Dan

Probably not what you're expecting

Revisado: 02-21-20

I got this while on a film book spree and needed some audiobooks to get thru a busy work period. I've always found kermode slightly arrogant and annoying, but generally enjoy his reviews. Sadly, he's much more palatable in small portions. Without a producer telling him to wrap things up, he drones on endlessly about the most mundane stories that have nothing to do with film.

The early chapters about his love of cinema and discovery of horror are enjoyable, but quickly give way to entire chapters devoted to being a confused brit in new york, a confused brit in LA, and a confused uncomfortable brit in russia.

If these are the highlights of 20+ years of reviewing film, then he's led a remarkably dull life given his proximity to such an interesting profession.

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Insights into both men, but in very different ways

Revisado: 10-21-19

After listening to Kaplan’s two books on Sinatra, I decided to give this one a try even though I barely knew anything about the comedy partnership of Martin & Lewis. The book provides a revealing history of their hugely successful 10 years together, along with a few chapters on their lives following the break-up.

I must say however, even though co-writer Jerry Lewis occasionally acknowledges some of his own faults, the book leaves you with an overwhelming sympathy for Dean Martin for having put up with Lewis for 10 years. And I don’t think this is entirely intentional.

Each story is enjoyable but always includes a subtle stab at Martin while failing to address what becomes obvious with each chapter – Lewis was needy, manipulative, controlling and pathologically self centered. The kinda guy who makes everything about himself – from being a diva on set, to sulking off dramatically, to extravagant apologies and the instant forgiveness they demanded.

When the laid back Martin eventually gives Lewis the briefest taste of his own medicine – the partnership virtually ends on the spot. And Martins famous brutal put-down becomes oh so understandable.

Still, it’s a very good book and the final chapters are especially moving if a little skewed by the man recalling them – but by then you’ll be used to it. For example [spoiler ahead] – at one point Lewis recalls sitting in the bathroom with a gun in his mouth ready to kill himself, only to hear his infant son playing in the nearby bedroom. Lewis reflects on how his child saved his life, but doesn’t spare a thought on the horror of a father blowing his brains out within earshot of his entire family.

So you get to know Dean Martin from the story, and Jerry Lewis from between the lines. Fascinating in its own twisted way.

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