Seriously Funny: The Rebel Comedians of the 1950s and 1960s

March 3, 2009 at 11:36 a.m.
Seriously Funny: The Rebel Comedians of the 1950s and 1960s
Seriously Funny: The Rebel Comedians of the 1950s and 1960s
By Jill Williams

The 50's and 60's brought a new kind of comedian to the stage. This new group had a lot on their minds that didn't necessarily fit into the category "politically correct." They were offbeat, unusual, and cutting edge. They caught the attention of America and changed comedy radically for future generations. Comedians had seen success as entertainers before (think Bob Hope) but this new breed of entertainers set the bar higher (or lower, possibly) and achieved a new level of success that couldn't be replicated by those before them. Some of the groundbreaking comics examined within this book: Mort Sahl, Sid Caesar, Steve Allen, Phyllis Diller, Bob Newhart, Lenny Bruce, The Smothers Brothers, Mel Brooks, Woody Allen and many, many others.

Each of the more than 25 comedic legends within the book is given a chapter where the reader is introduced to their style of comedy, their mark upon the profession, their early influences and even some of the hardships they have endured on the path to fame. Many were interviewed by the author, and each is presented in a way to accentuate their important works.

Perhaps you were aware, but the eloquent (onscreen) Sid Caesar was very uncomfortable talking to others in public. Did you know that Phyllis Diller had to hide her great figure so that she could make fun of her "bad" figure as part of her act? The author even selects one comic as having the most influence on today's stand-up generation. Who is it? You'll have to read to find out.

Even the comics who aren't known to me have an interesting life to read about. Those I have heard of are still performing (although not often) today. Whether or not you are a child of the 50's and 60's, if you are interested in the cultural change that these comedians encouraged during this time, you may be interested to read their personal tales of glory.

The author has covered movies, theatre, and television for newspapers and magazines for nearly half a century. He has written two humor collections, Out on a Whim and The Fragile Bachelor; a humorous book on marriage, Playing House; and Raised on Radio. He lives in San Francisco.