Milton Berle: An Autobiography

Rating:
Summary: Warm and fuzzy
Review: Although the publishers try to pump up this book as being extremely racy, I found Berle's descriptions of his sexual exploits hilarious. I'm not justifying having children out of wedlock, but the man was very funny.

But the story of Milton Berle's life is also touching and full of real affection for his family and friends. He either lived with or was in close contact with his mother (the original stage mother!) on a daily basis, and even made it into a record book for doing just that. His description of his mystical visits with her after her death was charming.

Eventually, Berle settled down with a down-to-earth woman, to whom he stayed married until his death. He was very proud of her. While he and many other entertainers were either 4F or doing entertainment duties during the war, she was a veteran.

This book is also insightful into the history of stand-up comedy. Theft of material was rampant, and Berle was famous for being one of the most thieving. He was proud of it, but justifies it by proving that lots of others did it, too, and that his material was also stolen.

This was a fun autobiography, and I recommend it. I also recommend A Dreadful Man, which is a biography of George Sanders based on letters from his last wife.

Rating:
Summary: Warm and fuzzy
Review: Although the publishers try to pump up this book as being extremely racy, I found Berle's descriptions of his sexual exploits hilarious. I'm not justifying having children out of wedlock, but the man was very funny.

But the story of Milton Berle's life is also touching and full of real affection for his family and friends. He either lived with or was in close contact with his mother (the original stage mother!) on a daily basis, and even made it into a record book for doing just that. His description of his mystical visits with her after her death was charming.

Eventually, Berle settled down with a down-to-earth woman, to whom he stayed married until his death. He was very proud of her. While he and many other entertainers were either 4F or doing entertainment duties during the war, she was a veteran.

This book is also insightful into the history of stand-up comedy. Theft of material was rampant, and Berle was famous for being one of the most thieving. He was proud of it, but justifies it by proving that lots of others did it, too, and that his material was also stolen.

This was a fun autobiography, and I recommend it. I also recommend A Dreadful Man, which is a biography of George Sanders based on letters from his last wife.

Rating:
Summary: What a story!
Review: Lemme tell ya, this book deserves 5 stars just for Uncle Miltie's graphic depiction of his steamy affair with evangelist Aimee Semple MacPherson ... not to mention a ton of other raunchy Hollywood gossip. Way to go, Milt! Let me know when you're available ...

Rating:
Summary: What a story!
Review: Lemme tell ya, this book deserves 5 stars just for Uncle Miltie's graphic depiction of his steamy affair with evangelist Aimee Semple MacPherson ... not to mention a ton of other raunchy Hollywood gossip. Way to go, Milt! Let me know when you're available ...