earth man, and fully devoted to his wife, Joanne Woodward.
I also learned about the lifelong friendships these stars had with each other. Jimmy Stewart and his wife Gloria were friends with President Reagan and the first lady, Nancy Reagan. Judy Garland was close to President Kennedy and would sometimes sing her signature song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to him. The oddest and most surprising friendship had to be the one Katharine Hepburn had with Michael Jackson. And she wasn’t exactly thrilled with his vulgar stage moves, and let him know it! Does that surprise you?
Through the In the Company of Legends I also learned about legendary movie mogul Lew Wasserman of MCA/Universal, the controversial theater troupe The Group Theatre, which was accused of being rife with Communists, and character actor John Garfield who you probably best know from the movie “Gentleman’s Agreement.”
Inspired by Kramer and Heeley I will probably treat myself to a classic moveie binge some upcoming week-end. And I’m thrilled my local library carries some of Kramer and Heely’s work. You know I’ll be checking them out soon.
As much as I enjoyed reading In the Company of Legends, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of a loss. I know we will never go back to Hollywood’s golden age and the studio system, which is probably a topic for another book. However, I do feel a sense of melancholy on how fame has been so cheapened in this day of inspid bloggers, reality show cretins and other assorted D-list celebrities. In the Company of Legends reminds the important of talent and hardwork that leads to lasting and deserving fame. One I hope our society can get back to. But nevertheless, thank Joan Kramer and David Heeley. In the Company of Legends is a book I will treasure and turn to again.
Originally Published at the Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
June 9, 2015
I discovered this book when the authors appeared on Gilbert Gottfried's podcast. Joan Kramer and David Heeley recount the making of several documentaries on the stars of Hollywood, back in the eighties, when the stars of old Hollywood were still around (for the most part). On occasion, you might stumble across one of these specials, as they rerun on TCM every once in a while.
Kramer and Heeley are charmingly dorky and old-school; several of Kramer's reminiscences involve her getting sick with a flu or something before having to fly somewhere, and mildly embarrassing gaffes when interacting with the famous.
It's fun to hear the behind-the-scenes stories of star behavior, and the hoops Kramer and Heeley have to jump through to get their interviews. They might spend a little too much time on Johnny Carson and Jimmy Stewart, but the whole book is such a breezy read that it isn't as if you're bogged down for too long.
This might make a good Father's Day gift (or Mother's Day, but I said Father's since it's the holiday that's on the horizon as I write this) for your TCM-loving parent.
Kramer and Heeley are charmingly dorky and old-school; several of Kramer's reminiscences involve her getting sick with a flu or something before having to fly somewhere, and mildly embarrassing gaffes when interacting with the famous.
It's fun to hear the behind-the-scenes stories of star behavior, and the hoops Kramer and Heeley have to jump through to get their interviews. They might spend a little too much time on Johnny Carson and Jimmy Stewart, but the whole book is such a breezy read that it isn't as if you're bogged down for too long.
This might make a good Father's Day gift (or Mother's Day, but I said Father's since it's the holiday that's on the horizon as I write this) for your TCM-loving parent.
May 18, 2015
This is a wonderful look into the production of documentaries done of major Hollywood stars from the 30's and on, written by the producers/directors themselves: Joan Kramer and David Heeley. They show us the true personalities of legends such as Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn, Paul Newman, Spencer Tracy, etc. as they break the ice to get their participation and deal with their personalities while interviewing and directing them. I first heard about this book through Gilbert Gottfried's podcast, so expected it to be more humorous. However, it held by attention because the stories were so revealing of the stars that I had known while growing up.
April 30, 2015
I first heard about this book when I happened upon the documentary profile the authors produced about Jimmy Stewart. I grew up watching the late show and my Mother was a movie fan, so the films from the 40s and later have always been favorites of mine. Kramer & Healey share their experiences with some of Hollywood's great actors and the struggles connected with bringing film projects to fruition.
Read
April 26, 2015Wonderful book about the making of the many Award winning documentaries made by Joan Kramer and David heeley. Great stories about Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, Katherine Hepburn, Sinatra, Taylor, and many more.
I was especially moved by the chapter on my father, John Garfield.
A delightful, funny, easy read, a great beach book! it's getting rave reviews.
I was especially moved by the chapter on my father, John Garfield.
A delightful, funny, easy read, a great beach book! it's getting rave reviews.
May 26, 2015
This was excellent! The documentarians Joan Kramer and David Heely are responsible for most of my favorite TV biographies, especially the three they did about Fred Astaire and their greatest accomplishment, All About Me with Katharine Hepburn, who trusted them with her life story as well as her very intimate tribute to Spencer Tracy.
February 19, 2016
Aptly named!
You feel as if you've been invited to the homes of friends, not to a movie set. The talented director and producer make their profiles reflect their growing friendship and trust of their subjects, relating their own personal experience with the stars of stage and screen. Only wish that they were still making profiles!
