Lana: The Memories, the Myths, the Movies

Having read Cheryl Crane's previous book on her mother and her own life, Detour: A Hollywood Story, I was interested to see what this volume would be like. "Detour," although it delved into Lana's colorful and sometimes sordid past, was definitely a class act and well written; nothing like the trash written by Joan Crawford and Bette Davis' children. It was an honest and loving tribute to her mother. I am happy to say that Cheryl has done the same with this volume. Not only does she fill it with more interesting information about Lana Turner, but it is crammed full of rare and never-before-seen photos. The reproduction quality is extremely high as well; this is not a schlocky poorly scanned and printed book that has been done on the cheap. Highly recommended! For those who prefer their books to be written in chronological order, this may not be the one for you. Instead, Cheryl has chosen to divide her mother's life into interesting sections that flesh out her personality and help dig deeper than what was typically written about Lana Turner by the fan-based publications. After reading this, you will see that there was much more to this woman than the image created by MGM. The book is divided into 2 parts. "Part One: Memories and Myths" contains sections such as Lanamours (the loves of Lana's life, which, much to Cheryl's credit, mentions facts AND rumors, but definitely labels them as such), Entourage (the behind-the-scenes friends and workers that were with Lana over the years, including make-up genius Del Armstrong and stand-in Alyce May), Interests & Hobbies ("Favorite sport? Any as long as it's a spectator sport."), and For "The Boys" (how Lana got out and supported the troops, from WW2 to Vietnam). "Part Two: The Movies" is a chronological listing of her films, stage, and TV-work, and again, is lavishly illustrated. Capped off by "Unrealized Projects," it is interesting to read about some of the work that "could have been" had Lana chosen or been chosen for these films: "Gone With the Wind," "Return to Peyton Place," and "Anatomy of a Murder." HIGHLY recommended!

...if she could see this gorgeous book. The thing that Lana Turner fans (and fans of classic actresses in general) have been missing for years is a comprehensive photo essay devoted to one of the single most glamorous stars of old-time Hollywood, and Ms. Turner's daughter Cheryl Crane and Cindy de la Hoz (author of previous photobooks on Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe) have provided this. I was flabbergasted when I opened this volume; I think at least two-thirds of these photos haven't seen wide public circulation since they were originally taken, if indeed they were ever published at all. The astounding wealth of new images of Lana would alone make this book a winner, but the text by Ms. Crane, all together loving, comprehensive, honest and informative, gives indispensable depth to the work. To echo and refrain the old cliche, what we have here is the equivalent, in pictures, of several full-length books on Lana Turner, along with a book's worth of words. I knew the moment I saw this book that I wanted it in my library, and if you're interested in Lana or classic movies, you will too. Highest recommendation.

Some might say that Lana Turner would not be well-known today if it weren't for her daughter...and they would be right for two reasons: the lingering memory of the sensationalized press, myth and aftermath surrounding the Stompanato killing--and Cheryl Crane's reflective, revealing, forgiving and ultimately all-loving books--the first being "Detour"--and now, this latest effort. This new book is everything a Lana fan could hope for--lots of unretouched, seldom-seen, candid and family photos--with pages of interesting "you are there" style commentary. The coffee table-sized book is glossy and glamorous, just like Lana--and down-to-earth, thoughtful, intimate and organized--like Lana's daughter. The book is beautifully designed, thoroughly researched--and, by the way--priced very low for the quality. As an aside: how they managed to get this high level of production value for this price is beyond me, but I will take advantage of it and buy several for holiday and birthday gifts :) Final note: Attention all Lana fans: this is THE book for you.

Lana Turner's new book is beautifully illustrated and written by Cheryl Crane and Cindy De La Hoz. I love it! The cover art is beautiful. It is so unique from any other autobiography/film books in the way it's presented and written. It's so original. It's exquisite with lots of original photos, facts and information. I am totally enthralled by the uniqueness of this book. As a classic movie fan for many years, this book has surpassed any biography/film books that I have read in the last 15 years. I highly recommend it to all Lana fans and those who love classic movies. This is an excellent example of how autobiographies should be done. Congratulations to both authors!! Five stars all the way! P.S. Be sure to read Lucy at the Movies: The Complete Films of Lucille Ball also by Cindy De La Hoz who does a beautiful job.

Cheryl Crane, daughter to the incredible icon of Hollywood glamour Lana Turner, gave a gift to both fans and her mother in this beautiful book. Overflowing in beautiful glossy MGM photos and even more never-before-seen photos, this is the ultimate tribute to Lana Turner. The book is extremely well planned and seems to answer every question a Lana Turner may have had. Several sections highlight the Loves of Lana Turner with many accompanying photos, the family, behind the scenes. It is a Must Have for any Lana Turner fan!! Every Hollywood star should have such a beautiful tribute to their life! Congratulations to Cheryl Crane for a beautiful, very well-done book!!