"The Thin Man" with William Powell and Myrna Loy (1936)

Looking for a good New Year’s Day with a little bit of a twist? Look no further than this one. "The Thin Man" is the type of "whodunits" that seldom get made these days. William Powell; impeccably dressed, as always; plays Nick Charles, a former playboy-detective who marries Myrna Loy, who plays Nora Charles; his wife. He has retired from the "detecting" business in order to "keep an eye on my wife's money."

When Mr. and Mrs. Charles arrive in New York just in time for the holidays, the last thing on their minds is to become involved in solving the murder of an old friend, Professor Wynatt. But with the press hounding him, and a wife who wants to see her famous husband in action, there is not much hope in evading the inevitable, as Mr. Charles drinks his way to solving the crime.

Loaded with character actors, the faces of whom you will instantly recognize the film is fast paced and the dialogue witty. Nick and Nora are perfect as they romp their way through the holidays, culminating their investigation with an elegant dinner party, during which the killer is finally exposed. With the case wrapped up in time for New Year’s Eve, the couple happily boards the train for the return trip to San Francisco, and their next escapade.

Long the most admired of the many duos that have played the part of Nick and Nora, both in Hollywood and on TV, William Powell and Myrna Loy have that certain screen chemistry that will make you think they are really married. And with a script based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett, what more could you ask for.

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn with Robin Williams, Melissa Leo and Mila Kunis (2014)

It’s not easy for a film to be charming, poignant and funny all at once; but that’s exactly what this film is. It is the story of a man so infuriated by the hand that life has dealt him that he can longer see beyond his own anger at; well, everything.

On his way to the doctor’s office one day Henry Altman, played by Robin Williams, has a minor car accident with a cab. This is seemingly the last straw for him. His older son died 2 years ago, leaving him and his wife, played by Melissa Leo, in a loveless marriage filled with blame and dissatisfaction. And when he gets to the doctor’s office, where he will be getting the results of a brain scan, things don’t get much better.

With her life spinning out of control, the doctor he sees is forced to give the bad news of a fatal brain aneurysm to Mr. Altman. He literally forces her to do it by screaming at her and taking out all of his life’s inequities out on her. She cracks and tells him he has 90 minutes to live. Infuriated he leaves the office in search of what he should be doing with only 90 minutes left to live.

During the next 60 minutes or so of this movie he chases a dram of piecing his family back together, wondering how it ever went so wrong. Meantime, everyone is chasing him as he darts about Brooklyn looking for his younger estranged son. Even the doctor; who may be in serious trouble for the way she handled the encounter with Mr. Altman, is searching for him. She desperately wants to get him to a hospital.

This movie is a pleasure to watch. It has 2 of my favorite actresses in it; Mila Kunis, who bears watching as her talents grow from film to film; and Melissa Leo, who I have been following since she did theater at Fell’s Point in Baltimore before landing some of her early TV roles. In this film she takes on a whole new persona as the beleaguered wife of a very angry and self-destructive man. That she is able to blend the comedy with the tragedy of the role so well speaks to her abilities as a true actress. Peter Dinklage, as his loving younger brother, is remarkable; as he is in any film. It's also interesting to note that al  the stars in this film first honed their craft working TV sitcoms.

As for Robin Williams; what can you say about a guy whose lines in this film include, “”1951—2014; that’s what it will say on the headstone. It’s not the numbers that count- it’s the dash in between.”  I wonder what thoughts went through his mind; easily as troubled as his character Mr. Altman’s. I know that I am glad he got to make this film. To see him as a fully matured actor rather than an extension of his stand-up routines, as in “Good Morning Vietnam”, is one of the best tributes an actor could ever hope for.

Excellent direction and a lively story and screenplay make this one hell of an enjoyable experience. And it all happens in Brooklyn; my home town.

"The World According to Me" - Jackie Mason (1988)

If you have never listened to; or seen; Jackie Mason then you should take the time to do so. And, if you find that his comedy is infused with the wit and wisdom of thousands of years of Jewish Talmudic teachings, there is a reason; he used to be a Rabbi. But, as he notes; “I began to slip in a joke here and there…” And so his career was born.