Linda Donaldson
You feel as if you've been invited to the homes of friends, not to a movie set. The talented director and producer make their profiles reflect their growing friendship and trust of their subjects, relating their own personal experience with the stars of stage and screen. Only wish that they were still making profiles!
Linda Donaldson
June 15, 2016
This was a companion to the documentaries by the authors that I had already seen. It was interesting to read the hoops they had to jump thru to get the funding in order to do the stories of some of my favorite movie stars of the classic film era. Kate Hepburn is a hoot thru this book, a real spitfire
April 24, 2015
Good going, Joan. Well-written tales of the making of biographical documentaries on actors of the Golden Age of cinema. I heard some of these stories from the author and they only get better when fleshed out in the book. Enjoy!!!
August 3, 2015
Lots of insight, a pleasure to read.
September 9, 2015
I love old movies so when this came up as a suggested read from the library, I went with it. I really enjoyed reading about the making of documentaries on some of my favorite classic movie stars!
November 17, 2015
Enjoyed reading about hoe the producers got various interviews and how the stars acted off screen
February 9, 2016
Surprisingly well done
Generally I don't read this type of book, but, I was intrigued by the stars who contributed. I thoroughly enjoyed.
Generally I don't read this type of book, but, I was intrigued by the stars who contributed. I thoroughly enjoyed.
February 20, 2016
Very fun read. Well written.
December 11, 2021
"In the Company of Legends" (2015) details how Joan Kramer and David Heeley spent some 25 years producing award-winning TV documentaries about such Hollywood icons as Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, James Stewart and Humphrey Bogart. Written in an oral history style, it's chatty and filled with anecdotes but not expecially juicy. Most of the stories focus on putting together deals (i.e., getting various permissions and financing) and schmoozing difficult movie stars. Phone calls and memos and meetings, oh my! Plus, almost all of the subjects, famous as they were, have long since passed and you gotta think most of their fans ain't getting any younger, either. But I liked it well enough and if you still know your way around the TCM film catalogue, it's a pleasant time passer.
August 10, 2025
Joan Kramer and David Heeley produced many award-winning documentaries about the lives of famous movie stars. While making the programs, they got to know these icons personally, and those relationships are the heart of this book. How amazing to chat with Katharine Hepburn, to convince Johnny Carson to host a retrospective of Jimmy Stewart's wonderful life, to interview Olivia de Havilland about her love for Erroll Flynn! This insider's look into the lives of Fred Astaire, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor and many others was a real pleasure to read.
August 7, 2023
A good book detailing the the hoops the authors had to go through to get a documentary together celebrating the stars of yesteryear.the majority successful with just the minority getting uppity about it.you'd think after making it famous they would only be too happy to share their life stories,alas it's either money or pig headiness gets in the way.i no some of the questions asked are repetitive but I think they owe it to the audience that put them there in the first place.not bad.
June 28, 2019
Maybe it is because these are people of my life time that I enjoyed the stories so much. They produced some interesting programs that help keep the older actors in front of us and we don't lose the wonderful work of those who are gone but should not be forgotten. Gives us a look at the stars when they are just being themselves.
May 23, 2021
If I’m being completely honest, I wasn’t expecting to like this that much. I’m really interested in the subject matter, but I don’t read a ton of nonfiction. I’m pleasantly surprised. It was written in a way that told how some of these stars were off screen without bashing them. Now I feel like I need to find all Joan and David’s documentaries and watch them.
reluctant-dnf
April 19, 2021April 2021
Skim read this and it didn’t capture my attention. I am sure it’s a great book (and there was a reason I bought this from the second hand bookstore) but it’s not resonating anymore.
And since I am running out of space I am going to unhaul this and move onto something else.
Skim read this and it didn’t capture my attention. I am sure it’s a great book (and there was a reason I bought this from the second hand bookstore) but it’s not resonating anymore.
And since I am running out of space I am going to unhaul this and move onto something else.
March 23, 2017
Quite an impressive body of work in the course of Kramer and Heeley's careers. I wish I could get my hands on a copy of their two-part Astaire documentary, but given how odd Astaire's widow is, it will probably never see the light of day again.
July 27, 2017
What a well written and entertaining book!
February 20, 2018
Golden memories
A wonderful look at working with some of the true legends of the cinema. Easy to read and full of anecdotes
A wonderful look at working with some of the true legends of the cinema. Easy to read and full of anecdotes
April 28, 2016
Very interesting!
More old Hollywood than I expected. Fun read, anyway! Would recommend to everyone that likes to be nosey. Also a fast read.
More old Hollywood than I expected. Fun read, anyway! Would recommend to everyone that likes to be nosey. Also a fast read.
September 13, 2016
Some interesting little stories about some interesting Hollywood legends. A lot of other information I wasn't interested in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews