King of Comedy: The Life and Art of Jerry Lewis - Hardcover

Levy, Shawn

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312132484 ISBN 13: 9780312132484

Publisher: St Martins Pr, 1996

Synopsis

A provocative portrait of one of America's most influential comedians analyzes the complex, sometimes disturbing world of Jerry Lewis, from his rise to fame and philanthropic work to the dark side of his career and personal life. 60,000 first printing. $60,000 ad/promo.

About this title

Review

"Americans had never seen a grown man behave this way before," notes Shawn Levy. From Lewis' upbringing as the son of a struggling show biz dad, to his heyday as one half of the Lewis and Martin team that was the hottest act in the business, to his career as the host of charity telethons, Levy presents Lewis in all his comic glory and horror. There's his inspired work with Dean Martin at Atlantic City's 500 Club in 1946; the "Jewish Bataan death march" promotional tour for the movie "The Nutty Professor"; and, later, Lewis, star of movies for kids, who mistreated his family.

From AudioFile

From the Catskills to Broadway to Paris, Jerry Lewis has wowed the United States and Europe with his gangly comedic brilliance. In King of Comedy, Shawn Levy gives us Lewis's life behind the scenes. The story is fascinating, using witty prose and germane interviews to chronicle Lewis's rise to stardom, his partnership with Dean Martin, as well as his relationships with family, friends and foes. Marty Ingels's engaging narrative style (not to mention his signature New York accent) blends expertly with Levy's text. He even sounds like Lewis on occasion! Whether or not you're a fan, this audiobook is an excellent biography of one of this country's most influential comedians. R.A.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Edition details

• Publisher: St Martins Pr
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0312132484
• ISBN 13: 9780312132484
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 512