Hype and Glory

William Goldman's memoir Hype and Glory chronicles his unique experience serving on two prestigious judging panels in 1988: the Cannes Film Festival and the Miss America Pageant. The book offers insider access to these high-profile cultural events through Goldman's direct observations and encounters. The narrative interweaves Goldman's professional experiences with personal reflections during a pivotal time in his life, including his recent divorce and conversations with Hollywood figures like Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford. His dual role as both participant and observer provides an unfiltered view of these traditionally closed-door proceedings. Goldman captures two distinct spheres of American culture - international cinema and beauty pageants - at a specific moment in time, documenting both the spectacle and substance behind these institutions. The work stands as both a cultural snapshot and a personal memoir, examining how public ceremonies and private struggles can unexpectedly intersect.

Readers describe this as an engaging behind-the-scenes look at Goldman's experiences judging both the Cannes Film Festival and Miss America Pageant in 1988. The casual, conversational writing style makes the book feel like sitting down with Goldman over drinks as he shares industry stories. Readers appreciated: - Candid observations about celebrities and film industry politics - Humor and self-deprecating tone - Details about the judging process at both events - Goldman's straightforward writing style Common criticisms: - Dated references and cultural attitudes from the 1980s - Uneven pacing between the two events - Some found the Miss America sections less compelling Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (21 ratings) Several readers noted this book is harder to find than Goldman's other works but worth seeking out for fans of Adventures in the Screen Trade. One reviewer called it "the perfect airplane read - breezy and entertaining without requiring deep focus."

Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman A first-hand account of Hollywood's inner workings from the same writer, with equal focus on personal experiences and industry insights.

Down and Dirty Pictures by Peter Biskind The story of independent film's rise through the 1990s, told through behind-the-scenes experiences at film festivals and studios.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind A chronicle of 1970s Hollywood that captures the same festival circuit and movie industry politics Goldman discusses.

Final Cut: Art, Money, and Ego in the Making of Heaven's Gate by Steven Bach The account of a studio executive during a major film production provides an insider perspective of Hollywood decision-making.

What Just Happened? by Art Linson A producer's memoir of making films in Hollywood reveals the same blend of personal experience and industry mechanics.

🎬 Goldman wrote the screenplays for classic films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Princess Bride" before penning this memoir. 👑 The 1988 Miss America Pageant, featured in the book, was won by Kaye Lani Rae Rafko, who later became a notable advocate for hospice care. 🎭 The author's experience at Cannes coincided with the controversial premiere of Martin Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ," which caused significant protests at the festival. 📝 Goldman's honest account of his divorce in the book was particularly poignant as he had previously explored marriage in his screenplay for "The Princess Bride," written during happier times. 🏆 The 1988 Palme d'Or at Cannes (awarded during Goldman's judging stint) went to "Pelle the Conqueror," a Danish film starring Max von Sydow, which later won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.