Customer Reviews

Short and Sweet: The Life and Times of the Lollipop Munchkin

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Jerry Maren has completed his autobiography, an extraordinary book that he promises will please all of his fans. Producer Sid Krofft (of Sid and Marty Krofft) has contributed a fantastic Foreword for the book which puts Jerry's career in perspective as well as his own fascination for Oz and the inspirations Oz provided. The memoir will be published in the Spring of 2008 with books available in May 2008. The book will include amazing COLOR images throughout (dating back to the 1930s believe it or not)as well as plenty of black and white images, all from his private archive, which illustrate Jerry's lengthy career in radio, film, and television. Lots of surprises! For any fan of popular culture, this will be a "must-have" book. Guaranteed!

Jerry Maren is an enduring actor who headed to Hollywood seventy years ago and has been appearing in motion pictures, television programs, and touring promotions ever since. Most viewers probably don't know his name, but nearly all movie patrons and TV watchers have glimpsed him repeatedly and been delighted by his performances. Usually cast in small roles, Maren always stands out because of his miniature stature, natural charisma, and upbeat personality. These traits have served him well, making him a highlight of such films as the Wizard of Oz, the Marx Brothers' At the Circus, and Our Gang's Tiny Troubles - as well as television programming including The Adventures of Superman, The Lucy Show, Star Trek, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, The Gong Show, and Seinfeld.

Short and Sweet is a remarkable memoir chronicling Jerry Maren's life and career, from his childhood experiences through his present day activities. This book is chock full of photographs and written in a clear, concise manner that makes reading a pleasure. The information is extremely well organized, with the result that the book has the qualities of a perfect scrapbook merged with a masterfully-honed diary. What makes Maren's memoir so enjoyable is learning about his unique career experiences due to being a "little person," coupled with his personal remembrances (and photographs) of the long list of celebrities encountered along the way. This list includes Jack Oakie, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Alan Ladd, Jimmy Stewart (the Jimmy Stewart anecdote is my favorite), Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Eddie Cantor, Edgar Bergen, Spike Jones, Abbott and Costello, Oscar Mayer, Ringo Starr, Tiny Tim, Andy Williams, Cheech and Chong, Mel Brooks, and others.

The recollections in Short and Sweet are wholly upbeat and presented with humility and respect. These characteristics seem to define Maren, who comes across as a very stable, hard working, reliable, and amiable gentleman - in other words, a TRUE role model. (What a relief to read about a "stable" actor in this day and age!)

Short and Sweet is a wonderful story of an unusual man's life - a story that will keep you intrigued and smiling from beginning to end. Regardless of whether or not you're familiar with Jerry Maren, I highly recommend this book. It is a treasure and one I'm sure you'll find entertaining, nostalgic, and interesting.

Short and Sweet: The Life and Times of the Lollipop Munchkin

This is a fascinating look at the life and career of original Lollipop Guild Munchkin, Jerry Maren, which covered the golden age of Hollywood. I was amazed where his long acting career had led him and that he had worked alongside with some of the great stars of the day. A look at this actor's life is long overdue and at last this unusual and heartwarming career has been brought to life and retold in a great book...filled with fabulous photographs from cover to cover! Excellent!

The book is terrific. It reads like a sincere account of Jerry's life told in his own words and from his own perspective. His candid opinions and anecdotes about famous people and situations puts this in a class of its own. I can only imagine Andy Williams's face when he read what Jerry had to say about the odor emanating from his writers' offices, for example. I was expecting to read something about Shatner but I suppose his co-stars have already done that to death.

I couldn't believe the number and quality of projects Jerry's been involved in. Some I already knew of and others were interesting to learn about. The book brought back memories of my own childhood with Buster Brown, the Wienermobile, Mayor McCheese and the gang, H.R. Puffnstuf, etc. I especially enjoyed the Oz stories and the question-and-answer format. That was a nice idea. I certainly learned a lot.

A must read for the fan of, well, anything!

Jerry Maren might very well be the most famous midget of our day. Who can argue that The Wizard of Oz has been seen by maybe more people around the world than any other film? And who doesn't love the Lollipop Guild? Maren was the famous Lollipop Munchkin, but don't be fooled into thinking this book is another retell of the making of Oz. There are other books for that. While he gives us readers plenty to chew on about the film, the rest is about his amazing career. And then, he rounds it out with Oz again as he reunites fifty years later with his fellow Munchkins and Oz cast mates like Jack Haley and Ray Bolger. There are hilarious moments in this book (peeing on Jimmy Stewart at his bachelor party) as well as poignant moments (the little girl who got run over by the Wienermobile). It struck me that while looking at this book, you see this unique little guy grow from age four to eighty-eight right before your eyes. The book takes you on a chronological tour down the yellow brick road with this Munchkin. The photographs are stunners!!! You won't be disappointed by this book. I couldn't put it down. It's something you will NEVER forget. I guarantee.

I have read several Oz books before, and this is one of my favorites. I love all the pictures and stories that were included from Jerry Maren's career before and after the Wizard of Oz. In the writing, it feels as though you are sitting down and listening to Jerry tell stories about the good ole days. Very easy reading, and highly recommended for any Oz fan!

Jerry Maren represented the Lollipop Guild in the Wizard of Oz, as a Munchkin on the most popular movie of all time. Here Maren reveals his life and career in Hollywood, examining evolving facets of 20th century culture and life, sharing experiences working among big stars from Lucille Ball to the Marx Brothers, and pairing color and black and white photos with fun memories in SHORT AND SWEET: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE LOLLIPOP MUNCHKIN. Any movie, Hollywood or general-interest lending library holding will find this a bright, popular lend.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

"Short and Sweet" is just that. Jerry Maren's book covers his 60+ year career in and out of Hollywood, and is loaded with rare photos. Who knew Maren was in Star Trek the original TV series, Lidsville, Bewitched, Battle for the Planet of the Apes, New Zoo Revue, and many others, in addition to well known roles such as a Munchkin in Oz. Edited by Stephen Cox, author of some of the best TV and movie books ever written.

Very enjoyable! What a great career Jaren Maren has had -- so much more than the Lollipop Munchkin that I never knew. His story is told in a very down-to-earth manner, with lots of great behind-the-scenes photos and anecdotes. I'm glad that I've had the chance to meet this Hollywood Legend in person, and now know his history a lot better!

Jerry Maren's "Short and Sweet" is an absolute must-read!!

While many only associate Jerry Maren with his iconic role of the Lollipop Kid in the Wizard of Oz, this pint-sized super star has done so much more!

Savor the hundreds of rare photographs and clippings that Jerry has kept in his own personal collection for decades. Many of the photographs have never been published before.

You'll be amazed by the list of stars that Jerry has worked with. He was the entertainment for Jimmy Stewart's bachelor party. Yes, THAT Jimmy Stewart! And, did you know Jerry and his tiny, talented wife, Elizabeth, were in the classic Seinfeld episode "Yada, Yada, Yada"?

While reading this book, you'll follow Jerry not only along the Yellow Brick Road, but through the streets of Hollywood, until you land on the Munchkins Star on the Walk of Fame.

Short and Sweet is the one sweet treat you can devour and not have to worry about the calories!!