Dean and Me: (A Love Story) by Jerry Lewis, James Kaplan
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Book Reviews of Dean and Me: (A Love Story)
Book Review: Jerry 2005 vs. Jerry 1982?
Summary: 5 Stars
If you've read both of the Jerry Lewis autobiographies you can't help comparing the 1982 autobiography (Jerry Lewis in Person) to this 2005 one. In both Jerry is honest, even very honest at some almost sub-textual level, but he's always a show biz, WWII-era, not so introspective kind of guy, basically: expect that kind of 'honesty'.
So, both auto-bios honest and straight as far as he was concerned, but he's just so much happier in the newer one! And, overall and for most of us, I think that's more true to the real Jerry, the absurdly successful stage and film comedian of the 40s to the early 60s. Strangely, the 1982 Jerry was a longer way away from the salad days than the 2005 one is, in part I think because in 1982 he was still suffering terribly from a lower back injury he'd suffered in 1965. And maybe in 1982 he was still not recovered from a very long but badly ended first marriage.
Anyway, this auto-bio focuses on the crazy good times, lots of the laughs and the pranks, of the Dean and Jerry years. The 2005 Jerry also, and unlike the 1982 Jerry, is honest about the girls girls girls of those good times. It's a crazy testament to his love for his now deceased buddy and 'big brother' Dean that it brings out Jerry's very best side. Or maybe it's a second marriage that is having a fine mellowing effect on him, but here we get a sweetheart, understanding Jerry in sharp contrast to the judgmental, defensive Jerry of 1982. But both of them, I strongly suspect, are the real Jerry, neither of whom provides us the real Dean.
Book Review: One of best showbiz tales I have come across
Summary: 5 Stars
Heard DEAN & ME (A LOVE STORY) by Jerry Lewis and James
Kaplan, the story of how Lewis teamed with Martin to become
perhaps the most famous comedy team of all time . . . they
performed in nightclubs, theaters and on television between
1946 and 1956, while also making 16 widely popular movies.
Then, somewhat tragically, they parted ways . . . and though
both retained success on their own, many wondered what
exactly caused the breakup . . . and what would have happened
had they instead stayed together and/or at least reunited
from time to time.
I'm sad that this never happened, but after listening to
this account, I at least feel I have a better sense of
what happened--in large part because of the Lewis'
candor in telling the story . . . he doesn't mask the
fact that he was much of the blame, and he goes out
of his way to point out that Martin often didn't get the
credit that he deserved.
As might be expected, there's a great deal of name-dropping
in the book . . . but none of it is malicious and, in fact,
enhanced my enjoyment of DEAN & ME--one of the
best showbiz tales I have come across in quite some time.
I also liked Greogry Jbara's narration . . . he did not try
to imitate Lewis, per se; however, at times, there's a hint
of his spoiled-child voice that have me wanting to rent
a Martin and Lewis film in the near future.
Book Review: An enjoyable read
Summary: 5 Stars
I was a bit surprised by this book. I had expected it mainly to be some anecdotes and fluff, strung together as a history of Martin and Lewis. While it is no heavyweight biography, it is much more substantive than I had expected, and really brings the Martin & Lewis era to life.
Jerry Lewis, often known for his oversized ego, is very restrained here. He succeeds in keeping the book's focus on the team instead of pointing the spotlight squarely at himself.
Had this book been written immediately after the breakup, or at some point during the 20 years they weren't speaking, it might have taken on quite a different tone. Written many years after reconciling, and long after Dean's death, Lewis was able to write this book with a great deal of perspective on their friendship, career, and breakup. He speaks fondly of their years together, and with some sadness, not bitterness, of the breakup in 1956.
The talents and faults of both men share equal billing throughout the book - there is no villain and no hero.
When people today think of Dean Martin or Jerry Lewis, we usually think of their individual careers. The team of Martin & Lewis has become something of an afterthought, so it's wonderful to see those years in the spotlight again.
Book Review: One of the best. A rollercoaster of emotions.. Plus some great pictures.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the story of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. One of the highest paid comedy act's of the 50's. For a decade they charmed audiences all over the world with wild antics, live skits and some great songs. The duo starred in sixteen movies and several different radio and television spots during their time together. They were more than just a comedy team though, they were friends. Dean, nine years older than Jerry played the straight man and singer, while Jerry was the crazy man-child. The combination was a hit and they skyrocketed to fame and gained a fortune.
This is the tale of the two from Jerry Lewis' point of view. His account on what happened during their ten years and in this very emotional, revealing and wonderfully written memoir. He tells how they came to be and what broke them apart a decade later, but each chapter is chock full of details which are easy to imagine and see in your mind. It's a great story and should be read by fans of either Dean or Jerry, or any Martin and Lewis fan.. It's personal and very amusing, plus there are some fantastic pictures from Jerry's personal collection.
It's a joyful, sad tale with everything a reader could want or hope for and then some. I highly recommend this for any fan. You won't be disappointed!
Book Review: A Most Charming and Heart-Warming Story
Summary: 5 Stars
I wish this book had been at least twice as long as it is. When I finished it, I was disappointed because I wanted to read more of it. That's how much I loved this book. In short, this is a story about life. Jerry Lewis recounts his multi-year relationship with Dean Martin: from the day they met in 1946 up to Dean's death in 1995, with particular emphasis on the reasons for their break up as a comedy team in 1956. Lewis describes the ups and downs, the good times and not-so-good times, happy moments and difficult ones - all centered on his and Martin's careers, both together and then separate, in show business. The writing style is most engaging and friendly. There are passages that can make you laugh out loud, others that can make you cry and some that can make you cringe with suspense. The only aspect of this book that I found a bit difficult is the showbiz lingo that is used throughout - some of which was not familiar to me. I've always loved the Martin and Lewis movies and shows, as they appeared on TV, but I never knew why they broke up in 1956 and didn't speak to each other for years thereafter. This book explains it all in a most beautiful, honest and open-hearted way. Martin and Lewis fans of all ages should deeply appreciate it.