Side By Side: Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis On TV and Radio (hardback)

I really need to stop reading about Martin and Lewis, because each time it's a struggle to get through the last pages. I thought I was safe buying this book that presents itself as a record of their radio and TV shows. But I was in for a big surprise because it's much more than that. Although the focus is mainly on the wonderful work they did for The Colgate Comedy Hour, the book is in fact a well documented (it seems well documented at least) journey through the heartwarming early Fifties to the bitter mid and late Fifties and the bittersweet ever after. What made them great is clearly outlined by the author: the closeness, the affection they had for each other, the fact that their craziest routines were played for breaking each other up and the public was bewitched and played along. When popularity and different views on the profession jeopardized that relationship, the fun stopped, at least for them. Each went on to have great solo careers, but that magic they could not recreate it with anybody else. I loved the book, but it's a tough read for a fan. I particularly appreciated the list of radio shows. The four stars are for the ebook: a few words are missing here and there and the table of contents is not very detailed.

The book gives the reader a good idea of exactly how big Martin and Lewis were and the heights of success they reached. The book also does a good job of portraying the love affair these two men had. Like most love affairs though it had to eventually come to an end The author has watched enough of the surviving video to determine exactly when Dean became disgruntled with Jerry and the steps leading up to their breakup. It makes for fascinating reading.

Awesome book about two incredible but very different people who for a short ten years were best friends, partners, and the most successful comedy team ever - Dino & Jerry! Thank you, Mr. Hayden, your book is an incredible character study and masterpiece!

This is an excellent reference guide to Martin & Lewis' work on television and radio, complete with reviews from the time as well as the best writing I've seen on the why's of their break-up. Also important is the dispelling of the myth that Dean and Jerry didn't speak to each other for 20 years until they reunited on the 1976 MDA Telethon. Detailed examples are given of the times they appeared together between 1957 and 1976 and after.

A fantastic overview of the guy's live work on Radio & TV followed up by a detailed telling of their post- 1956 reunions. As well written as it is researched. If your fan of Dino & Jer, this belongs in your library!!- Dan