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The Scottish Movie
Harry Greenville, a young actor and part-time writer struggling to make a living in modern Los Angeles, writes a novel about Shakespeare. ‘It’s 1606 and the Bard needs a new play for King James, who is notoriously hard to please. As history tells us, he comes up with 'Macbeth'. But the rehearsals are dogged by illnesses and accidents, the royal premiere gets the royal thumbs down, and the actors consider the play to be more than unlucky; they believe it’s cursed. The question is: Why?’
Harry’s novel offers an intriguing answer: Shakespeare stole it, and the real author sabotaged the production.
He posts the first draft on a website in the hope that a Hollywood agent will discover it. Eventually, when someone in the movie business does discover it, life mirrors art; they steal it.
With the help of his girlfriend and a few under-employed pals, Harry sets out to find the culprit. The trail leads him to the core of the mighty Galactic Studios, where his decision to act like the vengeful playwright in his purloined novel evolves into a truly Shakespearean tale of theft, revenge and just desserts.
Awesome Indies Approved.
Book Readers Appreciation Group Medallion™ Honoree.
Harry’s novel offers an intriguing answer: Shakespeare stole it, and the real author sabotaged the production.
He posts the first draft on a website in the hope that a Hollywood agent will discover it. Eventually, when someone in the movie business does discover it, life mirrors art; they steal it.
With the help of his girlfriend and a few under-employed pals, Harry sets out to find the culprit. The trail leads him to the core of the mighty Galactic Studios, where his decision to act like the vengeful playwright in his purloined novel evolves into a truly Shakespearean tale of theft, revenge and just desserts.
Awesome Indies Approved.
Book Readers Appreciation Group Medallion™ Honoree.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
360 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2012
About the author
Paul Collis
3 books5 followersBorn in Greater London.
Art school in the seventies.
The next few decades spent at ad agencies creating TV commercials in London, Milan, New York and San Francisco.
Some fishing here, some photography there.
Now thinking about the next project...
Art school in the seventies.
The next few decades spent at ad agencies creating TV commercials in London, Milan, New York and San Francisco.
Some fishing here, some photography there.
Now thinking about the next project...
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 16, 2014
The Scottish Movie opens as historical fiction set in London just after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. James VI of Scotland has become King James I of the union of the kingdoms, and he's paranoid about conspiracies and rebellions. The notorious Guy Fawkes plot has been discovered and those involved savagely executed. But the king's paranoia has increased and has become quite contagious.
The theatre world is as uneasy as everyone else. No one wants to do anything to cause suspicion or offense. The famous Shakespeare hasn't come up with a new play and everyone is waiting. Expectations are high and creditors are increasingly impatient.
Meanwhile, an aspiring writer has an entire play churning in his head, but only partially written. He’s a printer’s assistant and writes only when he isn’t working and has enough light. He describes his play to friends in a tavern and happens to be overheard by Shakespeare. Shakespeare takes the plot, reworks it slightly, and sets it in Scotland to please the king. He uses historical figures of centuries past, Macbeth, Duncan, and others, to carry out the action of the pilfered plot, making sure that any that King James might have descended from are cast more positively than they might actually have been in real life. This means that Macbeth, who opposed them, must be cast as a villain.
Shakespeare has his Macbeth in production before Henry, the original author, can finish his version. Henry tries in vain to convince everyone that the ideas were his, and when he cannot, he devotes himself to sabotaging the play and giving it the reputation of being cursed.
Centuries later and thousands of miles west, a parallel scene unfolds. Harry, an actor and aspiring playwright in present-day California, has written a screenplay about the curse of avarice and ambition and uses a real figure in history (Shakespeare), who is generally positively regarded, to play the role of villain. The screenplay has Shakespeare steal a plot from an aspiring playwright about the curse of avarice and ambition, using a real figure in history (MacBeth), who is generally positively regarded, to play the role of villain.
This, in a nutshell, is The Scottish Movie. As you might guess, the ideas in the screenplay that Harry is writing about Shakespeare’s MacBeth are stolen and worked into a movie before Harry has a chance to finish it. Since he can’t stop the production, he follows his character’s lead in trying to make the movie a disaster.
