The Laugh Crafters: Comedy Writing in Radio and Tv's Golden Age

by Jordan R. Young

Twelve of Hollywood's top comedy writers and speak their minds about the so-called good old days, and recall the outrageous backstage antics of legendary comedians. No one is spared in frank, uncensored and frequently hilarious conversations about the stone age of broadcasting -- the 1930s, '40s and '50s -- when advertising agencies controlled the programs, stars ran amok and writers were treated with profound disrespect, like a necessary evil.

351 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing interviews with some of the writers behind radio shows of the 1930s and 1940s. Includes Hal Kanter, Bob Schiller, Bob Weiskopf. My only complaint about this book is that it's not long enough. I could have read a few hundred more pages of these interviews. These are amazing.

[Bob May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although its appeal may be limited to showbiz history buffs like me, I found this book enjoyable, interesting, and, in places, hilarious. The book is built around 12 transcribed interviews with unsung pioneer writers of early radio and television comedies, most obscure, some well-known, such as Sherwood Schwartz (creator of "Gilligan's Island") and Larry Gelbart (creator of TV's M*A*S*H). Young prompts discussion of how his subjects broke into their careers, how they went about working, their experiences and misadventures. In the process, the interviews shed light on the fascinating off-screen personalities of the performers they worked with, such as Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, and others. In capturing his subjects' voices, Young brings them to life, making them more than just voices from the past. His questions reveal his encyclopedic knowledge and thorough preparation. The highlight for me was the interview with George Balzar, a frequent contributor to "The Jack Benny Show," which had me choking with extended laughter. "The Laugh Crafters" is a delightful treat for show business aficionados. Recommended.