Totally Scripted: Idioms, Words, and Quotes from Hollywood to Broadway That Have Changed the English Language

by Josh Chetwynd

The language of Hollywood resonates beyond the stage and screen because it often has inherent drama—or comedic effect. This volume contains a combination of approximately 100 expertly researched essays on words, phrases and idioms made famous by Hollywood along with the stories behind 30 or so of the most iconic—and ultimately often used—quotes from films. There are also sidebars that focus on other ways the entertainment world has changed language. For instance, stories behind stars whose names have been used for drinks (hello, Shirley Temple) or roses (there are ones named after Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland, among others). And, a sidebar on William Shakespeare’s unique contribution to the English language.

Genres: Nonfiction, Language, History, Film, Theatre, Writing, Education

232 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2017

About the author

A longtime journalist, I've worked as a staff writer for USA Today, The Hollywood Reporter and U.S. News & World Report. My byline has also shown up in such varied publications as The Wall Street Journal, The Times (of London), Variety, MLB.com, The Harvard Negotiation Law Review and the Chicago Tribune.

To date, I've written seven books.Notably, How the Hot Dog Found Its Bun was released by Lyons Press, which tells the tales of accidental discoveries and unexpected inspirations in the food world, charted on the New York Times best seller list in 2015. Another of my books The Secret History of Balls, was named a "Best Book of 2011" by NPR.

Other titles have ranged in topics from how show business changed the English language to the origins of all things nice to the history of European baseball.

Reviews

[Always Pouting · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the first time around when I reviewed this book I got upset because unbeknownst to me half the book was missing, good job formatting whoever is in charge of that stuff, and so all of the pages with iconic quotes and little asides like Shakespeare's contributions or the Goldwynisms didn't make any sense and jumbled up the passages for the etymology of the words as well. I'm glad I reread it and got to read all of it though because the second time around I really did get what I wanted out of the book. There was a lot in there that I didn't know and it was so much fun reading about things like how Shirley Temple didn't like the drink Shirley Temple or any of the phrases from the Goldwynisms section and the original usage of the word money shot. This is my favorite kind of book with interesting tidbits about things that are still relevant culturally today, I really found the theories for where break a leg come from super amusing as well as the story behind lay an egg.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever uttered a phrase in casual conversation, then thought to yourself, "I wonder where that saying comes from..." and immediately consulted the internet to learn the origin, this is a book for you! Josh Chetwynd has compiled words and phrases related to the entertainment business that have entered the common vernacular. These entries are approximately a page long and they discuss early usage in history, and how some facet of the entertainment industry has changed their meaning over time. (My favorite being "money shot". I can't help but giggle when this is used with any other intended context.)

Along with the etymology, there are also pages of famous film quotes that are so often quoted, many people may not even know what movie they are from any more. This may have been my favorite part of the book, as they give some more background on these iconic lines, and how many didn't even make it into the script but were ad-libbed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield for providing me with an advance copy for review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative and hilarious look at the theatre/Hollywood language that is scattered throughout English common parlance.

[The Suburban Eclectic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered from where a phrase or saying came? No, me neither. Nonetheless Totally Scripted is an entertaining and informative read that has a certain charm for word nerds. I connected more with the asides from some of the most famous movie sets, but the running glossary is enjoyable too. I don't know if I would recommend that you run out and buy it, but it is an impressive and fun tome to add to your reference shelf.
2.5/5