Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for June 13–19
This week, we feature a heartwarming children's story about growing up and growing in faith and a fascinating look at the making of the 1972 blockbuster 'The Godfather.'
Espionage
'
By James Crossland
Robert Lockhart, the Scottish spy and World War II propagandist, is a forgotten figure that readers of just about any stripe will enjoy learning about. He's a man of incredible talent, brilliance, and wit, yet afflicted with unfortunately excessive desires for drinking, women, and danger. An influential figure of the early and mid-20th century, Crossland presents a biography of a conflicted, yet brilliant man.
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6 hours ago
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31 Rare Photos Of Classic Hollywood Stars
Lucille Ball looking glamorous as all hell in 1942. And here's Ginger Rogers, age 65, wiping sweat off her face after rehearsing for her nightclub show and showing off her strong dancer's legs. The Marx Brothers serving cocktails at the Savoy Hotel in London. In case you also don't recognize them out of costume, from left to right, that's Zeppo, Harpo, Groucho, and Chico. Doris Day at her Los Angeles home in 1951 with her dogs Beanie and Smudge. Lana Turner testifies at the trial of her teenage daughter, Cheryl Crane. Crane killed Turner's abusive gangster boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato, in what the jury deemed a "justifiable homicide." Sidney Poitier and his wife Joanna Shimkus pushing their child in a stroller through London Heathrow Airport. Here's Rita Hayworth posing for a pic after donating her car's bumper in a World War II scrap drive. Putting this pic of Greta Garbo flexing in 1926 on my vision board for how I want my summer to be. Jerry Lewis getting his butt kicked by Pierre the chimpanzee. The OG Pink Panther Peter Sellers with his wife Anne Hayes and their son Michael. Here's Kim Novak playing cards with the crew behind the scenes of a movie in the mid-'50s. And Hedy Lamarr measuring a lampshade before embarking on a home-decorating project. This star had a second career as a scientist and inventor; her work laid the foundation for a few of my favorite things: Bluetooth, wifi, and GPS. Ida Lupino went from starring in movies to directing them. Here she is behind the camera working on her film Mother of a Champion. James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor lounging on a break from shooting Giant in 1955. Grace Kelley in Cannes in 1955. She would meet her future husband, Prince Rainier of Monaco, on this trip. Audrey Hepburn meeting Santa in 1953. Rock Hudson and his "roommate," Bob Preble, in the car, headed toward the Hollywood home they shared. At the time, the press described the pair as "two hunks living together to save a buck." More recently, the documentary Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed explores how Hudson hid his sexuality while working in old Hollywood. Jimmy Stewart playing ping pong at Henry Fonda's house. Ingrid Bergman visits the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Bergman played Joan three times in her career, once on the stage and twice on film. Bette Davis at home with her wood-burning stove. Clark Gable driving onto the MGM lot. Is it just me, or does he kind of look like George Clooney here? Rita Moreno seen here after being barred from testifying in defense of her boyfriend, jazz pianist George Hormel, on the grounds that she wasn't a "marijuana expert." Hormel was arrested for possession after inspectors found 13 marijuana cigarettes under the visor in his car, but he was acquitted at trial. Dorothy Dandridge poses before a swim in the French Riviera. Actors Randolph Scott and Cary Grant working out together. The two were rumored to have been romantically involved. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall with one of their dogs. Both stars were big dog lovers, and they eventually owned three boxers together. Their first boxer, Harvey, died six months after Bogart in 1957. Jayne Mansfield getting her iconic blonde hair done. Mansfield's daughter is Law and Order star Mariska Hargitay. Marilyn Monroe hanging out with a couple of penguins in her Norma Jean era. Gregory Peck relaxing on a deep sea fishing trip. Charlie Chaplin soaks up some good press the morning after winning his second Academy Award in 1972. Child star Judy Garland blowing a party favor. And finally, Katherine Hepburn in the '80s with a very relatable sign in her driveway. Who are your favorite stars from back in the day? Tell me who you love and why in the comments!
