For most people around the world Hollywood is a state of mind, a fantasy. ... If you want to keep the place as Oz, stay away from Hollywood Remembered. But if you want to peek behind the curtain and see what it was really like, this oral history is a good place to start.
Lawrence Grobel, author of The Hustons; Conversations with Brando; and Above the Line: Conversations about the Movies A terrific book. Hollywood Remembered is Hollywood-To-Go-Hold-the-Mayo, an unusual glimpse into the great days of the movie business, from an angle rarely seen by the public. This is a must-buy for any film fan’s book shelf.
Marion Meade, author of The Unruly Life of Woody Allen The place that is revealed so vividly through the casual reminiscences collected in this one-of-a-kind book is the real thing: the fascinating, faded (but reviving) city behind the 'Hollywood' myths. World-famous movie palaces, restaurants, clubs, and businesses both fabled and ordinary are the true stars of this anecdotal history. And as the contributors reminisce about their city, these Hollywood citizens also offer a generous, unvarnished sampling of studio politics.
Foster Hirsch, film historian; author of The Boys from Syracuse: The Shuberts' Theatrical Empire Hollywood Remembered evokes vivid images of a century of Hollywood, beginning even before it was the film capital of the world, seen through the eyes of those who were there, told in their own words. A marvelous contribution.
Charlotte Chandler, author of I, Fellini and Nobody's Perfect: Billy Wilder, a Personal Biography With 50 pages tracing Hollywood's evolution, a map linked with a listing of historic locations, 43 b&w photos and the carefully edited interviews, Zollo has assembled a splendid package for anyone seeking the town behind the tinsel.
Publishers Weekly
This book is all about the Hollywood I knew, and about the Hollywood that was before my time. Now what is next? There's got to be a sequel!
Betty Garrett, Broadway, film, and television actress (most recently in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's Follies) Hollywood Remembered is a vivid work incorporating the personalities of the interviewees... . The memoirs are quite fun to read, and one does get a real feel for the Hollywood of yore.
Library Journal
Author Pail Zollo has collected reminiscences and anecdotes from celebrities and their fellow Hollywood locals for this look back at how the city of dreams has changed over the decades.
Tribute
What makes the book so valuable is that Zollo gets beyond the usual suspects.
Scott Eyman
Palm Beach Post
Zollo has put together 37 reminiscences recalling the town's glory years in the words of industry insiders. But there are also memories through the eyes of shop clerks, newsboys, models, secretaries and other "ordinary" folk.
The San Francisco Examiner
Zollo's book is most valuable for its first and last 55 pages. The opening gives a detailed history of Hollywood from the primordial tar pits to the current flesh pits, though it notes the revival along Hollywood Boulevard. The ending gives addresses and histories for landmarks gone (The Brown Derby) and enduring (Musso & Frank's grill) a hangout for 83 years).
The Charlotte Observer