Boy on a String

This title contains an introduction by Martin Scorsese. Jacoby is a cult figure, and this is the only book to explore his childhood and early film-making years. The inspirational story of Joe Jacoby, who worked in the early days of live TV, and went on to become a pioneering filmmaker. Until now, he has never revealed that his childhood was spent in foster homes and institutions. A colleague and friend of Martin Scorcese, who is writing the introduction to the book, Jacoby survived a childhood wrought with abuse and neglect: his mother was deemed insane when he was seven years old, he then grew up in seven foster homes in Brooklyn, and two institutions (one for emotionally disturbed children). He went on to realize his passion for movies, and make his first theatrical feature at age 27 (it is part of the Museum of Modern Art's permanent archives). As a filmmaker, he has written, directed, and produced four theatrical features (including Danny DeVito's first theatrical picture). This book will be cherished by readers concerned about neglected children and by readers searching for an inspirational story set within the world of television and film.