Yahoo
10 hours ago
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10 more West Virginian books that were turned into movies — Part 2
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — Even after our first list of West Virginia authors who had their books turned into movies, there are still more books written by West Virginian authors that weren't included the first time around. So, for anyone looking for a movie to watch or a book to read, here are 10 more adaptations that have roots in West Virginia. Special thanks to the many 12 News readers who contributed to this list — if you know of a book written by a West Virginian that has been adapted to film, you can email the author of this article at sgorski2@ Adapted from the book of the same name, 'The Bridge at Remagen' focuses on a pivotal battle during the tail end of World War II in the spring of 1945, where Allied forces captured one of the last remaining bridges spanning the Rhine River, allowing them to cross into the heart of German territory. Although the book's author, Ken Hechler, was born in New York, he attended Marshall University and lived in Huntington for many years, eventually becoming a West Virginia Congressman in 1959. According to an interview with the National Archives, Hechler was stationed with the First Army in Command of the III Corps at the time of the battle at Remagen, about 10 miles away. As a combat historian, Hechler interviewed many troops involved and published his own book detailing the battle in 1957, which was adapted to film in 1969. Filming for the movie began in 1968 in Czechoslovakia, a country behind the 'Iron Curtain.' According to the American Film Institute (AFI), much of the military equipment seen in the film was loaned by the Austrian and Czech governments, including tanks, explosives, weapons and even Nazi uniforms. Three city squares in the town of Most had already been planned for demolition prior to filming, and their destruction was used in action scenes during production. Ironically, work on the movie was interrupted by the repercussions of the very war it was looking to portray. On Aug. 20, 1968, Soviet troops invaded Czechoslovakia, causing the film's cast and crew to hastily evacuate to other European countries, leaving behind hundreds of thousands, if not over a million dollars worth of film equipment in Soviet controlled territory. Despite this, some of the film's equipment was eventually recovered, and the world premiere for 'The Bridge at Remagen' was held on June 25, 1968 at the Keith-Albee Theatre in Huntington, West Virginia. According to the AFI, the premiere was attended by Hechler as well as Brig. Gen. (Ret.) William M. Hoge, who commanded the armored division that captured the Remagen Bridge during World War II. While 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' is much better known as a movie, the story originated as a comic strip in November 2005 and was written by Fairmont native Robert Tinnell and illustrated by Alex Saviuk. Both the movie and comic are a distillation of Italian Christmas traditions, particularly in areas like north central West Virginia. The movie was filmed in Fairmont and can be watched on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Feast of the Seven Fishes: How the Marion County holiday movie came to be Pearl S. Buck, who was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia, is a prolific author and the first American woman to win both a Pulitzer and a Nobel prize. Though born in West Virginia, Buck lived in China during her childhood, which she drew on heavily for her later writing. 'The Good Earth' novel was first published in 1931 and tells the story of a Chinese farmer and his wife as their life is uprooted by a flood. The book was critically acclaimed upon release and became one of Buck's best-known works. It was only the first of many books written by the author that would later be adapted to the big screen. Jeannette Walls' memoir 'The Glass Castle' was a #1 New York Times bestseller and tells the true story of Walls' tumultuous and nomadic upbringing, with a large part of the book taking place in West Virginia. The film adaptation of the book was released in 2017, starring Brie Larson as Jeannette Walls, Woody Harrelson as Walls' father Rex, and Naomi Watts as Walls' mother Rose Mary. The movie turned into a moderate box office success with a worldwide gross of around $22M and an estimated budget of $9M according to IMDB. Another best-selling Pearl S. Buck novel that was adapted into a movie, 'Dragon Seed' is also set in China and tells the story of a Chinese village invaded by Japanese soldiers during World War II. The lead role of 'Jade Tan' is played by Katherine Hepburn, who leads the resistance against the Japanese occupation. 'China Sky' is another movie adaptation of a Buck book, and as the title indicates, it too is set in China during World War II. However, according to descriptions of the movie and viewer reviews, 'China Sky' is less about the wider conflict and instead uses it as a backdrop for a love triangle between Dr. Gray Thompson (played by Randolph Scott), Dr. Sara Durand (Ruth Warrick) and Louise Thompson (Ellen Drew). At just one hour and 18 minutes long, 'China Sky' is also the shortest Pearl S. Buck movie by a large margin. 'Blaze' follows the story of Blaze Starr, a burlesque dancer born in Wilsondale, West Virginia, under the name Fannie Belle Fleming, and her controversial love affair with Louisiana governor Earl Long. The movie was adapted from a biography written by Huey Perry, a Mingo County native, and stars Paul Newman as Earl Long and Lolita Davidovich as Blaze Starr. Blaze Star also cameoed in the film and is credited for playing the role 'Lily' on IMDB. Hardcover copies of 'Blaze Starr: My Life as Told to Huey Perry' can still be purchased online today, and Perry even gave a talk on his published works at the West Virginia Archives in 2016. Another Buck book, 'The Big Wave,' focuses on a tidal wave and the lasting impact it has on a coastal Japanese village and the people who live there. Set during the Chinese Civil War in 1949, 'Satan Never Sleeps,' tells the story of two Catholic priests as they are targeted by the local communist party, and stars William Holden, Clifton Webb, and France Nuyen, who plays Siu Lan, a love interest for Holden's character. Starring William Dafoe, 'Pavilion of Women' is another drama romance set in China, adapted from Buck's book of the same name. The movie takes place shortly before the beginning of World War II as a Chinese family comes to grips with changes in tradition and the rise of communism in China. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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11 hours ago
