One of the most exhilarating periods in film history began with "Easy Rider" in 1969 and ended with "Raging Bull" in 1980, with Beverly Hills shrouded under a blanket of cocaine: at least, that's how it seemed. Based on interviews with all the Hollywood players of the time, this text tells the story of creativity and excess in Hollywood, when Coppola, Bogdanovich, Scorsese, Lucas, Hopper, Altman and Spielberg were at the height of their powers. Recounted with refreshing candour, many celebrities talk frankly to the author about one another and the sex, drugs, and money that made so many of them crash and burn.

Prizes

Backlist bestsellerBy the author of Down and Dirty Pictures

Reviews

The former executive editor of Premiere offers a juicy and supremely entertaining overview of the birth of new Hollywood in the 1970s (producing films like Nashville, Chinatown, Harold & Maude, Jaws, Shampoo, Taxi Driver, The Godfather and Star Wars), which was wonderfully creative but short-lived. The artists celebrated sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll onscreen and off, which partially explains why so many high-flying careers crashed. Dick Hill's invigorating narration is so animated that he seems to be enjoying the sordid and funny mixture of gossip and history as much as any listener. The combination of Biskind's shrewdly written definitive history and Hill's unflagging energy makes this a great way to spend 24 hours. A Simon & Schuster paperback. (Dec.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.