Greenpoint

New illustrated book reveals stories of celebs under the influence

Brooklyn BookBeat: Author, Illustrator to Speak in Greenpoint

September 30, 2014 Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Author Mark Bailey.
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“This book is like being at the best dinner party in the world,” comedian Chelsea Handler said, referring to “Of All the Gin Joints” — a new book written by Mark Bailey and illustrated by Edward Hemingway.

On Oct. 2, Bailey and Hemingway will appear at WORD Bookstore in Greenpoint for a conversation on the book, which divulges true stories of movie stars under the influence doing amusing, often unbelievable things. The discussion will be moderated by Karen Duffy and the event will include a whiskey tasting sponsored by High West Distillery, trivia and more.

Bailey, an author and Emmy-nominated screenwriter, has pillaged the Hollywood vaults of history from the frontier days of silent film up to the psychedelic 1970s to dig up the often surprising stories of seventy of our most beloved actors, directors and screenwriters. Hemingway’s stylized portraits complete this spirited look at America’s most iconic silver-screen legends and the decadent, alcohol-soaked world of Hollywood fame and fortune.

Humphrey Bogart got himself arrested for protecting his drinking buddies, who happened to be a pair of stuffed pandas. Ava Gardner would water-ski to the set of Night of the Iguana holding a towline in one hand and a cocktail in the other. Barely legal Natalie Wood would only let Dennis Hopper seduce her if he provided a bathtub full of champagne. Bing Crosby’s ill-mannered antics earned him the nickname “Binge Crosby.” And sweet Mary Pickford stashed liquor in hydrogen peroxide bottles during Prohibition.

Bite-size biographies are followed by humorous anecdotes, quotes and favorite cocktail recipes.

The Oct. 2 event will begin at 7 p.m. WORD Bookstore is located at 126 Franklin St. in Greenpoint.

 

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