[Ashby's] speedy rise and spectacular swan dive from Tinseltown’s high board is an old story, but a fascinating read as relayed by Nick Dawson in his scrupulously researched “Being Hal Ashby: Life of a Hollywood Rebel.” Ashby came reeling into the movie business from a dysfunctional Mormon (!) upbringing, his father’s suicide and the first of five marriages. Editing brought order to his chaos and an Oscar (for “In the Heat of the Night”) and a shot at directing. He directed — to Oscars — Lee Grant (”Shampoo”), Melvyn Douglas (”Being There”), Jon Voight and Jane Fonda (”Coming Home”). He also directed “Bound for Glory,” the cultish “Harold and Maude” and “The Last Detail” — edgy, eclectic, eccentric, like the man who made ‘em.
Author looks at courage of those willing to stand against the Third Reich:
Being Hal Ashby: Life of a Hollywood Rebel
By Star-Ledger Book Contributors
Newark NJ Star-Ledger, July 17, 2009.
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2009/07/author_looks_at_courage_of_tho.html
