Having enjoyed the comedy of Martin and Lewis all my life, I bought this book the very day it was released and enjoyed reading it so much that I am already reading it for the second time. (This is NOT like me!) Oh, it is not great literature, to be sure, but, my oh my, it is a wonderful story! And it really is a love story... It is the tale of two regular guys who achieved the great American dream. It is, in fact, American History. It is also the chronicle of a deep and abiding friendship and the realization that the friendship was a treasure far greater than the achievement of the childhood dreams of fame and fortune.
That is not all.
It is also quite an entertaining read. Jerry Lewis, with James Kaplan's expert assistance, has written it as though he is sitting in your living room speaking to only you; he includes sidebars and interesting little tidbits about the times, the fashions, the mob, the rat pack, and many other celebrities. One of the most wonderful surprises of this book is that Mr. Lewis does not beat his readers over the head with the silliness we might have expected from him. He has, instead, written this story to honor his partner and the partnership and friendship they shared. Readers are engaged from the first page and unceremoniously escorted on a sentimental journey - from Martin and Lewis' humble beginnings and how they got their start in the big time to their infamous break up and some of what came thereafter. Also included are answers to questions we might have had about the heartbreaks suffered by both partners along the way... Bravely, he does not shy away from discussing his remembrance of Dean Martin's broken heart over the loss of his son, Dino, Jr. in a plane crash which, some believe, ultimately led to Dean's own death. Mr. Lewis concludes with their reconciliation and their last encounter, only a short time before Dean passed away.
While he is clearly not telling this as a comedy, Jerry Lewis is, after all, the consummate classic entertainer, always conscious of what this audience is feeling. This shines through in his generous peppering of the book with stories of their early years and their mischievous antics, and the predicaments into which those antics led them on more than one occasion. He recounts it all in such a way that it consistently evoked remarkably vivid memories of their hilarious routines that had me laughing out loud throughout the entire read!
I cannot remember when I have had so much fun reading and then re-reading a memoir, or, as the case may be, a tribute!
If you have ever been a fan of this greatest of the great comedy team, do yourself a favor and get ahold of this book! it is my firm belief that you will not be spending your hard earned money; you will be investing it. Among the benefits and returns with which you will be delighted are: the wonderful memories; the discussions; the laughs; the conversations; and the out and out fun it will inspire within your heart, your home and your social circle! You may even find yourself looking up an old friend...
Thank you for the laughter, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. You have done it again... still!
CM
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