Coming from a family of Rabbis dating back several generations, he was expected to remain true to the family tradition. But, as he read the Talmudic teachings, and observed the human behavior around him, he began to see the funny side of just about everything.

His most well-known faux paus occurred on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960’s. The producers were signaling him to cut his act short so they could switch to the news; which was going live to the White House for a speech by the President. Responding to their hand signals he gave one of his own; which looked like the middle finger. Ed Sullivan had him blacklisted and for about 10 years he was relegated to playing stand-up comedy clubs in Los Angeles, where he caught the eye of Rodney Dangerfield and several other comics. He was then featured in the film “Car Wash” and then “Caddy Shack”; playing a curmudgeonly cheap Jew. With these films; featuring a trademark rapid fire cadence and quick witted humor; his career was re-ignited.

By the 1980’s he was headlining again and by 1988 he had the first of two one man comedy shows on Broadway; in which he poked fun at everyone and everything. The best bit in this one is the side splitting part about his psychiatrist and the search for the real Jackie Mason.

Whether or not you have seen this before, it’s still worth the time to watch, and listen as he spins joke after joke; all based on reality. Be prepared to laugh at yourself or don’t bother to listen at all. This is the one comedy album which I listen to on a regular basis.

Preaching About Girls - From "Coming to America" (1988)

If you have never seen this film before then you are missing out on one of the funniest comedies ever made. Briefly, since this not a review of the film, it is the story of an African Prince, played by Eddie Murphy, who comes to America in search of a bride to be his Queen. He is accompanied by his servant, played by Arsenio Hall.

During the film they each play several parts; all brilliantly; but one of my favorite scenes is the one with the Preacher, played by Mr. Hall, at the gathering of a local community group. I don’t think there is any real lesson in this scene, unless it is to lampoon the mega-churches of the time. This film was made when TV evangelists such as Jimmy Swaggart and the Baker’s over at PTL were in their heyday.

That day is quickly returning with the rise of the “mega-church” from coast to coast here in America. The houses inhabited by the Pastors of these “churches”; which are tax free; approach palatial proportions. Here in Charlotte we have the Elevation Church, with the pastor their earning an undisclosed salary and living in a 16,000 square foot house. But that is another matter.

Enjoy the clip, or better yet, get the film and enjoy the whole story. The film is rich in characters, and the story is incredibly funny. Interesting note; Art Buchwald originally pitched this same story line to the studio and was turned away. Imagine his surprise when the film came out, with the storyline centering around an African Prince, rather than a Jewish immigrant! He sued, and won.

"Flypaper" with Ashley Judd and Patrick Dempsey (2011)

Get ready for an unusual comedy-drama with this unlikely tale of one bank being robbed simultaneously by two very different sets of criminals. From the high tech, to the low brow, two gangs of would be bank robbers attempt to pull off a heist at the same time, and what happens after they confront one another is likely to be anyone’s guess.

The low rednecks just want the ATM machines for some quick money. With their tattoos and lack of any disguise, they are sure to be caught. The other set of robbers are high tech; using computers to gain entry to the vaults, where the real valuables are kept. They all have masks on and act professionally, with careful co-ordination. That is, until everything goes wrong. And I mean really wrong.

Are there two sets of bank robbers? Or are they really one team of patsies being used by someone higher up to accomplish something else? Added to the mix is a man, played by Patrick Dempsey, who tries to protect the teller, played by Ashley Judd,  with whom he's secretly in love. She is engaged to someone very wealthy and is initially repulsed by this odd character inserting herself into her life through an ordinary bank transaction. Or is it?

Twists and turns make this movie a very unusual, and highly unbelievable, tale of love and larceny with a surprise ending. Great acting by veteran character actors Tim Blake Nelson and Pruitt Taylor Vince as the redneck bandits who call themselves “Peanut Butter” and “Jelly” because they go together so well. A great script by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, along with careful direction by Rob Minkoff, make this film work well as a comedy drama that you will enjoy from the very opening scene until the last credits roll.

