The Thumbnail Book Reviews
by John Q McDonald --- 4 March 1998
by Budd Schulberg
In this amazing book, Schulberg tells the story of a personality type that he presents as a study on the American character in the first half of the 20th century. An Academy Award-Winning screenwriter, (On the Waterfront) the author undoubtedly draws on his own experience to tell us of Sammy Glick, a man with a burning passion to get ahead in Hollywood. Al Manheim, a Broadway reporter for a New York newspaper, observes Sammy's drive from the time he was a copy-boy until Sammy makes it big in motion pictures. Sammy has no scruples about using people to make his fortune, and has correspondingly few friends and lovers. Manheim, himself, is driven by an almost obsessive desire to find out What makes Sammy run? and manages to uncover some key clues. The story draws out the mid 30s in Hollywood, the relentless life of the studios, and some touchingly memorable characters. It is an extremely engaging and entertaining book. (contrast with The Day of the Locust)
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