Tuesday 25 October 2011

Book Reviews

Marty Feldman: The Biography of a Comedy Legend
Robert Ross
Titan Books

Available Now
Review by Blake Harmer

Regarded as an architect of British comedy, paving the way for the likes of Monty Python, and forever remembered as Igor in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, Marty Feldman made some great works as a writer, director and a performer. And even though he died at the young age of 48, he lived a very busy life as can be seen here in his very first biography.

There’s a lot to enjoy from this biography. Firstly, it covers every aspect of Marty’s life and even shows his darker side, from living rough on the streets as a young man to his successes with Young Frankenstein and Yellowbeard (which would be his last film before he died). I also liked that Marty’s life is told not only by himself from unreleased interviews, but also from his close friends and work colleagues including Graham Chapman, Spike Milligan and Terry Jones. However, the main reason the book is enjoyable to read is that you feel like you knew Marty at the end of it, and you know the bad things he went through as well as the good.

However, my main criticism with this biography is that I felt it relies a little too heavily on source materials when telling Marty’s life. This can lead to Ross deviating from the point at times and leading onto subjects which he will touch on again later even though he had already mentioned it previously. This can quite infuriating at times, but persevere and you will find an interesting read.

The Emotionally Fourteen Rating
Violence:
Marty makes references to fights and what some circus acts did but nothing overly graphic.
Sex/Nudity: Some references, but nothing overly descriptive.
Swearing: Some quite strong language in places.
Summary: An enjoyable insight into the life of a comedy genius who had lived through rough times and almost conquered adversity even though he wouldn’t admit it. Sure it does get a bit side tracked at times, but if you loved Marty, you will love this. 7/10

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER: SEASON SIX GIVEAWAY


How I Met Your Mother is a comedy about Ted and how he fell in love. It all started when Ted's best friend, Marshall (Jason Segel), dropped the bombshell that he was going to propose to his long-time girlfriend, and now wife, Lily (Alyson Hannigan), a kindergarten teacher. At that moment, Ted realized that he had better get a move on if he too hopes to find true love. Helping him in his quest is Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), a friend with endless, sometimes outrageous opinions, a penchant for suits and a foolproof way to meet women. When Ted met Robin (Cobie Smulders), it was love at first sight, but when things didn't work out, Ted realized destiny must have something else in store. The series is narrated through flashbacks from the future.

Thanks to our friends at 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, we've got three copies of How I Met Your Mother: Season Six on DVD to give away! For your chance of winning, send your name and full postal address to emotionally14@hotmail.co.uk before midday on Tuesday 8th November, making sure to put "How I Met" as the subject. The first three entries out of the electronic hat after the competition closes will receive a copy of this awesome DVD!

Don't forget to put "How I Met" in the subject line. Incorrectly labelled or blank entries will be discarded.

How I Met Your Mother: Season Six is available from Monday 31st October, courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Entries limited to one per household. Offer open only to postal addresses in the UK and Ireland.

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