Book

Nachman, Gerald.

Seriously funny : the rebel comedians of the 1950s and 1960s / Gerald Nachman.

New York : Pantheon Books, [2003].

©2003

x, 659 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

The author shines a flashlight into the corners of these comedians' chaotic and often troubled lives, illuminating their genius as well as their demons, damaged souls, and desperate drive. His exhaustive research and intimate interviews reveal characters that are intriguing and all too human, full of rich stories, confessions, regrets, and traumas.

Comedians -- United States -- Biography.

Stand-up comedy -- United States -- History -- 20th century.

Biographies.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 629-631) and index.

The 1950s. A voice in the wilderness: Mort Sahl ; Rendering unto Caesar: Sid Caesar ; Sing a song of strychnine: Tom Lehrer ; The start of something big: Steve Allen ; And now, a laugh from our sponsor: Stan Freberg ; Televisionary: Ernie Kovacs ; Mom from Mars: Phyllis Diller ; The wild child: Jonathan Winters ; Out of thin air: Jean Shepherd, Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding ; Call interrupt: Shelley Berman ; Double jeopardy: Mike Nichols and Elaine May. -- The 1960s. Charlie everybody: Bob Newhart ; The Elvis of stand-up: Lenny Bruce ; Color-coordinated: Godfrey Cambridge ; Sibling revelry: The Smothers brothers ; Bawdy and soul: Mel Brooks ; Curing the body politic: Dick Gregory ; Lasting impressions: David Frye, Vaughn Meader, Will Jordan ; Schnook's progress: Woody Allen ; Father Goose, Inc.: Bill Cosby ; Girl squawk: Joan Rivers.

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Publisher description

2002030713

0375410309

9780375410307

50339527

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792.7028 Nachman