George Carlin - On Religion

If you are very serious about your religion, then do not hit start on this George Carlin bit, it will only offend you. I usually post a religious piece on Sunday; music or something at least family related. This routine by Mr. Carlin in no way reflects my own religious views at all; but I like to think of this as sort of a variety day on my blog. At any rate, God is probably strong enough to take this in good humor, if not; then George Carlin; and possibly myself; are both in trouble!

I’m posting this because I think it’s funny and illustrates the difference between our American culture and that of the Middle East. If George Carlin had ever done a bit like this about Islam, his head would've been on a pike. I’m probably going do a couple of these posts, featuring comedians such as ex-pastor Sam Kinnison with his hysterical piece about why Jesus was never married and why he’s not coming back. I don’t necessarily agree with these performers in every aspect; actually I am an ardent believer in God; but I do find this sort of humor to be funny. And, once again, if you don't, then please do not hit that start button!

In addition, I felt that since I have posted so much religious themed stuff on Sundays, it was time to give the pagans a shot. If anyone is offended by this type of humor, please do not watch this; I would hate to lose anyone of the people who drop in here. 

"Sip A Little Tea with Goldie" - Smothers Brothers Show (1968)

One of the most forgotten segments of the Smother’s Brothers Comedy Hour was the weekly “Sip a Little Tea with Goldie” skit. This short video explains just how the chance encounter between an audience member, “Goldie O’Keefe”, occurred and how it affected the show as well as comedy in general. Some of her double entendre weather reports actually pre-date George Carlin’s “Hippie Dippie Weatherman” bit by almost a year.

Not much to explain about this video- its humor is self-evident and the topics are all relevant to the times when the skit was done, during the height of the “Summer of Love” and the War in Vietnam. The Smothers Brothers were only on for a few years, battling the CBS censors the entire time. 

The Smother's Brothers; along with the edgy artists they presented; pushed the boundaries of “acceptable” television, paving the way for shows such as “Saturday Night Live” in the 1970’s. Even contemporary comedians Jon Stewart and Steve Colbert owe a huge debt to these two brothers and the debt they paid to pave the way for more open political humor and satirical art.

"Spooky Hooky" with the Little Rascals (1936)

When Spanky has Porky put an absence note on the teacher’s desk at the end of the school day, so that they can go to the circus the next day, they have no idea that their teacher has made plans to take the class there as a surprise.

With the school locked for the night, the boys must brave the dark to retrieve the phony note.  With a dark and fierce storm raging; at least it seemed that way to me when I watched it as a kid; the boys enter the building, waking the janitor, and scaring him half to death before doing the same to themselves. The scene with the skeleton really caught my attention at age 6.

Naturally, the boys are outwitted by their common enemy; adults; and when they catch cold due to their exploits they cannot attend the circus the next day due to the very real colds they once strove so hard to pretend they had. As for the stereotyping in these films; I've said it before, and I’ll repeat it now; the common enemy of the gang were the adults.

The characters were all stereotyped to one degree or another. There was the arch typical bully, the good girl, the fat kid, the black kid, the little kid, the maiden teacher; hell, even the dog was stereotyped. So, forget the political correctness for about 6 minutes and enjoy the film for what it was meant to be. And whatever you do, don’t listen to Spanky. He’s always getting the gang into trouble!

Andy Kaufman and Elvis (1977)

I was never much of an Andy Kaufman fan. That’s all I’ll say on that score. But while I was buzzing about on You Tube I found this incredible clip of him from his first appearance on the Johnny Carson Show on March 3, 1977. So, I missed the 36^th anniversary of this appearance by a mere 3 days.

Andy Kaufman was a performance artist; he detested being labeled as a comedian. Beginning with local nightclub appearances where he would do impressions of TV characters like Archie Bunker, he graduated to the TV screen on the hit show “Taxi” where he played Latka Gravas, a foreign born taxi driver with a heavy accent.  From there he took the largest leap of his career when he went form “Taxi”, which was at the height of its popularity, and appeared on the Saturday Night Live Show of October 11, 1975. Going from a scripted sit-com to the improvisational comedy of SNL brought him to the forefront and before long he was the opening act at Rodney Dangerfield’s club, and appearing on shows such as Johnny Carson’s, which is shown above.