I'm going to assume that author Paul Collis didn't steal the idea for this book from someone else and publish it preemptively. I’m also going to assume that MacBeth himself hadn’t stolen a tale to start the whole thing off, but those inclined to think in Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid kinds of infinite spirals might have fun pondering it. In any case, it was a fun read. There were some antics and occasional sabotaging acts that strained plausibility or a sense of fair play, particularly where innocent bystanders were concerned. But to steal a line from Shakespeare (or whomever he might have stolen it from), all’s well that ends well.
I generally respect Smashwords' policy of paying for a book even if reading a copy that a friend has already paid for. In this case however, it seemed fitting not to. Since the friend had ideas for a review, but hadn’t quite gotten around to it, I’ve taken a few of them – in the spirit of this book – and am writing this review and posting it before she can do it herself. (That part was my idea, but she did think it was funny when I told her that I was thinking of it. Since it's with her approval, I'm assuming there will be no curses and sabotage of The Scottish Movie Book Review. Unless, of course, Mr. Collis does it for being cheated out of his royalties.)
The theatre world is as uneasy as everyone else. No one wants to do anything to cause suspicion or offense. The famous Shakespeare hasn't come up with a new play and everyone is waiting. Expectations are high and creditors are increasingly impatient.
Meanwhile, an aspiring writer has an entire play churning in his head, but only partially written. He’s a printer’s assistant and writes only when he isn’t working and has enough light. He describes his play to friends in a tavern and happens to be overheard by Shakespeare. Shakespeare takes the plot, reworks it slightly, and sets it in Scotland to please the king. He uses historical figures of centuries past, Macbeth, Duncan, and others, to carry out the action of the pilfered plot, making sure that any that King James might have descended from are cast more positively than they might actually have been in real life. This means that Macbeth, who opposed them, must be cast as a villain.
Shakespeare has his Macbeth in production before Henry, the original author, can finish his version. Henry tries in vain to convince everyone that the ideas were his, and when he cannot, he devotes himself to sabotaging the play and giving it the reputation of being cursed.
Centuries later and thousands of miles west, a parallel scene unfolds. Harry, an actor and aspiring playwright in present-day California, has written a screenplay about the curse of avarice and ambition and uses a real figure in history (Shakespeare), who is generally positively regarded, to play the role of villain. The screenplay has Shakespeare steal a plot from an aspiring playwright about the curse of avarice and ambition, using a real figure in history (MacBeth), who is generally positively regarded, to play the role of villain.
This, in a nutshell, is The Scottish Movie. As you might guess, the ideas in the screenplay that Harry is writing about Shakespeare’s MacBeth are stolen and worked into a movie before Harry has a chance to finish it. Since he can’t stop the production, he follows his character’s lead in trying to make the movie a disaster.
I'm going to assume that author Paul Collis didn't steal the idea for this book from someone else and publish it preemptively. I’m also going to assume that MacBeth himself hadn’t stolen a tale to start the whole thing off, but those inclined to think in Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid kinds of infinite spirals might have fun pondering it. In any case, it was a fun read. There were some antics and occasional sabotaging acts that strained plausibility or a sense of fair play, particularly where innocent bystanders were concerned. But to steal a line from Shakespeare (or whomever he might have stolen it from), all’s well that ends well.
I generally respect Smashwords' policy of paying for a book even if reading a copy that a friend has already paid for. In this case however, it seemed fitting not to. Since the friend had ideas for a review, but hadn’t quite gotten around to it, I’ve taken a few of them – in the spirit of this book – and am writing this review and posting it before she can do it herself. (That part was my idea, but she did think it was funny when I told her that I was thinking of it. Since it's with her approval, I'm assuming there will be no curses and sabotage of The Scottish Movie Book Review. Unless, of course, Mr. Collis does it for being cheated out of his royalties.)
August 20, 2021
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include THE SCOTTISH MOVIE by PAUL COLLIS in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (4 stars):
The Scottish Movie by Paul Collis is a well-crafted revenge tale that even Shakespeare naysayers can enjoy. The novel begins with William Shakespeare’s creation of his play, MacBeth. We learn that the bard overheard the plot being described by another playwright at a pub and, wanting to really impress King James with his next piece, promptly goes home to write it. When the original creator finds out the Globe Theatre is performing his play, without his consent, he sets out to sabotage the performance. As it turns out, this story is just that, a story that a modern day author has penned. In a very similar turn of events, Harry Greenville discusses his novel with his friends at a diner, only to have an eavesdropping Hollywood executive steal the idea for his own. Once Harry discovers that someone has ripped off his idea and the movie is to begin production, he takes a page from his own novel and proceeds to sabotage the film.
