Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy

by George Schlatter, Lily Tomlin (Foreword), Goldie Hawn (Afterword)

“To sit with George Schlatter and hear his stories is a gift.” ― Billy Crystal In 1967, producer George Schlatter pitched an idea for a quirky new television one inspired by the hippie counterculture, which would take the idea of sit-ins, love-ins, and be-ins, and manifest that politicized, sexualized, consciousness-raising energy into pure comedy. Much to the surprise of NBC executives, Laugh-In soon became the #1 show on American TV, and the careers of beloved stars like Lily Tomlin and Goldie Hawn were born. 

 Still Laughing features never-before-told stories from the creation of one of the most groundbreaking shows in television history. It also recounts the coming-of-age of one of Hollywood’s most iconic producers, from his early nightclub days rubbing elbows with mob figures like Mickey Cohen and John Stompanato, to his influential friendships with Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra, for whom George was asked to deliver a eulogy at his funeral decades later.  

An inside look at Hollywood in the wake of the cultural upheaval of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Still Laughing demonstrates the crucial, deeply creative role a working producer plays in bringing a show (and its stars) to life. With spit-fire humor, tireless wit and keen perception, Still Laughing tells of the rise of some of comedy’s greatest talents, and reveals the actual people cloistered inside larger-than-life celebrity.

Genres: Memoir, Humor, Biography

259 pages, Hardcover

Published July 11, 2023

Reviews

[Susan Scribner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of anecdotes from the 93 year old producer of Laugh-In, Real People, and numerous awards and variety shows. They read as if they were told directly by your ribald, sexist, egotistical grandfather, with countless rimshots and constant name-dropping. I wish there were more pages devoted to Laugh-In, the 1960s hippy culture comedy TV show (where Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin and others got their start), and fewer about Schlatter's relationship with Mafia buddy Frank Sinatra, but overall it was a quick, entertaining memoir. YMMV if you are easily offended by 225 pages of politically incorrect schtick.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish there had been more Laugh-In stories, but enjoyed it a lot!

[Senor Sock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and quite breezy story of producer George Schlatter's life in TV. The creator of "Laugh-In", Schlatter spends most of his time telling stories about his other experiences in television from producing "The Judy Garland Show" to the Cher Show and Jonathan Winters specials, and a Sammy Davis Tribute as well as presidential inaugural shows. Great stuff about his relationships with Frank Sinatra, Tim Conway and many other shows.
He tells the story of how he started booking talent in Las Vegas casinos and how he got into television. He seems almost reluctant to talk about "Laugh-In" but then he finally gets to it with great stuff about how he found Goldie Hawn and Judy Carne and how Rowan and Martin resented the "regulars" success and could not get along with each other.
The only bad thing really for me is when out of nowhere Schlatter sours the milk by coming out of nowhere with his political beliefs and attacks conservatives and Trump in particular when it has nothing to do with the rest of the book. It's like a sucker punch for conservatives who may have been enjoying Schlatter's book and then suddenly getting hit with current day politics when you're reading about 1960's TV. But if you can ignore that or don't care because you agree with him, this is well worth the read and is a great door in to a fascinating career.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading for some funny anecdotes, such as working with Judy Garland (fart tape) and Cher ("Hammer and Nails"). But Schlatter is a man of the era when "men were men" wink wink etc. I found myself chuckling, then feeling annoyed to be reminded what it was like back then to be a young woman in the 1960's and 1970's to have to live in the world of rampant sexism and male privilege in LaLa Land and everywhere. A lot of a**ho**s and crude behavior. Nevertheless, Schlatter did some wonderful things for comedians and T.V. entertainment and his career was brilliant. Kudos to Jolene!

