View Full Version : New Elizabeth Montgomery Biography to be released


Larry Tate
04-28-2012, 10:51 PM
Some great news for Elizabeth Montgomery & Bewitched fans as a Biography on her enchanting life is going to be released in November this year.

The author is Herbie J. Pilato who wrote Bewitched forever.
For Elizabeth Montgomery fans this is it, as this will entail the only real Biography ever to be done on her life.

It includes in the area of 50 photos many of them in color as well as including dozens of interviews with many of the people who shared her life and knew her best through out all of her life.

An intimate look at the inner sanctums of the life that enchanted us yet alluded us as well.

I was blessed to be involved in this project in a significant way in helping to put together this homage with Herbie J. Pilato to the life of La La Lizzie.

Pre Order information is in the link below:

https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781589797499

Some up to date pre-ordering information.

Product Details

Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing (November 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589797493
ISBN-13: 978-1589797499

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1589797493/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_-seRpb1GQWAVS

Larry Tate :)

MickeyMac
04-30-2012, 01:59 PM
I'll be sure to check this one out.

comedyfreak
05-01-2012, 11:08 PM
Sounds good can't wait to read this book.

MichaelKeith
05-04-2012, 12:04 PM
Will this book also be available for purchase at Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble book stores?

Larry Tate
05-04-2012, 05:47 PM
Will this book also be available for purchase at Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble book stores?

It will be available at all the usual places in person or online
such as the two book stores you mentioned.

As well as we get closer to the publication date you will be able to buy
it directly from the author Herbie J. Pilato signed or unsigned.

Larry Tate

Larry Tate
08-10-2012, 09:55 PM
Reviews of an advanced copy of Herbie J. Pilato's Book "Twitch upon a Star":

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. It's clear that Herbie J Pilato not only knows what he's talking about, but that he also cares very deeply about his subject, from a personal, yet objective perspective...No two ways about it, 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 children'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, veteran TV writer and producer (Baretta, Diagnosis: Murder, The Fall Guy, and more)

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 its 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

Intricately revealing, well written and hard to put down, Herbie J Pilato’s Twitch Upon a Star captures the essence and life of Elizabeth Montgomery.

He leads readers on 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.

I heartily recommend this well rounded read for fans, friends and all who value the life of a gifted, complex and bewitching woman.

— Kathy Garver, film, TV, and stage star (Cissy on the classic Family Affair TV series); author, The Family Affair Cookbook and Surviving Cissy; speaker.

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 and founder of PeaceArt International

catlover79
08-11-2012, 02:52 PM
I can't imagine a better writer for a Liz bio than Herbie. Seriously, I can't wait to read it. I know from my talks with him that this book has truly been a labor of love for him.

Jude The Obscure
08-11-2012, 08:43 PM
I'm sure it will be a well done piece.

Johnny be good!
08-12-2012, 11:42 AM
Sounds like a great book.

MickeyMac
08-12-2012, 03:32 PM
I will be getting this

catlover79
08-12-2012, 03:55 PM
I will be getting this
That's a shocker. ;)

MickeyMac
08-16-2012, 01:00 PM
That's a shocker. ;)



:D

Larry Tate
09-25-2012, 01:21 PM
This message is from Herbie J. Pilato to purchasers of the new Elizabeth Montgomery Biography to be released on Nov.5th.

Larry Tate

Hello All....

Thank you to everyone who purchased a copy of my new book TWITCH UPON A STAR: THE BEWITCHED LIFE AND CAREER OF ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY.

I am very happy to report that the book is now in the warehouse and ready to be shipped!!

You should be receiving your copy very soon.

And when you receive it and after you read it, please take a moment to review it, ideally, on either BarnesandNoble.com and Amazon.com or your favorite online book provider.

In any case, I very much appreciate your support of my work, and I guarantee that you will enjoy the book.

With best "twitches,"

HJ :)

Herbie J Pilato
Pop-Culture Consultants
17306 Stowers Avenue, Suite 1-A
Los Angeles, CA 90703-1055
(310) 480-0067
hjpilato@yahoo.com
http://www.herbiejpilato.blogspot.com/

NEW BOOK:

Twitch Upon A Star: The Bewitched Life And Career of Elizabeth Montgomery
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781589797499

Classic TV Corner blog
http://www.mediabizbloggers.com/herbie-pilato

Big3sCompanyFan
09-25-2012, 01:46 PM
That's cool but I'd like to see a video Bio of Liz on A&E or the Bio channel.

