Long Time No See: Confessions of a Hollywood Gangster

by Marc Lawrence

Long Time No See is not only what the notorious gangster Lucky Luciano said to me in Rome when I asked him to do me a favor in 1957 - which he did - Long Time No See is also a metaphor for a blindness, an inability to see oneself without the protective shell we use to avoid seeing ourselves. I used a lot of that armor to disguise faults and mishaps. It eventually became the failure to see who I was or what I was to myself, my family and friends. I'm not sure how it is with others as I'm still having a helluva time with the beguiling puzzle. In a profession and sometimes game of make-believe, reality can be the stranger you sometimes thoughtlessly disregard. I am grateful to many people who have been patient with my shortcomings and who encouraged the search for understanding. A am grateful to many people who have been patient with my shortcomings and who encouraged the search for understanding - particularly Joe Benti, who gave good counsel and pointed out some of the deceptions I practiced. To Ray Bradbury, PAt Foulk, and the late Richard Burton for their encouragement and, of course, my loving wife Fanya for her constancy in keeping ths ship afloat. I hope I came closer this time, and after a long time to see some of it, for what it is.

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Joe Besserfan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some time during the early 1990's I went to an Abbott & Costello convention somewhere in New Jersey. Marc Lawrence was there signing copies of his book "Long Time No See: Confessions of a Hollywood Gangster". I remember him yelling at an "Entertainment Tonight" camera crew before he realized who they were. I always regretted not buying a copy and missing my chance to talk to Lawrence. This past Christmas I received a copy of "Long Time No See". This time the book was signed by Lawrence's daughter Toni. As far as the book goes, it was a good read. Marc Lawrence writes about his being forced to make movies in Europe after testifying before the House Un-American Activities Committee. It was interesting to read his perspective.