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Starstruck: My Unlikely Road to Hollywood
Hollywood historian and film reviewer Leonard Maltin invites listeners to pull up a chair as he tells stories, many of them hilarious, from fifty-plus years of interacting with legendary movie stars, writers, directors, producers, and cartoonists. Maltin grew up in the first decade of television, immersing himself in TV programs and the 1930s and ’40s movies hitting the small screen. His fan letters to admired performers led to unexpected correspondences, then to interviews and the publication of his own fan magazine. Maltin’s career as a freelance writer and New York Times bestselling author, as well as his thirty-year run on Entertainment Tonight, gave him access to Katharine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sean Connery, Shirley Temple, and Jimmy Stewart, among hundreds of other Golden Age stars, his interviews cutting through the Hollywood veneer and revealing the human behind each legend. Starstruck also offers a fascinating glimpse inside the Disney empire, and Maltin’s tenure teaching USC’s popular film course reveals insights into moviemaking along with access to past, current, and future stars of film, such as George Lucas, Kevin Feige, Quentin Tarantino, and Guillermo del Toro.
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Published January 18, 2022
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About the author
Leonard Maltin
183 books72 followersLeonard Maltin, is an American film and animated-film critic and historian.
Maltin began his writing career at age fifteen, writing for Classic Images and editing and publishing his own fanzine, Film Fan Monthly, dedicated to films from the golden age of Hollywood. After receiving a journalism degree at New York University, Maltin went on to publish articles in a variety of film journals, national news-papers, and magazines, including Variety and TV Guide.
Maltin in 1990
As an author, Maltin is best known for Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide, (some editions titled as his ...Movie and Video Guide), a compendium of synopses and reviews that first appeared in September 1969 and has been annually updated since October 1987. (It was published under the title TV Movies until the 1990s, and in 2005 spawned a spin-off, Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide, limited to films released in 1960 and earlier to allow the regular book to cover a larger number of more recent titles.) He has also written several other works, including Behind the Camera, a study of the art of cinematography, The Whole Film Sourcebook, Leonard Maltin's Movie Encyclopedia, Our Gang: The Life and Times of the Little Rascals, and Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons.
Since May 29, 1982, Maltin has been the movie reviewer on the syndicated television series Entertainment Tonight. He also appears on the Starz cable network, and hosted his own syndicated radio program, Leonard Maltin on Video, as well as the syndicated TV show Hot Ticket with Boston film critic Joyce Kulhawik (originally E! personality and game show host Todd Newton). He currently hosts a television show entitled Secret's Out on ReelzChannel movie network. He also spearheaded the creation of the Walt Disney Treasures collectible DVD line in 2001,[4] and continues to provide creative input and host the various sets.
He appeared on Pyramid twice as a celebrity player, in 1987 on the CBS $25,000 version and in 1991 on the John Davidson version. He appeared on Super Password as a celebrity guest in 1988.
In the mid-1990s, he became the president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and is on the Advisory Board of the Hollywood Entertainment Museum. For nearly a decade, Maltin was also on the faculty of the New School for Social Research in New York City. He currently teaches in the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California.
In 1998, Maltin settled a libel suit brought by former child star Billy Gray, of Father Knows Best fame, whom Maltin identified as a drug addict and dealer in his review of the film Dusty and Sweets McGee for the movie guide book. The statement appeared in print for nearly twenty-five years before Maltin publicly apologized for the error.[5]
He currently hosts "The Maltin Minute" for DirecTV customers. Maltin also teaches at the University of Southern California.
Maltin began his writing career at age fifteen, writing for Classic Images and editing and publishing his own fanzine, Film Fan Monthly, dedicated to films from the golden age of Hollywood. After receiving a journalism degree at New York University, Maltin went on to publish articles in a variety of film journals, national news-papers, and magazines, including Variety and TV Guide.
Maltin in 1990
As an author, Maltin is best known for Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide, (some editions titled as his ...Movie and Video Guide), a compendium of synopses and reviews that first appeared in September 1969 and has been annually updated since October 1987. (It was published under the title TV Movies until the 1990s, and in 2005 spawned a spin-off, Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide, limited to films released in 1960 and earlier to allow the regular book to cover a larger number of more recent titles.) He has also written several other works, including Behind the Camera, a study of the art of cinematography, The Whole Film Sourcebook, Leonard Maltin's Movie Encyclopedia, Our Gang: The Life and Times of the Little Rascals, and Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons.
Since May 29, 1982, Maltin has been the movie reviewer on the syndicated television series Entertainment Tonight. He also appears on the Starz cable network, and hosted his own syndicated radio program, Leonard Maltin on Video, as well as the syndicated TV show Hot Ticket with Boston film critic Joyce Kulhawik (originally E! personality and game show host Todd Newton). He currently hosts a television show entitled Secret's Out on ReelzChannel movie network. He also spearheaded the creation of the Walt Disney Treasures collectible DVD line in 2001,[4] and continues to provide creative input and host the various sets.
He appeared on Pyramid twice as a celebrity player, in 1987 on the CBS $25,000 version and in 1991 on the John Davidson version. He appeared on Super Password as a celebrity guest in 1988.
In the mid-1990s, he became the president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and is on the Advisory Board of the Hollywood Entertainment Museum. For nearly a decade, Maltin was also on the faculty of the New School for Social Research in New York City. He currently teaches in the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California.
In 1998, Maltin settled a libel suit brought by former child star Billy Gray, of Father Knows Best fame, whom Maltin identified as a drug addict and dealer in his review of the film Dusty and Sweets McGee for the movie guide book. The statement appeared in print for nearly twenty-five years before Maltin publicly apologized for the error.[5]
He currently hosts "The Maltin Minute" for DirecTV customers. Maltin also teaches at the University of Southern California.
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October 5, 2024
Author Leonard Maltin
Leonard Maltin is an American film critic, film historian, and author. He was the movie critic on 'Entertainment Tonight' for 30 years and published Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide from 1969 to 2014.
Leonard Maltin with fellow film critics Gene Siskel (left) and Roger Ebert
Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide
Maltin's love of movies began as a child, when he had a TV Guide route instead of a newspaper route, and studied his father's weekly edition of 'Variety', which covers entertainment news.
Even as a youth, Leonard Maltin devoured Variety
Young Leonard saved his money to buy vintage films with Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy and other silent era stars, and even tried to make his own silent shorts, which usually featured shenanigans with cream pies.
Leonard Maltin is a big fan of Laurel and Hardy
Leonard tells lots of stories about growing up in New York and New Jersey, where he was a devoted viewer of The Mickey Mouse Club, haunted the public library for film-related books and biographies, and saw as many movies as he could.
Young Leonard was a fan of The Mickey Mouse Club
Leonard's description of movie-going as a youngster, where his family 'sat down in the middle of a film, watched it to the end, sat through a cartoon, a travelogue, coming attractions, and a second feature, and then watched the first movie until the part where they came in' is reminiscent of my movie-going as a kid.
Young Leonard Maltin watched a lot of movies
Leonard also liked comic books and watching TV, which took up much of his time in the hours after school.
Leonard and a friend started their own magazine in the fifth grade, and Leonard began writing fan letters to show business people he admired, some of whom sent warm replies. In time Leonard even scored interviews with some 'generous, gracious individuals', and he names names. This doesn't come across as bragging because Maltin clearly reveres the people he's met.
Young Leonard Maltin with radio and television host Joe Franklin
Young Leonard Maltin with Ginger Rogers
At the age of 15, Leonard took over 'Film Fan Monthly', and he and his contributors spotlighted character actors such as Nigel Bruce, Robert Donat, and Miriam Hopkins....the kind of people that fascinate Maltin to this day.