I'm sure there must be one of her.

Samme
09-29-2012, 04:26 AM
I've ordered mine because I figure it'll probably take a couple years before even a used copy is below its price of $13.41. I liked his other Bewitched book and another author's bio of her was under 200 pages and was always very expensive. It's hard to beat the price of this one for an almost 500 page hardcover book of a person you always wanted to read more about. It's almost gotta be worth it.

Larry Tate
09-29-2012, 11:03 AM
I've ordered mine because I figure it'll probably take a couple years before even a used copy is below its price of $13.41. I liked his other Bewitched book and another author's bio of her was under 200 pages and was always very expensive. It's hard to beat the price of this one for an almost 500 page hardcover book of a person you always wanted to read more about. It's almost gotta be worth it.

I agree, it is a great price for a first rate Biography of a legendary icon.
Herbie J. Pilato's Bewitched book was the template on how such books on a TV series should be done.

The other Elizabeth Montgomery Biography you referenced was actually just a consolidation of hundreds of articles from movie magazines and newspapers with only one or two actual people interviewed for it and not a legitimate biography.

This one is and hundreds of people who knew Liz in her private life and from working with her in Movies, TV & political causes were directly interviewed by the author within the last year, so this one will be an actual legitimate Biography and well worth the price.

I know that fans of Liz's and Bewitched will not be disappointed as i have read early drafts of it as i worked on it with Herbie J. Pilato.

There were two hour TV Biography's done on her life, one by A&E & one by MSNBC for it's Headliners and Legends analogy of famous people, i have both in my collection.

LarrytateT@aol.com

Larry Tate

My Elizabeth Montgomery Have List:
http://www.freewebs.com/larrytate550/

My Elizabeth Montgomery Want List:
http://larrytate70.tripod.com/

My Non-Elizabeth Montgomery Have List:
http://larrytate700.tripod.com/

Big3sCompanyFan
09-29-2012, 01:50 PM
Larry, I'd rather see those video docs.

I saw part of one before but it was years ago. MSNBC hasn't shown their "Headliners and Legends" program in years but there was some good ones!

Larry Tate
10-06-2012, 01:40 AM
The Elizabeth Montgomery Biography is now available from all the usual sources as it has been made available a month earlier then expected, i know some who are already reading it as i type.

Larry Tate

80sTrivia
10-06-2012, 06:50 AM
This will definitely be on my Christmas list! :)

catlover79
10-14-2012, 05:04 PM
I just got my copy in the mail the a few days ago, personally autographed by Herbie himself. I'm almost done. Great read!!! Bewitched and Liz fans are in for a real treat. :D

Penny Lane
10-16-2012, 10:01 AM
I have just begun reading the book. Early on the author mentions our own Larry Tate(Tom McCartney) -great last name there Tom!;) His name is included in the Acknowledgements . The author states that Tom provided some information on Liz's background. Isn't that cool?! I hope that he doesn't mind my blabbing this. But this should be a proud moment! Good Show!:thumbsup: :clap:

Larry Tate
10-16-2012, 01:35 PM
I have just begun reading the book. Early on the author mentions our own Larry Tate(Tom McCartney) -great last name there Tom!;) His name is included in the Acknowledgements . The author states that Tom provided some information on Liz's background. Isn't that cool?! I hope that he doesn't mind my blabbing this. But this should be a proud moment! Good Show!:thumbsup: :clap:

I guess now i won't only be a legend in my own mind, Thanks Penny Lane. ;)
I have heard many positive views of the book from both the layout & presentation to the content itself.

Now Elizabeth Montgomery will finally get some just due & attention, i hope all enjoy Herbie Pilato's book, i had fun working on it.

Larry Tate :)

Penny Lane
10-16-2012, 01:57 PM
I guess now i won't only be a legend in my own mind, Thanks Penny Lane. ;)
I have heard many positive views of the book from both the layout & presentation to the content itself.

Now Elizabeth Montgomery will finally get some just due & attention, i hope all enjoy Herbie Pilato's book, i had fun working on it.