This novel was a joy to read. The author used the lore surrounding the Scottish Play and turned it into an intriguing story with snappy dialogue, and hilarious actions scenes. Though the author completely has his own voice, the style of the story reminded me of a Christopher Moore novel. Through complete dumb luck and sheer brazenness, Harry Greenville is hired onto the film’s production staff and given an all-access pass to conduct his revenge on the story thief. Harry is the everyman stepped on by the corporate big shot, and you just can’t help but root for him.
The strongest part of the book was the author’s ability to seamlessly change between character points of view, sometimes multiple times in one scene. This allowed the reader to see the story angled from both main and supporting characters. Sometimes the switch was only for a few paragraphs; however, it added color to the story, almost like seeing a facial expression in a film that only the audience is supposed to see.
My only concern is that, as the characters use many modern references to Hollywood stars, movie titles, or general hat tips to modern culture, this novel may not age well. If the reader cannot place what actress a character is referring to when only using her first name, some of the dialogue charm could be lost. Even still, a good revenge story is always an indulgence, and this one does not disappoint.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (4 stars):
The Scottish Movie by Paul Collis is a well-crafted revenge tale that even Shakespeare naysayers can enjoy. The novel begins with William Shakespeare’s creation of his play, MacBeth. We learn that the bard overheard the plot being described by another playwright at a pub and, wanting to really impress King James with his next piece, promptly goes home to write it. When the original creator finds out the Globe Theatre is performing his play, without his consent, he sets out to sabotage the performance. As it turns out, this story is just that, a story that a modern day author has penned. In a very similar turn of events, Harry Greenville discusses his novel with his friends at a diner, only to have an eavesdropping Hollywood executive steal the idea for his own. Once Harry discovers that someone has ripped off his idea and the movie is to begin production, he takes a page from his own novel and proceeds to sabotage the film.
This novel was a joy to read. The author used the lore surrounding the Scottish Play and turned it into an intriguing story with snappy dialogue, and hilarious actions scenes. Though the author completely has his own voice, the style of the story reminded me of a Christopher Moore novel. Through complete dumb luck and sheer brazenness, Harry Greenville is hired onto the film’s production staff and given an all-access pass to conduct his revenge on the story thief. Harry is the everyman stepped on by the corporate big shot, and you just can’t help but root for him.
The strongest part of the book was the author’s ability to seamlessly change between character points of view, sometimes multiple times in one scene. This allowed the reader to see the story angled from both main and supporting characters. Sometimes the switch was only for a few paragraphs; however, it added color to the story, almost like seeing a facial expression in a film that only the audience is supposed to see.
My only concern is that, as the characters use many modern references to Hollywood stars, movie titles, or general hat tips to modern culture, this novel may not age well. If the reader cannot place what actress a character is referring to when only using her first name, some of the dialogue charm could be lost. Even still, a good revenge story is always an indulgence, and this one does not disappoint.
March 15, 2014
Outstanding plotting and characters. This comedy of errors is a winner. Collis has a satirist’s eye for human flaws and mannerisms, and seems to have an insider’s knowledge of the movie business.
I rooted for Harry every step of the way, no matter what he did, even when it was passive-aggressive and manipulative. His lack of other options was realistic and frustrating enough that his creative and comic alternative to legal recourse worked. Anyone who has ever worked with arrogant bosses, in any business, will empathize with Liz and Harry in the movie business.
Some of the names remind me of the Beggar’s Opera (I know, wrong century). Felchem as in Filch ’em reminds me of a name like Peachum. A cheap hack is named Hamburg. The insider’s look at the movie industry was detailed yet never became an info-dump. The setting was integrated into the plot. The creativity of Harry’s devices for his revenge and their possible consequence kept me turning the pages, hoping he’d get justice in the end, not just revenge. The end felt a little too preposterous even in a satire like this, but I suffer from, as I’ve said in another review, easy failure of suspension of disbelief.
