First Films: Illustrious, Obscure, and Embarrassing Movie Debuts

Chronicles the first screen appearances of more than one hundred actors and directors, including Kevin Costner's inauspicious debut in Sizzle Beach, USA, Julia Roberts's uninspiring Blood Red, and Al Pacino's electrifying cameo in Me, Natalie. Original.

Bernard, film critic for the New York Post , gives us the scoop on the debuts of more than 100 prominent actors and directors (mostly of the current crop, although Bernard includes Jerry Lewis and Paul Newman). Whether it's Whoopi Goldberg in The Color Purple (1985), Sharon Stone's bit as "pretty girl on train" in Stardust Memories (1980), or Sylvester Stallone's venture into softcore porn, Bernard shows how these major players have built careers from often humble beginnings. Most of the brief, anecdotal essays offer quotes from her interviews with the subjects. An up-to-date filmography concludes each entry. Bernard's research is generally excellent, and she writes with the infectious enthusiasm of the true buff. Sure to be popular in public libraries.
- David C. Tucker, Brookhaven Lib., Atlanta
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.