Already a well-regarded producer of television specials and variety shows by 1967, George Schlatter pitched to NBC an idea that was a radical departure: a TV comedy special inspired by the hippie counter-culture, one which would take the idea of sit-ins, love-ins, and be-ins, and manifest that politicized, sexualized, consciousness-raising energy into comedic sketches.
The special, Laugh-in, was so successful it became a regular television series. Soon, it was the #1 show on American TV.
Still Laughing features never-before-told backstories from the creation of one of the most beloved shows in television history. It also recounts the coming-of-age of one of television’s great producers, from his early nightclub days in Vegas, rubbing elbows with iconic 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.
The book is an inside look at the Golden Age of Hollywood in the wake of the cultural upheaval of the Sixties and Seventies. It demonstrates the crucial role a working producer plays in bringing a show to life, and reveals the actual people (Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Milton Berle, Liza Minnelli, among many others) cloistered inside their iconic celebrity. With spit-fire humor and tireless wit, Still Laughing captures this adventurous and CURIOUS time.
Still Laughing includes never before seen photographs of Hollywood’s biggest stars, accompanying untold stories, such as:
- Frank Sinatra’s travel habits– a Jack Daniels over ice and a Camel cigarette always in tow
- How George bought a house for Sammy Davis Jr.
- The time George sang “Over the Rainbow” to an irate Judy Garland
- Riding a party bus to see Frank Sinatra with Martin Short and Chevy Chase
- How George produced the first-ever all-Black variety show with Redd Foxx and Pearl Bailey
Circa l’autore
Jon Macks is a comedy writer and award show writer who continues to work as a political consultant and speech writer. He wrote all 22 years on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, has been a writer or head writer on 25 Academy Awards, which is the all time record; and writes speeches and special material projects for a wide range of clients including Helen Mirren, Michael Douglas, Hugh Jackman, Chris Rock, Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Steve Martin, Terry Bradshaw and Terry Fator. He has written five books with the latest being Monologue: What Makes America Laugh Before Bed.
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