Five stars worth of entertainment and superb language. I’d give this review five stars except … I can’t quite. Have to back down to four for the following reasons, much as I enjoyed this book.
The author takes a while to get the flow of using the omniscient third person, and makes POV shifts early in the book that simply change the camera angle without adding to the plot or character development, often as ways of ending scenes, and he does this in the Shakespeare novel within the novel as well as in the Los Angeles part of the story. Later on he seems to get a sense of how the omniscient narrator might work for comic effect, smoothly going back and forth between minds, rather than making a single abrupt shift and back. It’s a hard way to write. Those who excel at it, like McCall Smith, make it clear from the outset that this what they are doing. The late James D. Doss usually made his narrator’s voice present in the openings of his books, so that when the shifts from one character’s POV to another came in mid-scene, the reader was ready, aware of the story-teller who could read all minds. As the main plot progresses, Collis seems to get the hang of how to use the omniscient POV and go smoothly back and forth at exactly the right time between the minds of his characters for both comic and dramatic effects.
Loose ends don’t get wrapped up. The author creates a potentially hilarious disaster for Felchem and Hamburg in a room they were not supposed to enter, with a teenage boy with a video camera outside… and drops that that thread. Nothing comes of it. He had the paralegal and his cat Satan about to look at Harry’s book, and made it seem as if this character was evil … and nothing came of it. The paralegal was helpful. The POV shift is unnecessary and distracting. Likewise the shift to Felchem‘s daughter’s view of her father. If her POV had been used back and forth in true Omniscient Narrator style throughout the whole scene, it could have been funny.
These are minor matters, though. I strongly recommend this book.
I rooted for Harry every step of the way, no matter what he did, even when it was passive-aggressive and manipulative. His lack of other options was realistic and frustrating enough that his creative and comic alternative to legal recourse worked. Anyone who has ever worked with arrogant bosses, in any business, will empathize with Liz and Harry in the movie business.
Some of the names remind me of the Beggar’s Opera (I know, wrong century). Felchem as in Filch ’em reminds me of a name like Peachum. A cheap hack is named Hamburg. The insider’s look at the movie industry was detailed yet never became an info-dump. The setting was integrated into the plot. The creativity of Harry’s devices for his revenge and their possible consequence kept me turning the pages, hoping he’d get justice in the end, not just revenge. The end felt a little too preposterous even in a satire like this, but I suffer from, as I’ve said in another review, easy failure of suspension of disbelief.
Five stars worth of entertainment and superb language. I’d give this review five stars except … I can’t quite. Have to back down to four for the following reasons, much as I enjoyed this book.
The author takes a while to get the flow of using the omniscient third person, and makes POV shifts early in the book that simply change the camera angle without adding to the plot or character development, often as ways of ending scenes, and he does this in the Shakespeare novel within the novel as well as in the Los Angeles part of the story. Later on he seems to get a sense of how the omniscient narrator might work for comic effect, smoothly going back and forth between minds, rather than making a single abrupt shift and back. It’s a hard way to write. Those who excel at it, like McCall Smith, make it clear from the outset that this what they are doing. The late James D. Doss usually made his narrator’s voice present in the openings of his books, so that when the shifts from one character’s POV to another came in mid-scene, the reader was ready, aware of the story-teller who could read all minds. As the main plot progresses, Collis seems to get the hang of how to use the omniscient POV and go smoothly back and forth at exactly the right time between the minds of his characters for both comic and dramatic effects.
Loose ends don’t get wrapped up. The author creates a potentially hilarious disaster for Felchem and Hamburg in a room they were not supposed to enter, with a teenage boy with a video camera outside… and drops that that thread. Nothing comes of it. He had the paralegal and his cat Satan about to look at Harry’s book, and made it seem as if this character was evil … and nothing came of it. The paralegal was helpful. The POV shift is unnecessary and distracting. Likewise the shift to Felchem‘s daughter’s view of her father. If her POV had been used back and forth in true Omniscient Narrator style throughout the whole scene, it could have been funny.
These are minor matters, though. I strongly recommend this book.
January 31, 2013
I picked this up after seeing an interview with the author on the Indie Views blog. I was intrigued by the premise (explained in some other reviews here).
