|
Rating:  -
Don't look for a Pulitzer-worthy biography here. This is an "as told to" book that reads very much as though Jack Klugman were sitting on a talk-show couch and telling the host about his friendship with Tony Randall. It's also on the slight side. The 50 or so photos are huge and I finished reading the text in an evening.
That said, it is a touching story about two consummate actors who came together to give television and the stage some of its greatest performances, and who truly admired and supported each other during their relationship. There are a couple of distractions: specifically, a completely extraneous listing of the plays and casts through the history of Randall's National Actors Theater, and a Q&A interview with Randall's widow which becomes a little disturbing when it dwells on the differnce in their ages (50 years!) and the fact that his children now have to grow up without him because he was around 80 when they were born.
But it reaches its peak when Klugman talks about his devastating bout with throat cancer and how Randall almost single-handedly pulled him out of it and gave him back a career. There is also some great trivia (such as the fact that The Odd Couple was actually based on the real-life living situation of Neil Simon's brother and his roommate, and that the brother was the one who originally began working it into a play).
If you love the Odd Couple (I'm an unabashed addict myself) you won't be able to resist this inside look at the chemistry between two truly superb comic actors. And the unique DVD of out-takes makes it worth the purchase price. Not to mention that a portion of the proceeds benefit the National Actors Theater, Tony Randall's lifelong dream.
Thanks, Jack.
Rating: -
Bravo Jack!! Bravo!! A most fitting tribute borne out of an almost lifelong friendship between two men that was pure, honest, and totally lacking in pretension.
I am sure that many of us are in friendships that have witnessed incredible moments of profound glory and profound sadness. Moments that either made or broke the bond that the years have witnessed. For the ones that have survived the hardest of times, this book is the spoken word of how that type of the friendship prevailed and how the energy between people can weather the conflict. There is no confusion on Mr. Klugman's feelings for Mr. Randall; it isn't a book that serves any other purpose other than to praise Tony Randall and talk about his deep admiration for him and their friendship.
Jack Klugman is the epitome of the Oscars of the world and therefore Mr. Randall was the Felix. Two people were never better suited for their roles in real life and in reel life; they were born for "The Odd Couple" and for each other. It is an incredible story of how they were chosen for the roles despite who was initially scoped out; that they were selected is as Felix once said, "la forza dell destino!"(the power of destiny).
Mr. Klugman gives you insight into how these two legends arrived in the world of stage and screen and TV. That's where I felt cheated because I wanted more; I wanted more and more and more of any detail that he could give. More stories of the times that were swirling during their up and coming experiences and what it felt like to be there. I wanted more details of their show and the minutia of what it was like to be in the writers rooms; stories of the guest stars and directors and producers of the show and all the problems and frustrations that they faced. What was it like to work with so many personalities? Howard Cosell? Jack Soo? Bille Jean King? The list goes on of all the greats that were guests on their show.
I grew up on this show, as did many of my generation, and we loved it. I remember the show getting switched all the time to different times and nights but somehow I always found it. I loved a little of Felix and a little of Oscar but I loved both of them alot.
The things that we didn't know about Jack and Tony were wonderful tidbits that Mr. Klugman gives you such as their aggravating habits that irritated the other. Tony's bawdy humor (as an aside, prepare yourself for the story of Tony Randall and the theater story of "The Odd Couple" and toilet paper!). Read about Jack's continuous struggle with the throat cancer that changed his feelings about alot of things in life and how it brought him and Tony even closer than before. Tony's desire to start a theater company that rivaled all others. You come away wishing for more, but very glad to have gotten to know this much.
The book has a lovely introduction by Garry Marshall and a foreward by Jack's son; there is also an interview with Mr. Randalls second wife Heather, who is a very kind a gracious woman. The show made history for us. A classic was created and a whole new generation of people are finding this out. The best part of this book is that included is a DVD that has some of the outtakes from the series. Talk about funny!! How many times have I seen an episode and wondered how they filmed it without breaking up.............they did.....many times. What we saw was the end result, but what a hilarious ride while trying to get there!! You will just love it and you'll come away wanting so much more!! I hope that the heads of ABC or Paramount Studio's get their minds moving and produce DVDs for us to purchase, with ALL the scenes and footage. We are patiently waiting.........and waiting...........and waiting.
This is a short read which you can finish in about 2-3 hours. And with the DVD, it will wrap it all up for you. I guarantee that you will be wanting the series DVDs after this, and maybe think about sending a little letter to encourage those folks at the studios to hurry it up. Enjoy it all, courtesy of Mr. Klugman!!
Rating:  -
I just want to say one thing, after reading this book and watching the dvd of bloopers, I wrote a love letter to Jack Klugman to tell him how much he and Tony Randall ment to me. It was six pages long, and I figure even one of his horses would find my letter boring. But I had to do it.
If you ever saw these two men work together, this book will bring back a lot of wonderful memories. Read it!
Rating: -
Very entertaining book about two great actors who may have starred in "The Odd Couple" but are not odd at all. It's a story of friendship and how important it is to reach out to others and not focus on yourself or your problems. It's easy to read. Jack Klugman was great on that show and as "Quincy" too. He talks about Tony Randall's life, about his own life and those great years on "The Odd Couple". I couldn't put it down. I was surprised by the life lessons at the end and I will remember them. I highly recommend this fun to read book!
Rating: -
I'm not much of a reader, but I always loved the "Odd Couple"
movie & TV series.
When I heard about this book written by Jack Klugman about his
special & most dear friend Tony Randall, I just had to read this
book!
I finished just short of (2) days, & found it hard to put down.
It made me feel really glad to know how truly unique & special
their friendship meant to each other.
I was literally crying towards the end of the book. I can totally
relate this remarkable story with my own life, and my very
close & endearing friendships (that I can count on one hand).
I truly hope & pray, that Tony's mission comes true, & his
National Actor's Theatre will endure & eventually bear his name!
Thanks again,
Steven R. Gettman
srgett@earthlink.net
Television Show
Collectibles
Movie Searches
|
|
|
Search for posters,
art prints, photos, collectables, merchandise, toys, t-shirts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join the Nielsen//NetRatings Research Panel and you could win a new car, a dream vacation, a dream home makeover or $50,000 Cash!
TV Guide
Program listings, celebrity profiles, industry
gossip, movie reviews, puzzle.
More
Entertainment
& TV Magazines
This site is
Hosted
by Bluehost
Read
my Bluehost Review
Original Superhero & other designs for t-shirts, bumper
stickers, prints, mugs, and other cool merchandise. |
|
