New Book on Agnes Moorehead - New book

[CharlesTranberg]

Hello, I just thought I would come on board and let you know that my first book has just been released. It is titled, "I Love the Illusion: The Life and Career of Agnes Moorehead" (Bear Manor Media, 428pp, $19.95).

As you all know, Miss Moorehead was one of Orson Welles' favorite actresses--in fact, his favorite. Her performance as Aunt Fanny in "The Magnificent Ambersons" is one of the greatest performances ever put on film.

But today, of course, she is best known as "Endora" on "Bewitched". It was my intentions with this book to remind the reader of the great character actress she was in radio, film and on stage. She was nominated four times for an Oscar and appeared in more than 60 films. She was one of the great "voices" in radio especially for her performances with the Mercury Theatre (Dracula, in particular) but also "Sorry, Wrong Number."

Naturally Orson Welles figures large in the Agnes Moorehead story. Agnes always had praise for Welles and considered him her "Svengali".

I had access to 159 boxes of Moorehead papers at the State Historical Society in Madison, Wisconsin. In addition I interviewed over 30 co-workers and friends including Jane Wyman, Karl Malden, Debbie Reynolds, William Windom, Rose Marie, Carol Lynley, Joan Fontaine, William Asher--and these radio giants--Himan Brown and Norman Corwin, both in their 90's and still their memories were clear and consise. I also interviewed two alumni of the old Mercury Theatre--Arthur Anderson and Elliott Reid, who shared wonderful memories of the Mercury and the relationship between Orson and Agnes.

Here is a link to the publishers site:
http://www.bearmanormedia.bizland.com/id74.html

The book is also available on Amazon.com and BN.com

Thank you.

[Harvey Chartrand]

Dear Mr. Tranberg,
Congratulations on this labor of love, because I am sure you will not be able to retire on what you were paid by the publisher.
This has nothing to do with Orson Welles, but I'm curious about Agnes Moorehead's working relationship with Montgomery Clift on the set of the Civil War epic RAINTREE COUNTY. Clift (cast as a boring and virtuous young man) was anything but in real life. The "most beautiful man in Hollywood" was out of control after losing his looks in a disfiguring car crash while driving impaired. Can you summarize in a sentence or two how Moorehead was able to cope with such an unstable, damaged and self-destructive actor?
Also, do you mention the 1973 Mercury Theatre reunion on THE TONIGHT SHOW, which brought together the elderly Moorehead with Welles and Joseph Cotten? That was the night Welles toyed with the idea of refilming the final scenes in THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS, as the principal players were then still alive. But Moorehead would soon pass on, dashing this unrealistic prospect...

[CharlesTranberg]

Hello and thank you for your questions. Agnes was quite taken by Monty's great talent. But as you know after his accident the picture had to be delayed (there was some filming around him, of course) and Clift came back as a different man emotionally and physically. Elizabeth Taylor had to guide him with her tenderness and concern through the remaining scenes he shot. Agnes was sympathetic but really wasn't one of the key people Monty would seek out or make desperate calls to late at night.

Yes, I do go a bit into the idea that Orson had of updating "The Magnficent Ambersons" thirty years later. It is too bad it didn't happen, but mortality, as you indicate got in the way. First it was Tim Holt who died in 1973 and then Agnes the following year. So, Welles decided not to pursue it. I also speak of some of the other parts Orson wanted Agnes for but unfortunately as she became a busier Hollywood actress--she couldn't take the time away to accept.

[Harvey Chartrand]

Thanks, Charles. I can't wait to read your book! I will order it online, as Bear Manor Books aren't sold in these parts (the northern wastes of Canada, just outside Montreal).