Guttenberg Bible; Box Office Poison

 

I enjoyed "Time to Thank" so much that I wanted to read Steve's first autobiography. It was a lot of fun! What chutzpah he had. 

He got to Hollywood a few days after graduating from high school, staying with his godfather, Michael. He promised his parents he'd be home in two weeks to start college. But Steve was determined to make it in show biz. He found a way to sneak onto a movie lot and set up an office in an abandoned building, furnished with things from the prop department. He spliced into the phone line and made calls all day long, trying to line up work. He went to the canteen and met a bunch of stars. He was around so much his face became familiar, everyone just assumed he worked there (it might have helped that he lied and said he was Michael Eisner's son). Eventually he started booking gigs, getting bigger and bigger jobs. He bought a house at 21 and a Ferrari. 

He comes across as very grateful and sincere for his good fortune. He reminded me more of his character from "Short Circuit", Newton Crosby, than his "Police Academy" character, loveable scamp Carey Mahoney. Very naive and not too worldly. But very charming and sweet. 

And keeping up with the movie business theme, "Box Office Poison". I don't watch a lot of movies. I hadn't seen any of the ones mentioned in this book, which was hysterical. Robey was perfectly sarcastic, just a great tone. 

Hollywood is a strange place, that's for sure.