Customer Reviews

Pat Buttram

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Sandy Grabman's book shows what a real gentleman Pat Buttram was and how much he was respected amongst his peers. He never had a bad word about anyone. He was more than just a sidekick of Gene Autry. The book does a great job in showing how much empathy he showed to others.

Very humble beginnings, never forgot his roots, interesting how he got his nickname, Pat. The explosion that happened on the set,while filming was a real challenge for Pat to recover from his injuries. Pat could test an audience by making three jokes to set a theme for the rest of the night.

I liked a lot of his sayings such as: Do away with income tax - mass unemployment, beauty shop gossip curls your hair, Disney World people trap built by a mouse, people from oil countries mostly ride camels and many more. The book shows a serious side of Pat in addition to be very entertaining with lots of laughs.

This biography is a wonderful and loving tribute to actor Pat Buttram (1915-1994). While most fans just know him as Gene Autry's sidekick, and Mr. Haney on "Green Acres," author Sandra Grabman explores the personal life of this great man in much detail. This book reveals a side of Pat Buttram I never knew existed. Born in a shack to dirt-poor parents, Pat was the 7th of 8 children. But Pat found his way out of poverty by using his wits, keen sense of humor, and distinctive down-home country voice. Pat became a radio announcer, then movie and TV personality, and eventually the most sought-after Toastmaster in the country, mingling with the top celebrities of showbiz. Along the way, Pat got married twice (first to a stenographer and then to a movie star), had two wonderful daughters, and achieved national popularity. But life wasn't always good for Pat. Just wait until you read about the life-altering accident that happened on the set when he was 35. The way he reacted to it amazed me. Pat suffered other adversities, and felt grief whenever a loved one was ill or died. Yet through it all, Pat only thought of others, never his own hardships, and gave generously to family members and charities alike. Just before he died, Pat wrote a note to himself: "Life isn't fair. Quit whining and get on with it." Sandra Grabman's book takes you on a journey of Pat's life, and it is inspiring.

If you've never read a Sandra Grabman biography, you're in for a real treat. This author is to biographies what Carl Sandburg is to poetry. She is able to make a biography read like a great literary classic. When you combine her writing skills in this book with the tons and tons of photos (not a center section, but spread throughout the book), you have a truly delightful read.

I recommend that you read not only the Pat Buttram biography, but this author's other biographies as well, especially "Plain Beautiful." You won't be disappointed!

I purchased this as a gift for my husband. He said it contains some little known facts about Pat he has found interesting but that it is a slow read. Service by supplier was great.