Harry Anderson: Wise Guy from the Street to the Screen

by Mike Caveney

Book by Caveney, Mike

168 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Keri-Ann Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people go into this book looking to learn the secrets of Harry Anderson's amazing tricks. Some, like me go into this book out of love and fascination for the man himself. This book is a really sweet tribute to Harry Anderson. I have recently discovered Night Court, which has me looking to learn all I can about him. His talents were very under rated, both his magic and his acting skills.

I was a bit disappointed that the Needle through the Arm wasn't talked about in more detail. The author talks about the presentation and the history of the trick in Mr. Anderson's career. A little bit on how the trick was done. Now doing research, obviously we can tell how the trick was done but how the frog does he get that much skin around the Needle lol. I wanted to know more.

I love the way this book started as a way to simply talk about his tricks of the trade but the author seamlessly wove in a biographical story around the tricks. This is a good read for any fan of Mr. Anderson, though it is a bit difficult to get a hold of. I paid a bit more than I ever thought I would on a book but it was well worth it. Not only for the information presented in it but as a little collectors item for a new fan.

[MagicDave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great biography and instructional book dealing with the life and Magic of Harry Anderson, the star of the hit sitcom "Night Court". In it's pages, there is revealed the story of a one time grifter and con man, who, due to unforeseen circumstances (a "mark" broke his jaw!), he decided to go "straight" and use his skills to entertain instead of "fleece" his audience, and the world was a better place for it.
Also include in this book are all the routines that Harry used in his professional performances and on Saturday Night LIve.