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: The Greatest!
Summary: 5 Stars
I began watching Martin and Lewis when they first came on television, and never missed a Colgate Comedy Hour show -- in fact, one sunday,I broke every speed limit driving home from a bridal shower in Detroit to my home in Ortonville Michigan to see them, and actually crying when I found out they weren't on that night! I had to fight with my father to watch them, because he perferred Ed Sullivan's show, so we had to switch back and forth, and tho my father was not fond of Martin and Lewis, he said he would watch them just to enjoy watching me giggling till the tears ran down my face at their antics! I saw them in person in Detroit in 1951 (I think) at age 19, but could only get seats up next to the projection booth (at the Fisher Theater I believe -- so long ago!), but it was a thrill to be there! I remember they both tap danced on two boxes, and I took pictures, but from that altitude, they looked like little dots, but I WAS THERE, and that was a thrill! I have Jerrys Autobiography, and have read it several times, and also Deans biography, and to me, they will always be the greatest comedy team ever!! I also saw the reunion in 1977, with Sinatra, and cried!Book Review: Moving..and very, very sad
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't like to admit it but the last few chapters really got to me. This book is about love and loss of the deepest and truest kind. My admiration for Jerry Lewis has gone through the roof for sharing his deep affection for his partner who, in an emotional sense, was the love of his life. One of the biggest revelations of this book is the scope of Dean Martin's talent. I remember him primarily as a 'crooner' who was Jerry's straight man, but he was much more. He had a complex personality which made it very difficult for people to get close to him. Jerry tried as best he could and to a certain extent succeeded, but some people's psychological knots are tied so tight that they never quite allow themselves to connect to the outside world. I have this sad image of Dean dining alone in his late sixties when Jerry runs into him in an LA restaurant. Jerry tries his best to reconnect with his ex-partner but still is understanding enough to know that Dean is uncomfortable with direct assaults on his cultivated privacy. And yet you sense that Dean too wants to be with his former partner and best friend. What can I say? People are there own worst enemies.Book Review: Swallowed this book like some guys swallowed perodan
Summary: 5 Stars
Perfect find for me...read it in two days..and thoroughly enjoyed my self. Jerry's pretty honest about himself and very detailed about his history with Dean, even remembering types of smiles dean made to him. Jerry was rough on his family after he had his injury on television with andy williams, and was stuck on pain killers for a very serious spinal injury for a very long time. As you may know he later had to take steroids that puffed him up, but whatever limited the pain had to be. There's a lot of magic in the stories, and you can feel the thrill of standing in front of screaming Paramount crowds, when only months before they were separate acts just making a living...and no more. I heard a line recently at a jazz club on the west coast, that was used in the book, from way, way back. The piano player, says, after the break, "well, we heard a couple of suggestions, but we're still gonna play."
All good stuff..I could have read twice as much. I could say more, but now my thumb has been out of my mouth for over two minutes....
Book Review: It was always love
Summary: 5 Stars
I grew up loving the Martin and Lewis movies, so reading Jerry's account of their ten years together brought back a lot of good memories. From their first chance meeting, Jerry was in awe of the charming Dean, and spent years trying to impress him and feel equal to him. After hectic early years playing night clubs, the duo found huge success in Hollywood, but mutual jealousy and the basic differences in their personalities eventually led to a bitter break-up. Years later, distance and maturity made a reconciliation possible for both.
Jerry speaks of his undying admiration for his partner's showbiz talents and unflappable coolness, yet sadly describes Dean as a man incapable of deep, intimate friendship who was ultimately quite sad and lonely. This is an entertaining and touching tribute to the man Jerry always wished was his big brother.
Book Review: Warm, honest and wonderful!
Summary: 5 Stars
For starters: I've never been much of a Martin & Lewis fan - HOWEVER - I have always had a lot of respect for them. Even when I was a child, I would watch them, and deep inside, I knew there was a reason why I was so taken by them.
This is a joyous book to read, and it is a beautiful testimony to when it's right - it's right. Mr. Lewis is honest in all categories and he really shows what he and Mr. Martin had was really something special. In addition, Jerry (of course) will be Jerry, and there is a little pun he writes in the book. I read it, and thought, "well, okay..." Then, just under an hour later - I GOT IT! - and I was laughing myself to tears!
These guys had something very special, and I am very thankful that Jerry Lewis had the open heart to write about it.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Jerry! You're the Best!:)