23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"our most passionate recommendation", April 4, 2006
This review is from: One Fine Stooge: Larry Fine's Frizzy Life In Pictures (Hardcover)
From ROGUECINEMA.COM
"Back in the early 1970s, Larry Fine was the first stooge to come out with a biography. Some interesting photos were placed in a text that was rife with errors, both grammatical and historical. Few copies sold, it quietly left the market, and is now a bizarre and costly collector's item. Larry remained very unhappy with the project, and until his death in 1975, would gather material for a proposed new autobiography.
Film and television historian Steve Cox gained access to this material thru co-author Jim Terry, and for the past several years they worked to produce perhaps the definitive book on any of the Stooges' lives.
One Fine Stooge is indeed mostly about the quietly endearing man in the middle, but it includes a wealth of information about the Stooges and their careers on stage, in films, and on television not found in other biographies, including Moe Howard's 1977 autobiography, the rather ghastly biography of Curly published in the 1980s (which has a Foreword by Michael Jackson -- a real portent for the bizarre psycho babble that fills the rest of the text), and Joe Besser's thoughtful autobiography from that same period. This latest look at the Stooges is, quite frankly, the best biographical piece on them yet.
Rare photos (including a couple of interesting color shots from the Shemp years), are now placed in a text that is enlightening, informative, and revealing. Even the staunchest stoogephiles will be pleased with such information as the fact that Shemp actually went on stage in place of Curly for many dates as early as 1945 before officially replacing him in 1946, or that two of the most reviled Stooges comedies (Cuckoo on a Choo Choo and Sweet and Hot) were among Larry's favorites. It was disturbing, albeit fascinating, to read Larry's personal feelings about his partners, his troubled marriage to an alcoholic and abusive spouse, and the death of his son.
It is amazing to read quotes from Larry such as 'At first Curly was very sensitive and embarrassed about his crew cut hair. He would never take his cap off; however as soon as he got popular in movies, he was proud of his appearance and wouldn't keep his cap on so everyone would immediately recognize him.'
Recollections from celebrities from Frankie Avalon, to Bob Saget, to Penn Jillette add another interesting dimension.
One Fine Stooge is the perfect book on the trio. It contains a wealth of rare photos, the general information for fans who don't already know the team's history, and fascinating tidbits for those of us who have been Stoogephiles for decades. It has our most passionate recommendation."
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Porcupine Shines!, November 21, 2006
This review is from: One Fine Stooge: Larry Fine's Frizzy Life In Pictures (Hardcover)
Do you know alot about the Stooges? Strike that. NOW, you do know alot about the Stooges once you pick up this book. Find out things that you never knew about Larry and the other Stooges. Jam packed with info, stories, memories and pictures that you will find in here are just INCREDIBLE. Everything from all aspects of their career, plus pages of excellect rare COLOR photos. Even if you are not a Stooge fan you will find this book a great read. Cox and Terry take you back for some wonderful memories as if you were a little fly upon the wall(ain't you got no clothes at all). There has not been a better Stooge book ever written as I see it. Moe Howard's book is a great book thru the eyes of Moe's memories but seeing the boys career thru Larry's percpective is quite refreshing, as he seemed like the most subdued of the Stooges and might not have much to say. You have got to read this book for the historical value of comedy teams and the lasting power that these boys have tested over time. Also the entertainment value of this book gives you a behind the scenes look at how they would operate. Thanks to the authors for the time and effort recreating Larry's life for us and to see a glimpse of comedic history in the making. I have waited for a book like this with these kind of photos forever. A must for your library, you WON'T be sorry.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Roll over "Stroke Of Luck", December 4, 2006
This review is from: One Fine Stooge: Larry Fine's Frizzy Life In Pictures (Hardcover)
Here it is, the story of Larry Fine. These 241 pages provide a portrait of the life of Larry Fine as a member of the Three Stooges comedy team. They also provide much more then just a glimpse into Mr. Fine the family man. Research for the book included newspaper clippings, personal notes and letters as well as a huge library of photographs, mostly unpublished until now. This is the story Larry wanted to tell, the true story of his successful career including the ups and downs of his personal life and many mishaps while working for Columbia Pictures. After reading this book I felt like I had lived this life with Mr. Fine. Steve Cox and Jim Terry should feel proud of what they have unleashed to the world. This book covers all angles of what life was like as a member of the Three Stooges comedy team. Unlike the book Larry was not proud of "Stroke Of Luck" this book is a keeper, a real fantastic addition to my collection. Larry said he was going to write another book and I feel the authors have done it here for him, this is the book Larry would have been proud to promote and call his own. Roll over "Stroke Of Luck" you have been replaced, your now only worth the paper your printed on. I know fans of the Three Stooges and film fans in general will love this book. This has been one fine read for sure. Another fantastic book is "Larry, the Stooge in the Middle" written by Larry Fine's brother Moe Feinberg.
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