Film Fan Monthly magazine
Leonard Maltin admires character actors like Robert Donat
As Leonard got older, he began to view old and new films in every possible venue, and his extensive knowledge came in handy when he interviewed film stars, directors, and other cast and crew. Leonard's movie expertise even helped him meet his wife Alice, when he gave a lecture about movie history to an adult education class.
Leonard Maltin with his wife Alice
Leonard started publishing books about movies as well, and his early titles include: Movie Comedy Teams; The Disney Films; Our Gang: The Life and Times of the Little Rascals; and more.
Leonard Maltin was a big fan of The Little Rascals
A lucky break got Leonard hired as the movie critic for Entertainment Tonight, which was a reason to move to California. The job was also an opening to film festivals, award dinners, Oscar shows, television specials, and other media-related events - many of which Maltin was asked to host.
Leonard Maltin Celebrity Tribute
These activities, plus teaching classes about animation, television, and movies gave Maltin almost unlimited access to entertainment folks as well as enthusiastic movie fans.
Leonard Maltin talking about the Oscars with heavyweight boxer “Iron” Mike Tyson
Leonard Maltin with Mitzi Gaynor
Leonard Maltin with Fess Parker
Leonard Maltin with Shirley Temple Black
Leonard Maltin with Johnny Depp and director Scott Cooper
Leonard Maltin interviews Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden about the National Film Registry selections for 2017
Teaching also became one of the joys of Leonard's life. (I'd like to attend Maltin's film class - at the University of Southern California - myself. It features full length movies and interviews with famous people like J.J. Abrams, Guillermo del Toro, Marion Cotillard, Angela Lansbury, Sidney Poitier, and lots more.)
Marion Cotillard was a guest at Leonard Maltin's film class
Sidney Poitier was a guest at Leonard Maltin's film class
A pair of anecdotes that made me laugh feature George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Talking about an Oscar party, Maltin writes, "When George Clooney walked into the green room backstage at the Arlington Theatre in 2006, I witnessed something I'd never seen before. Every woman in that room, regardless of age, simply melted."
Leonard Maltin with George Clooney
Later, when Leonard talks about the Maltin Modern Master Award, he observes, "In 2020 the honoree was Brad Pitt. I have never seen anything quite like the reaction of Santa Barbarans to this mega-movie star. If George Clooney made the women swoon, Brad Pitt knocked them senseless."
Leonard Maltin with Brad Pitt
Maltin's numerous stories about people in the entertainment industry are fascinating and fun. I recognize many of the movies and people Maltin mentions, but not all of them. Dedicated film buffs will probably do better than me. Leonard also sings the praises of Walt Disney; Jerry Lewis; Roy Rogers, cartoons; radio, jazz; film-viewing at the Playboy Mansion; and more - all of which he's passionate about.
Leonard Maltin with Jerry Lewis
Maltin's wife Alice and their daughter Jessie feature in many of Leonard's stories, since Alice was a partner in Leonard's business ventures and young Jessie joined her parents for media events.
Leonard and Alice Maltin with their daughter Jessie
As an adult, Jessie works in the entertainment industry herself, and hosts a podcast with her dad.
Leonard Maltin and his daughter Jessie
Leonard Maltin and his daughter Jessie with Laura Dern
Maltin has a more glamorous lifestyle than most people, but he seems like a congenial guy who'd make a good dinner party guest.
I found the narrative, enhanced by photos, to be informative and fun. Highly recommended to movie fans.
Thanks to Netgalley, Leonard Maltin, and GoodKnight Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at
https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
December 15, 2021
Very dry and not at all what I expected. I thought this was positioned as a book about Maltin's life. Instead only a few dozen pages are devoted to his early years and the rest are snippets of career memories he has of interviewing celebrities. So most of the book isn't about him, other than his non-stop self-congratulatory bragging of how movie stars would talk to him. It's honestly pretty dull and uninspiring.
There are some interesting tidbits and a few highlights that are unexpected, but a lot of the book is made up of leftovers from what he has covered previously. There are even tangents where he talks about his "teaching" at USC (in truth he simply screens movies and talks to stars afterwards, the actual coursework is handled by others) and his bizarre longtime connection to Hugh Hefner and Playboy.
There isn't a narrative nor is Maltin strong at timelines. He jumps back and forth to the point of being distracting.
It is a disappointment--not very well written, often incomplete, and even seemed thrown together without quality editing or revisions. His revelation in a few paragraphs at the end that he has suffered from Parkinson's the last few years may have something to do with that, but I wished he would have truly written a serious life story, warts and all, instead of painting everything as positive and upbeat--a fantasy like the movies he reviews.
There are some interesting tidbits and a few highlights that are unexpected, but a lot of the book is made up of leftovers from what he has covered previously. There are even tangents where he talks about his "teaching" at USC (in truth he simply screens movies and talks to stars afterwards, the actual coursework is handled by others) and his bizarre longtime connection to Hugh Hefner and Playboy.
There isn't a narrative nor is Maltin strong at timelines. He jumps back and forth to the point of being distracting.
It is a disappointment--not very well written, often incomplete, and even seemed thrown together without quality editing or revisions. His revelation in a few paragraphs at the end that he has suffered from Parkinson's the last few years may have something to do with that, but I wished he would have truly written a serious life story, warts and all, instead of painting everything as positive and upbeat--a fantasy like the movies he reviews.
July 20, 2021
Especially if you're a fan of old movies, no doubt you're familiar with the author, a long-time and well-respected Hollywood historian and film reviewer. At our house, one of his movie guides is always near the TV remote and opened frequently to check his rating of a movie we're watching or, more often, identify one of the actors whose face is familiar but the name just won't come.
This book, subtitled "My Unlikely Road to Hollywood," brings to light how Maltin came to be what and who he is, starting with his childhood - and clearly, while he certainly was the recipient of some good fortune along the way, he also took full advantage of every opportunity. For the most part, this memoir presents his experiences and impressions of the "stars" he's come to know and love as well as those he met only briefly. For someone my age (for the record, Maltin is seven years younger than I), that is, in and of itself, a treat; for instance, I relished reading about my cowboy hero Roy Rogers and his also-a-star wife, Dale Evans.
There's a lot of reminiscing about Walt Disney, and while I'm really not a fan of the Disney empire itself, I'll never forget coming home from school to watch my favorite Mickey Mouse Club episodes on our little black-and-white TV (a show that gets mentioned herein). The section on the Playboy Manson and its owner, Hugh Hefner, is a bit eye-opening as well. Still others he's met and interviewed who stood out in his mind (and mine) include Lena Horne, John Wayne, James Stewart and Jerry Lewis.
Overall, the book is very much an exercise in name-dropping; but again, if you love Hollywood old-time style, it's a real trip down memory lane (though I'll caution readers who may be looking for "dirt" on celebrities to look elsewhere). I also enjoyed learning about Maltin himself, his supportive wife Alice and their daughter Jessie. It was an enjoyable excursion for me as well, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
This book, subtitled "My Unlikely Road to Hollywood," brings to light how Maltin came to be what and who he is, starting with his childhood - and clearly, while he certainly was the recipient of some good fortune along the way, he also took full advantage of every opportunity. For the most part, this memoir presents his experiences and impressions of the "stars" he's come to know and love as well as those he met only briefly. For someone my age (for the record, Maltin is seven years younger than I), that is, in and of itself, a treat; for instance, I relished reading about my cowboy hero Roy Rogers and his also-a-star wife, Dale Evans.
