DORIS DAY The Untold Story of the Girl Next Door

[webmaster]

I was thinking along similar lines, Dave - I prefered David's original title, "But Not for Me" - can't remember the byline but I think it might have been 'The untold story of Doris Day'. But I suppose if you are a publisher who has invested a lot of bucks in a book project you want a simple title with all the 'keywords' in it so that people can find/buy easily. I got the impression that it was David's job to write the book and the publisher does everything else. A bit like James Cagney saying to Doris in "Love Me or Leave Me", "You do the singing, I'll do all the real work!" (paraphrase).

The thing about the 'girl next door' - no girl who's lived next door to me has ever been a band singer in their teens and went on to become a Hollywood movie star. I guess it's a reflection of Doris' persona - even though she was a big Hollywood star, she gave the impression she was down-to-earth and could be someone living next door to you.

As for whether it will be the 'definative' book - is there such a thing? If someone were to write the 'definative book' about you or me and interviewed everyone who knew us intimately, would that 'explain us' completely? Would that be the whole story? I don't think so. It might go some way to doing that but that's all.

[Sheila]

Until it's published this book remains somewhat of a mystery, because no one is sure exactly what to expect. However, there are two things of which I am certain. The first certainty is that I don't like the title, "The Untold Story Of The Girl Next Door". For me, this title suggests that David Kaufman has been doing a lot of investigative journalism, looking for material that as yet has not come to light...or if it has not come to light yet, I would imagine that there would be a reason for it...Confidentiality!

The second thing of which I am certain, is that I will not be buying this book. It has nothing to do with my seeing Doris Day as "Private Property", or indeed,that I think she has a permanent halo attached to her head... because I do not. It also has nothing to do with how I perceive Doris would feel about this book, because I do not know how she feels about it. It has to do with my fundamental belief, that a person who has brought so much pleasure into my life deserves to be treated with respect...and respect for me means being entitled to a private life!

[dave]

Wasn't it Joan Crawford who refused the role taken by Ginger Rogers in 1951's "Storm Warning" saying that no one would believe she was DD's sister?

Now, in today's Page Six column of the NY Post, words to this effect: "..impossible to think Steven Spielberg would be terrified by anybody he directed. But the Oscar winner admits he was jolted to learn that on his first-ever TV gig at age 21 he'd be taking on tempermental legend Joan Crawford.. he tells Charlotte Chandler in her new Crawford biography.. 'NOT THE GIRL NEXT DOOR'" (!!)

[dayniac]

THANK-YOU ---- John and Karen. I agree with everything you said - and said so eloquently !

I liked Considering Doris Day -- Although, I didn't agree with many of his opionions. I didn't look at it as a biography at all. It was a review of her work. And peronal information wasn't necessary for him to give his opinion of her career.

[Sheila]

Roberta, this has nothing to do with permission or a secretaries memoir...this is purely my personal opinion based on how I feel. It is my personal belief, that there is sufficient material to capture a reader's interest in Doris' public persona and career. I do not feel that it is necessary to delve into Doris' personal private life to "spice" up a book. Doris Day is an icon and as such, I believe there is sufficient material available to make a profit on a professionally written book that deals with her career and the people she has worked with over the years. No researcher needs to attempt to have eyes into the lady's bedroom. This to me would be totally inappropriate.

I do however, realise my views can be perceived as being not quite the "norm", probably if you compared them to the political spectrum they could be seen as fairly far to the right of centre. I certainly, do not expect many people to agree with them, but it is how I feel and as such I wanted to state it.

[jmichael]

I've been thinking about Bryan's comment that some of us view Doris as our property and that we have to protect her.

There is indeed something within Doris that evokes deep loyalty and respect. Maybe that is closer to what I feel: I expect others, casual fans, writers, her peers in the industry, and former employees to acknowledge her talent and pay her the respect she deserves. So I am not in the camp of fans who may wish this book would go away and never happen. Not at all. I respect the author and consider his intentions to be above board and honest.

In regards to Doris' private life, I really have no interest in exploring that area. But if the book goes there, and I'm speaking purely for myself here, I learned a long time ago that everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. Forgiveness is a big part of happiness.

I just hope his book will go a long, long way toward asserting her rightful position at the top of the great film icons and singers.

Michael H

[Jas1]

Well said Michael, I agree 100%.

[ray]

Artist Suzannah B. Troy writes on her web blog that Doris Day is an icon and her beauty, voice and incredible talent impacted American culture and that means the globe. It is easy to see many young actress and singers that are fashioning themslves after her!
I am a big "old school" New York Yankees fan so I can tell you there is a sizzling Mickey Mantle mention so run and buy the book...for fans, it will be a home run out of the ball park!

[pebrogan]

Excerpts from the upcoming biography are scheduled to appear in the May issue of Vanity Fair which goes on sale the first week of April.

[jmichael]

Wow, Vanity Fair, well that exposure will certainly raise the awareness factor among the general public -- not to mention spiking sales in WeHo, PS, Key West and every other gay mecca in the US. This must be quite the little blockbuster to garner VF's attention. Can't wait.

[ray]

This is a class act book for a class act Lady! Doris is an Icon, straight or gay. She appeals to everyone!

