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A Novel About the Inside Workings of Hollywood Written by a Screenwriter and Director.

Screenwriter and novelist Bruce Wagner. He wrote the screenplays for "Nightmare on Elm Street 3," and "Scenes from The Class Struggle in Beverly Hills." He's just come out with his first novel, a black comedy, "Force Majeure." It's a collection of his "Bud Wiggins" stories. Wiggins is a struggling screenwriter, actor, and some time chauffeur who is "circling the drain." (published by Random House). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

16:07
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Other segments from the episode on August 13, 1991

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, August 13, 1991: Interview with David Jacobsen; Interview with Bruce Wagner; Review of D. Keith Mano's novel "Topless" A Novel."
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22:31

David Jacobsen Recalls His Time as A Hostage in Beirut.

Former hostage David Jacobsen. In 1985 he was abducted in Beirut where he was director of the American University of Beirut's Medical Center and was held for 17 months. He was held captive along with Terry Anderson, Tom Sutherland, Ben Weir, and Martin Jenco. He's written about it in, "Hostage: My Nightmare in Beirut." (Published by Donald I. Fine, Inc.) (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

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04:30

The Tension Between Religion and Sin Explored in Mystery Novel.

Book critic John Leonard reviews, "Topless: a Novel" by D. Keith Mano, a thriller about a young priest who returns to his former New York neighborhood to help manage the family business. The family's business turns out to be a topless bar and the "girls" there begin to get murdered. Mano's other books include, "Bishop's Progress," "War is Heaven," and "Take Five." ("Topless" is published by Random House.)

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19:11

Hollywood Raconteur Bruce Wagner

Wagner hangs out with the rich and famous, and then writes satirical novels based on Los Angeles life. His new book is The Chrysanthemum Palace. The three main characters are actors who are the children of wealthy, successful parents. Wagner is known for his dark wit and nasty portrayals of show business elite.

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