Brittany Murphy (1977-2009) was an American film, television, and stage actress, singer, voice artist, and film producer. Beginning her career, 1995's Clueless proved to be her breakthrough film; notable roles followed in Girl, Interrupted (1999), Don't Say a Word (2001), 8 Mile (2002), and Just Married (2003). Despite the lead in Uptown Girls (2003), the production of The Ramen Girl (2008), and a long-running voice role on the animated television series King of the Hill (1997-2010), subsequent leading roles were less successful. Her later acting years were plagued by scandal and bad press, and the once critically acclaimed actress died of pneumonia at the young age of 32, shrouded by mystery. The first to span her life and career, this biography surveys Murphy's films, television appearances, stage shows, music videos, and public appearances in the order in which they were made. Critical reactions to and awards earned for her works are featured as is a selection of portraits, film stills and posters.

Ann Miller (1923-2004) was an American actress, dancer, singer and author. Best known as a tap dancer, Miller practiced all forms of dance, and some of her solo routines are considered as good as any recorded in film musical history. Despite a reputation as a kook who believed she was psychic, and the potentially flat image of a "glamour girl," Miller's wit, charm and genuine ability to act gave her and her characters depth. This biography presents Ann Miller's career in the context of her fascinating life. Her career began with child acting and included three Hollywood studio contracts, two retirements for marriage, and appearances in film, stage, variety shows, sitcoms and more. She made a comeback in the stage musical Sugar Babies, earning a Best Leading Actress in a Musical Tony Award nomination. She was even appointed an international spokesperson for MGM in the ailing years of the studio.

Hoffman (1967-2014) was an American film, television and stage actor, film producer, and film and stage director, best known for his memorable supporting roles in independent films. Considered one of the best actors of his generation, he died of a drug overdose at age 46 after years of sobriety. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his titular role in Capote (2005), and Best Supporting nominations for Doubt (2008) and The Master (2012). This biography covers his life and career and provides an appendix listing his film, television and stage appearances.

Anne Bancroft (1931-2005) was an American film, television and stage actress, stage producer and film director. Respected for her acting prowess and versatility, she won the ""Triple Crown""-an Oscar, a Tony and an Emmy. Her stage portrayal of Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker won the Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in 1959. She reprised the role for the 1962 film of the same name, winning the Oscar for Best Actress, but was perhaps best known as Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate (1967). Her extensive television work included numerous roles in movies and series, including Deep in My Heart (1999), for which she won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress. A filmography/videography and information about DVD availability are included.

Neil Simon is the most successful American playwright on Broadway, and the winner of many awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Mark Twain Prize for Humor, and a Kennedy Center Honor for Lifetime Achievement. Many of his plays have been adapted into films and made-for-television movies, and he has written original screenplays and television specials. This book provides a catalogue of Simon's screen work with cast and crew information, synopses, release dates, reviews, awards and DVD availability. Notes on each film cover his narrative subjects and themes as well as adaptation, direction and performance.

This is the first book-length study of the American actress Sandy Dennis (1937-1992). Winner of two successive Tony Awards for her work in the theatre in 1963 and 1964, she moved into film in supporting roles. For her performance in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) Dennis won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award. She starred in films like Up The Down Staircase (1967), The Fox (1968), Sweet November (1968), That Cold Day in the Park (1969), Thank You All Very Much (1969), and Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982). Full information is provided for each film and television appearance, with cast and crew credits, synopses, notes, release information, reviews, and DVD availability.

Jules Dassin began his film career as a contract director with MGM, but then went on to build his reputation with such classic films as Brute Force, The Naked City, Thieves Highway and Night and the City. This text is the first English-language treatment of both his life and film career. His biography is recounted, with special attention paid to his exile after being blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee and the subsequent work that he produced in Europe. Each of the director's 25 films are provided a brief chapter analysis, with cast and crew credits, synopsis, release information and reviews. By exploring the life and work of this major director, this book contributes to the scholarship on mid-century Hollywood and film history.

Joanne Woodward is an American film, television and stage actress, television producer and director, stage director, and film director. She won the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in The Three Faces of Eve and was nominated for Rachel, Rachel, Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams and Mr. & Mrs. Bridge. She also won the Best Actress Emmy Award for See How She Runs and Do You Remember Love. This book is the first to be solely devoted to Woodward's life and career, which were often overshadowed by the successes of her late husband, Paul Newman.

This is the first full-length biography of the American dancer, singer and actress Gwen Verdon (1925-2000). Winner of four successive Tony Awards for her work in the theatre, she also appeared in films and on television. The book covers her life as well as her career, as an individual and also in her collaborations with choreographers Jack Cole and Bob Fosse, who was also her husband. A brief appendix of her work is supplied, with information about DVD and video availability.

Previous biographies of American actress Frances Farmer (1913-1970) have downplayed her professional achievements to emphasize her turbulent personal life, including several police arrests and repeated confinements in a state mental hospital. By focusing upon Frances' acting career, this book endeavors to restore her position as a significant Hollywood player of the 1930s, '40s and '50s. An analysis of her film, radio and television work is offered, as well as assessments of the three Frances Farmer biopics and the documentaries in which she is featured. Each of Frances' 16 films receives a chapter-length discussion. A brief biographical chapter is also included.

This critical analysis and history examines 45 films featuring 'grande dames' in horror films. Included is a history of women in horror before the 1962 release of ""What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?"", which launched the 'Grande Dame Guignol' subgenre, in which older women are featured as morally ambiguous leading ladies. Next is an exploration of Grande Dame Guignol films that have followed that landmark release, continuing into the present. The filmography includes cast, crew, reviews, synopses, and production notes, as well as recurring motifs and each role's effect on the star's career.

This pioneering illustrated survey provides in-depth coverage of 76 horror films produced in Australia, where serial killers, carnivorous animals, mutants, zombies, vampires and evil spirits all receive the ""antipodean"" cinematic treatment unique to the Land Down Under. Titles covered were released between 1973 and 2010, a period coinciding with the revival of the long-dormant Australian film industry in the early 1970s, and continuing into the second wave of genre production spurred by the international success of the 2005 chiller Wolf Creek. The Cars That Ate Paris, The Last Wave, Roadgames, Razorback, Outback Vampires, Queen of the Damned, Black Water, and The Reef are among the titles represented. Each film is covered in a chapter that includes cast and credits list, release information, contemporary reviews and DVD availabilty. Notes offer an analysis of the narrative, filmmaking techniques, acting performances, recurring themes and motifs, and the overall effectiveness of the film as a work of horror.

Gene Hackman (January 30, 1930 - ) is an American film, television and stage actor, film executive producer, co-author and author. Described as the best actor of his generation, he won the Best Actor Academy Award for The French Connection (1971) and the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for Unforgiven (1992). A filmography/videography is included in this full coverage of his career.