A Beautiful Review

     Thanks to Judy Joy Jones for her beautiful review of my new book, Cinema Stanzas Two: Poet Laureate of the Movies. Below is what this creative artist wrote.

     Betty Jo Tucker's latest book, Cinema Stanzas Two: Poet Laureate of the Movies, is a reminder that movies are a mirror to our lives -- our moment in time.  Her deep insight into "us” -- which great movies show through their creative brilliance – allows readers a glimpse of her own genius in analyzing films as an amazing “one of a kind.” 

     I will proudly promote Betty Jo’s book to all movie fans as well as to readers everywhere as a “must read.” This book will entertain and delight audiences for many years to come.  Bravo, Ms. Betty Jo Tucker!!   Your audience eagerly awaits your next book.

Poet Laureate of Movies

“Fascinating. Always wanted to know which film first inspired the Poet Laureate of Movies."  

Thanks to film critic/poet Richard Jack Smith for tweeting that response to my tweet below about Gosford Park.

“Just found out Gosford Park is available on Netflix! That Robert Altman mystery movie started my film poem obsession. Thanks, Mr. Altman.”

Richard's tweet made me so happy, especially because he writes such terrific film poems of his own! It also reminds me of a lovely comment artist/poet Judy Joy Jones added to my AuthorsDen page last year. 

She wrote,  "If I get to vote for Poet Laureate of Movies, you are in!” 

Judy Joy inspired me to write the poem below, which I dedicated to her.  

A Movie Poet Laureate?

No one is named – at least not yet.

I’d love the role before I go.

An honor it would be, I know.

Movies force me to do the crime

of turning things into a rhyme.

My film poems come to me at night.

I write them down and all seems right.

But if this Post remains unfilled

my review poems will not be stilled.

They’ll keep flowing without regret.

Films will go on -- and I won’t fret.

From Jazz Diva to Film Star

Legendary vocalist Rita Graham visits Movie Addict HQ on August 20th to talk about her upcoming film We Are Kings as well as her remarkable singing career and her recent book Karma Rising. Rita is noted for her wide-range vocal ability while embracing many forms of Jazz and the Blues. Her impressive background includes touring with the Ray Charles “Raelettes” vocal group, performing with the Harry James orchestra and the Duke Ellington orchestra, and originating the role of Coretta Scott King in the off-Broadway docu-musical Selma. To top off this rich resumé, Rita takes on film acting in an eagerly-awaited independent movie directed by Toby Hubner, who calls her “the Divine Diva.” Artist Judy Joy Jones will co-host this special episode. Rita Graham's interview airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, August 20, 2013. LINK:www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters

The Judy Joy Jones Show

I’m really looking forward to being interviewed by Judy Joy Jones on her terrific BlogTalkRadio show this coming Saturday at 6 p.m. Pacific Time. We’ll be talking about my books and the Movie Addict Headquarters radio show.

The Judy Joy Jones show is one of my favorites. As the host, Joy books such diverse guests, then makes them feel right at home -- and her discussions are quite informative as well as entertaining.

In preparation for Saturday’s show, I sent Joy copies of IT HAD TO BE US, CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT and SUSAN SARANDON: A TRUE MAVERICK. It was great to hear back from Joy already about the little romantic memoir my husband and I co-wrote (under the pseudonyms of Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence).

Here’s the e-mail she sent me:

I love "It Had To Be Us!" It would make a good sitcom/tv movie/film. The writing is simple, clear and the love between the two of you pours into the hearts of the reader. Just lovely. Your honesty with the reader is refreshing.

Growing up with radio and no TV until I was 10 years old; my mind became my theater and your book leaves me spaces to dream and imagine more. After I finished; I thought; 'OK this needs to be a TV movie"; and found myself hoping you would let me know when it is scheduled for me to watch on TV!!

Thanks so much, Joy!

Listen to The Judy Joy Jones show by going to the URL below.

www.blogtalkradio.com/judy-joy-jones-show