There's anger in Molly Ringwald's voice as she narrates these accounts of Maria Schneider's memories of the movie LAST TANGO IN PARIS, in particular Schneider's notorious sex scene with Marlon Brando. Mostly, Ringwald's narration captures author Vanessa Schneider's writing, which sounds as though she's conversing with her late cousin. Vanessa's many recollections are brief--full of sadness at Maria's life, which included a heroin problem and treatment in a sanatorium. She also recalls Maria's joys, such as drawing with pastels. Ringwald does a great re-creation of the vague, seemingly offhand comments that Maria gave to a reporter's questions about the shocking movie scene. The audiobook is a loving tribune, even as it reveals the toll that the controversial film took on the actress's life.
Pub Date: April 18, 2023
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797152646
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Minnelli tells her story her way, one-on-one, in a wonderful performance.
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
Bellantoni’s rich baritone shines the spotlight on a remarkable woman capable of constantly reinventing herself.
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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