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THE MAN WHO INVENTED MOTION PICTURES

A TRUE TALE OF OBSESSION, MURDER, AND THE MOVIES

Emily Ellet narrates the puzzling tale of Louis LePrince, the nineteenth- century inventor who disappeared just before presenting his single-lens motion picture camera to the world. In 1890, LePrince boarded a Paris-bound train and was never heard from again. Two years after he vanished, Thomas Edison brought out his Kinetoscope, and LePrince's name was lost to the ages. Author Fischer speculates that a sinister Edison was behind LePrince's disappearance and possible murder. Ellet's warm tones reveal LePrince's family life, while her energetic delivery reflects his grueling hours of hard work on the project. She highlights the intense competition between inventors such as Edison and the Lumière brothers, while providing many technological insights on the history of photography. Fascinating listening, especially for film and photography buffs.

Pub Date: April 19, 2022

Duration: 12 hrs

DD ISBN: 9781797139272

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    KIDS, WAIT TILL YOU HEAR THIS!

    MY MEMOIR

    Minnelli tells her story her way, one-on-one, in a wonderful performance.

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    For this memoir, Minnelli worked with her best friend, Michael Feinstein, to offer an extraordinary glimpse into her life both in front of and behind the camera. At 80, Minnelli performs her own audiobook in high style. The content is candid, funny, and revealing, if slightly sanitized. It’s all here—Minnelli’s collaborations with songwriters Kander and Ebb and her many marriages and affairs, triumphs, disasters, substance use, and, most recently, 11 years of sobriety. The only drawback when listening is that it’s not always clear when the narrative is moving on to a new theme.

    Minnelli tells her story her way, one-on-one, in a wonderful performance.

    Pub Date: March 10, 2026

    Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins

    DD ISBN: 9781668653418

    Publisher: Hachette Audio

    Review Posted Online: March 16, 2026

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      FONDA ON FILM

      THE POLITICAL MOVIES OF JANE FONDA

      Bellantoni’s rich baritone shines the spotlight on a remarkable woman capable of constantly reinventing herself.

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      Paul Bellantoni’s narration is a treat. This audiobook revisits many of Jane Fonda’s movie successes and some of her lesser films before offering details of her evolution into a force for good. While some attention is paid to the multifaceted Fonda’s early life, the focus is on her political films, including her memorable work in such films as The China Syndrome and Coming Home. Bellantoni’s narration becomes most engaging as he recounts her growth from sex kitten to “Hanoi Jane” to workout queen to political activist. His energy intensifies for anecdotes about her confrontations with Hollywood producers and Washington power brokers.

      Bellantoni’s rich baritone shines the spotlight on a remarkable woman capable of constantly reinventing herself.

      Pub Date: March 3, 2026

      Duration: 9 hrs, 31 mins

      DD ISBN: 9798228742390

      Publisher: Blackstone Audio

      Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026

      Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026

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