Clips from a Life - Softcover

Norden, Denis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007277962 ISBN 13: 9780007277964

Publisher: Harpercollins Pub Ltd, 2009

Synopsis

Told in momentary snapshots by the master British comedian himself, this is the extraordinary life story of comic legend Denis Norden. Containing reminiscences of a career stretching back to the golden age of the radio, through the heyday of cinema, and the early pioneering days of television comedy, Denis Norden's creative genius is showcased at its very best. Told with Denis' hallmark flashes of brilliant humor and sharp observation, the extraordinary life of this enduring humorist is unraveled through his private recollections of the ways things used to be, back then. Denis' school-day musings, dry witticisms, and old-time sayings unearthed from days gone by, combined with remembrances of collaborations with famous figures of the day, from Eric Sykes to Bill Fraser, will sweep you back instantaneously to the magical gags, lively characters, and laughter of the past. Flitting between Denis' East End childhood and early career in Variety as a cinema manager for the Hyams Brothers, to his post-war work as a scriptwriter on the groundbreaking radio shows Take It From Here and In All Directions, to the phenomenally successful television comedy Whack-O!, (all written with long-term collaborator Frank Muir), to his years as a solo writer, performer, and presenter on programs such as the much-loved It'll Be Alright on the Night, it is easy to see how Denis' comic appeal has endured for decades, to make him one of the greatest British writers and performers to date. Brimming with Denis' unique wit and personal warmth, this is a rich and compelling mix of anecdote and autobiography from a very special entertainer.

About this title

About the Author

Denis Norden is one of Britain's best-loved and most enduring entertainers. The much-loved It'll Be Alright on the Night ran for more than 29 years, earning Denis a place in The Guinness Book of Records. He was awarded the Writers Guild of Great Britain Comedy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1999.

Review

`Don't even open this book if you have important things to do. I have known Denis for over 700 years. I owe my entire film acting career to him, since the only parts I got offered were in his films, on his recommendations. He is kind, and wise, and wonderful company, better than Michael Palin. Much better than Michael Palin. Much, much better than Michael Palin. And he's a decent height. The truth is...I love this man. I loved this book.' John Cleese`This collection of anecdotes and autobiography reveals that he is much more than just a linkman. It is as much social history as life-story.' Sunday Telegraph (Book of the Year)`A sparklingly anecdotal memoir of Norden's long and golden career in comedy. A timely reminder, in these Brand and Ross-tinged times, of a true comic genius.' Daily Mail (Book of the Year)`Compelling recollections.' Roger Hutchinson, Scotsman`Exquisitely judged autobiographical vignettes. Norden's more fragmentary style evokes the newsreels, passing the Maltesers of 60 years of comedy writing. He is beautifully economical. Now in his 80s, he imparts his wisdom gently.' Kit Hesketh Harvey, Guardian`It's predictably marvelous. High jinks backstage are the keynote - on television, radio and in the London cinemas where he presided during the Second World War.' Scotsman

About this edition

• Publisher: Harpercollins Pub Ltd
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0007277962
• ISBN 13: 9780007277964
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 358