The first chapter is the novel-within-the-novel -- the story of young actor Henry whose idea for a play about a murderous usurper gets pilfered by Shakespeare. I will confess that this was my favorite chapter. The well researched historical novel that begins the book was superb. (If Collis decided to write the rest of The Scottish Play novel-within, I'd be happy to read it.) Instead we jump to the present and get life-imitating-art when young actor Harry's novel is stolen by a slimy producer in present-day Hollywood.
The concept could get tricky here and be a bit too cute and contrived, but Collis pulls it off which takes considerable skill.
While the premise goes back to the superstitions around Macbeth, you don't have to have prior knowledge of the play or legends surrounding it. Collis manages to tell the story in a way that makes it enjoyable to those already familiar with some of the history, and accessible to those who aren't. He also offers a very entertaining "insider" view of the less glamorous side of Hollywood -- working and struggling actors, set designers, directors, etc. While some are "types," none are stereotypes. The pacing is good and there's even a bit of suspense, and just enough sense of danger (Could Harry's plans go horribly wrong?) to keep you turning the page.
Possibly another reason for the story's appeal is that while it reminds us that plagiarism has always been an issue, it also deals with the contemporary fear that putting your ideas, writing, photos, pets' names or anything else out in the digital world is a risky endeavor.
To be clear, this is an entertainment, not literary fiction. While some readers might have hoped for more play between the 16th century and the 21st, this is not John Fowles. However, it is the type of book that if you are reading it on a plane and the flight attendant comes around to remind you to turn off your electronic reading device because you're about to land, you might just hide the Kindle between the covers of a magazine (much to chagrin of your better-half) and keep reading.
On the critical side, while the writer has an excellent ear for American English, there were a few spots where his British roots came through in dialogue or the internal ruminations of American characters. (I wrote the author about this and understand that revisions have already been made.)
The first chapter is the novel-within-the-novel -- the story of young actor Henry whose idea for a play about a murderous usurper gets pilfered by Shakespeare. I will confess that this was my favorite chapter. The well researched historical novel that begins the book was superb. (If Collis decided to write the rest of The Scottish Play novel-within, I'd be happy to read it.) Instead we jump to the present and get life-imitating-art when young actor Harry's novel is stolen by a slimy producer in present-day Hollywood.
The concept could get tricky here and be a bit too cute and contrived, but Collis pulls it off which takes considerable skill.
While the premise goes back to the superstitions around Macbeth, you don't have to have prior knowledge of the play or legends surrounding it. Collis manages to tell the story in a way that makes it enjoyable to those already familiar with some of the history, and accessible to those who aren't. He also offers a very entertaining "insider" view of the less glamorous side of Hollywood -- working and struggling actors, set designers, directors, etc. While some are "types," none are stereotypes. The pacing is good and there's even a bit of suspense, and just enough sense of danger (Could Harry's plans go horribly wrong?) to keep you turning the page.
Possibly another reason for the story's appeal is that while it reminds us that plagiarism has always been an issue, it also deals with the contemporary fear that putting your ideas, writing, photos, pets' names or anything else out in the digital world is a risky endeavor.
To be clear, this is an entertainment, not literary fiction. While some readers might have hoped for more play between the 16th century and the 21st, this is not John Fowles. However, it is the type of book that if you are reading it on a plane and the flight attendant comes around to remind you to turn off your electronic reading device because you're about to land, you might just hide the Kindle between the covers of a magazine (much to chagrin of your better-half) and keep reading.
On the critical side, while the writer has an excellent ear for American English, there were a few spots where his British roots came through in dialogue or the internal ruminations of American characters. (I wrote the author about this and understand that revisions have already been made.)
March 7, 2013
Legend has it that Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, is cursed. As such, the superstitious who work on the play will refer (and insist others do the same) to it as "The Scottish Play". Many have speculated as to the reason, but Harry Greenville writes a novel with his own explanation: the Bard stole the idea from someone else. Shakespeare's victim then sets out to exact revenge through sabotage.
Greenville, an aspiring actor living in L.A., makes the mistake of uploading it to a website where it is pilfered. When Greenville learns that his story is being made into a movie, he sets out to exact revenge of his own.
