Classic stills from the life of one of Britains most venerated entertainers.This is the extraordinary life story of comic legend Denis Norden; told in momentary snapshots by the master British comedian himself. Containing reminiscences of a career stretching back to the golden age of the radio; through the heyday of cinema and the early pioneering days of television comedy; Back Then showcases Denis Nordens creative genius at its very best.Told with Denis hallmark flashes of brilliant humour and sharp observation; the extraordinary life of this enduring humorist is unravelled through his private recollections of the ways things used to be; back then.Denis school-day musings; dry witticisms; and old-time sayings unearthed from days gone by; combined with remembrances of collaborations with famous figures of the day; from Eric Sykes to Bill Fraser; will sweep you back instantaneously to the magical gags; lively characters and laughter of the past.Flitting between Denis East End childhood and early career in Variety as a cinema manager for the Hyams Brothers; to his post-war work as a scriptwriter on the groundbreaking radio shows Take It From Here and In All Directions; to the phenomenally successful television comedy Whack-O!; (all written with long-term collaborator Frank Muir); to his years as a solo writer; performer; and presenter on programmes such as the much-loved Itll Be Alright on the Night; it is easy to see how Denis comic appeal has endured for decades; to make him one of the greatest British writers and performers to date.Brimming with Denis unique wit and personal warmth; this is a rich and compelling mix of anecdote and autobiography from a very special entertainer.
#1218031 in eBooks 2009-09-25 2009-10-06File Name: B002QE3CVC
Review
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful. A Remarkable Story. A Remarkable Book.By Lawrence J. EpsteinIn this very well-written. humorous. and affectionate homage to the American Songbook. David Lehman hears the Jewish sounds in much of Americas greatest popular music. All the great characters are here--Kern. the Gershwins. Berlin. Arlen. and so many others. I found the story of Larry Hart to be especially moving. Lehman seeks their appeal by examining the story of his own interest in the music. bringing us along by using enthusiasm and knowledge. I knew the book was so good because at the end I wanted to go hear the music. Indeed. the books charms work so well you can hear the strains of some of the great songs in the rhythm of Lehmans extraordinary prose.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent historyBy Harvey A. KaplanWonderful insightful and well written1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. How a Jewish tune became part of a popular songBy Barbara L. FaviaThe author points out his observations regarding the melodies of the songs which are familiar to all of us the minor chords suggestive of yiddush runs of ascending notes. It is a fascinating book for all music lovers of songs of the golden age by our favorite songwriters.
