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Didn’t Like It “The Father of Hollywood, written by Gaelyn Whitley Keith, is an ambitious work that details the life and times of the author’s great-grandparents, Hobart Johnstone "H.J." Whitley and Margaret Virginia Ross "Gigi" Whitley. The book is written largely from the first-person perspective of Gigi...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“The Father of Hollywood, written by Gaelyn Whitley Keith, is an ambitious work that details the life and times of the author’s great-grandparents, Hobart Johnstone "H.J." Whitley and Margaret Virginia Ross "Gigi" Whitley. The book is written largely from the first-person perspective of Gigi herself and contains actual excerpts from Gigi’s personal diaries.
Readingrat wrote this review Saturday, November 24 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The Father of Hollywood begins by telling the story of HJ’s tragic early years when he experienced the loss of both parents and most of his siblings, his whirlwind romance of Gigi, and their fairy-tale marriage. While they were on their honeymoon in California, H.J. and Gigi found and agreed to purchase the land which was later to become Hollywood. After the honeymoon, Gigi accompanied H.J. back to the Dakotas where they began their lives as man and wife. It was here that Gigi gave birth to their son, Ross. Over the next four years HJ, Gigi, and Ross traveled through the Oklahoma territory as HJ developed towns all along the rail lines for the Rock Island Railroad.
They finally ended up back in California where they opened a successful jewelry business. H.J. started work on his vision of Hollywood. From Sunset Blvd to the Hollywood sign, H.J. patiently sculpted his perfect town on the rolling California hills and managed to draw the fledging movie industry to his town. During this time Gigi gave birth to their daughter, Grace. What follows next was a happy portrait of what life was like for the wealthy and privileged in a rapidly growing Hollywood at the turn of the last century – houses with all the latest luxuries, extravagant parties, trips around the world.
However not everything was as it appeared for the Whitley family. Keith also shows us the other side of the fairy-tale - H.J.’s ceaseless drive and work-ethic that repeatedly drew him away from his wife and children, Gigi’s struggle with her resultant loneliness, and their children’s struggle to obtain the attention of their frequently absent father. The book follows H.J. and his family up until his death in 1931.
During his lifetime HJ Whitley was credited with developing over 140 towns across the Western United States. Hollywood was his crown jewel.”
“so good”
mohammad j wrote this review Tuesday, October 23 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“In "The Father of Hollywood: The True Story," author Gaelyn Whitley Keith introduces readers to her great-grandfather, HJ Whitley who, through insight, genius and determination took a plain parcel of land and designed what would become the world's most recognizable address: HOLLYWOOD, and what it REALLY means!
Aprilblossoms123 wrote this review Tuesday, October 9 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Great job on your "The Father of Hollywood: The True Story" Gaelyn Whitley Keith, while I'm impressed with the message on love story in which many of life's lesson are learned. I just want to emphasize an additional points and events I conceptualized and executed a vision from you parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover that you have already that wings. Instead of seeking affection, attention, emotional security, yo find yourself being the source of it, Indeed, everything that you have ever wanted, you are now supplying to others. And the wonder of ot all iis that, as you give, so you received You suddenly become "More" of whatever you are giving away.
Thanks for wiriting this book, I'm grateful you gave full details coz the editorial review clarified that "The Father of Hollywood" is more than the story of one man. It is also a comprehensive look into the birth of a film industry and the people who nurtured its incomparable growth. Thanks for that truly motivating story, I hope you continue writing stories like that. I love the slogan too-"The Father of Hollywood!."
A wonderful way to hope when you are down. Wonderfully inspiring!Excellent book, I'd highly recommend it!.”
1 of 1 members found this review helpful“Hobart Johnstone and Gigi Whitley are considered the patriarchs who presided over the creation of Hollywood. Their city has forever changed the course of history, portraying visions of glamor and romance to a degree unmatched anywhere else. Nestled in hills covered in towering eucalyptus and orange groves, Hollywood was built as part of a grand scheme by visionary developer H J Whitley, “The Father of Hollywood.” Why did the Los Angeles Times and others in the community give him this title? Whitley Heights was the Beverly Hills of yesteryear, and some of the most impressive homes in Hollywood are located there. Stars like Jean Harlow, Ethel Barrymore, Charlie Chaplin, Marion Davies, W.C. Fields, Harold Lloyd, Carole Lombard, Rudolph Valentino, and many others lived and held legendary parties in the Heights. How did he get them to settle there? What was the magical draw this amazing man possessed? Learn the true story at www.TheFatherOfHollywood.com”
FatherOfHollywood wrote this review Tuesday, October 2 2007. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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