There's such a superb attention to detail here that I would swear that Collis worked on a movie set at one point in his life or he performed a mind meld with someone who did. Collis introduces us to the boredom of limo drivers, the humiliating subservience of runners, the brown nosing of the wannabes, and the egos of Hollywood's lords. But at no point does Collis resort to stereotypes. All of his characters, no matter if they're major or minor, felt real. And Greenville is a likable protagonist. While he's out for revenge, at no point does he turn dark. His antics are more of the prankster variety.
I do have two complaints though. Collis uses single quotes throughout the book for dialogue. When nested quotes arise, as in when there's speech within speech, Collis sticks with the single quotes so it becomes a bit confusing as to when the speaker stops. I realize that single quotes are preferred in the U.K., but then double quotes are required for quotes within quotes, no? There are also some POV shifts without any sort of transition so I got momentarily confused as to whose thoughts we were hearing.
I must admit that my favorite part of the book was the beginning when we're reading Greenville's story about how Shakespeare stole the idea for Macbeth. This section is a fantastic piece of historical fiction and showcases Collis's talent. I hope he considers writing something in this vein in the future.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. This review originally appeared at the New Podler Review of Books.
Greenville, an aspiring actor living in L.A., makes the mistake of uploading it to a website where it is pilfered. When Greenville learns that his story is being made into a movie, he sets out to exact revenge of his own.
There's such a superb attention to detail here that I would swear that Collis worked on a movie set at one point in his life or he performed a mind meld with someone who did. Collis introduces us to the boredom of limo drivers, the humiliating subservience of runners, the brown nosing of the wannabes, and the egos of Hollywood's lords. But at no point does Collis resort to stereotypes. All of his characters, no matter if they're major or minor, felt real. And Greenville is a likable protagonist. While he's out for revenge, at no point does he turn dark. His antics are more of the prankster variety.
I do have two complaints though. Collis uses single quotes throughout the book for dialogue. When nested quotes arise, as in when there's speech within speech, Collis sticks with the single quotes so it becomes a bit confusing as to when the speaker stops. I realize that single quotes are preferred in the U.K., but then double quotes are required for quotes within quotes, no? There are also some POV shifts without any sort of transition so I got momentarily confused as to whose thoughts we were hearing.
I must admit that my favorite part of the book was the beginning when we're reading Greenville's story about how Shakespeare stole the idea for Macbeth. This section is a fantastic piece of historical fiction and showcases Collis's talent. I hope he considers writing something in this vein in the future.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. This review originally appeared at the New Podler Review of Books.
October 13, 2012
This book is a study of life imitating art. Writer Harry Greenville pens a novel considering why Macbeth gained its reputation as an unlucky play. The story suggests that Shakespeare stole the idea from another writer, passing it off as his own, and that the creator of the tale inserts himself into the production getting his revenge on Shakespeare by wreaking havoc. Harry posts the first draft online hoping it will be discovered and will get him work. Instead a second rate Hollywood has-been hears Harry's concept and purloins it. When Harry discovers his story is being turned into a blockbuster film he decides he has to follow the path of the lead man in his own novel.
This book starts out with an excerpt of Harry's novel, based in London in 1606. This sets up the plot really well and suited the side of me that loves historical fiction. It then moves on to current day LA and sees Harry fall victim to the same scam. I shared Harry's girlfriend's concerns about how far he would take his revenge and was hoping to see him discover a legal redress rather than relying on slightly dubious means of disrupting filming. What unfolds is a clever cocktail of juvenile pranks and well-orchestrated sabotage.
Harry and his friends and allies represent the little people with big hopes, likeable and determined to right and wrong, while those complicit in using his idea for personal gain were suitably sleazy and disreputable. The way Harry pursues his campaign against the wrongdoers made for a really good, at times amusing read. It was a good easy read, largely driven by the clever plot with some interesting insights into the film business, and the ending certainly wasn't what I was expecting. Another good showing by Paul Collis!
This book starts out with an excerpt of Harry's novel, based in London in 1606. This sets up the plot really well and suited the side of me that loves historical fiction. It then moves on to current day LA and sees Harry fall victim to the same scam. I shared Harry's girlfriend's concerns about how far he would take his revenge and was hoping to see him discover a legal redress rather than relying on slightly dubious means of disrupting filming. What unfolds is a clever cocktail of juvenile pranks and well-orchestrated sabotage.
