Cut! Hollywood Murders, Accidents, and Other Tragedies

A team of eight writers (mostly Australian, all film historians of various sorts) compiled this addictively readable anthology of over 250 Hollywood obituaries, from early stars like John Barrymore and Will Rogers to more contemporary artists like Spalding Gray and Christopher Reeve. Most entries are a single page; all include photos of the artist in iconic roles or poses. While the accounts are arranged alphabetically in separate sections for different causes of death (medical problems, suspected foul play, actual murder, alcohol or other drugs, suicide after broken heart, bizarre accidents), readers will find it easier to get the lowdown by using the index or the summary table that precedes it. Not excessively hagiographic (except where it's deserved—as in the cases of Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart and James Dean), the authors are generally positive about their subjects, taking an understanding view of their marital and drug problems. Salacious rumors are either not mentioned or debunked when too prevalent to ignore. While not clogging the text with too many names and titles, the authors do mention the spouses and important films of each artist, noting their particular strengths. Throughout, the authors maintain a tone that's perfectly situated between polite and stiff. (Dec.)