By: Yohana de la Torre

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life today is all about the story. And since people think in terms of stories and scandals, it was only natural that authors Andrew Schanie and John Boertlein look at the low-brow, vintage style tabloid format to bring to life their stories.

Characterized by realistic detail, observation and the use of humor, the stories of Hollywood and the Oval Office were these authors inspiration. Proving that truth really is stranger than fiction, Movie Confidential and Presidential Confidential take the reader through some of the most famous behind-the-scenes tales.

 
 
 

Schanie’s, Movie Confidential, looks into the sordid true tales of Hollywood. Everything from sex to murder is dished up in the tittle-tattle-style book. From what really happened in Fatty Arbuckle’s infamous room at the St. Francis Hotel to Eddie Murray’s “I was just giving her a ride” defense, mysterious deaths, mistakes in filmmaking, and a multitude of other irresistible tales, this cheeky collection covers the gamut. Packed with photos and presented in the style of vintage scandal magazines from the 1950s, Movie Confidential is a compulsively readable look at filmdom’s seamy underbelly.

Presidential Confidential is Boertlein’s fourth-published work. The book brings to light stories that the schoolbooks left out — deliciously juicy stories like secret (and sometimes sordid) affairs, dirty tricks, criminal acts, embarrassing moments, and much more. From George Washington stepping out on Martha to presidents stepping on practically everyone, it delivers the sex, scandal, murder, and mayhem in the dishy style of a 1950s scandal mag.

In August, both authors will be visiting Southwest Florida for a book signing in Cape Coral, FL. So, I visited with them both to find out a little about their books and what readers should expect. Here are some excerpts from our interview:

YDT: “How did you all get the idea for these books?”

AS: “I’m a big movie nerd. So, coming up with ideas was easy. What I love about the book is what I love about movies. Movies are fascinating, inspiring, and absolutely ridiculous made by people who are equally ridiculous. You can land on a page filled with out of control narcissism, turn the page, and there will be a story of someone who is making movies for the love of the art.”

JB: “The presidency is always a popular topic, historically and currently. I try to portray throughout the book that people should not make judgments. Presidents are people, human beings, in a difficult job.”

YDT: “Tell us a little about the format of the books and how that draws readers in.”

JB: “I use a “historic tabloid”, 1950’s “rag-mag” style. I’ve always enjoyed that seedy-type genre. I think the style gives the read a nostalgic feel. Presidential Confidential has tons of material from old newspapers to 1960’s era movies. I also use an impartial reporter-style to get the facts, as unseemly as they may be, to satisfy the reader’s natural curiosity about an office that’s based on decorum, and that’s fun!”

AS: “Movie Confidential has a vintage tabloid style about stuff people are already familiar with. The idea to the format was to write some larger pieces, some smaller, and throw in some lists. It’s supposed to be a book you can pick up and read from cover to cover, or read a chapter while you’re waiting for the bus or STD test results.”

YDT: “What’s next on the agenda for you guys?”

JB: “Next on the agenda? Who knows? Considering my pending change in address, Florida Confidential maybe? I’m not sure yet, but do you know where I can find a job?”

AS: “I’ve been told the publisher wants to work with me again and I have several ideas that I’m mapping out. There’s one idea that’s really personal for me. If I can get it published, I guarantee it will be anything but boring.”

- John Boertlein and Andrew Schanie will be hosting a book signing at One For the Books, located at 3810 Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral, FL. The book signing will be on August 18 from 4 – 6 pm. For more information, please contact the bookstore at (239) 540-2665 or visit www.capecoralbooks.com.