Born January 12, 1949 this highly unusual and talented performance artist passed away at the age of 35, after only 10 years in the business. He was stricken with a rare form of lung cancer and then succumbed to kidney failure a year later.

Sometimes it takes a while to fully appreciate the talents of others. In this case Andy Kaufman got shortchanged by me. I could never get past that accent thing; until I watched this you tube clip. His transformation and ease with the audience have made me wander back thru you tube for a better understanding of his unique talent.

One thing he did have in common with Elvis; after every performance he thanked the audience, just as the King did. Only with Andy, it came out as, “T'ank you veddy much!”

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Alvin Lee Dead at 68

Another one flown away.... Nothing to say- just sit back and savor this set from Woodstock, courtesy of You Tube.... RIP Alvin Lee.

"The Barber of Seville" with Woody Woodpecker (1944)

Released during the Second World War, this cartoon has Woody Woodpecker reporting to the barbershop for a “Victory” haircut in support of the war effort. 

When he finds that the barber is out, he decides to cut his own hair, as well as do a little “business” on the side.  Naturally, he manages to offend every ethnic group in existence with disastrous, but comic outcomes. Remember, this cartoon is from before political correctness was invented.

Released in April of 1944, this was a Walter Lantz Production distributed by Universal studios. This was the 10^th Woody Woodpecker cartoon released. 

"Moscow On the Hudson" with Robin Williams (1984)

It’s hard to believe that this film is almost 30 years old already. And it’s not dated at all. The absence of cell phones and laptops is hardly noticeable in this carefully directed comedy/drama by Paul Mazursky; in which Robin Williams plays a Russian saxophone player, Vladimir Ivanoff, on tour with the Moscow Circus, and his sudden decision to defect.

The film is extraordinary in that it shows the lines in Moscow for consumer goods in the last days of the Socialist Soviet Republic. When walking down the street and seeing a line, you simply joined it; no matter if was a line for toilet paper, or food; both were in short demand. So, when Vladimir is slated to go to New York as part of a cultural exchange, he has no basis with which to compare the abundance of the west with his homeland in Russia.

Ironically, Vladimir is not even interested in defecting, as is a friend of his who is a fellow circus performer. The choice to make this character a “sad clown” was brilliant, and his face, as he leaves for the airport without having defected, is hard to forget. Vladimir; on the other hand; is quite believable as a jazz enthused musician whose soul cannot possibly endure a return to Moscow.

The real “meat” of this movie occurs when the circus troupe stops by Bloomingdale’s; a symbol of western decadence; for a shopping trip on their way to the airport on the way home to Russia, Vladimir is seized by all that he has seen and heard in New York City. After he has been to Harlem, and played in a jazz club, how could he ever go home again? The artistic freedom is the magnet which lures him to his most bold and daring act; he defects in Bloomingdale’s, leaving his Russian KGB handlers baffled as to what; if anything; they can do about it. And as Vladimir watches his friends departing for the airport, he is standing outside of Bloomingdale’s, screaming “Freedom!” in English and Russian to his friends.

This film came out when I was still working aboard ships, and so I missed it at the time it was released. For one reason or another, I have never seen it until now. And what a pleasure to find that it still rings true. With all of our differences; and in spite of our seeming disengagement from one another; both politically and socially; we are; as shown in the final moments of the film; a nation of immigrants. And I find a strange sort of comfort in that.

"Gracie - A Love Story" by George Burns (1988)

What can be said about a book that is so good I have read it three times since it was released in 1988? The book is a love story; just as the title states; but it is also a history of vaudeville, as well as a bare display of the humor and affection which Mr. Burns’ clearly held for  both his wife, as well as their craft.

Married for almost 40 years to a woman whose age he did not know; her birth certificate was destroyed in the San Francisco Earthquake; Mr. Burns only really discovered himself when he met the tiny, five foot tall, 100 pound Gracie. She was at least 10 years his junior, and he was all of 27 at the time.

In a way, they were the perfect couple for their time. Life was new to them, and radio was new to the world. Just as they were learning how to live, the medium of radio was doing the same. And as the medium grew, so did Burns and Allen. Successfully wooing his rival for Gracie’s affections wasn’t easy; but he did it just the same. When she fell ill out west on a vaudeville tour with George, he made sure she never received his flowers or calls, sort of “salting the shaft” you might say. Call it what you like, he got the girl.