There's a lot of reminiscing about Walt Disney, and while I'm really not a fan of the Disney empire itself, I'll never forget coming home from school to watch my favorite Mickey Mouse Club episodes on our little black-and-white TV (a show that gets mentioned herein). The section on the Playboy Manson and its owner, Hugh Hefner, is a bit eye-opening as well. Still others he's met and interviewed who stood out in his mind (and mine) include Lena Horne, John Wayne, James Stewart and Jerry Lewis.
Overall, the book is very much an exercise in name-dropping; but again, if you love Hollywood old-time style, it's a real trip down memory lane (though I'll caution readers who may be looking for "dirt" on celebrities to look elsewhere). I also enjoyed learning about Maltin himself, his supportive wife Alice and their daughter Jessie. It was an enjoyable excursion for me as well, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
August 2, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Goodknight Books for a preview copy of Leonard Maltin’s book ‘Starstruck. The opinion below is my own, honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Leonard Maltin’s memoir of his early days as a schoolboy collector of film and his enthusiasm for cinema from silent movies, to comedy and cartoons. His journey from amateur writer and publisher of his film fan magazines to his professional career as a film critic, cinema historian and writer. His anecdotal style brings the golden age of cinema to life and transports the reader to a bygone era of black and white film, unforgettable comedy duos, movies stars, cartoon characters and all things Disney. He takes us on a fabulous journey through the magical world of cinema, evoking happy childhood memories of Saturday morning entertainment, so many memorable films and characters and a time of ‘innocent’ family entertainment which has all but disappeared from our lives. Many thanks to Leonard Maltin for the memories and documenting what we all need to remember.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Leonard Maltin’s memoir of his early days as a schoolboy collector of film and his enthusiasm for cinema from silent movies, to comedy and cartoons. His journey from amateur writer and publisher of his film fan magazines to his professional career as a film critic, cinema historian and writer. His anecdotal style brings the golden age of cinema to life and transports the reader to a bygone era of black and white film, unforgettable comedy duos, movies stars, cartoon characters and all things Disney. He takes us on a fabulous journey through the magical world of cinema, evoking happy childhood memories of Saturday morning entertainment, so many memorable films and characters and a time of ‘innocent’ family entertainment which has all but disappeared from our lives. Many thanks to Leonard Maltin for the memories and documenting what we all need to remember.
June 17, 2021
Leonard Maltin's "Starstruck: My Unlikely Road to Hollywood" is the book you expect it to be. An extraordinarily knowledgeable and always engaging film journalist, Maltin shares with precision and passion his unlikely road toward becoming one of the U.S.'s most respected and embraced film journalists.
"Starstruck" is a reminder, however, that Maltin's thirty-year stint on "Entertainment Tonight" may have offered him his greatest visibility nationwide but it far from defined the full scope of Maltin's impact on the film community.
Maltin's knowledge has always been readily apparent in his widely-used reference work "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide" and its companion "Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide." He served two terms as President of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, is a voting member of the National Film Registry, and was appointed by the Librarian of Congress to sit on the Board of Directors of the National Film Preservation Foundation. He's even been a long-respected professor at USC.
"Starstruck" captures his journey from film nerd to film icon, a writer and historian who seems to have lived his life trying to ensure he was sort of "set apart" from the industry for journalistic purposes but who inevitably became so identified with it that he's considered part of it.
Maltin has always been a "comfortable" screen presence. This comfort shines throughout "Starstruck," a book that is never less than engaging and often quite enthralling. For the most part, Maltin writes in the first-person as he shares stories from his early days of growing up in New York City and enthusiastically immersing himself in the golden age of screen to such a degree that even a teenaged Maltin was snagging interviews that would be the envy of nationally recognized film journalists today.
"Starstruck" includes many of these experiences in its nearly 400 pages including encounters with everyone from Clint Eastwood to Francis Ford Coppola, Elizabeth Taylor to Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz and many more. Maltin rather hilariously documents his time as a regular guest of Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion, especially in Hef's latter years, and speaks with generally warm affection about his many engagements with the Academy Awards and a myriad of other organizations.
I think nearly anyone who's ever watched Maltin would likely find him to be engaging and would expect him to be friendly and approachable if we ever met him. It's that Maltin who is most present in "Starstruck," a book with such a relentlessly friendly tone you can't help but be surprised Maltin never shares an encounter with Mister Rogers.
While "Starstruck" is a memoir, if there's a deficit in the book it's that I often felt like I was learning more about Maltin's journey than Maltin himself. The stories themselves are always engaging, yet there are times in "Starstruck" when I couldn't help but wish that Maltin was as revealing of himself as he is of his experiences.
This starts to happen in the most endearing ways toward the book's end as Maltin's daughter Jessie becomes a more regular presence in his Hollywood encounters and his obvious love for his daughter shines through page-after-page. Maltin, who shares a podcast with Jessie now, clearly adores that his daughter has largely followed his path and I could read an entire book of his relationship with Jessie.
"Starstruck" is for the most part episodic in presentation. Maltin's stories range from a couple of pages to several pages and offer a glimpse into Maltin's amazing life. As a film journalist myself, I'll also admit that I learned so much from Maltin's own reflections about his career including interviews that didn't go particularly well and that painful lesson (definitely one for me) in making sure the interview is always about the interviewee. I'm amazed how often I found myself saying "That's a great point!" and realizing ways I could tweak my own writing and film efforts.
For some, "Starstruck" will be a breezy, non-stop read. For others, myself included, the episodic nature of the writing allows for the book to be piecemealed out into easily digested portions that can be savored and enjoyed. Regardless, "Starstruck" is an engaging and entertaining reminder of why Leonard Maltin has been one of America's most beloved film journalists for over fifty years.
"Starstruck" is a reminder, however, that Maltin's thirty-year stint on "Entertainment Tonight" may have offered him his greatest visibility nationwide but it far from defined the full scope of Maltin's impact on the film community.
Maltin's knowledge has always been readily apparent in his widely-used reference work "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide" and its companion "Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide." He served two terms as President of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, is a voting member of the National Film Registry, and was appointed by the Librarian of Congress to sit on the Board of Directors of the National Film Preservation Foundation. He's even been a long-respected professor at USC.
"Starstruck" captures his journey from film nerd to film icon, a writer and historian who seems to have lived his life trying to ensure he was sort of "set apart" from the industry for journalistic purposes but who inevitably became so identified with it that he's considered part of it.
Maltin has always been a "comfortable" screen presence. This comfort shines throughout "Starstruck," a book that is never less than engaging and often quite enthralling. For the most part, Maltin writes in the first-person as he shares stories from his early days of growing up in New York City and enthusiastically immersing himself in the golden age of screen to such a degree that even a teenaged Maltin was snagging interviews that would be the envy of nationally recognized film journalists today.
"Starstruck" includes many of these experiences in its nearly 400 pages including encounters with everyone from Clint Eastwood to Francis Ford Coppola, Elizabeth Taylor to Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz and many more. Maltin rather hilariously documents his time as a regular guest of Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion, especially in Hef's latter years, and speaks with generally warm affection about his many engagements with the Academy Awards and a myriad of other organizations.
I think nearly anyone who's ever watched Maltin would likely find him to be engaging and would expect him to be friendly and approachable if we ever met him. It's that Maltin who is most present in "Starstruck," a book with such a relentlessly friendly tone you can't help but be surprised Maltin never shares an encounter with Mister Rogers.
While "Starstruck" is a memoir, if there's a deficit in the book it's that I often felt like I was learning more about Maltin's journey than Maltin himself. The stories themselves are always engaging, yet there are times in "Starstruck" when I couldn't help but wish that Maltin was as revealing of himself as he is of his experiences.