Larry Tate :)

She deserves attention. Just because she was a tv movie actress doesn't diminish her talent. She is just as good/ BETTER than a lot of film actresses. I feel like she has been underrated because she had no big screen films since she was really young. She had so much presence and charisma! Man, I miss her so much! I watch her movies over and over. And Tom, go ahead and continue being a legend in your own mind! :wave:

Larry Tate
10-17-2012, 02:11 PM
She deserves attention. Just because she was a tv movie actress doesn't diminish her talent. She is just as good/ BETTER than a lot of film actresses. I feel like she has been underrated because she had no big screen films since she was really young. She had so much presence and charisma! Man, I miss her so much! I watch her movies over and over. And Tom, go ahead and continue being a legend in your own mind! :wave:

Actually Elizabeth Montgomery was offered multi picture deals with Warner Brothers after The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell in 1955 and in 1963 by Paramount Pictures after filming Who's been sleeping in my bed.

She turned them down to concentrate on Gig Young in 1955 and was ready to retire from acting when the offer from Paramount came in as she was seeing Bill Asher then.

Thereafter she could have done motion pictures and was offered them as well but preferred TV Movies as this allowed her complete control as she had on Bewitched, in a Movie like almost actresses she would have been merely a cog in the wheel with no say in the project.

Her talents were great and Lee Remick is a good example of who she could have been as a Movie star, she was also very close to her and was Lee's maid of Honor a few years before Liz married Bill Asher.

Larry Tate :)

Penny Lane
10-17-2012, 02:40 PM
Actually Elizabeth Montgomery was offered multi picture deals with Warner Brothers after The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell in 1955 and in 1963 by Paramount Pictures after filming Who's been sleeping in my bed.

She turned them down to concentrate on Gig Young in 1955 and was ready to retire from acting when the offer from Paramount came in as she was seeing Bill Asher then.

Thereafter she could have done motion pictures and was offered them as well but preferred TV Movies as this allowed her complete control as she had on Bewitched, in a Movie like almost actresses she would have been merely a cog in the wheel with no say in the project.

Her talents were great and Lee Remick is a good example of who she could have been as a Movie star, she was also very close to her and was Lee's maid of Honor a few years before Liz married Bill Asher.

Larry Tate :)

Wow! You sure are a fount of information Tom! I too believe that she would have been a successful movie actress but she was smart in sticking with television where she had much larger exposure to the general public. Lee Remick is one of my favorite actresses too!( Loved her in "The Long Hot Summer".She preceded Liz in death in '91 and also died from cancer. She was a beautiful woman and it's interesting to know that she and Liz were good friends. Sadly we have lost both of these lovely ladies way too soon!Thanks for the infoTom!:wave:

catlover79
10-18-2012, 12:26 AM
One of the most interesting tidbits was learning that Liz had been approached to play Krystle Carrington on Dynasty. I'd always thought Linda Evans was the first and only choice. It would've been interesting to see how Liz would've worked with a powerhouse like Aaron Spelling.

MickeyMac
10-18-2012, 11:41 AM
Nice Christmas gift to me.

Penny Lane
10-20-2012, 11:49 AM
I just ran into Tom's name in the book for the third time!:D Cool!:cool:

Larry Tate
10-20-2012, 01:27 PM
I just ran into Tom's name in the book for the third time!:D Cool!:cool:

It looks like i am omnipresent and in the immortal words of Ringo Starr no longer a pigment of my imagination.

All the world's a stage,
And and i am merely a player;
I have my exits and my entrances,
And as one man in his time i play many parts,
My acts being seven ages Ad infinitum.

In the end i am poor, why?, because i am a river of knowledge to my people :)

Larry Tate ;)

MickeyMac
01-08-2013, 01:35 PM
Finally got this. Reading a book now, but when that gets done, I am on the Liz bio.

catlover79
01-09-2013, 03:33 AM
My only real complaint is the many spelling, punctuation, and continuity errors in the book. Herbie, who did your proofreading?? :eek:

MickeyMac
01-18-2013, 05:13 PM
Got done reading the book. Its good but at times Herbie gets off topic when he discusses other things.

catlover79
01-18-2013, 10:37 PM
He does tend to ramble and repeat information. The thing is, Herbie doesn't always take constructive criticism very well.

MickeyMac
01-21-2013, 01:43 PM
I noticed that when he was on Facebook.