Product Description

The biggest female box office attraction in Hollywood history, Doris Day remains unequalled as the only entertainer who has ever triumphed in movies, radio, recordings, and television. But while on screen, Day may have projected a wholesome image, her acting and singing range made her the role model for independent career women for four decades. Tom Santopietro reveals why Day's work continues to resonate today, both in ever increasing record sales and Hollywood lifetime achievement awards. Placing Day's work within the social context of America in the second half of the twentieth century, "Considering Doris Day" is smart, funny, and grants Day her rightful place as a singular American artist.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #341913 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 400 pages

Customer Reviews

"An essential companion for the newbie fan" - dorisdaytribute.com
It is quite astounding to think that ten years ago Eric Braun's book ("Doris Day") was the only one that was in print about a star as successful as Doris Day. Even Doris's official biography "Her Own Story" which had been a #1 best-seller in the 1970s had inexplicably disappeared into the mists of time. It is not surprising therefore why people tended to overlook Doris's achievements as a singer and actress as they had simply forgotten. The good news is "Considering Doris Day" proves to be a great reminder!

This new book written by Tom Santopietro is for me what I would describe as the cream to go with your coffee. At the end of 2006, we had an invigorating brew poured by author Pierre Patrick who delighted in telling us everything we needed to know about Doris's television work ("The Magic of Doris Day through Television") and now we have the perfect compliment that extensively apprises the rest of her career.

Although Doris withdrew from the limelight during the 1970s her film and music recording career had been so intense throughout the 1950s and 60s that there is sufficient material to keep admirers entertained for hours and hours and dare I say even more hours. The good thing is it is clear Santopietro is one of those admirers as he does not only know his subject but he talks about her with sincerity.

It is clear that from start to finish that the underlying mission of this book is one to provoke healthy discussion about Doris's vast contribution to the entertainment world. Santopietro does not sugar coat what he thinks and clearly does not want "Considering Doris Day" to become a sycophantic tribute. He instead expresses spirited opinions, which are extremely engaging and will certainly prick the conscience of those who dismissed Doris as nothing more than froth from a forgotten era!

Briefly, this is the perfect book for a Doris Day newbie i.e. for the new generations of fan who are discovering her for the first time or those who are re-discovering her with a new zest and inquisitive mind. With exception of a few minor errors dotted here and there, this book gives an accurate account of Doris's work and includes a treasure trove of facts, anecdotes and information.

The biggest achievement and probably the unique aspect of the book is the depth that the author charts Doris's singing career. From what I know there is nothing really that equals this. I also have a sneaking suspicion that this side of her career is what he admires most (something we have in common).

For the long-term `Doris Day' devotees this book is not likely to provide any startling new revelations. However, as critics are beginning to re-evaluate the star's importance this book could not have come at a more opportune moment. It also is destined to become an essential companion for the many budding fans who have discovered Doris through the many recent high profile CD and DVD releases.

A quote from New York columnist Liz Smith is a great note to end on and echoes my feelings about this book: "Passionate and acute in its critique".

At Least Consider This
Still, there is not a biography worthy of Doris Day to (this `day' - sorry). Mr. Santopietro goes into great length about Ms. Day's career from child to adult, including a big emphasis on her singing career (who knew?). But it doesn't rise to the status that any fan would hope for. This is the woman who spent more time in bed with Rock Hudson than any other woman in history! It's great to read the accolades of her singing career, but the observations on her film career fall short. While not Oscar material, Doris Day certainly had the attention of the world during her film career. There's not much dirt or insight here and I look forward to the next biography due in 2008, but it was sort of fun to hear about people who knew about Doris Day "before" she was a virgin!

informative read
This is a very interesting analysis of the career of Day. It is not a biography as such but the author informs you of this from the start. It is divided into four main sections film, music, tv and animals. Compliments must go to the author for his thorough research and comments regarding all of her work. Each film, album and most of the Tv episodes are commented on. He is very honest in his opinion of the films and analysing whether they were good or not and why. Don't expect too many personal details as it is not that type of book.
Although i thoroughly enjoyed it and think that he has done an excellent job of detailing Day's long and productive career,I would have liked a bit more analysis of why Day has not recieved the recognition she deserves and seems to have fallen out of favour. However having said this Santopietro goes a long way to rectifying this situation. She made over 600 recordings, 39 films and 154 tv episodes in a career that went from about 1940 to 1975 this is true and no she hasn't recieved a much-deserved Oscar or Grammy for her career and this is a shame. But why? Un fortunately Santopietro does not have the answers but then again how could he! I felt that at the end of the book I wanted him to write a conclusion/analysis of the myth of Day and explain this something he has demonstrated throughout the book that he is perfectly capable of doing. I once read many years ago an article by a feminist writer, I think, de-bunking the Doris day perennial virgin myth in which the writer lauded her as one of the first liberated female role models (in most of her films). Since then I have lost the book containing the article but not forgotten it and whenever I feel the need to defend the fact that I am a fan of Day's films I mention it.This happens frequently as a surprising number of people grimace at the mention of Day. If anyone knows of this article please let me know as I would love to get a copy.
Santopietro has also encouraged me to order some of Day's Cds based on his opinion of them, so when they arrive I may also have to thank him for that too. As he points out Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn thought she was a great singer and you can't really argue with them.
All in all an excellent book for any fan.