Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery
Elizabeth Montgomery's life is beautifully portrayed by author Herbie Pilato in [this] loving new biography.(FrontiersLA)[A] comprehensive and touching biography of Montgomery's life. . . . Fans of classic television or of well-written biographies should seek this out . . . an insightful read about an amazing woman!(Journeys in Classic Film). . . [T]ells you all aboutBewitched, the magical 1960s-and-'70s sitcom, and other triumphs enjoyed by the talented and beautiful Montgomery.(Village Voice)Twitch Upon a Staris an engrossing look at a strong-willed actress whose career spanned five decades. It will satisfy Elizabeth Montgomery's fans, as well asBewitchedbuffs interested in learning more about that series' leading lady—and even how the famous twitch was ‘invented.’(Classic Film and TV Café)[A] blockbuster new book.(The National Enquirer)Life's journey is never simple.Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomeryis a biography from Herbie J. Pilato [in which] he tells theBewitchedstar's story . . . forming friendships, romances, enemies, and everything in between. An advocate with her own problems, [Montgomery’s] story is one of [an individual] who tried to make a difference with her stardom.Twitch Upon a Staris a strongly recommended addition to Hollywood and television history biography collections; highly recommended.(Midwest Book Review). . . [A] love letter . . . No matter how big your twitch itch, this book will scratch it.(Ventura County Star). . . [I]t's like meeting [Elizabeth Montgomery] all over again for the very first time. . . . If you've ever enjoyed an episode ofBewitched, come meet her for yourself.(BookSteve's Library Blog)This biography covers it all. . . . Fans will love the three sections of photos and Pilato's respectful, yet truthful, portrait of the woman who will forever be remembered for as the beautiful witch Samantha Stephens.(SheKnows Book Lounge)Twitch Upon a Staris based on Pilato's exclusive interviews prior to Montgomery's 1995 death. . . . The book follows her career before, during, and afterBewitched, and goes behind the scenes chronicling her political activism [and] reveals behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the show and Montgomery's life.(Long Beach Press-Telegram)Pilato expertly captures the life of [this] wonderful actress.(Daytona News-Journal)[Pilato is] the master of all thingsBewitched. . . . [Twitch Upon a Staris an] amazing new book.(NewNowNext on Logo Online)Fans of Elizabeth Montgomery andBewitchedwill love this book.(Living in the Kitchen with Puppies)For anyone who only recalls Elizabeth Montgomery from her most memorable role, on the 1960s sitcomBewitched, this thoroughly researched, extensively detailed, and wholly fascinating biography will load you up with everything you’ve been missing. It’s a delicious, detailed look at her life and remarkable career before, during and after that magical, life-changing show; her crusading and often controversial activism for the causes close to her heart; her often turbulent relationship with her father, actor Robert Montgomery; her rocky marital history; and the many other facets of the woman who played Samantha Stephens, TV’s ‘witch with the twitch’ at the end of her nose.(American Profile)Herbie J Pilato, a long-time fan and later friend of the actress uses his extensive interviews with the actress, plus meticulous research to get to the bottom of what therealElizabeth Montgomery was like.(Soap World Magazine)Herbie J Pilato reveals the real Elizabeth Montgomery inTwitch Upon a Star. Her loves, her demons and even her politics are explored in this new biography of one of television’s favorite stars.(InMaricopa.com)The research that went into this book is amazing. . . . We get the essence and life of Elizabeth Montgomery by embarking on a journey ‘into the loves, politics, and performances of this multi-talented actor—a very magical journey, yet based in the real emotion of love.'(Reviews by Amos Lasser)Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomeryis based on the author's exclusive interviews with Montgomery before her death in 1995, and includes new, never-before-published material and commentary from many associated with her life and career before, during and afterBewitched. Any with an interest in the show or Montgomery will find this a definitive exploration that ranges from insights on her career to revelations about her personal life and relationships. The result is a lively read indeed, recommended for film and biography holdings in general and especially for any reader with prior affection forBewitched.(Midwest Book Review)Twitch Upon a Staris as perfect a book could be. . . . [It] shines bright at a rating of 5 Stars (out of five). I read it twice. Afterwards I watched re-runs ofBewitched—knowing what I learned fromTwitch Upon a Star—and what stirred me most were the questions that came to mind which I feelTwitch Upon a Staranswered. Twitch Upon a Staris as no other book. . . . For me, a person who thinks he’s read the best of the best books, [this] put a twinkle in my eyes [from] Herbie J Pilato’s mastery of the craft of writing.(Salvador SeBasco, book critic; host ofThe Inside View Show)Heavily researched, expertly executed, and handled with reverence,Twitch Upon A Staris 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 hasBewitched’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 readTwitch Upon a Stargoes 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’sTwitch Upon a Starcaptures 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; and speaker)Much more than just a celebrity biographyTwitch Upon a Starrelays 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)Twitch Upon a Staris ASTOUNDING. Herbie J Pilato does a wonderful job of mixing hard info with his personal relationship with Elizabeth Montgomery. His approach makes the book very unique. This is one of the best biographies I've read in years. It is a real classic . . . a brilliant work!(Rick Lertzman, media historian and author of Codename: Dr. Feelgood)Wonderful book and terrific author . . .(Shannon Devereaux Sanford,Shannon's Corner, WTBQ radio)