This starts to happen in the most endearing ways toward the book's end as Maltin's daughter Jessie becomes a more regular presence in his Hollywood encounters and his obvious love for his daughter shines through page-after-page. Maltin, who shares a podcast with Jessie now, clearly adores that his daughter has largely followed his path and I could read an entire book of his relationship with Jessie.
"Starstruck" is for the most part episodic in presentation. Maltin's stories range from a couple of pages to several pages and offer a glimpse into Maltin's amazing life. As a film journalist myself, I'll also admit that I learned so much from Maltin's own reflections about his career including interviews that didn't go particularly well and that painful lesson (definitely one for me) in making sure the interview is always about the interviewee. I'm amazed how often I found myself saying "That's a great point!" and realizing ways I could tweak my own writing and film efforts.
For some, "Starstruck" will be a breezy, non-stop read. For others, myself included, the episodic nature of the writing allows for the book to be piecemealed out into easily digested portions that can be savored and enjoyed. Regardless, "Starstruck" is an engaging and entertaining reminder of why Leonard Maltin has been one of America's most beloved film journalists for over fifty years.
November 13, 2021
Leonard Maltin has graced my television screen for years...as a Disney film buff, I am very used to seeing Mr. Maltin on the Behind the Scenes specials, Making-Of features and other bonus material for my favorite Disney films. That is what piqued my interest in this title and I was not disappointed.
Maltin's passion is contagious! We quickly learn that his passion for film began as a child--and interestingly enough, his career did too! Leonard Maltin's story is truly one about following your bliss, only this inspirational story is filled with celebrity cameos, film trivia gems and so much more. As a matter of fact, I consistently found myself opening up my notepad to jot down a movie Maltin references, wanting to revisit it later.
Starstruck is not just a story of film but a story of passion. I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to GoodKnight Books and NetGalley for a copy of Starstruck in exchange for my honest review.
Maltin's passion is contagious! We quickly learn that his passion for film began as a child--and interestingly enough, his career did too! Leonard Maltin's story is truly one about following your bliss, only this inspirational story is filled with celebrity cameos, film trivia gems and so much more. As a matter of fact, I consistently found myself opening up my notepad to jot down a movie Maltin references, wanting to revisit it later.
Starstruck is not just a story of film but a story of passion. I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to GoodKnight Books and NetGalley for a copy of Starstruck in exchange for my honest review.
September 26, 2021
In an old footlocker, I have old books. One worn-out book is one of Leonard Maltin's earliest movie guides, which I used for years and years, looking up movies listed in the TV Guide. To me, it was invaluable, because I watched a lot of TV during my childhood and in my early 20s. Mr. Maltin's reviews had no attitude or nastiness. Seeing this book, I thought it would be a fun one to read.
Unfortunately, it was not, but only because I have limited interest now in TV, movies and actors. Hence, the three stars strictly reflects my lack of interest. It's not really a rating for the book itself, which is filled with interesting stories on actors, movies, Disney, award ceremonies, etc. There is also a bit about Leonard Maltin's childhood. It was like he was born to do what he does, like it was his destiny.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
Unfortunately, it was not, but only because I have limited interest now in TV, movies and actors. Hence, the three stars strictly reflects my lack of interest. It's not really a rating for the book itself, which is filled with interesting stories on actors, movies, Disney, award ceremonies, etc. There is also a bit about Leonard Maltin's childhood. It was like he was born to do what he does, like it was his destiny.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
January 26, 2022
A most entertaining memoir about how Leonard Maltin became one of the best known and respected film historians, critics, writers, interviewers, and documentary guests. He's been at it since he was a teenager, publishing his own magazine, and attributes his long career to a series of happy accidents. Maltin discusses his mentors, friends, family, students and the celebrities he's met along the way, all in a friendly, talking-to-you-across-a-dinner-table kind of way. Highly recommended for film buffs. I have it both in hardback and audio so I could hear him tell his stories in his own voice.
July 10, 2021
Leonard Maltin’s Starstruck is a time machine to the earlier days of film journalism. The days before the Internet, before podcasts and before streaming. Fortunately for us, however, Maltin doesn’t stop there. He continues forward, as the world has, and brings us along for the journey. And if you love movies, it’s a journey worth taking. In a world full of negativity, this book is a breath of fresh air.
July 11, 2021
I could not put this book down. As a long time fan of Mr. Maltin and his vast knowledge of movies, this book was a true gift.
It is filled with so many stories, anecdotes and interesting information, that I will have to reread it to catch it all.
This book is a must have for movie fans.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
It is filled with so many stories, anecdotes and interesting information, that I will have to reread it to catch it all.
This book is a must have for movie fans.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
April 15, 2022
I’ve always respected and enjoyed Maltin’s reviews - even if I didn’t agree with them. This autobiography reads like many of his reviews and commentaries and was rather entertaining. Film fans should find this a worthwhile read. Old time TV fans will get some kicks out of it as well.
March 9, 2022
For a movie fan, this book is a pure pleasure. What a joyful account of a career spent around movies. I identify a lot with Maltin’s account of a fandom as a youngster. Much like mine.
July 3, 2023
Leonard Maltin is the film critic everyone respects especially lovers of animation, Disney, and Old Hollywood. Hearing his stories of the stars he met and how he got into doing what he loved doing keeps you invested throughout the book. This is not told in chronological order though, but it doesn't need to be in terms of the stories he's trying to tell.
June 24, 2021
For the average UK reader with a passing interest in Cinema, Leonard Maltin may not be a name at the forefront of their mind. And this book is probably not intended for them. If you're looking for salacious gossip and the inside story on celebs, then move on - this is not that book. Instead, it's a personal account of the film critic and historian's life and experiences. Yes, of course those experiences are very much film industry based and there are descriptions of his encounters with the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Robert Mitchum, James Stewart and more.
At one point in the book, the author, talking about Francis Ford Coppola's remembrance of Buster Keaton, he records an anecdote from the director and comments 'that was all - no great revelations, just a nice remembrance'. It's a quote that could apply to the book itself. The encounters the author describes are pretty much all warmly remembered and light weight.
The book starts with Maltin recalling his early life and how he got into the writing business - it's interesting - to have developed a knowledge of 'classic' TV and Film at such an early age (some of the early encounters and endeavors he discusses are from being a pre-teen. These memories are presented in a matter-of-fact manner and in succinct detail - in a way, comparable to the reviews to be found in the classic guides he is probably most famous for. Starting the book it felt a little like reading someone's note book rather than a fully fleshed out account; light touch memories and onto the next. Perhaps its' just the self-effacing manner of the author: a feeling that his 'Hollywood' stories are more interesting and worth writing more about than his own, but I began to feel a little disorientated as he skipped back chronologically in his personal life and career without getting a great sense of time periods. This settled down as the book went on and there were undoubtedly some interesting perspectives on the great and the good of screen and TV even if, and this is my weakness not the book's, some of the names mentioned from the early days were unknown to me: perhaps american readers will be more familiar with some of the stars and shows of the tv and b&W shorts he refers to.
Overall, a pleasant enough read even if I'm not quite sure who the book is aimed at. As I say, there's little in the way of 'reveals' (not that that's a bad thing), or the critical analysis of, say, a :Pauline Kael, but I imagine for those more familiar with Maltin as a TV presence than we are in the UK, it might mean a little more. Thank you to the publishers for the advance copy.
At one point in the book, the author, talking about Francis Ford Coppola's remembrance of Buster Keaton, he records an anecdote from the director and comments 'that was all - no great revelations, just a nice remembrance'. It's a quote that could apply to the book itself. The encounters the author describes are pretty much all warmly remembered and light weight.