[jmichael]

Ray, come on, everyone knows that VF is one of the gayest high end mags out there and many gay men from WeHo to Rhode Island read it cover to cover. On one point we do agree: Doris has a loyal fan base that spans a wide demographic. But like all strong female icons, she also has her share of avid gay fans who worship the ground she walks on. And there's no reason (not anymore) to be on the down-low about it.

There's also no reason to get defensive about David's book. No one is attacking it, at least not based on the posts I've read here on the forum. I'm of the opinion that it will be a respectful and compelling book.

Michael H

[howard]

I never thought of Vanity Fair as a high end gay publication. I'm sure that's only a small part of it. It's widely read by the upper crust from New York to California to London, etc.

[jmichael]

Right. And how many straight men do you know who subscribe to VF? I don't think it's up there with Golf Digest or Sports Illustrated.

My point was VF is read by a significant number of gay men who will no doubt buy the book after reading these excerpts. This is a win / win in my book.

Michael

[ray]

Didn't mean to seem defensive, the book will speak for itself. I am happy as you are that it is getting a top notch introduction with Vanity Fair. Doris appeals to everyone is all I meant.

[jmichael]

Thanks, Ray, sorry if I got a bit testy, I did not intend to. It is so nice that Doris continues to command attention and I hope the new book will help everyone regard her as one of the most talented and versatile perfomers ever.

Regards,

Michael H

[daybyday08]

has anyone made or know any new covers for this new book i saw couple before on her and they where looking great!

[howard]

Here's the cover for the book: Do you like it?

http://www.mediafire.com/imageview.php? ... wi&thumb=4

[BabeWilliams]

Oh my gosh... I LOVE the cover... Doris looks absolutely beautiful... I'm really looking forward to this book being published!

[webmaster]

That link leads to a blank page for me.

I prefered David's original title "But Not For Me".

[jmichael]

I'm with you, Bryan, the original title "But Not For Me" was more evocative and classy. But if the book is as good as I think it will be, the title won't mean much in the long run. I just wonder how the fans will react to this book. Should be quite interesting.

Michael

[Glorious Day]

.... a class act Lady! Doris is an Icon, straight or gay. She appeals to everyone!

Hi evryone,

I have not posted in a while but read your posts regularly. Its interesting how with each book some of us will eiher love it or leave it but something happened to me yesterday on the London underground that I thought you might like to hear.....


I was travelling on the underground and a girl in her early twenties got on. In her hand she had the Vanity Fair that features Doris.

She opened it and started looking at the pics. I too was leaning a bit over and looking at the pics again. She noticed me and smiled, that was all I needed. I started talking to her about Doris and she said that she loved watching Doris' films on Tv in Spain where she was from.

The two people opposite us joined in the conversation and they too knew of Doris and said how much they enjoyed her music. Then another couple who were from the states joined in and the mother said she used to watch Doris's movies as a girl with her parents in the cinema! Lucky girl is what I thought... The funny thing was an Indian lady to my left who was listening to us said that she had watched dubbed versions of Doris' movies, can you imagine Doris talking hindi!!!! that would be so cute...

Its so wonderful that so many people of different age and nationality know Doris and amazing and funny how she brings people together even in the underground!!!!

I like this artcile because it will re-light the interest and passion that the not so ardent fans had for her. Hopefully there will be a renewed interest and a revival of her material for all generations which will lead to highlighting her great work with the animals.

It will be a book, good or bad, that I can not wait to read.

[webmaster]

Vanity Fair preview:
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/featu ... sday200805

[LuckyDay]

Another rendition of the great train wreck of 1938?

The promo says Doris got the demons. Didn't she do a song about that? Chasing the Demons Away? lol

I'll tell you what, after that last book that I couldn't even finish I realized that there is nothing like ones own interpretation of what someone is like. You can't learn that from reading a book.

Our friend and webmaster Bryan gave us that right here. She's fairly accessible to her fans as long as we don't bug her and ring her bell. She's a nice lady and a regular gal. What more do you need to know?

Besides she wouldn't have been able to articulate as well as she did on her birthday if she got the demons.

[gerard]

It's so good to seeing a continuing interest in Ms Day. How does she keep her secrets for so long, dishing them out a little at a time?
No doubt her revival, and attendant benefits for the little animals, are aided by people who find, collate, filter (withhold and embellish) and publish information about her.

There is even interest in camera shots through the hedge! But actually too much personal info like this is pointless and detrimental to the cause. But on the other hand isn't too much militancy in stifling all free thinking regarding her life, an impediment to generating interest in her?

[webmaster]

Could it be that some people have what they consider to be a gold mine of information about Doris, and they want to keep it to themselves until they can take advantage?

That is so cynical, Gerald. Lots of people have had the pleasure of knowing her and maybe they want to share that with those of us who don't know her as well. Has that ever occured to you?

I think you must have deleted that comment, Gerald! I couldn't see it after I posted. Or maybe I'm hallucinating

[gerard]

You're right. I had already redacted myself.

I like the new banner. Ar first I got the old one, but now I can see the new one. (using Mozilla Firefox)

[Peter Flapper]

Hi there,

I could open the photo's today on the VF site.

P

[Debbi Austen]

Peter Flapper, what a nice picture. I guess you really don't look like Doris Day.

[BabeWilliams]

that's what I was going to say.. I always thought of Peter, as looking like his Doris Day avatar..

nice picture!!