ISBN: 1-59800-155-8

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Jeff Lawrence, who was born in Lawrence Volkert, met Shirley Blackwell while working in Hollywood Studios. Jeff has been a chaplain’s assistant in the army and Shirley sang in operas and musicals.  

Hollywood Be Thy Name, a clever play on the words of the Lord’s Prayer. On the first page you will read a rather differently worded “prayer” which begins with the words “Our goal which art in film land”. Although I did think, what a clever idea, it also made me feel slightly uncomfortable. Having said that if you are interested in films or film making, actors or extras then this book packed full of information and well researched is the one for you.

Shirley begins her story by telling how she attended an audition and was asked if she had eve considered having her nose fixed and was given the number of a plastic surgeon.  

After surgery, he asked her to visit him and you can guess the rest.

Her first date in Hollywood was with Stubby Kaye. By now in 1959 Shirley was living at the Studio Club with other starlets and working in movies as an extra.  She goes on to also mention many films in which she worked and sprinkles it all with anecdotes.

Read about Elizabeth Taylor and the fiasco surrounding Cleopatra. Shirley moved in circles that included many stars and she tells about the secrets of filming and also the foibles of some of the stars. Very interesting. 

The book's writing is in an easy manner and you quickly realize how popular and wanted she became as an extra. The book contains many photographs and it is quite evident how attractive and glamorous she was and still is to this day.

Her career continued with her singing in many shows and concerts achieving many compliments about her lovely voice along the way.

While working on the set of The Virginian she met wholesome, handsome Jeff who was musically talented too. They sing duets together successfully and Jeff is an extra too.

They fall in love and marriage follows but again and again the big time eludes them.

Shirley always found sexual favours opened doors but she would soon let them know her feelings on that score!

Jeff also narrates his story- very, very interesting. Full of stories of Judy Garland, Ethel Merman etc.  Knots Landing and Dallas played a small part in their lives as did Murder She Wrote.

The story goes on to tell of their family years. Shirley then began to write her first book that was on numerology quickly followed by others. She went onto eventually to become an administrator at the University of Metaphysics and Jeff retired.

This absolutely brilliant volume is divided into well set out sections.

It is really difficult to do this book justice because it is so informative and unique. It could easily be used as a reference work.

An entertaining, fascinating read of the once glamorous Hollywood movie business and a very talented couple.