Harry and his friends and allies represent the little people with big hopes, likeable and determined to right and wrong, while those complicit in using his idea for personal gain were suitably sleazy and disreputable. The way Harry pursues his campaign against the wrongdoers made for a really good, at times amusing read. It was a good easy read, largely driven by the clever plot with some interesting insights into the film business, and the ending certainly wasn't what I was expecting. Another good showing by Paul Collis!
February 24, 2013
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
This was fun! I'll admit I entered the giveaway on a whim; as a Shakespeare fan, I was intrigued, but expecting something similar to the many other 'Shakespeare didn't write that' books available. I'm glad to say I was pleasantly surprised!
Beginning with the first few chapters of Harry's novel was a nice touch (now I want to read that, too!) and the parallel story was neat. The overall tone was quirky and lighthearted, with a flawed but likeable protagonist and supporting cast. It felt, in spite of the improbability, quite real. And the writing was surprisingly good; Collis is an excellent wordsmith. Recommended for anyone who likes Shakespeare and anyone with a background in theater/film.
This was fun! I'll admit I entered the giveaway on a whim; as a Shakespeare fan, I was intrigued, but expecting something similar to the many other 'Shakespeare didn't write that' books available. I'm glad to say I was pleasantly surprised!
Beginning with the first few chapters of Harry's novel was a nice touch (now I want to read that, too!) and the parallel story was neat. The overall tone was quirky and lighthearted, with a flawed but likeable protagonist and supporting cast. It felt, in spite of the improbability, quite real. And the writing was surprisingly good; Collis is an excellent wordsmith. Recommended for anyone who likes Shakespeare and anyone with a background in theater/film.
December 24, 2012
RECEIVED FREE FROM GOOD READS FIRST READS. The book's interesting name and cover made me order it, and I had read some article about it a little while ago. I must say, I really enjoyed it. The plot, based on genuine Shakespearian History, was elegantly transported into modern LA's film production industry. Even the end was a little different from what I thought I would get! Good reading, I highly recommend it.
February 11, 2014
This book is a new member of my all-time favorites list. Shakespeare and Hollywood movie making blend in this book that starts with Shakespeare, who is having a dry spell at the beginning of James Stuart's reign, stealing the idea for MacBeth from a young playwright who exacts revenge which leads to the the play be considered cursed.
Fast forward to present day Hollywood where the cycle is repeated and you have a rollicking good read.
Fast forward to present day Hollywood where the cycle is repeated and you have a rollicking good read.
Want to read
November 1, 2012A free copy was kindly sent to me for participating in the Ebook Reading Challenge in September.
July 16, 2016
This is an interesting story starting with an actor/writer in Los Angeles, Harry, writing a story about Shakespeare, how he came to write Macbeth and his take on why it was cursed. He wrote that Shakespeare stole the story and the author sabotaged the play making people believe it was cursed. When Harry's story is stolen he wants revenge so he gets jobs at the studio and causes all sorts of production delays which increased the cost.
The author is a very illustrative writer making it easy to picture the studio. I've never been to Hollywood or wanted to be an actor and after reading The Scottish Movie I definitely don't want to. Everyone was so nasty and there was so much back-biting that reading about it was enough for me. The pranks Harry pulled would be funny for a teenager but I didn't find them funny. Because I didn't like Harry going after revenge, I didn't like him. There are numerous characters I really liked. Too many to mention individually. Harry had some good friends.
I didn't love this book as much as some of the other reviewers but did find it an interesting story. The good thing about opinions though is that not everyone has the same ones, so this book will really catch the attention of many readers. All that being said, it was a good book.
Please note I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
The author is a very illustrative writer making it easy to picture the studio. I've never been to Hollywood or wanted to be an actor and after reading The Scottish Movie I definitely don't want to. Everyone was so nasty and there was so much back-biting that reading about it was enough for me. The pranks Harry pulled would be funny for a teenager but I didn't find them funny. Because I didn't like Harry going after revenge, I didn't like him. There are numerous characters I really liked. Too many to mention individually. Harry had some good friends.
I didn't love this book as much as some of the other reviewers but did find it an interesting story. The good thing about opinions though is that not everyone has the same ones, so this book will really catch the attention of many readers. All that being said, it was a good book.