The book starts with Maltin recalling his early life and how he got into the writing business - it's interesting - to have developed a knowledge of 'classic' TV and Film at such an early age (some of the early encounters and endeavors he discusses are from being a pre-teen. These memories are presented in a matter-of-fact manner and in succinct detail - in a way, comparable to the reviews to be found in the classic guides he is probably most famous for. Starting the book it felt a little like reading someone's note book rather than a fully fleshed out account; light touch memories and onto the next. Perhaps its' just the self-effacing manner of the author: a feeling that his 'Hollywood' stories are more interesting and worth writing more about than his own, but I began to feel a little disorientated as he skipped back chronologically in his personal life and career without getting a great sense of time periods. This settled down as the book went on and there were undoubtedly some interesting perspectives on the great and the good of screen and TV even if, and this is my weakness not the book's, some of the names mentioned from the early days were unknown to me: perhaps american readers will be more familiar with some of the stars and shows of the tv and b&W shorts he refers to.
Overall, a pleasant enough read even if I'm not quite sure who the book is aimed at. As I say, there's little in the way of 'reveals' (not that that's a bad thing), or the critical analysis of, say, a :Pauline Kael, but I imagine for those more familiar with Maltin as a TV presence than we are in the UK, it might mean a little more. Thank you to the publishers for the advance copy.
June 21, 2021
"Starstruck" is a long (~400 pages) memoir covering the expanse of Maltin's career from early childhood right up until the current time. As a youngster, he wrote a newsletter about films, and continued on through high school. He has been collecting, enjoying and writing about films his entire life. He has taught a class at USC for over 20 years. He gained notoriety as the film critic with a regular slot on "Entertainment Tonight". In addition to writing about his career trajectory, he includes many stories of the actors that he met over the years. Though he never spills the beans in a way that would embarrass anyone, there were definitely incidents that revealed the less than stellar characters of some of the personalities he met. Whether in person, or in writing, though, we was also fair and avoided negativity. From this memoir you get the impression that he truly is the nice, thoughtful and mildly funny guy that we saw on our televisions for so many years. His wife assisted and accompanied him often on many of his trips, and his daughter is in the same business now - carrying on the family tradition.
June 8, 2021
If you like stories about old Hollywood , tv shows , radio , animation and the life and stories of someone who has devoted his life to the entertainment world—this is the book for you. Filled with gossipy stories or Martin’s run ins with the famous and not so famous entertainers from the film and tv industry and his history on Entertainment Tonite—you cant go wrong with this quick and fun read. Recommended.
November 26, 2021
Nice.
That seems to be the best way to describe long-time movie reviewer, film historian and author Leonard Maltin. He's a nice guy, and pretty much everybody he has met in his long career has been a nice person. Everybody is nice, a bland word that Maltin uses probably 100 times in this entertaining if rather toothless memoir.
Maltin is a movie freak, a man with a bottomless well of movie trivia at this disposal. I've been referring to his movie guides for years, and find them pretty reliable. Overall, Starstruck is fun and mostly harmless, but it gets a little tedious near the end when he writes about trips to the Oscars and various film festivals. But movie fans, particularly fans of old films that are the staple of TCM, will enjoy this nice, nice book.
That seems to be the best way to describe long-time movie reviewer, film historian and author Leonard Maltin. He's a nice guy, and pretty much everybody he has met in his long career has been a nice person. Everybody is nice, a bland word that Maltin uses probably 100 times in this entertaining if rather toothless memoir.
Maltin is a movie freak, a man with a bottomless well of movie trivia at this disposal. I've been referring to his movie guides for years, and find them pretty reliable. Overall, Starstruck is fun and mostly harmless, but it gets a little tedious near the end when he writes about trips to the Oscars and various film festivals. But movie fans, particularly fans of old films that are the staple of TCM, will enjoy this nice, nice book.
January 15, 2022
Leonard Maltin is only 10 days younger than I am. I even met him once at a screening in Dayton. He fails to mention me in this book. He gets to just about every other person he's met - most whose name I recognized. I was surprised, when I met him, what a quiet wallflower he was. That's not what comes across in this book. The guy has chutzpah!
The thought I had most while reading this book, "Mom would have loved this."
The thought I had most while reading this book, "Mom would have loved this."
June 25, 2023
3.5/5
Leonard Maltin talks about his love for Turner Classic Movies in the penultimate chapter: :( and then him talking about his Parkinsons diagnosis: wow ::sending a supportive hug through Goodreads::
There's something about listening to Leonard Maltin that's comforting for me; I was one of those young people who first saw him on the VHS tapes for the Star Wars trilogy interviewing Lucas, and then I got his movie guides (they were important for me in those years before IMDb took prominence as a movie guide, but I digress).
He's just a knowledgeable cat about movies, and his affection for cinema in general and for comedies and animation specifically are inspirational for someone who can equally get as OCD about not just movies but the act of Cinephilia (he mentions befriending someone at one of those Cinema Clubs in the late 60s/early 70s who collected ticket stubs, and I just had to nod in a familiar recognition at that since, frankly, I've done the same for decades). On a personal note, he also was born and raised in Teaneck, NJ, which was my hometown and that's been an inspiration as well (anyone who could make it out of my podunk suburban NYC town is a beacon for me). So when I say this book is *good* and not *great* I don't mean it as a slight on the author at all, it's simply what it is: this is an engaging and even affable collection of anecdotes on Maltins meetings with famous stars (and lesser known ones) over the decades.
I assume, since he has Parkinsons, this could very well be his final book. One might wish that he had some more personal or biographical stories to tell after the first couple of chapters, and occasionally, he can come off as arguably self aggrandizing. But in a sense, maybe the idea here is that these Encounters make up a great part of his life, and so sharing them with us is in his way a kind of biography. There are times he pats himself a bit on the back (getting through difficult interviews seemed to be his forte), but on the other hand when you have a relatively drama free life as he seemed to have led, why carp? It's fun hearing him interacting with Mel Brooks, Katherine Hepburn, Jerry Lewis, and teaching his USC classes and the singular joys of attending festivals. He's led the kind of charmed life that is aspirational, to keep a level head and just do the work of writing and reporting and keeping the passion for movies (and in a fascinating sidebar I wish he'd explored more, jazz), which even if you're just a casual moviegoer or fan is... cool.
Dog bless Leonard Maltin. This isn't an amazing memoir, but sometimes, being very good is enough. As he might very well tell a movie star (or really he has many times), even if I have criticisms of the text, I still like *him* very much, if that makes sense. Starstruck is the best collection of congenial, name-droppy, and occasionally amusing anecdotes you can read (or, in my case, listen to) this year.
Leonard Maltin talks about his love for Turner Classic Movies in the penultimate chapter: :( and then him talking about his Parkinsons diagnosis: wow ::sending a supportive hug through Goodreads::
There's something about listening to Leonard Maltin that's comforting for me; I was one of those young people who first saw him on the VHS tapes for the Star Wars trilogy interviewing Lucas, and then I got his movie guides (they were important for me in those years before IMDb took prominence as a movie guide, but I digress).
He's just a knowledgeable cat about movies, and his affection for cinema in general and for comedies and animation specifically are inspirational for someone who can equally get as OCD about not just movies but the act of Cinephilia (he mentions befriending someone at one of those Cinema Clubs in the late 60s/early 70s who collected ticket stubs, and I just had to nod in a familiar recognition at that since, frankly, I've done the same for decades). On a personal note, he also was born and raised in Teaneck, NJ, which was my hometown and that's been an inspiration as well (anyone who could make it out of my podunk suburban NYC town is a beacon for me). So when I say this book is *good* and not *great* I don't mean it as a slight on the author at all, it's simply what it is: this is an engaging and even affable collection of anecdotes on Maltins meetings with famous stars (and lesser known ones) over the decades.
