CRP's Blog

This fall we published two film biographies, The First King of Hollywood: The Life of Douglas Fairbanks (October) and The Ice Cream Blonde: The Whirlwind Life and Mysterious Death of Screwball Comedienne Thelma Todd (November), both of which have been well received by reviewers and the film blogger community. In his Huffington Post Best Film Books of 2015 roundup, Thomas Gladysz says “Chicago Review Press is emerging as a leading publisher of film biographies.”

Go behind the scenes of the research and writing process with authors Michelle Morgan (The Ice Cream Blonde) and Tracey Goessel (The First King of Hollywood) on our blog (Yes! Both authors are mildly obsessed with their subjects) and snag copies (print or e-book) for yourself or the film buff on your list—use the code HOLIDAY2015 for 50% off your entire order on our website.

“One of the most delightful Hollywood biographies to slide down the mast in years.” —The New York Times Book Review

“A royal read.”  —Huffington Post, “Best Film Books 2015”

“Doggedly researched and sharply written.”  —The Guardian

“One of the most impeccably researched film biographies I’ve ever read.” —Stardust Classic Film Blog

“One of the best actor biographies I’ve read in recent years.” —Movie Morlocks

“Morgan details the dangerous world the actress inhabited, and offers new evidence on Todd’s mysterious death, long thought but never proven to be murder. Ice Cream Blonde is a great read.” —Huffington Post, “Best Film Books 2015”

“A good read for film fans and unsolved mystery fans alike.” —A Person in the Dark

“[An] insightful examination of a much maligned figure, highlighting the darkness but never ignoring the light surrounding Thelma Todd.” —Journeys in Classic Film

“If you have a loved one that is also fascinated by the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood you should add this to their list of perfect gifts to pick up.” —Retroist

“Those coming to this book out of curiosity about the mystery of her death will, in 224 pages, also get a nice picture of a deep and smart actress who claimed she never ‘got’ Hollywood but clearly had a good understanding of how it worked and what her place was in it.” —Speakeasy