From radio the two moved on to do several movies, many with other stars in productions like Broadway melody of 1932, which was their first big film. And who can forget them with W.C. Fields in “The Big Broadcast of 1936”? That is still one of my favorite films to watch when I am feeling down.

The book serves as a tribute by Mr. Burns to his wife, who died at the age of 58 years old from a heart condition. But along the way, she ran for President on the Surprise Party Ticket against Roosevelt in 1940, launched a nationwide search for her brother; who really did exist and was not missing; and generally surpassed the standard for the “Dumb Dora” type of actress, while still preserving her own artistic integrity. As George Burns points out, she never threw a pie, nor took one in the face for a laugh. She got her laughs as being the soul of the nation. They came to love her through her appearance on radio, in movies, and still later, in their own living rooms as Gracie and Allen explored the limits of a new medium called television.

Written in 1988, when George Burns didn’t know he had another dozen years to go, he kept us laughing right up until the end, but never forgot his beginnings. Each time he would plan to do a new show; or make a movie; he would go to the cemetery where Gracie was buried and talk to her about it. If the vibes were right, he’d do it. One of the greatest love stories to ever come out of Hollywood, this book is a loving tribute to a woman who was so much more than she appeared to be. And when you find out just who she truly was, you will love her all the more. Oh, by the way, George Burns wasn’t half bad himself. It’s just that he was twice as good with Gracie. I hope he’s puffing on his cigar. (Read this book and then you will understand that last line.)

"The American Sucess Company" with Jeff Bridges and Bianca Jagger (1980)

I saw this movie last in 1980, just before the final, re-edited version was released, and I loved it. Most people didn't. The story involves Jeff Bridges, who plays a low level corporate manager, married to Bianca Jagger, who plays the boss's daughter. But rather than sit on his ass and be content with doing essentially nothing, not to mention catering to every whim of his narcissistic wife, he decides to become a man. And he takes an unusual route to his goal. He adopts an alternate persona, complete with an eye patch. He becomes, in short, a menacing sort of fellow.

Hiring a hooker to teach him to be more assertive in bed, and in life, he gradually emerges from his shell and is able to confront both his father-in-law, as well as his wife. The movie was roundly panned in it's initial incarnation, and then soundly drubbed by the critics after it's re-release. It's worth noting that the title was changed at least twice before it's second, and final release. Even the poster art was changed in an effort to jump start this film. I have used the original poster here in lieu of the final cover.

Some of the lack of enthusiasm for this film in 1980 may have been a product of the changing times in regards to relations between men and women. In this film, Bianca Jagger plays the daughter, who mainly concerns herself with twirling around in front of mirrors while dressed as a ballerina. Her father, played by Ned Beatty, indulges her every whim. In a twisted way this film is reminiscent of "My Man Godfrey", and Carole Lombard's part as the spoiled rich girl. In that film only William Powell is able to break through the stifling world inherited by Lombard's character, much in the way that Jeff Bridges is finally able to bring his wife down to earth, only to find that he doesn't love her, or the world from which she comes.

As women's roles changed during the late 1970's and early 1980's, this film may have been perceived as an affront to women, and this may have contributed to the movies lack of success. I have not seen this film in over 30 years, and even had to look up Jeff Bridges filmography to get the title correct, it was changed twice, but I do remember enjoying the film for the broad satire it was intended to be. The film is available on line, and if you have never seen it before, you should take the time to check out this unusual and off beat comedy. The message is clear; that while we don't always get what we want, what we want is often what we didn't need, or desire, to begin with. This is a very unusual, and entertaining, film.

"Limelight" with Charles Chaplin and Claire Bloom

This film is Charlie Chaplins "swan song." He plays Calvero,a has been vaudevillian who comes home inebriated one day to find Terry, a fellow lodger played by Claire Bloom, has attempted to commit suicide. The landlady wants her out, Calvero wants her to stay. He takes her in to his room and nurses her back to health and a career on stage as a dancer. But, predictably, Terry's career rises as Calvero's falls.