I assume, since he has Parkinsons, this could very well be his final book. One might wish that he had some more personal or biographical stories to tell after the first couple of chapters, and occasionally, he can come off as arguably self aggrandizing. But in a sense, maybe the idea here is that these Encounters make up a great part of his life, and so sharing them with us is in his way a kind of biography. There are times he pats himself a bit on the back (getting through difficult interviews seemed to be his forte), but on the other hand when you have a relatively drama free life as he seemed to have led, why carp? It's fun hearing him interacting with Mel Brooks, Katherine Hepburn, Jerry Lewis, and teaching his USC classes and the singular joys of attending festivals. He's led the kind of charmed life that is aspirational, to keep a level head and just do the work of writing and reporting and keeping the passion for movies (and in a fascinating sidebar I wish he'd explored more, jazz), which even if you're just a casual moviegoer or fan is... cool.
Dog bless Leonard Maltin. This isn't an amazing memoir, but sometimes, being very good is enough. As he might very well tell a movie star (or really he has many times), even if I have criticisms of the text, I still like *him* very much, if that makes sense. Starstruck is the best collection of congenial, name-droppy, and occasionally amusing anecdotes you can read (or, in my case, listen to) this year.
October 22, 2021
Film critic Leonard Maltin's STARSTRUCK is an amiable and anecdotal combination of memoir and starry-eyed tales of celebrities, gathered from Maltin's decades of working on Entertainment Tonight and attending film-related parties, fund-raisers and premieres. Maltin has loved movies since childhood. "I remain an unabashed fan," he writes. "This seems to hold me in good stead with the people I encounter." He's as thrilled to interview cinematographers, music editors and veteran character actors as he is superstars. With the possible exceptions of Burt Reynolds and Celeste Holm, his boyish enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the film industry usually won over even the most cynical performers. Readers will be equally beguiled.
Movie buffs who used his annually updatedLEONARD MALTIN'S MOVIE GUIDE for more than four decades may be surprised to learn Maltin was only 18 when his first edition came out in 1969. One of the most fascinating stories in STARSTRUCK is the origin tale of his film guide and the laborious task of updating it. "I'm a lucky film buff who stumbled into careers in publishing, television, and academia, all of them unplanned," he writes. But he's being modest. He was well-prepared for every opportunity that fell in his path.
There are full chapters devoted to Katharine Hepburn, Jerry Lewis, Bette Davis, Mel Brooks, Lena Horne, Robert Mitchum, Shirley Temple and others. Another star-studded chapter chronicles how Maltin and his wife found themselves on a permanent guest list to Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion for weekend Old Movie Nights. STARSTRUCK is a delightful and convivial pleasure cruise through Old Hollywood.
Film buff and critic Leonard Maltin's beguiling memoir is jam-packed with starry-eyed tales of celebrity encounters, and is bound to leave readers smiling.
Movie buffs who used his annually updatedLEONARD MALTIN'S MOVIE GUIDE for more than four decades may be surprised to learn Maltin was only 18 when his first edition came out in 1969. One of the most fascinating stories in STARSTRUCK is the origin tale of his film guide and the laborious task of updating it. "I'm a lucky film buff who stumbled into careers in publishing, television, and academia, all of them unplanned," he writes. But he's being modest. He was well-prepared for every opportunity that fell in his path.
There are full chapters devoted to Katharine Hepburn, Jerry Lewis, Bette Davis, Mel Brooks, Lena Horne, Robert Mitchum, Shirley Temple and others. Another star-studded chapter chronicles how Maltin and his wife found themselves on a permanent guest list to Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion for weekend Old Movie Nights. STARSTRUCK is a delightful and convivial pleasure cruise through Old Hollywood.
Film buff and critic Leonard Maltin's beguiling memoir is jam-packed with starry-eyed tales of celebrity encounters, and is bound to leave readers smiling.
October 28, 2022
When I was a baby film geek, Maltin’s annual film guides were my bibles. I’d tote them everywhere, never knowing when I’d need to quickly look up a factoid or find a cast list or mini-review for that ‘obscure’ film I’d just ‘discovered’ in my early explorations of the video stores. Cut to several decades later, and I’ve now done my fair share of reviews and interviews and am a card-carrying film obsessive. So, there was some joy in following Maltin through his formative years and career highlights. There’s an emphasis on the celebrities he’s met over the years, and while we don’t get a shovel full of dirt, there’s a sprinkle. Maltin is basically an enthusiast, and his anecdotes range from tips for young players through to gushing fandom from a genuine lover of old Hollywood. Mind you, his attempts to stay upbeat do verge on the awkward at times: in reference to Bryan Singer he says “Whatever his faults, he’s a whip smart guy.” Faults is putting it mildly. In 2018, Maltin revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and it’s on this note that the book abruptly comes to a conclusion. It’s an odd end for such a arm's length memoir, but arguably the most personal and open he is for the duration of the book. Still, I enjoyed spending time with the many stories of someone who is arguably one of my main early inspirations for writing about film.
Footnote: if you get the audiobook version, which is read by Maltin himself, there is some evidence of some unfortunately rushed editing. There’s at least four or five times where Maltin will stop and give an alternate take, and the first pass is still left in. Mind you, given the personal note at the end of the book, this kind of adds to the unadulterated charm of the memoir.
Footnote: if you get the audiobook version, which is read by Maltin himself, there is some evidence of some unfortunately rushed editing. There’s at least four or five times where Maltin will stop and give an alternate take, and the first pass is still left in. Mind you, given the personal note at the end of the book, this kind of adds to the unadulterated charm of the memoir.
August 8, 2021
STARSTRUCK: My Unlikely Road to Hollywood
The New Memoir From Legendary Film Critic Leonard Maltin
Published by GoodKnight Books
Leonard Maltin is a prolific and undeniably world-famous film critic and celluloid master historian, openly passionate about the Hollywood Classic era and best known for his Movie Guide, which was published every year from 1969 to 2014. Now he can add being a ripper storyteller to his resume!
Starstruck comes festooned with 41 concise chapters, but don’t panic – each is a little chestnut that on its own is dinner party conversation for weeks. This new memoir starts at birth and tracks through to the tender age of 15 when he started publishing his own film fanzine and continues right up to the present day - where 50 years later film and family are still his number one priorities.
Leonard never had a plan B – it was always studying and writing about film, either as a free-lance writer and bestselling author, TV critic on Entertainment Tonight, or tenure teacher of USC’s popular film course. His access to Hollywood classic and current day stars, producers and directors will leave you gobsmacked. Pleasantly - Maltin’s writing style throughout is honest, clear and endearingly familiar – as though you were listening to an old friend.
The first film he remembers was Walt Disney’s Snow White at age 4, his favourite interview ever was Katharine Hepburn and
the one he always wanted was with Walt Disney. The reader will drift through enviable days spent with James Stewart, Bette Davis, a moral dilemma with Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Tarantino and the Jedi Master George Lucas. While his love of Jazz is probably a whole other book – this memoir is a must-own for film buffs.
Miranda Y, Reviewer 3.5 stars
The New Memoir From Legendary Film Critic Leonard Maltin
Published by GoodKnight Books
Leonard Maltin is a prolific and undeniably world-famous film critic and celluloid master historian, openly passionate about the Hollywood Classic era and best known for his Movie Guide, which was published every year from 1969 to 2014. Now he can add being a ripper storyteller to his resume!
Starstruck comes festooned with 41 concise chapters, but don’t panic – each is a little chestnut that on its own is dinner party conversation for weeks. This new memoir starts at birth and tracks through to the tender age of 15 when he started publishing his own film fanzine and continues right up to the present day - where 50 years later film and family are still his number one priorities.
