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(More customer reviews)This is a collection of charming stories of Honolulu, most from the early days of statehood when the post war entertainment industry was exploding. Many of its biggest stars enjoyed R & R or low-pressure venues in Honolulu and became instrumental in promoting Hawaii as a vacation paradise. Through his newspaper work, Eddie Sherman met many of these celebrities. He shares his experiences with them in this book.
He revives the memory of Arthur Godfrey, who may have been the first one to spread Aloha though entertainment. Many of the younger celebrities he profiles are gone too, and so is the era. Now the press and celebrities seem to be adversaries or strange bedfellows... not friends. And good friends with celebrities, Sherman was. Brando takes a room in his building and visits his mother. Sherman visits Richard Boone for coffee. Henry Kaiser rescues his pet. Sherman drives around with Sammy Davis and mentors Bette Midler and Tommy Sands.
One interesting contrast is that of Elvis and Bob Hope. It's a little known fact that Elvis and "The Colonel" raised a giant share of the funds for the Arizona Memorial. At this time when some fundamentalist ministers are burning his records, Elvis is building an enduring monument for the nation. It's worth noting that his entertainment legacy has lasted considerably longer than Hope's.
Sherman shares some of his personal life and travel. His straightforward style conveys his love for Hawaii and the life of the island of Oahu.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Frank, Sammy, Marlon & Me: Adventures in Paradise with the Celebrity Set
Adventures in Paradise with the Celebrity Set What happened the day Frank Sinatra almost drowned in the Hawaiian surf? Why did Burgess Meredith stage a fake brawl in a Waikiki nightclub? Was Jack Lord really fired from Hawaii Five-0? Eddie Sherman knows — and tells all, in this fascinating peek behind Hawaiis celebrity scene. For more than 40 years, Sherman covered the showbiz beat in the finest three-dot tradition of Walter Winchell. (Yes, hes here too...) Hobnobbing with Elvis. Painting the town with Brando. Sparring with Muhammad Ali. Schmoozing with the stars, from Lenny Bruce to Bette Midler to Sammy Davis, Jr. The central figure in this wonderful supporting cast was Hawaii itself, the Pacific playground where big-name actors, singers and athletes came to escape the spotlight. Well-removed from Hollywood or Las Vegas, the stars could hit the beach and let their hair down, without the screaming crowds, autograph hunters or pesky paparazzi. Eddie Sherman was their welcoming committee and much more — interviewer, tour guide, confidant, friend. In Frank, Sammy, Marlon & Me, Hawaiis premier columnist and raconteur tells this inside story in his own words — of adventures in paradise with the celebrity set.
