Starlets Who Confounded Their Critics

The following is taken from The Guardian newspaper:

"We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way out." - Decca Records rejecting The Beatles in 1962.

"The biggest no talent I ever worked with." - Decca boss rejecting Buddy Holly.

"I give the Rolling Stones about another two years." - Mick Jagger in 1964.

"Can't act. Can't sing. Slightly bald. Can dance a little." - Film company's verdict on Fred Astaire's 1928 screen test.

"You have a chip on your tooth, your Adam's apple sticks out too far and you talk too slow." - Film executive rejecting Clint Eastwood in 1959.

"Reagan doesn't have the presidential look." - Film producer rejecting Ronald Reagan for the role of president in 1964.

"You ought to go back to driving a truck." - Concert manager firing Elvis Presley in 1954.

"Forget it. No Civil War picture ever made a nickel." - MGM executive advising against investing in Gone With The Wind.

"You'd better learn secretarial skills or else get married." - Modelling agency rejecting Marilyn Monroe in 1944.

"That rainbow song's no good. Take it out." - MGM memo after the initial showing of The Wizard of Oz, referring to Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

"It will never be generally read." - Newspaper review of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights in 1849.

"We are willing to return the manuscript." - publisher rejecting Jane Austin's novel, Northanger Abbey.