King of the Sunset Strip: Hangin' with Mickey Cohen and the Hollywood Mob

by Steve Stevens, Craig Lockwood

Who would have thought that an acting career that began as a teenage star in the "Annette" series on the "The Mickey Mouse Club," Walt Disney's "Zorro," "The Roy Rogers Show," and "That's My Mom" would lead to the role of confidante and assistant to Southern California crime-boss Mickey Cohen? King of the Sunset Strip is a pistol-to-the-side-of-your-head Hollywood story. Beginning with the parties, boozing, and sex and the "good-time" macho whoring and gambling of the mob, the story covers the action in Sunset Boulevard penthouses, Beverly Hills mansions, Brentwood estates, and across state lines to Las Vegas. Steve Stevens takes readers down the palm-lined streets of Hollywood to meet film and entertainment giants like Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Louis Prima, Robert Mitchum, and many more.

Genres: History, True Crime, Crime, Nonfiction

295 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2006

Reviews

[Christina Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a new spin on an old theme. Most of the other Mafia books I've read detail how the person becomes a part of the institution, or about how they grew up in an "inside" family. The idea that Steve Stevens was an actor that happened to catch a gangster's eye and thus form a friendship and bond, is a new idea that I'm happy to have come across. It's a reminder that Mickey Cohen, as well as others in his line of work, aren't just "gangsters" - they are men who have emotions, desires, ideas, and goals just like the rest of us (even if those things are sometimes further askew). Seeing Mr. Cohen through the eyes of a young man that isn't from the violent, depraved world of Gangster Land, puts a different perspective on men in the Mafia. At least for me.
I recommend this book as a good read. It is both informative and fun.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A true story about an aspiring actor in the 1950s, his run in, and mentorship by the notorious Mickey Cohen. The story itself is episodic, and as such, some episodes are more interesting than others. And his interactions with Mickey never really seem to elevate in tension after an explosively abusive scene. Stevens, for all his interaction with Mickey, never really gives us insight into the man past the cartoon gangster persona he showed the whole world. Which hey, if that's the true story, that's the true story, nothing to do about it. The book is at its best when its describing the scene of Hollywood; its culture and nightlife during the fifties, and era I desperately wish I could travel back to and see.

[Corey Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a "literary" book by any means, and that's what made it so enjoyable to read. It's the story of a young actor trying to make a dent in 1950's Hollywood, who becomes a friend and "associate" of the monster Mickey Cohen. Having always been a sucker for Old Hollywood tales, I liked the images of 1950's Hollywood coming to life through his eyes. And his brushes with the famous and infamous are fun and interesting to read.

[Lawrence Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich in detail, driven by dialogue, King of the Sunset Strip transverses showbiz and organized crime in late 50s/early 60s Hollywood. Steve Stevenson, a former Mousketeer, recounts falling under the good graces of a very dangerous gangster as he navigates a budding acting career. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in two sittings.

[Patrick O'Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a cute "Mouseketeer goes Mob" memoir. Although it's rather naïve of Steve Stevens to think the reader's perception of his association with Mickey Cohen would be as lighthearted as he makes it out to be. Stevens witnessed Cohen kicking the shit out of people. There's mention of a murder, and even Cohen smacking Stevens around. Yet, Stevens' "awe shucks" attitude of continually stating that Mickey Cohen was a nice guy, just bit misunderstood – seems to belay reality. Ted Bundy was a nice guy, until he killed you.

However, Stevens description of Hollywood back in the glamor days. The attitude, restaurants, clubs, and haunts of the Hollywood that is long gone, make King of the Sunset Strip: Hangin' with Mickey Cohen and the Hollywood Mob an interesting read.

[Riah]

I tried. I think I would like this book at another time. I'm too bitter right now for it. Will try again.