Leonard never had a plan B – it was always studying and writing about film, either as a free-lance writer and bestselling author, TV critic on Entertainment Tonight, or tenure teacher of USC’s popular film course. His access to Hollywood classic and current day stars, producers and directors will leave you gobsmacked. Pleasantly - Maltin’s writing style throughout is honest, clear and endearingly familiar – as though you were listening to an old friend.
The first film he remembers was Walt Disney’s Snow White at age 4, his favourite interview ever was Katharine Hepburn and
the one he always wanted was with Walt Disney. The reader will drift through enviable days spent with James Stewart, Bette Davis, a moral dilemma with Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Tarantino and the Jedi Master George Lucas. While his love of Jazz is probably a whole other book – this memoir is a must-own for film buffs.
Miranda Y, Reviewer 3.5 stars
October 28, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: Starstruck is both an apt and wonderful title for Leonard Maltin’s autobiography. The man has been a mainstay for film and tv lovers for forty years both in print, on television and now in podcasts. He spent 30 years on Entertainment Tonight and has been one of the go to guys for movie trivia and information.
Long before the internet or IMDB or Wikipedia, his movie guide was the bible for movie buffs. He was, from the time he spoke to his first star and remains today, a fan, first and foremost. You get the idea that he feels he has lived a charmed life being able to do what he loves. In his reviews, there is never a sense of “gotcha” or malice. He is never nasty or mean. And his interviews with stars of old and new are memorable for their depth and passion. He comes across, both to the people he interviews and his viewers or readers as a genuinely nice guy who is excited to be there to talk to the people who make the magic.
I enjoyed his trip down memory lane from his very early days writing for fanzines all the way to his podcasts. He is generous with his praise and comes across as sincerely interested in what people have to say. That is likely one of the secrets of his success, He approaches what he does as a fan and not as the centre of the universe. And it comes across in his book. What could have been name dropping in more egotistical hands, shines through with the pleasure he has derived from his profession and his eagerness to share it with us, the reader.
If you are a big movie/tv fan, especially if you enjoy older movies and shows, you must read this book. It was a delight from beginning to end. Thank you for the hours of entertainment and knowledge you have provided. Five stars and two paws up.
Long before the internet or IMDB or Wikipedia, his movie guide was the bible for movie buffs. He was, from the time he spoke to his first star and remains today, a fan, first and foremost. You get the idea that he feels he has lived a charmed life being able to do what he loves. In his reviews, there is never a sense of “gotcha” or malice. He is never nasty or mean. And his interviews with stars of old and new are memorable for their depth and passion. He comes across, both to the people he interviews and his viewers or readers as a genuinely nice guy who is excited to be there to talk to the people who make the magic.
I enjoyed his trip down memory lane from his very early days writing for fanzines all the way to his podcasts. He is generous with his praise and comes across as sincerely interested in what people have to say. That is likely one of the secrets of his success, He approaches what he does as a fan and not as the centre of the universe. And it comes across in his book. What could have been name dropping in more egotistical hands, shines through with the pleasure he has derived from his profession and his eagerness to share it with us, the reader.
If you are a big movie/tv fan, especially if you enjoy older movies and shows, you must read this book. It was a delight from beginning to end. Thank you for the hours of entertainment and knowledge you have provided. Five stars and two paws up.
November 11, 2021
Starstruck is one of those memoirs that is informative and fun to read and it is amazing on how one man’s passion will guide him through life and help him succeed in every way possible.
Leonard Matlin is the King of Entertainment whether it was his yearly film guide which I would receive one every year or his film reviews or interviews, this was a man who loved his job and it showed. He lovingly put his heart and passion out for the world to see and out of all the entertainment journalism, I always found him the best. His face and eyes would light up with every newscast he was on.
His book, Starstruck is a fun and informative view of his life and his many encounters with show business giants of old and new. He gives us a history of his upbringing and he is able to engage the reader through his life with many delights. His achievements have given the entertainment world a look at how things have changed from the 60’s to present days but his enthusiasm is still very much alive. I love the old stories of classic actors he had met through the years, friendships he has forged through time and his loving family just as invested as he is himself.
The book never dips into boredom and although he does bounce around his life, he keeps the reader invested that they never lose track of where they are. Although it saddens me of his current medical condition, I am still highly encouraged to find a person who keeps his passions strongly flamed to carry him through his next chapter.
This is an excellent film about a man and his journey but also if you are a lover of Hollywood and films, this book will keep you highly entertained. Excellent and highly recommended. You rock Maltin and may your flame always burn bright.
Leonard Matlin is the King of Entertainment whether it was his yearly film guide which I would receive one every year or his film reviews or interviews, this was a man who loved his job and it showed. He lovingly put his heart and passion out for the world to see and out of all the entertainment journalism, I always found him the best. His face and eyes would light up with every newscast he was on.
His book, Starstruck is a fun and informative view of his life and his many encounters with show business giants of old and new. He gives us a history of his upbringing and he is able to engage the reader through his life with many delights. His achievements have given the entertainment world a look at how things have changed from the 60’s to present days but his enthusiasm is still very much alive. I love the old stories of classic actors he had met through the years, friendships he has forged through time and his loving family just as invested as he is himself.
The book never dips into boredom and although he does bounce around his life, he keeps the reader invested that they never lose track of where they are. Although it saddens me of his current medical condition, I am still highly encouraged to find a person who keeps his passions strongly flamed to carry him through his next chapter.
This is an excellent film about a man and his journey but also if you are a lover of Hollywood and films, this book will keep you highly entertained. Excellent and highly recommended. You rock Maltin and may your flame always burn bright.
May 4, 2025
Audiobook. As a longtime movie lover, I enjoyed this personal and nostalgic look at Leonard Maltin’s interactions with Hollywood stars, especially those from the golden age of film. At times, the book does have a bit of a scrapbook feel, almost like a highlight reel of famous encounters. There were moments when I found myself wondering if it was leaning too far in the direction of name-dropping. But to Maltin’s credit, he consistently treats his subjects with deep respect, and his love for film history really shines through. He clearly sees himself not just as a fan, but as someone preserving memories and stories for future generations.
One of my favorite ideas in the book is Maltin’s practice of collecting stories instead of autographs. I recently went to a convention and picked up a few autographs myself, but afterward I found myself thinking, “What do I really do with these?” You only have so much wall space. But stories—those you can revisit, share, and pass on. That perspective really stuck with me. My only real critique is that the book ends on a note that felt a little abrupt: Maltin shares about a life-altering health diagnosis, but doesn’t go into much detail. Maybe it was still early in that chapter of his life, but I would’ve appreciated hearing more about how that diagnosis has shaped his perspective. Still, this is a heartfelt read from someone who clearly cherishes the world of movies and the people who make them.
One of my favorite ideas in the book is Maltin’s practice of collecting stories instead of autographs. I recently went to a convention and picked up a few autographs myself, but afterward I found myself thinking, “What do I really do with these?” You only have so much wall space. But stories—those you can revisit, share, and pass on. That perspective really stuck with me. My only real critique is that the book ends on a note that felt a little abrupt: Maltin shares about a life-altering health diagnosis, but doesn’t go into much detail. Maybe it was still early in that chapter of his life, but I would’ve appreciated hearing more about how that diagnosis has shaped his perspective. Still, this is a heartfelt read from someone who clearly cherishes the world of movies and the people who make them.
January 5, 2022
Split between the audiobook and the ebook.