As Terry falls in love with him Calvero reasons with her that their ages must keep them apart. The past is gone now and the present and future must hold forth. But he still wants that old feeling of being on top, even just one more time. Terry becomes the vehicle for this success. Along the way you will see him imitating a rock, a tree, a flower, etc. The "Phyllis and Henry Circus of Fleas" is a wonderful number, performed with vocals by Mr. Chaplin. The use of his body to convey an image, even while speaking, is still remarkable today.

The most interesting thing about this movie is the sound. It exists where you least expect it, and at other times is lacking where it "normally" should be. For instance, the street scene at the beginning of the film is silent. There are children playing and horse carriages roaming the streets, yet the only sound heard is the organ grinder and some faint background "noises."

Brilliant support from Buster Keaton and Nigel Bruce, and absolutely flawless direction and writing by Mr. Chaplin, all come together to make this the definitive film of Mr. Chaplin's long career. During the scenes where he has gone back to being a street clown and passing the hat for tips, he remarks, "I don't really mind the streets. I suppose it's the tramp in me."

I haven't seen this film in over 35 years. I just wish I knew why.

"Rickles' Book" by Don Rickles

This is a very unusual autobiography, written by a very unusual man. Don Rickles is known the world over for his short and snappy comments, wait, make that insults. He has regaled audiences from The Elegante, on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn (I had my Bar Mitzvah there) to Las Vegas, Hollywood, London and all points in between.

To be honest, when I saw this book on the shelf, I was expecting a serious tome about Mr. Rickles humble beginnings. Instead I got a book that is quickly read, highly informing and very entertaining. He writes like he delivers his jokes, the longest chapter is about 3 or 4 pages. And he dishes out some great stories about the exploits of his friends, including such luminaries as Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Queen Elizabeth, Larry King; there are simply too many to name them all here.

In an amazing compilation of these short chapters, Mr. Rickles manages to give a coherent and chronological account of his life. His chapter about being in the Navy during World War Two is hilarious. He wanted to be in Special Services, entertaining the troops. His account of where he did wind up, and how he felt about it is laudable.

Tracing his life through the post war years and his fledgling show business career, he introduces the reader to the world of show business in the 1950's and 1960's. The contracts, the bookings, all the travel arrangments required before the age of computers, are all laid bare. And through all of the problems there is one constant, Mr. Rickles sense of humor.

His 40 year friendship with Bob Newhart is one of my favorite chapters. I have never been a big Bob Newhart fan, but how these two totally opposite of men became such close friends is a remarkable tale all of it's own. It is also a tribute to their wives and the power that women generally hold over their men.

Filled with many fun stories, for instance, did you know that Mr. Rickles sent a tape to the Moon with Gene Cernan aboard Apollo 17? Or, that he took a bullet in the leg during the filming of "Kelly's Heroes?" And if you liked the film "Casino", there is a chapter here for you as well. Mr. Rickles has appeared in every entertainment medium since TV. He has acted in films with Clark Gable, and has had guest appearances on every TV sitcom that you can name. I still remember him as the inept street salesman on the Andy Griffith Show. So does Andy Griffith.

A short book (237 pages) written by a man who is motivated by his friendships and a love of show business, this book is the perfect vehicle to relax with. It will inspire the reader to have a better day.

"Cheech and Chong-The Unauthorized Autobiography" by Tommy Chong

I never thought I would even read this book. It has stared at me from the shelves of several libraries for almost 2 years now and I have kept on passing it over. Couldn't be good. Couldn't be worth reading. Boy, was I wrong!

This is one of the most well written and entertaining autobiographies that I have read in quite awhile. If you are expecting, as I did, a rehashing of old Cheech and Chong bits, with not too much substance in between, forget this book. It's not for you.

But if you are looking for a true life story that spans the 1950's through the 1980's and takes you from Calgary, Vancouver to Detroit and the Second City Comedy days and then on to the rest of the world- this is your book.

Whatever preconceived notions you might have about Cheech and Chong need to be checked at the door before you begin to read. This is the story of Tommy Chong, a Chinese-Canadian-Black Man who plays jazz guitar. Turned on by a Chinese jazz musician to marijuana he begins a musical journey that leads him to the world wide fame he imagined while growing up.