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Edinburgh man recognised for services to veterans in Kings Birthday Honours List
Edinburgh has seen 18 residents recognised in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours List 2025. They are part of 110 Scottish recipients who will be celebrated as community champions, role models in sport, pioneers in the arts, passionate health workers, and supporters of young people. 1,215 individuals will be recognised for their brilliant achievements, with a particular focus on those who have given their time to public service. Scotland makes up nine per cent of the total honours issued this year. READ MORE: Edinburgh police lock down street after 'shots fired' as gang war rages on READ MORE: Hollywood actor spotted on Edinburgh city centre street leaving fans starstruck Retired major Charles Matthew Pelling who works as a manager at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory has been recognised for his services to veterans and will be awarded an OBE. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 'This year's Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "From community champions to cultural icons, each recipient reflects the very best of Britain. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them all.' The secretary of state for Scotland, Ian Murray, said: "I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list, particularly John and Linda Norgrove on their well-deserved OBEs for their extraordinary humanitarian work in Afghanistan through the Linda Norgrove Foundation. Their dedication to improving the lives of Afghan women and girls, born from personal tragedy, exemplifies the very best of Scottish compassion and resolve. 'Communities across Scotland benefit from the extraordinary effort of those honoured. From Dr Richa Sinha Chair of the Scottish Hindu society and their work to tackle Hinduphobia, to Zahrah Mahmood Chair of the Rambling Society to Heather Hall founding The Usual Place in Dumfries. 'I would also like to extend special recognition to Scotland Office's own Moira Vance on receiving her MBE. Moira's unwavering commitment to public service has been instrumental in the work of our department for 44 years, and this honour reflects her exceptional contribution to the people of Scotland. 'The Honours list showcases the remarkable achievements of individuals across Scotland who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields. Their service to our communities represents the spirit of dedication and excellence that makes Scotland proud." Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, click here to put them forward. A list of Edinburgh recipients are below: CBE: Professor Julie Lydia FITZPATRICK OBE FRSE Chief Scientific Adviser, Scottish Government. For services to Science (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) OBE: Yvonne Cecelia Elizabeth LEAVY (Yvonne Sibson) Lead Epilepsy Nurse, NHS Lothian. For services to Epilepsy Nursing (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Catherine Anne MACDONALD (Kiki Macdonald) Co-Founder and Trustee, Euan 's Guide. For services to People with Disabilities (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Dr Alastair John MACGILCHRIST Chair, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems. For services to Medicine and Public Health (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) John Grant MACRAE For Charitable Services in Scotland (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Duncan Andrew MOSS Technical Relationship Consultant, Ordnance Survey. For services to Technical Consultancy and to Government Resilience (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Major (Rtd) Charles Matthew PELLING Manager, Lady Haig Poppy Factory, Poppy Scotland. For services to Veterans (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Alexander James Samuel STEWART Senior Statistician, Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government. For services to Scottish Economic Statistics (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Karen Valerie WATT Lately Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Funding Council. For Public Service (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) MBE: Anthea Margaret DONAGHUE Lately Chair, Pregnancy Counselling and Care Scotland. For services to Pregnancy Support in Edinburgh (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Professor Donna-Jean Corrigan O'BOYLE Professional Adviser to the Chief Nursing Officer's Directorate, Scottish Government. For services to Improving Patient Safety (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Lesley STEPHEN Patient Advocate, Make 2nds Count. For services to People with Secondary Breast Cancer and to Cancer Research (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Bridget Mary STEVENS Pioneer, Audio Description, Edinburgh. For services to the Arts (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) BEM: Alan BORTHWICK Artistic Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society. For services to Music (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Frank DONOGHUE Lately Locality Hub Team Leader, City of Edinburgh Council. For Public Service in Edinburgh (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Thomas DOUGLAS Veterans Community Support Manager, Royal British Legion Scotland. For services to Veterans in Scotland (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) David Liston LYLE Musical Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society. For services to Music (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Margaret McPhillips MANSON Founder, Edinburgh Technician Network. For services to the Provision of Sciences in Education in Edinburgh (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
