4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absorbing Look at a Complex Man, August 20, 2007
This review is from: Don Ameche: The Kenosha Comeback Kid (Paperback)
Don Ameche on screen had a likeable intensity that manifested itself in both musical-comedy, and more dramatic turf. Ohmart does an excellent job of illustrating how this intensity translated into his personal life. A good selection of interviews with Ameche and his wife Honore carry the narrative for a personal touch. They are principled people, yet Ameche is so driven by his varied career, that hearth and home suffer. Lucky for his fans that Ameche was earnestly focused on film, radio, TV, and stage. His output was varied and consistently professional.
The author capably ties the story together with comments from Ameche's friends, co-workers, and children. Quite frankly, I was surprised by the dark edges of Ameche's personality -- I'm not as convinced as Ameche that his relgious affiliation was of any real benefit to his well-being. Overall, I found Ameche likeable, friendly, and interesting on the outside, but harboring some doubts within. Ohmart discusses Ameche's career with intelligence. A good seleciton of photos carry the narrative.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"The Kenosha Comeback Kid ... Don Ameche ... Ben Ohmart (author) (2007)", October 7, 2011
This review is from: Don Ameche: The Kenosha Comeback Kid (Paperback)
BearManor Media presents "DON AMECHE: THE KENOSHA COMEBACK KID" (Paperback), by Ben Ohmart (Author) with a foreword by John Landis.
In depth account, one of the most beloved and under-rated actors ever to grace radio, stage, screen and television.
Ameche made his film comeback in 1983 in the comedic hit "Trading Places". Two years later, he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Cocoon".
In the authors (Ohmart) own words: "Don Ameche's career lasted a sturdy 60 years, an impressive feat that was only strengthened into longevity by his eager, often perfectionists versatility. even today, whenever a "Cocoon" shows up on cable, or a BICKERSONS CD is sold to someone who was not even born before Don died, the work he tried so hard to perpetuate into something "good" and meaningful will continue to live, cheer, sing and smile".
Loaded with studio stills, family photographs and behind the scenes pictures, which is just the way I like it.
Very reasonable and a good value for the price --- For product description and editorial review check this out on the Amazon site above my review.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: (Chapter, Title and Page Numbers)
Foreword by John Landis --- 1
Introduction --- 2
CHAPTER ONE: The Kenosha Kid --- 5
CHAPTER TWO: Radio Star --- 19
CHAPTER THREE: Movie Star --- 33
CHAPTER FOUR: " You're Wanted On The Ameche!" --- 71
CHAPTER FIVE: Heaven Can Wait --- 102
CHAPTER SIX: Hollydon't --- 120
CHAPTER SEVEN: TV MC --- 146
CHAPTER EIGHT: The Comeback Kid --- 152
CHAPTER NINE: It's Showtime --- 163
CHAPTER TEN: The Lean years --- 169
CHAPTER ELEVEN: Return of the Comeback Kid --- 183
CHAPTER TWELVE: The Final Years --- 198
Credits --- 210
Index --- 219
BIOS:
Don Ameche [aka: Dominic Felix Ameche]
Date of Birth: May 31, 1908 - Kenosha, Wisconsin
Date of Death: December 06, 1993 - Scottsdale, Arizona
Big thank you to Ben Ohmart and his staff at BearManor Media, a small press that publishes BIG books. They pride themselves on publishing quality entertainment biographies, so they often put out the first book on unique subjects -- plus specializing in books with nostalgic themes and keeping classic Hollywood alive not only thru his publishing house, but thru his own books.
Highly recommend - a good read! Perfect coffee-table book.
* Special footnote: -- An interesting remark in the beginning introduction: Don Ameche may have found everlasting financial and artistic success through his now-classic movies, but, like Peter Sellers, he acted foremost with his voices and never lost that subtle radio skill that could be all but understated when the shouting began. His was not the most expressive of faces, but his vocal ability was without question. Could not have put it any better, and to that I say, A-men!
Total Page: 220 Pages ~ BearManor Media #ISBN-13: 978-1593930455 ~ (February 28, 2007)
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