Preface Introduction Part I. Prewitched Chapter 1: Once Upon a time Chapter 2: Grim Chapter 3: Elizabeth Montgomery Presents Chapter 4: Brush with Fame Chapter 5: The Equestrians Chapter 6: Training Days Chapter 7: The Europeans Chapter 8: Spirits and Demons Chapter 9: Two Plus Hundreds Part II. Bewitched Chapter 10: Lizmet Chapter 11: Remember the Mane Chapter 12: Double Double . . . Chapter 13: . . . Toil and Trouble Chapter 14: Public Broadcasting Part III. Disenchanted Chapter 15: To Twitch Or Not To Twitch Chapter 16: Temperatures Risingf Chapter 17: Post Serial Chapter 18: Awakenings Part IV. Reconciled Chapter 19: Spirits and Angels Chapter 20: Humanities Chapter 21: Political Science Chapter 22: Final Exams Chapter 23: Graduation Afterword Appendix Sources Bibliography Acknowledgments Suggested Reading Index About the Author
Herbie J Pilato is a writer, producer, actor, songwriter, and entertainment executive. The author of several media tie-in books (including Glamour, Gidgets, and the Girl Next Door, NBC & Me, The Bionic Book, and many more), Pilato has also produced for the A&E, Bravo, TLC, Syfy, and TV Guide channels, as well as Sony, Warner Bros., NBC Universal, and other television networks and film studios. He now has several TV shows, books, and films in development and resides in Burbank, California, where he established Television, Ink. (a production company geared toward family entertainment) and The Classic TV Preservation Society (a nonprofit organization that seeks to close the gap between popular culture and education).
Elizabeth Montgomery's life is beautifully portrayed by author
Herbie Pilato in [this] loving new biography. * FrontiersLA *
[A] comprehensive and touching biography of Montgomery's life. . .
. Fans of classic television or of well-written biographies should
seek this out . . . an insightful read about an amazing woman! *
Journeys in Classic Film *
. . . [T]ells you all about Bewitched, the magical 1960s-and-'70s
sitcom, and other triumphs enjoyed by the talented and beautiful
Montgomery. * Village Voice *
Twitch Upon a Star is an engrossing look at a strong-willed actress
whose career spanned five decades. It will satisfy Elizabeth
Montgomery's fans, as well as Bewitched buffs interested in
learning more about that series' leading lady-and even how the
famous twitch was 'invented.' * Classic Film and TV Cafe *
[A] blockbuster new book. * The National Enquirer *
Life's journey is never simple. Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched
Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery is a biography from Herbie
J. Pilato [in which] he tells the Bewitched star's story . . .
forming friendships, romances, enemies, and everything in between.
An advocate with her own problems, [Montgomery's] story is one of
[an individual] who tried to make a difference with her stardom.
Twitch Upon a Star is a strongly recommended addition to Hollywood
and television history biography collections; highly recommended. *
Midwest Book Review *
. . . [A] love letter . . . No matter how big your twitch itch,
this book will scratch it. * Ventura County Star *
. . . [I]t's like meeting [Elizabeth Montgomery] all over again for
the very first time. . . . If you've ever enjoyed an episode of
Bewitched, come meet her for yourself. * BookSteve's Library Blog
*
This biography covers it all. . . . Fans will love the three
sections of photos and Pilato's respectful, yet truthful, portrait
of the woman who will forever be remembered for as the beautiful
witch Samantha Stephens. * SheKnows Book Lounge *
Twitch Upon a Star is based on Pilato's exclusive interviews prior
to Montgomery's 1995 death. . . . The book follows her career
before, during, and after Bewitched, and goes behind the scenes
chronicling her political activism [and] reveals behind-the-scenes
anecdotes about the show and Montgomery's life. * Long Beach
Press-Telegram *
Pilato expertly captures the life of [this] wonderful actress. *
Daytona News-Journal *
[Pilato is] the master of all things Bewitched. . . . [Twitch Upon
a Star is an] amazing new book. * NewNowNext on Logo Online *
Fans of Elizabeth Montgomery and Bewitched will love this book. *
Living in the Kitchen with Puppies *
For anyone who only recalls Elizabeth Montgomery from her most
memorable role, on the 1960s sitcom Bewitched, this thoroughly
researched, extensively detailed, and wholly fascinating biography
will load you up with everything you've been missing. It's a
delicious, detailed look at her life and remarkable career before,
during and after that magical, life-changing show; her crusading
and often controversial activism for the causes close to her heart;
her often turbulent relationship with her father, actor Robert
Montgomery; her rocky marital history; and the many other facets of
the woman who played Samantha Stephens, TV's 'witch with the
twitch' at the end of her nose. * American Profile *
Herbie J Pilato, a long-time fan and later friend of the actress
uses his extensive interviews with the actress, plus meticulous
research to get to the bottom of what the real Elizabeth Montgomery
was like. * Soap World Magazine *
Herbie J Pilato reveals the real Elizabeth Montgomery in Twitch
Upon a Star. Her loves, her demons and even her politics are
explored in this new biography of one of television's favorite
stars. * InMaricopa.com *
The research that went into this book is amazing. . . . We get the
essence and life of Elizabeth Montgomery by embarking on a journey
'into the loves, politics, and performances of this multi-talented
actor-a very magical journey, yet based in the real emotion of
love.' * Reviews by Amos Lassen *
Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth
Montgomery is based on the author's exclusive interviews with
Montgomery before her death in 1995, and includes new,
never-before-published material and commentary from many associated
with her life and career before, during and after Bewitched. Any
with an interest in the show or Montgomery will find this a
definitive exploration that ranges from insights on her career to
revelations about her personal life and relationships. The result
is a lively read indeed, recommended for film and biography
holdings in general and especially for any reader with prior
affection for Bewitched. * Midwest Book Review *
Twitch Upon a Star is as perfect a book could be. . . . [It] shines
bright at a rating of 5 Stars (out of five). I read it twice.