Maltin's honesty and earnestness have always served him well, and he's definitely not afraid to poke fun at how much of a nerd and old school film geek he is. He became one of the titans of modern film criticism (on TV and in books anyway) and even though I actually took his class at USC I never really clicked into him as a critic to follow. He's about my dad's age but I think most of his big fans are just a bit older than I, or maybe I was more of an Ebert guy.
Anyway, I didn't come into this was a ton of context for Maltin other than his movie guide (which we had a few of in my house growing up), his TV appearances, and his good sport appearance in Gremlins 2.
I was pleasantly surprised that this book didn't lean much on the big stars he's met but instead more on the obscure and/or somewhat forgotten figures who inspired his film fandom and his path to becoming a star in his own right (as a critic). There are so many moments where you really feel Maltin's genuine love for film and the people involved therein, all the time as you learn about who was doing what and what they thought about it all.
It's somewhat of an autobiography but more it's a smattering of stories through Maltin's life and I think that at least in this case it works SO much better than a traditional chronological book would have.
Maltin's honesty and earnestness have always served him well, and he's definitely not afraid to poke fun at how much of a nerd and old school film geek he is. He became one of the titans of modern film criticism (on TV and in books anyway) and even though I actually took his class at USC I never really clicked into him as a critic to follow. He's about my dad's age but I think most of his big fans are just a bit older than I, or maybe I was more of an Ebert guy.
Anyway, I didn't come into this was a ton of context for Maltin other than his movie guide (which we had a few of in my house growing up), his TV appearances, and his good sport appearance in Gremlins 2.
I was pleasantly surprised that this book didn't lean much on the big stars he's met but instead more on the obscure and/or somewhat forgotten figures who inspired his film fandom and his path to becoming a star in his own right (as a critic). There are so many moments where you really feel Maltin's genuine love for film and the people involved therein, all the time as you learn about who was doing what and what they thought about it all.
It's somewhat of an autobiography but more it's a smattering of stories through Maltin's life and I think that at least in this case it works SO much better than a traditional chronological book would have.
January 4, 2022
This anecdotal history of Leonard Maltin’s career—from movie fanzine publisher to podcaster, with long stints on Entertainment Tonight and TCM—is a fascinating, warm, and enjoyable read. Maltin started his career as a movie fan and took over Film Fan Monthly and wrote the first guides to movies on TV, all as a teenager. He took a side-turn into being a critic on Entertainment Tonight and a presenter and guest programmer on TCM, all the while curating and introducing a major line of Disney Treasures on home video, and continuing his work as a lecturer and educator at USC. In 2019, he debuted his own film festival in Hollywood (MaltinFest), sadly put on hold with the rest of the world in 2020 and 2021. This book covers the entire arc of his career and is especially great when he talks about all the stars he met over the years. Truly one of the most likable and respected movie critics and historians, he’s reinvented himself as a podcaster (Maltin on Movies), featuring some wonderful interviews with stars, writers, producers, directors, and fellow film historians.
I met Maltin once at Comic-Con, when I was giving an Inkpot Award to fellow film and animation historian Jerry Beck. Beck forgot that I wanted to say a few words before he started the panel (never guessing he was getting an award) and went into a long talk about the panelists, and Maltin interrupted him and said, “I believe Gary had something to say first.” I was impressed that I met him once and he remembered my name and why I was there!
I met Maltin once at Comic-Con, when I was giving an Inkpot Award to fellow film and animation historian Jerry Beck. Beck forgot that I wanted to say a few words before he started the panel (never guessing he was getting an award) and went into a long talk about the panelists, and Maltin interrupted him and said, “I believe Gary had something to say first.” I was impressed that I met him once and he remembered my name and why I was there!
October 28, 2021
I was interested in reading this book because I am a real film buff. I love Hollywood movies and I love the idea of traveling to film festivals. Maltin's book definitely delivered in both of these areas with his wonderful experiences and access to Hollywood stars and travel to festivals around the world. On the one hand, the book brought me a lot of joy as he shared about his encounters with big players in the film industry. He was able to share a "behind-the-scenes" of getting to know and interview them throughout his career. On the other hand, in the latter half of the book, I started to feel a bit like I was reading someone's annual holiday letter where everyone is so gifted, talented and kind (including many, many descriptions of his own daughter) and while I applaud him for being proud and definitely viewing everyone with rose-colored glasses (there is only one celebrity that he did not view that way), in the end it started to grate on me. I recommend this book if you love classic Hollywood and want to learn some really great history or if you are a huge Leonard Maltin fan.
April 14, 2022
Leonard Maltin and I are about the same age, both New Yorkers, grew up watching TV in the sixties on the 13 channels available to us, and loving what was offered. Dialogue from The Little Rascals is repeated over and over in my family and with just a few words, all meaning is understood. We watched it EVERYDAY until high school ( and maybe even then). Saturday, was all about cartoons. You can tell he enjoyed them too.
Movies were shown every day for a week, or so it seemed. The Giant Behemoth, Hold That Ghost were favorites. Cartoons on Saturday were from 6 am when the stations came on the air, until noon or 1 pm or my mother threatened to put an ax through our 19 inch, black and white, portable TV. What Leonard Maltin did was take what he loved doing, and made a career out of it. The NY stories were my favorite. I love how important these early movies and the stars who acted in them were to HIM. TCM has done a spectacular job of providing the opportunity for us to see and experience movies that we might otherwise never see. I’m enjoying this book. It’s stress-free. It has brought back great memories.
Movies were shown every day for a week, or so it seemed. The Giant Behemoth, Hold That Ghost were favorites. Cartoons on Saturday were from 6 am when the stations came on the air, until noon or 1 pm or my mother threatened to put an ax through our 19 inch, black and white, portable TV. What Leonard Maltin did was take what he loved doing, and made a career out of it. The NY stories were my favorite. I love how important these early movies and the stars who acted in them were to HIM. TCM has done a spectacular job of providing the opportunity for us to see and experience movies that we might otherwise never see. I’m enjoying this book. It’s stress-free. It has brought back great memories.
March 3, 2024
I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.
I've have been blessed in my life by having close conversations / relations with famous people. People like talking to me probably because I'm just too casual, and I ask questions that not a lot of reporters ask. I treat them like normal people and don't try to 'fake' getting into their good graces.
I was thankful to know that Leonard Maltin is a lot like that too. Brought on a healthy dose of classic movies, Disney, and wanting questions to films he adored, he started out by pretty much finding people at stage doors, movie sets, every day places. He curtailed that into making a newsletter / magazine about classic films, which then morphed into movie reviews, which then morphed into teaching at a university in CA.
His life story while sparse is just enough to make you see that he is a fan first and foremost, and he loves what he does. He isn't bias, and while a couple times he has given tough reviews (Mel Brooks, Burt Reynolds), he still focuses on the minor bits in a film for what its worth.
If you're a fan of film, critics, or Hollywood, you should pick this up an give it a read.
I've have been blessed in my life by having close conversations / relations with famous people. People like talking to me probably because I'm just too casual, and I ask questions that not a lot of reporters ask. I treat them like normal people and don't try to 'fake' getting into their good graces.
I was thankful to know that Leonard Maltin is a lot like that too. Brought on a healthy dose of classic movies, Disney, and wanting questions to films he adored, he started out by pretty much finding people at stage doors, movie sets, every day places. He curtailed that into making a newsletter / magazine about classic films, which then morphed into movie reviews, which then morphed into teaching at a university in CA.
His life story while sparse is just enough to make you see that he is a fan first and foremost, and he loves what he does. He isn't bias, and while a couple times he has given tough reviews (Mel Brooks, Burt Reynolds), he still focuses on the minor bits in a film for what its worth.
If you're a fan of film, critics, or Hollywood, you should pick this up an give it a read.
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