Stuff
Product Details
Touchstone, December 2009
Hardcover, 400 pages
ISBN-10: 1439101167
ISBN-13: 9781439101162
Description
A dramatic behind-the-scenes look at the rise and fall of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour—the provocative, politically charged program that shocked the censors, outraged the White House, and forever changed the face of television. Decades before The Daily Show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour proved there was a place on television for no-holds-barred political comedy with a decidedly antiauthoritarian point of view. Censorship battles, mind-blowing musical performances, and unforgettable sketches defined the show and its era. In this compelling history, veteran entertainment journalist David Bianculli draws on decades worth of original research, including extensive interviews with Tom and Dick Smothers and dozens of other key players, to tell the fascinating story of the show’s three-year network run—and the cultural impact that’s still being felt today.
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"It is hard for many of us to remember--back when there were only a handful of stations on the dial--just how profoundly influential and controversial the Smothers Brothers were. But David Bianculli's brilliant new book has brought it all back to vivid life. ...This is a superb, at times moving, portrait of an entire age -- seen through the dramatic careers of two endlessly interesting entertainers."
-- Ken Burns, Filmmaker
"David's book documents a true prime-time crime caper pulled off forty years ago. The perpetrators got away. The Smothers Brothers and the American viewing audience paid the price. As another old saying goes, 'Freedom is a dangerous way of life.' It was ours -- and thanks to David, this is our story."
-- Mason Williams, writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
"David Bianculli details the Smothers Brothers' challenging of the CBS censors and the politicians of the '60s, and gets it exactly right. The Smothers Brothers deserve to be placed alongside Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, and other rebellious comedy spirits who were willing to risk everything for what they believed. Compelling from start to finish -- a book to cherish."
-- David Steinberg
NPR, December 2, 2009
...love comic-book heroes to appreciate these reads. But it helps if you're a girl. The Smothers Brothers: 'Dangerously Funny' Pair David Bianculli talks about the legendary comedy duo who tackled political issues and censorship. uthor Knows ...
ABC News, December 1, 2009
...they were just saying things that a lot of people didn't want said in prime time,' said David Bianculli, a TV critic for National Public Radio's 'Fresh Air' and author of the new book 'Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of the Smothers ...
NPR, November 30, 2009
...with many replacement shows, though none had the same impact as the original Hour. Fresh Air TV critic David Bianculli in his office. Fresh Air TV critic David Bianculli in his office. text sizeAAA November 30, 2009 From 1967 to 1969, Tommy ...
Austin Chronicle, October 23, 2009
...old shows for the DVD sets and being interviewed for the ry Smothered about the Comedy Hour and David Bianculli's new book [Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of The ]. TS: It's amazing. Forty years after The , I had no idea it had such ...