Along the way he performs and tours with the Supremes, T. Bone Walker (the Blind Man Chittlin' skit comes from a memorable night when Mr. Chong shared a bill with him), The Temptations and Berry Gordy himself. He even mentors Joe Jackson when The Jackson Five receive their first contract from Motown. Along the way he jams in London with Jimi Hendrix on bass. This guy has really been around.

In 1967 he was a member of Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers. They recorded for Gordy Records, a subsidiary of Motown. They had several minor hits, among them "Malinda" and "Does Your Mama Know About Me?" The latter was written by Tommy Chong.

By 1969 when he met Richard Cheech Marin, Tommy was on his third marraige. Rae Dawn Chong is his oldest daughter. Although some of the stories here do end up as the basis for the comedy duos sketches, the book is more a history of the changes taking place in show business during the early 1960's. Mr. Chong does an incredible job of relating the Canadian club scene of the era and how it came to cross with the American entertainment of the time.

Influenced by comedians such as Lenny Bruce and especially Redd Foxx, he begins to veer away from music and is drawn toward the comedy of Second City in Detroit and the comedy clubs of Los Angeles.

Tommy Chong was a Canadian trying to get into the United States and obtain a "Green Card" at the same time Richard Marin was trying to get into Canada to avoid the draft. Through a series of misadventures they meet in Canada in 1969. Mr. Chong is by this time an accomplished musician and an Improvisational Comedian. He is looking for someone to play off of when he meets Cheech.

After a few false starts things really take off for them. A meeting with Lou Adler at A&M Records lands them $1,000 apiece and a tape recorder to make demos with. Before the day was over they had recorded the first sketch of the album that would make them famous. By the next morning Lou Adler had the "Dave's Not Here" bit sent to every major radio station in the country. The phones were ringing off the hook with requests to play it again and again. "Big Bamboo" had arrived.

There is also a little mystery being played out in this book. In the beginning Mr. Chong recounts sitting in an airport with his wife Shelby when Cheech passes by. Mr. Chong makes no effort to greet him, wondering instead why he does not "have the urge to reach up and grab him, as I would have a few years before..... why did I just watch as he passed by? ...What caused the rift that has seperated us for more than 20 years?"

I'm no spoiler so you will have to read the book to find out the answer. As for me,this was such a good read that I'm going out to get a copy of Mr. Chongs first book, "The I Chong."

Sophie Feldman aka Totie Fields

Totie Fields (1930-1978) was a groundbreaking comedienne in the 1960’s. She took a page from Phyllis Diller and turned it into a full length persona. At a time when “thin was in” she was unafraid to poke fun at herself- and in doing so made us all more comfortable with ourselves and our own shortcomings.

Born Sophie Feldman in Hartford, Connecticut in 1930, she began her career as a singer in local nightclubs around Boston. She was still in High School at the time. As her popularity rose she changed her name to Totie, which was a childhood nickname, and changed her last name to Fields.

In New York she began doing the nightclub circuit. With her combination of singing and comedy she caught the eye of Ed Sullivan one evening at the Copacabana. Her first big break would come on his show. Soon she was performing on all the talk shows such as Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and on The Tonight Show as well. She was everywhere, including the Brighton Beach Swimclub where I saw her in 1965. She was dressed in a wildly patterned shift dress that would have been the envy of "Mama Cass."

Her struggles with her weight were a big part of her act. In 1976 she was diagnosed with a blood clot and her left leg was amputated above the knee. This brought a new meaning to the phrase “break a leg” and she soldiered on, if only briefly, before her next health crisis. She did a one woman show in 1977, unheard of at the time, and opened the show in her wheelchair.

Suffering 2 heart attacks and breast cancer, she kept performing, using her infirmities as part of her act. In 1978 she was voted “Entertainer of the Year” and "Female Comedy Star of the Year” by the American Guild of Variety Artists. The honors came just in time.

In August of 1978 she was appearing at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas when she suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism. Originally buried in Las Vegas she was later moved to Los Angeles and buried beside her husband who passed away in 1995.

But she's still around- you can bring her up on You Tube anytime you like. She's still funny and in some ways more relevant than ever.