[Clint · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this book had been written at the height of “Laugh In,” the groundbreaking late 1960s party show, it probably would’ve become a best seller. As it is, the majority of people today probably never saw the show or have heard of it. But then the show’s creator — in his mid-90s today — wouldn’t have had all the additional stories about stars, specials and shows that failed. Many of the stories are interesting and show Hollywood luminaries in unexpected lights.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book

A very interesting and loving book about George Schlatter’s career. Great stories about working on Laugh-In, Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, Cher and numerous specials. He has a great section on Frank Sinatra. Forwards and Afterwards are written by Lily Tomlin and Goldie Hawn. A pleasure read.

[David M Ciment · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick witted and surprisingly contemporary for a 93 year old. A fun read.

This book surprised me. I did not expect it to be pacjed with A list names, with wonderful self-deprecating humor. Very enjoyable.

[M.D. Harrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great showbiz memoir. George Schlatter worked with all kinds of Hollywood stars and, of course, gave us Laugh-in. I loved reading his stories and I think anyone who remembers or is interested in the old days of show business will love it, too.

[Ben Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

However much I liked this book I couldnt like it as much as George who had the last laugh in every occasion and possibly comes only second to Mel Brooks for self-appreciatiom. Shame as he did some very interesting things at a time where TV was interesting.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast, very entertaining read. I hope there is a sequal in the works, I'm sure he has many more stories to tell.

[Juliann]

Very Entertaining and reflections on a wonderful career with humor and especially the references to Laugh-In.

[Chris Cox, a librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw there was a new book by George Schlatter (Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy from the creator of Laugh-In) coming out I knew I wanted to check it out. I first and foremost know Schlatter as the creator and driving force behind the groundbreaking comedy Laugh-In (1968-1973). For those who grew up in the era of Laugh-In, you should know there was no bigger show on television. In fact, I don’t think there has EVER been as big of a show as Laugh-In was during its early years. You might be surprised at that observation if you watch it now. It’s a series of corny yet racy jokes, political jibes, Go-Go dancing galore, off-the-wall sketches, and the famous joke wall where cast members stick their head out of the wall and tell jokes where they are often lucky they get to close the wall panels behind them after they are done. We also have the Fickle Finger of Fate award which was presented by the show’s hosts, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin. I can’t remember what that was exactly, but do remember that I thought Dick Martin was the funniest man in the world when I was six. There were also the catchphrases of the show, “Here Comes the Judge” (Sammy Davis and others), “Veeeery Interesting” (Arte Johnson), and ”Sock it to Me” (pretty much everybody said this one). Schlatter even credits Presidential hopeful Richard Nixon getting elected for coming on the show and saying “Sock It…to Me?” (Schlatter apologizes for that result.)

Then there were the stars: Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, Arte Johnson, Alan Sues, Ruth Buzzi, JoAnne Worley and Henry Gibson among many others. Some went on to become famous outside of Laugh-In, while others are mostly known for being a part of Laugh-In.

Laugh-In was must-see TV before there was such a phrase for two or three years. The show began to sag after that partly because so much of the original cast had left and those jokes that seemed so fresh and naughty didn’t seem either by 1973.

Anyway, I knew I wanted to read Schlatter’s book to relive some of those memories.
There is a chapter on Laugh-In and the show is referred to throughout the book, but it isn’t the primary focus of the book. The focus is Schlatter’s looking back at his career as a producer mostly on television. And the career of the 93-year-old Schlatter goes back to the very early days of television for sure. As a history of the medium it’s a fascinating read. Even more so, it’s extremely funny and the stories are conveyed in an engaging way by the undeniably charming Mr. Schlatter. He talks about television executives, who usually know nothing in his eyes. He also talks about some specials and shows that have long been forgotten that he resuscitates through his anecdotes. He also talks about the people he worked with…seemingly almost everyone in show business. There are great stories about Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr.,Judy Garland (and her love of fart jokes) and several on Frank Sinatra. He also talks about his later success with the show Real People.

Lily and Goldie credit George for jump starting their careers and they contribute the forward and afterward of this book.

The bottom line is that you can picture old George telling these stories and it makes you wish he was next to you in a rocking chair telling them directly to you.

I decided to say a few words about this book because there aren’t any reviews of it yet on Goodreads! It certainly deserves to have some.