Hollywood Through the Back Door

About the Book

Hollywood Through the Backdoor uncovers the story of actor-writer-composer MICHAEL ST. JOHN, arriving in Hollywood, with no great expectations, just to survive. It was a time when artists of color were forced to accept any kind of demeaning role in the business. When not in a class at U.S.C., Michael found on a film set, observing and meeting stars or those who might make it happen for him. He pulled some outlandish stunts to get the job or part he wanted, but managed to garner the respect of some of the most powerful people in the entertainment industry i.e., Dan Dailey, Marlon Brando, Hedda Hopper, and so many other highly respected creative-movers in the industry, who held out their hand, giving him the necessary push needed. The Backdoor? Hell, Michael didn't care, it was an entrance! Segment Film Productions : Michael Plaster - Steven F. Proctor

About the Author

Micahel St. John was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He spent the first six years of his life in a village called "The Holler". There he confronted violence,rape and murder. The family eventually moved to Morton, near Philadelphia, where he was introduced to the theater, television and radio. His first semester at a college was sepent at Earlham College, in Indiana. While there he was elected class president, the first Afro America to be so distinguished. It also resulted in his dormitory room being firebombed. As as result, he was transferred to U.S.C., in Los Angeles. Immediately, his life took on a different hue. He suddenly was propelled into the magic world of Hollywood. Michael quickly found that breaking the rules to get what he wanted was necessary, to achieve his creative objectives. Having the support of film luminaries as Bette Davis, Agnes Moorehead and producer, David Weisbart, many doors of Tinseltown were opened, He was addicted to an industry, one that only gave Afro Americans a slight nod. Never the less, Michael took on every challenge to prove them wrong. It was a backdoor entrance, but a battle, he was anxious to confront.