Where Have I Been: An Autobiography

In the fifties, Sid Caesar, one of the funniest men in the world, presided over a group of comic geniuses who dominated the screen and stage for the rest of the 20th century. With the help of friends and colleagues (Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon and Larry Gelbart) , Caesar developed original television comedy that rocketed him to stardom in "Your Show of Shows" and "Caesars Hour". This group’s hilarious rap-and-write sessions, many of which are re-created here, produced Caesars famous Professor shtick, the unforgettable Swiss-clock routine, the engaging series of duo performances with Imogene Coca, and many other rib-tickling scenarios. These were the "Glory Years." But when "Caesars Hour" ended in 1958, the nightmare suddenly began. The combination of devastating insecurity and the pressure ofsuccess led to a dependence on alcohol and pills that soon became an addiction. Periods of despair alternated with uncontrollable rages and violent behavior; work was sporadic and his family relationships were under tremendous strain. His wife,Florence, rode the roller coaster of depression and manic behavior with him, hoping and believing that it would change. Change did come at rock bottom. When, in 1978, an attempt to revive his act with Imogene Coca fell through, the drinking increased and Sid fled to Canada. A meeting with the right doctor helped him to confront his disease, and a sustained effort to rebuild body and mind began. Previous attempts at classical psychoanalysis had failed, but alone in a Paris hotel room, Caesar developed a unique method of self-analysis to reassemble his being. By the time of publication Caesar was in total possession of a dynamic self and engaged in exciting new work. This story lays bare the traumatic ups and downs of one of the best in show business. Studded with anecdotes from those who knew him best, it entertains, inspires, and reveals the true Caesar to all his fans.