Mouse in the Rat Pack: The Joey Bishop Story

Rating:
Summary: Readable book about a marginal entertainer
Review: Ask anyone under 45 about Joey Bishop, and the response you'll get will be "Who?" Michael Seth Starr aims to change that, although you'll be wondering by the end of the book why he bothers. Bishop was, at best, a marginal figure in the annals of American entertainment. During the 60's, he somehow managed to share the stage with superstars like Frank, Dean and Sammy despite having none of their charisma. And although Starr often describes him as the "top comedian of the 1960's," he also has to admit that Johnny Carson thrashed him in the late-night ratings, and Bishop's early 1960's sitcom was an utter flop.

Still, the book is readable. Bishop comes off as a hard-working, but demanding comic, with few friends. I hope he truly got good audience response in the 60's, because the lines quoted in this book fall flat on the printed page. I guess you had to be there. Starr is a good writer....perhaps he will choose a more intriguing subject for his next bio.

Rating:
Summary: The long awaited Joey Bishop biography.
Review: If your a big fan of Joey Bishop you will devour this book. Michael Seth Starr does an outstanding job chronicling the life and career of this legendary entertainer. You will join Joey as he climbs the show biz ladder from small clubs in Philadelphia, to the Copacabana and the Sands, to movie sets, tv studios, and to Broadway. Frank Sinatra dubed him as the "hub of the wheel" performing with the Rat Pack. You will not be able to put this book down. "Mouse in the Rat Pack:The Joey Bishop Story" is a great read and a must have for his fans.