Please note I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 20, 2013
I won a copy of "The Scottish Movie" by Paul Collis through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest.The plot is based on Shakespearian history which is brought into the LA's film production industry.I really enjoyed it.
The story begins in London , England in 1606, during the Shakespearian era,during King James reign.The coming season needs a new play to avoid bankruptcy. King James was a superstitious man who trusted no one and is well aware of plots and treachery on the side lines.So the playrights come up with Macbeth.But the actors believe the play is cursed, after the many accidents during rehearsals.
Small-time young actor and writer, Harry Greenville living in Los Angeles writes a novel about Shakespeare.Why was Macbeth such an unlucky play? Actors named Macbeth, the Scottish play instead.An amateur playright gets his plot ripped off by Shakespeare, who turns it into Macbeth. The young man decides to get his revenge by sabotaging its first performance, and puts a jinx on it forever. Harry posts the first draft online hoping it will be discovered and will get him work. Instead low class producer gets his hands on Harry's story. Then Harry seeks revenge and is victim to the same scam.
This was a very enjoyable read.
The story begins in London , England in 1606, during the Shakespearian era,during King James reign.The coming season needs a new play to avoid bankruptcy. King James was a superstitious man who trusted no one and is well aware of plots and treachery on the side lines.So the playrights come up with Macbeth.But the actors believe the play is cursed, after the many accidents during rehearsals.
Small-time young actor and writer, Harry Greenville living in Los Angeles writes a novel about Shakespeare.Why was Macbeth such an unlucky play? Actors named Macbeth, the Scottish play instead.An amateur playright gets his plot ripped off by Shakespeare, who turns it into Macbeth. The young man decides to get his revenge by sabotaging its first performance, and puts a jinx on it forever. Harry posts the first draft online hoping it will be discovered and will get him work. Instead low class producer gets his hands on Harry's story. Then Harry seeks revenge and is victim to the same scam.
This was a very enjoyable read.
June 18, 2016
How fun! I cannot wait to pick up Macbeth again now that I've finished, and when is the last time I felt like digging into Shakespeare? I'm truly curious to know how much Collis followed any of the themes or motifs of the original, and how much Harry Grenville, our hero, might resemble Macbeth. The work is by no means perfect, but so many stories riff on WS's plays that I'm pleased to report it does a better job than most. Stories are within stories, characters deliver soliloquies (in that readers are privy to their thoughts), and the resolution is far more comic than tragic. That might be its biggest fault: Collis, like Hollywood, seems to try too hard for the happy ending. After Macbeth, I will check out Collis' other work, and it had better be about Napoleon and werewolves. Did WS reference his own work, too?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2016
When Henry Greenville learns that his unique, first draft novel has been stolen and is in the process of being turned into a Hollywood movie, he is rightfully furious. What is this struggling actor/author to do? Revenge, Shakespearean style.
At first I had a hard time getting into this novel as it starts off with the first two chapters of Henry's first draft. Once the actual story gets started, it definitely had my attention. Following Henry as he gets his revenge was a lot of fun.
The only downside is the swearing. Four letter words are used FREQUENTLY.
I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
At first I had a hard time getting into this novel as it starts off with the first two chapters of Henry's first draft. Once the actual story gets started, it definitely had my attention. Following Henry as he gets his revenge was a lot of fun.
The only downside is the swearing. Four letter words are used FREQUENTLY.
I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2016
I liked this book. It was very different from many I have read. There were times that I felt the plot didn't move at all but I still enjoyed it. The main character Harry Greenville is an "author" who has his book stolen. His attempts to sabotage the film being produced could have gotten him in much trouble. I did like the fact that the language was good and there wasn't detailed bedroom scenes.
February 15, 2015
Shakespeare, Macbeth, theft and revenge in Jacobean London. Cut to Shakespeare, Macbeth, theft and revenge in today's Hollywood. I hope I've written an intriguing combination of historical novel and modern entertainment.
June 8, 2015
A very clever story with a totally originally twist on the Shakespeare play whose name dare not be mentioned. Readable and witty and all too believable. Skullduggery in 21st century Hollywood and in 16th century theatrical London. Some things never change.
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