Why did Elizabeth Montgomery, star of TV's Bewitched, hate Ronald Reagan?
How are JFK and Marilyn Monroe related to Bewitched?
What does the Iran/Contra Affair have to do with Bewitched?
What does the 1988 Pan Am incident over Lockerbie have to do with Bewitched?
Why did Elizabeth view prejudice as the core message of Bewitched?
How did Elizabeth twitch her nose as Samantha on Bewitched?
Was she really related to ax-murderess Lizzie Borden (who she played in the 1975 TV-movie)?
Did Gary Cooper make a play for a pre-witched Elizabeth?
Did she have an affair with Dean Martin (on the set of their hit movie, Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed)?
Did dueling affairs break-up Elizabeth's marriage to Bewitched producer/director William Asher?
Did Elvis Presley have a thing for Elizabeth?
Just exactly how abusive was her marriage to alcoholic actor Gig Young (her second of four
Did Darrin really love Samantha behind the Bewitchedscenes? Is THAT why there were twoDarrin's?
Did Samantha and Endorabattle behind the witch cameras?
The answers to these questions and more are found in my new biography of Elizabeth Montgomery, titled, TWITCH UPON A STAR: THE BEWITCHED LIFE AND CAREER OF ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY, which is based on my exclusive interviews with Elizabeth (who died of cancer in 1995).
This book also includes never-before-published commentary from other TV icons like: Florence Henderson (The Brady Bunch), June Lockhart (Lost in Space), Lydia Cornell (Too Close For Comfort), Ed Asner (The Mary Tyler Moore Show), Eric Scott (The Waltons), as well Montgomery's friends like the Oscar-winning actor Cliff Robertson (in his final interview!), actor Ronny Cox (her co-star from A Case of Rape, one of her historic, ground-breaking TV-movies), and many others!
Other topics covered:
Liberal Democrat Elizabeth clashed with her father – the conservative Republican actor Robert Montgomery (the first celebrity to serve the as an entertainment consultant to the White House).
Elizabeth's generous support of the Peace Movement and the disabled community!
Her protests of the Vietnam War!
How she became one of the first celebrities to help those suffering from AIDS!
With an expansive perspective on her free spirit, intelligence and wit; her strong sense of politics, family, work ethic and general life priorities, TWITCH UPON A STAR is a compelling chronicle of a legendary, charitable and very complex actress.
Read Chapter 1 from TWITCH UPON A STAR:
Listen to one-hour radio interview with author Herbie J Pilato:
Read the reviews below:
"…all about Bewitched, the magical 1960s-and-1970s sitcom, and other triumphs enjoyed by the talented and beautiful Montgomery."
- Michael Musto, Village Voice
"…a fine biography of a fine lady."
- Peter Ackerman, Son of Harry Ackerman (executive producer of Bewitched)
"Fans of classic television or of well-written biographies should seek this out…a comprehensive and touching biography of Montgomery's life…"
- Kristen Lopez, Journeys in Classic Film
"Elizabeth Montgomery's life is beautifully portrayed…in this loving new biography.
- FrontiersLA
"…astounding! Herbie J Pilato does a wonderful job of mixing hard info and his personal relationship with Elizabeth Montgomery. His approach makes the book very unique. This is one of the best biographies I've read in years… a real classic…a brilliant work…a masterpiece."
- Rick Lertzman, media historian and author of Codename: Dr. Feelgood
"…an engrossing look at a strong-willed actress whose career spanned five decades. It will satisfy Elizabeth Montgomery fans, as well as Bewitched buffs interested in learning more about that series' leading lady – and even how the famous twitch was 'invented.'
- Classic Film and TV Café
"Heavily researched, expertly executed, and handled with reverence, Twitch Upon A Star is a magical revelation about one of the most popular and endearing performers of all time…Herbie J Pilato not only knows what he's talking about…he also cares very deeply about his subject, from a personal, yet objective perspective...this book is a class act about a classic actress."
- Danny Gold, film and television producer
"I encourage everyone to read Pilato's astounding, loving, riveting, eye-opening book."
- Lydia Cornell, star of classic TV's Too Close For Comfort, comedienne, and women and child's advocate
"The way Herbie J Pilato tells it, Elizabeth Montgomery just didn't have guts, she had balls. She was kind to those she felt deserved it but had no qualms about setting others straight. Who'd'a thunk that sweet little Samantha had such chutzpah?"
- Larry Brody, TV writer and producer
(Baretta, Diagnosis: Murder, The Fall Guy, and more)
"Intricately revealing, well written and hard to put down…captures the essence and life of Elizabeth Montgomery…an intriguing journey into the loves, politics and performances of this multi-talented actor - a very magical journey, yet based in the real emotion of love."
- Kathy Garver, film, TV and stage star (Cissy on the classic Family Affair TV series); author, The Family Affair Cookbook and Surviving Cissy; speaker.
"Not only has Bewitched's Samantha Stephens influenced hundreds of female TV characters and the actresses who portrayed them, but Elizabeth Montgomery's lasting influence on Hollywood and society has been far greater than the TV series that made her a legend. Herbie J Pilato, one of the great students of classic TV, spins a compelling narrative that brings to life a magical TV series and it's even more magical star. It's a true Hollywood story, and more than any book I've read Twitch Upon a Star goes behind-the-scenes to capture a fascinating period in history when television was coming of age."
- Jack Myers, media ecologist, author and producer
"Much more than just a celebrity biography Twitch Upon A Star relays a spiritual quest that can speak to anyone. Retelling the story and work of a life can activate an awareness of the beauty and purpose in our own unfoldment. Pilato accomplishes this masterfully and magically, uncovering such depth and absorbing reflection with authenticity and vigorous charm to reveal Elizabeth Montgomery's journey as a true cultural treasure. This book is magnificent!"
- Thomas Warfield, performing artist, founder of PeaceArt International
"…my latest favorite book…"
- Salvadore SeBasco, Literary Director/Book Critic, The Inside View Show
CONTACT:
For a review copy or to schedule an interview with the author, contact Sandy Trupp at Media Connect (202.974.5022/sandy.trupp@finnpartners.com), Kalen Landow at Taylor Trade Publishing (klandow@rowman.com), or the author directly via HJPilato@yahoo.com (310.480.0067).
Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomeryby Herbie J Pilato
November 2012 · ISBN 978-1-58979-749-9 · 456 pages · 6 x 9 · $24.95 · Hardcover · 40 B&W and Color Photos · Biography/Entertainment
Taylor Trade Publishing|An Imprint of the Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group