How Long to Read Film's First Family

How Long Does it Take to Read Film's First Family?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 49 minutes to read Film's First Family by Terry Chester Shulman

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

“A fascinating [and] beautifully written portrait of a tempestuous family that played a pivotal role in the development of American film” (Vanda Krefft, author of The Man Who Made the Movies). Adultery, secret marriages, divorce, custody battles, suicide attempts, alcoholism—the trials and tribulations of the Costellos were as riveting as any Hollywood feature film. Written with unprecedented access to the family’s personal documents and artifacts, and interviews with several family members, this riveting study explores the dramatic history of the Costellos and their significance to the stage and screen. This eccentric, tragic, yet talented clan was one of the twentieth century’s most accomplished families of actors—second only to the Barrymores, with whom they intermarried and begat a film dynasty riddled with jealousy, resentment, and heartbreak. Inevitably, the Costellos’ brilliant achievements would be eclipsed by their own immutable penchant for self-destruction. Patriarch Maurice “Dimples” Costello was considered the first screen idol until his career, marked by accusations of spousal abuse, drunkenness, and physical assault, abruptly ended. His daughter Dolores married John Barrymore, arguably the most famous man in Hollywood at the time, and their son would carry on the Barrymore name to successive generations of actors. Costello’s other daughter, Helene, was the first actress to star in an all-talking picture, The Lights of New York. However, her career was wracked by scandal in 1932 during her very public divorce from actor-director Lowell Sherman, who testified that his wife was a drunk and an avid reader of pornography. The original members of this pioneering family may be gone, but the name and legacy of the Costellos will live on through their accomplishments, films, and descendants—most notably, actress Drew Barrymore—and through this sweeping biography with “enough juicy material to have filled several volumes” (Leonard Maltin).

How long is Film's First Family?

Film's First Family by Terry Chester Shulman is 279 pages long, and a total of 72,261 words.

This makes it 94% the length of the average book. It also has 88% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Film's First Family Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 6 hours and 34 minutes to read Film's First Family aloud.

What Reading Level is Film's First Family?

Film's First Family is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Film's First Family?

Film's First Family by Terry Chester Shulman is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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