They were the unlikeliest of pairs — a handsome crooner and a skinny monkey, an Italian from Steubenville, Ohio, and a Jew from Newark, N.J.. Before they teamed up, Dean Martin seemed destined for a mediocre career as a nightclub singer, and Jerry Lewis was dressing up as Carmen Miranda and miming records on stage. But the moment they got together, something clicked — something miraculous — and … and audiences saw it at once.
Before long, they were as big as Elvis or the Beatles would be after them, creating hysteria wherever they went and grabbing an unprecedented hold over every entertainment outlet of the era: radio, television, movies, stage shows, and nightclubs. Martin and Lewis were a national craze, an American institution. The millions (and the women) flowed in, seemingly without end — and then, on July 24, 1956, ten years from the day when the two men joined forces, it all ended.
After that traumatic day, the two wouldn’t speak again for twenty years. And while both went on to forge triumphant individual careers — Martin as a movie and television star, recording artist, and nightclub luminary (and charter member of the Rat Pack); Lewis as the groundbreaking writer, producer, director, and star of a series of hugely successful movie comedies—their parting left a hole in the national psyche, as well as in each man’s heart.
In a memoir by turns moving, tragic, and hilarious, Jerry Lewis recounts with crystal clarity every step of a fifty-year friendship, from the springtime, 1945 afternoon when the two vibrant young performers destined to conquer the world together met on Broadway and Fifty-fourth Street, to their tragic final encounter in the 1990s, when Lewis and his wife ran into Dean Martin, a broken and haunted old man.
In Dean & Me, Jerry Lewis makes a convincing case for Dean Martin as one of the great — and most underrated — comic talents of our era. But what comes across most powerfully in this definitive memoir is the depth of love Lewis felt, and still feels, for his partner, and which his partner felt for him: truly a love to last for all time.
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I REALLY ENJOYED THE BOOK. LEWIS PAINTS A REALISTIC PICTURE OF THE LATE 40
S, EARLY 50’S AND HOW MARTIN AND LEWIS WERE BIGGER THAN SINATRA, THE BEATLES, ELVIS AND ALL THE REST FOR A 10 YEAR PERIOD, SELLING OUT HOUSES AND CLUBS AND MAKING UP TO 500,000 A WEEK! (SOMETIMES DOING 5 SHOWS AT 2 NIGHTCLUBS SIX DAYS A WEEK). AND, WHEN LEWIS WANTED OUT, ONE OF HIS FRIENDS TOLD HIM HE WOULD BE LEAVING 11 MILLION OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT TWO YEARS ON THE TABLE IF THEY SPLIT UP. BUT MORE THAN THE MONEY, IT WAS ALL THE INTERESTING CHARACTERS THEY MET ALONG THE WAY, GANGSTERS (BECAUSE THEY OWNED ALL THE CLUBS) CORPORATION PRESIDENTS, POLITICIANS, ROYALTY, ETC. NICE STORY ABOUT TWO MEN WHO HAD A 10 YEAR PARTENRSHIP AND WENT ON TO INDIVIDUALS SUCCESS FOR 30 – 40 YEARS AFTER.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The behind the scenes of one of the greatest comedy duos. Written by Jerry Lewis point of view (as Dean had been dead at the book’s publishing) This book delves into their close friendship, the rise in fame and popularity all the way to the dissolution of the partnership and the eventual reconciliation. The book spans several decades giving an insiders look into ‘the golden age’ of Hollywood. There are some anecdotes on relevant Hollywood contemporaries of the time. Not really a biography of Jerry Lewis per se as why did he support the telethon as much as he did. it really focuses its energy on the relationship he had with ‘the handsome Italian’.
I thought this book was excellent in both the literary structure and in the authors ability to tastefully reveal elements of both characters that were not common knowledge.
A very informative discussion, although one sided.
Started strong then became a scorecard of their sexual conquests. Disappointed.
Not quite remembering the team but loving Dean’s variety show and roasts, I thought it would be interesting to see his start. Two men who had done everything they could do together and realizing it was time to take the next step. Glad for the way it ended and respect both as great entertainers.
Got sick of the language
A well researched, well written book about a great entertainment team. I learned a lot about Dean & Jerry…very interesting.
The book is from Jerry Lewis’ perspective. He paints Dean Martin fairly. I guess the book is like Lewis’ life, the first 3/4’s are fun and entertaining, the last 1/4 is kind of sad with moments of hope and redemption.
All of the above!
Loved everything about this book.
I had no idea abpit the story.
Excellent insight as to the true story, and very entertaining and humorous. I seemed to hear Jerry’s voice as he set the record straight. Still miss those funny routines and how well they played off one another!
A well-written book about the relationship between Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. Lewis describes quite well the pressures building that led up to the split. Quite informative and entertaining.
Almost surprisingly, there is a fair amount of candor in this book, at times almost too much, as Jerry pours out the gratitude and sentiment he felt towards his partner. That part is mostly about the beginning, and it’s impossible not to share the sense of joy and excitement as they conquer show business. Unfortunately, as everyone except Jerry seemed to know, he never really got over the breakup, during and after his own phenomenal solo run as a brilliant and innovative and hilarious filmmaker. It’s also a little disappointing that — for quite a few reasons, clearly — he’s forced to leave a lot unsaid about the fracturing partnership. If you’re a fan of either or both, you’re sure to enjoy it.
Provided some insight into the world of celebrities in the “old days”. I had never thought to wonder what their real lives were like.
Did not like the way it was presented so I only read twochapters
Very interesting to read about the entertainment world after World War II from Mr. Lewis’ perspective. I loved watching these two growing up in their shows and movies.
One just has to remember that it is one sided , but enjoyed the read.
Liked this very much.