Boy On A String: From Cast-Off Kid to Filmmaker Through the Magic of Dreams

By Joseph Jacoby

Book Overview

JOSEPH JACOBY, Director-Screenwriter-Producer-Novelist, and NYU Film School classmate of Martin Scorsese, began his career as a writer-creator of game shows and as a professional puppeteer. Jacoby, who went on to become a pioneering filmmaker, has until now never revealed that most of his early years were spent as a ward of the state. He survived a childhood shadowed by his mother's unpredictable and dangerous behavior, which forced friends to commit her. Jacoby then grew up in seven foster homes in Brooklyn, and two institutions.Yet, propelled by the power of his dreams, Jacoby went on to realize his passion for the moving image and made his first theatrcial motion picture at the age of twenty-seven.

This is the moving story of what a person can achieve, without regard to so-called reason, facts, or the odds. It will be cherished by everyone concerned about neglected children, and by readers searching for an inspirational true story.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1734178558
• ISBN13: 9781734178555
• Release Date: May 2020
• Publisher: Gambit Publishing Group(tm)
• Length: 370 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Motivational and poignant

A poignant, yet unsentimental self portrait of a life created solely through a passion for movies, puppetry and the entertainment industry. A good read, especially for those who feel they might otherwise have gone further in life but for different parentage or role models. Jacoby's childhood background appears to be a modern-day Dickensian one; but to him, apparently, motivational and testament to the phrase "the child is father of the man". His story also includes some interesting, personal and amusing vignettes of some entertainment industry luminaries. Read in one sitting.

Inspiring Story

This book shows how imagination and the human spirit can overcome a tragic, mixed-up childhood. Joe Jacoby took a few early images and turned them into a successful and fascinating career. It's a good lesson for today's whiny and privileged kids who don't get the concept of paying dues.

An Amazing Story

Joe Jacoby has survived an incredible life. It's hard to believe that someone could become an orphan at seven, go through the revolving-door of foster homes and institutions, and somehow come out a normal human being. He brought tears to my eyes -- and also made me laugh a lot, especially about Joseph E. Levine and Match Game. An uplifting book.