Afterwards I watched re-runs of Bewitched-knowing what I learned
from Twitch Upon a Star-and what stirred me most were the questions
that came to mind which I feel Twitch Upon a Star answered. Twitch
Upon a Star is as no other book. . . . For me, a person who thinks
he's read the best of the best books, [this] put a twinkle in my
eyes [from] Herbie J Pilato's mastery of the craft of writing. --
Salvador SeBasco, book critic; host of The Inside View
Show
Heavily researched, expertly executed, and handled with reverence,
Twitch Upon A Star is a magical revelation about one of the most
popular and endearing performers of all time. It's clear that
Herbie J Pilato not only knows what he's talking about, but that he
also cares very deeply about his subject, from a personal, yet
objective perspective. . . . No two ways about it, this book is a
class act about a classic actress. -- Danny Gold, film and
television producer
I encourage everyone to read Pilato's astounding, loving, riveting,
eye-opening book. -- Lydia Cornell, star of classic TV's Too Close
for Comfort, comedienne, and women and children's advocate
The way Herbie J Pilato tells it, Elizabeth Montgomery just didn't
have guts, she had balls. She was kind to those she felt deserved
it but had no qualms about setting others straight. Who'd'a thunk
that sweet little Samantha had such chutzpah? -- Larry Brody,
veteran TV writer and producer (Baretta, Diagnosis: Murder, The
Fall Guy, and more)
Not only has Bewitched's Samantha Stephens influenced hundreds of
female TV characters and the actresses who portrayed them, but
Elizabeth Montgomery's lasting influence on Hollywood and society
has been far greater than the TV series that made her a legend.
Herbie J Pilato, one of the great students of classic TV, spins a
compelling narrative that brings to life a magical TV series and
its even more magical star. It's a true Hollywood story, and more
than any book I've read Twitch Upon a Star goes behind-the-scenes
to capture a fascinating period in history when television was
coming of age. -- Jack Myers, media ecologist, author, and
producer
Intricately revealing, well written, and hard to put down, Herbie J
Pilato's Twitch Upon a Star captures the essence and life of
Elizabeth Montgomery. He leads readers on an intriguing journey
into the loves, politics, and performances of this multi-talented
actor-a very magical journey, yet based in the real emotion of
love. I heartily recommend this well-rounded read for fans, friends
and all who value the life of a gifted, complex and bewitching
woman. -- Kathy Garver, film, TV, and stage star (Cissy on the
classic Family Affair TV series); author, The Family Affair
Cookbook and Surviving Cissy; and speaker
Much more than just a celebrity biography Twitch Upon a Star relays
a spiritual quest that can speak to anyone. Retelling the story and
work of a life can activate an awareness of the beauty and purpose
in our own unfoldment. Pilato accomplishes this masterfully and
magically, uncovering such depth and absorbing reflection with
authenticity and vigorous charm to reveal Elizabeth Montgomery's
journey as a true cultural treasure. This book is magnificent! --
Thomas Warfield, performing artist and founder of PeaceArt
International
Twitch Upon a Star is ASTOUNDING. Herbie J Pilato does a wonderful
job of mixing hard info with his personal relationship with
Elizabeth Montgomery. His approach makes the book very unique. This
is one of the best biographies I've read in years. It is a real
classic . . . a brilliant work! -- Rick Lertzman, media historian
and author of Codename: Dr. Feelgood
Wonderful book and terrific author . . . -- Shannon Devereaux
Sanford, Shannon's Corner, WTBQ radio
If you love Liz, you'll adore this book. Pilato's biography of
everyone's favorite witch is incredibly detailed. He draws from
many sources, including Montgomery's friends and his own interviews
with the star. . . .The book also contains wonderful photos that
chronicle Montgomery's life. Getting to know this remarkable woman,
you'll love her for far more than just her dramatic and comedic
talents. * Pop Culture Classics *
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