"The Rat Race" with Tony Curtis and Debbie Reynolds (1960)

This is a remarkable film in so many ways. Tony Curtis plays Pete; a saxophone player who comes to New York with big dreams and little hope. He immediately finds himself sharing an apartment with Peggy; a “taxi dancer” played by Debbie Reynolds. For those who don’t know it, a “taxi dancer” is one of those ten cents a dance girls you rented by the dance. Sometimes you could strike up other “deals” with them for after hours. Sometimes they were just dancers.

Lonely people attract other lonely people; and so it is with Pete and Peggy. Pete doesn’t realize the debt that Peggy is in while he scouts around for a job. She is dancing regularly and paying the bills for both of them. Although Pete is kind of smitten with Peggy, she denies her feelings for him.

When Pete’s saxophone and other belongings are stolen she goes to her boss “Nellie”; a sinister character played by Don Rickles in what has to be the most sleezy role he ever played; for a loan. She is already hjeavily indebted to him, and this “loan” comes with conditions. “Nellie” is the guy who runs the dance hall, ensuring that the girls all fall into debt with him. Then he tries to turn them into “escorts” for out of town businessmen who arrive in New York looking for fun.
  

Garson Kanin wrote the play and the screenplay for this film, which is searing in it’s portrayal of the dark and predatory side of humanity. In one of the more tender scenes, the bartender, Mac, played by Jack Oakie, waxes poetic, noting that “One half of the world is looking for the other half; we’re all buyers looking for sellers.”

I saw this film on TV the other night. I had never seen it before. It’s an old movie, but the topic of how we treat one another in life never gets dated.

"Johnny Carson" by Henry Bushkin (2014)

It’s time for some light summer reading. This is a great “beach” book; also ideal for the extra wait at the airport. Henry Bushkin was Johnny Carson’s attorney/business manager for about 20 years during the 1970’s and the 1980’s. He became friends with the late night show host and was very involved in every aspect of his life; both personally as well as professionally.

The author paints a portrait of a Johnny Carson the public hardly knew. He was the gregarious, happy go lucky man we all came to know and love on television; but beneath that façade was a more complicated individual; who could go from being the nicest guy in the world, to a vindictive and petty man in a heartbeat. But that aspect is not the sole focus of the book.

Mr. Bushkin was a young newly minted lawyer when he met Johnny through a friend in 1970. So this is also an account of a young inexperienced attorney learning the ropes in one of the most competitive businesses around; the entertainment industry. It is also the story of 3 of Mr. Carson’s marriages. (Interesting note: all 4 of Carson’s wives names began with J.)

When the authors career takes off; and his friendship with Carson becomes solid; Mr. Bushkin learns that there are limits to his employer’s largesse. Everything seems free and easy, but there is always a price to be paid. As he becomes involved in every aspect of Johnny’s life; including lining up female companionship for his boss; he falls prey to the easy access he has to women. This takes a toll on Johnny’s wife; Joanna; whom the host is able to mollify by purchasing large diamonds, cars and other luxury items as a way of apologizing.

But Mr. Bushkin is caught up in the whirlwind of easy access and eventually loses his wife because of it.

The stories are fast and furious as Mr. Bushkin recounts their escapades together in Los Vegas; at the Presidential Inauguration of Ronald Reagan and Mr. Carson’s 5 year run heading the Oscar Awards. 

As things get bigger and Carson Enterprises soars, the author reaps huge financial rewards from his sometimes brilliant work. But all good things must come to an end and soon he finds himself caught between his desire to stay with Carson or to strike out on his own.

The line between friendship and employment can become blurred by many things. This is true in all of our lives. But, when you add the lure of easy money and star power to the mix, it can become an intoxicant to be avoided. Still, when all the money and power is gone, the memories that are left can never be erased. You just have to decide if it was all worth it. 

"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.