Entre la Espada y la TV

Don Francisco, a Spanish-language television icon and host of the long-running game show S bado Gigante, is celebrating 40 years of popularity and success in the entertainment arena. His show dominates Univision's prime-time Saturday night schedule and is watched by more than 100 million viewers in 20 countries. This autobiography is an intimate, honest account of Don Francisco's ambitions, successes, and challenges as an entertainer for his fellow Chileans and later for millions of Hispanics around the world. Don Francisco takes up his life's story in 1985, when he adapted Sabado Gigante to the U.S. and international markets, recalling the challenges he had to face to convince U.S. producers that his brand of entertainment would appeal to a broad Spanish-speaking audience. Don Francisco is open about the marital tensions caused by his intense ambition and workaholic tendencies, the rumors of his philandering, and the sexual harassment suit filed against him. In straightforward and conversational prose, this easy-to-read account of one of the most popular personalities of the Spanish-speaking world is essential for all public libraries and bookstores serving the Hispanic community. All proceeds from the U.S. sales of his autobiography will be donated to charitable organizations in this country. [The English version of this book is also available from Grijalbo. Ed.] Yolanda Cuesta, Sacramento, CA