Books
Rebecca: The Making of a Hollywood Classic (Expanded Version)
I am happy to announce that an expanded version of my book Rebecca: The Making of a Hollywood Classic has been published by Midnight Marquee and released by BearManor Media. The behind-the-scenes story about the filming of classic 1940 movie Rebecca is filled with drama and excitement. In the book I chronicle this fascinating chapter in cinema history and provide a detailed view of those involved in the production including director Alfred Hitchcock and producer David Selznick whose fruitful but contentious relationship began with this film.
Book Reviews Cafe calls it "a captivating deep dive into the adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s Gothic masterpiece, tracing how the haunting corridors of Manderley made their way from page to screen." Click here for the full review:
Available for purchase on Amazon
Rebecca: The Making of a Hollywood Classic (Expanded Version)
The production and background of the classic 1940 OscarⓇ winning film Rebecca is recounted in this expanded version of Rebecca: The Making of a Hollywood Classic.
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Movie Dynasty Princesses: Irene Mayer Selznick and Edith Mayer Goetz
The fascinating lives of celebrated Broadway producer Irene Mayer Selznick (“A
Streetcar Named Desire”; “The Chalk Garden”), and leading socialite Edith Mayer Goetz, are explored in this revealing double bio. As the daughters of iconic MGM mogul Louis B. Mayer, they were
Hollywood royalty. Through their marriages to high profile film producers -- Irene to David O. Selznick (“Gone with the Wind”) and Edith to future Universal mogul William Goetz -- the sisters
each carved out her own distinctive niche in Hollywood, while supporting and influencing their husbands’ work. Edie rose to prominence as queen bee of movie industry society. Irene left her
husband and started a new life in New York, where she embarked on an ambitious career as a theatrical producer, not only succeeding with major hit plays, but blazing a trail for women in the
theater. Set against the glamorous backdrop of Hollywood’s Golden Age and post-war Broadway, “Movie Dynasty Princesses” chronicles the exciting, inspiring and sometimes heartbreaking journeys of
these rivalrous sisters who strove to make their dreams come true.
Songbird of Culpeper County
Two kindred spirits from different worlds, whose passion for music is rivaled only by their passion for one another. Cornelia, a shy, eccentric country girl, in rural 1950s Virginia, who idolizes Maria Callas, is an unlikely operatic prodigy. She shares a passion for music and much more with Jay, a struggling, young composer, anxious to escape his aristocratic background and the demands of his overbearing father. As their romance grows, Jay and Cornelia inspire each other to overcome obstacles in their paths to turn their respective dreams into reality. Can their love for one another survive the efforts of their very different families -- including threats and bribery -- to keep them apart?
THE MANY FACES OF JANE EYRE: FILM, STAGE AND TV ADAPTATIONS
For more than one hundred years, the celebrated Gothic romance Jane Eyre has been a popular subject at the movies and was quickly adapted to television in countless TV movies/miniseries, eventually becoming a Broadway musical. The Many Faces of Jane Eyre takes fans on an intriguing journey through the eclectic collection of big and small screen as well as theatrical adaptations of Charlotte Brontë’s still beloved novel. From the silent era to the famous Joan Fontaine-Orson Welles’ version and the BBC’s memorable 1983 miniseries to today’s productions, the book explores a wide range of interpretations which include conventional adaptations and unique retellings.
Anne of the Thousand Days: The Making of an Epic
Iconic actors, jealousy, tantrums, and a legendary producer’s struggle to transform the tempestuous, ill-fated union of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII to the big screen all factor into this dramatic, behind-the-scenes story of how the popular Broadway play "Anne of the Thousand Days" became the quintessential Anne Boleyn movie. Richard Burton and Geneviève Bujold lit up the screen in this tragic romance, but some of the most exciting scenes were those not caught on film and which centered on a real or imagined love triangle that threatened Burton’s celebrated but notoriously stormy marriage to screen goddess Elizabeth Taylor. In addition to the classic film and Maxwell Anderson’s play, the book explores the lives of those involved in both productions and the history that inspired "Anne of the Thousand Days", as well as the evolution of Anne Boleyn as a pop culture phenomenon.
Knight of the Purple Ribbon: Baron de Graffenried's Colonial Adventures
Based on the true life adventures of the charming Swiss nobleman Baron Christoph de Graffenried, (ancestor to former First Lady Laura Bush and author Ellen Glasgow), and his founding of New Bern, the second oldest town in North Carolina in 1710, “Knight of the Purple Ribbon” is filled with drama, romance and suspense. Penned by his descendant, Jennifer Leigh Wells, this sweeping historic novel follows de Graffenried as he goes from being the reckless black sheep of his illustrious family to the head of a colonial settlement, carved out of the wilderness, with his beautiful, spirited bride at his side, whose love sustains him though the struggles and hardships. Set against the backdrop of such monumental events as Cary’s Rebellion and the Tuscarora War, this amazing journey transports the reader from the castles of Switzerland to the decadent British court to the wilds of the New World.
Novelettes
The Balladeer's Muse
Audra, a talented young singer and Bailey a high profile songwriter are the best of friends but things quickly become complicated when Bailey begins writing hit songs for Audra that skyrocket her to fame. When previously unacknowledged romantic feelings are suddenly revealed, love could either save or destroy their cherished relationship.
Juliet & Mr. Rossini
An inspiring and tender coming-of-age novella about an unlikely alliance that has a far-reaching impact on the lives of those involved. Juliet Hawkins is a bright, sensitive young girl struggling to deal with many challenges including: bullying, self-image issues, a complex family life and finding her voice. She discovers an unlikely friend in Mr. Rossini, a widower and retired businessman earning extra money as a school janitor. After a lifetime of taking care of others he no longer feels needed, until he meets Juliet. However, gossip and spiteful rumors threaten to destroy their innocent relationship and much more. It is a tale which is, all at once, compelling, heartwarming and, at times even humorous. At its center Juliet & Mr. Rossini celebrates the of kindness, courage and personal empowerment.
Dorothea Duck and Her Little Companion
Mama Duck Dorothea and her duckling Jenny have a special bond. They are as close as a mother and child can be. But Jenny is growing up and it's time she learned to be more independent. As Jenny explores the duck pond on her own and learns to make new friends, things don't always go smoothly but her efforts are ultimately rewarded.
Jennifer K. Lafferty's books are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers.