Growing Up with Manos

The Hands of Fate

By: Jackey Jones

Narrated by: Jackey Neyman Jones

For Jackey Neyman Jones (who played Debbie in Manos: The Hands of Fate), the “worst movie ever made” is, at its heart, a home movie that just happens to be shared with the world. Equal parts memoir/family saga/film book, Growing Up with Manos: The Hands of Fate shares the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Manos: from creator Hal Warren’s alleged bet with TV producer Stirling Silliphant that “anyone could make a movie”, to the tragic suicide of John Reynolds (Torgo), right up through the newest Manos-related projects that are carrying the film into the digital age.

Jackey’s stories dispel much of the Manos mythology while crystallizing a unique time and place in America, where a crew of actors with a bad script and a rented camera set out to make a bad movie—and succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. This audiobook version features the entire book narrated by Jackey Neyman Jones.

Produced by Chris Gersbeck.

Edited by Chris Gersbeck and Emmy Martian.

Jackey Neyman Jones is a professional artist living in the Great Northwest. Laura Mazzuca Toops is a writer/editor with more than 30 years’ experience in business and fiction writing. She is the author of three historical novels.

©2016 Jackey Neyman Jones and Laura Mazzuca Toops (P)2023 Jackey Neyman Jones and Dumb Industries

A fantastic heartfelt story

I truly enjoyed this wonderful book. I’m big fan of MST3K and I love the Manos episode. For me the Manos film has an uncanny kind of magic that keeps me coming back to watch it again and again. Reading this book gave me a fabulous in-depth look and great appreciation for all that happened behind the scenes and behind the people and events that occurred before, during, and after the creation of the Manos movie. Jacky Neyman Jones gives a heartfelt reading and tells her story with equal parts grace, power, and humor. If you’re a fan of MST3K and cult films I highly recommend this marvelous insightful book.

Touching reminisces

I loved hearing family memories narrated by the child star of Manos. It's a touching memoir by the author as well as a revealing account of the uniquely talented and creative Hal Warren.