UFOs, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don't Have to Be Crazy to Believe [Paperback]

Richard Belzer (Author)

Book Description

Release date: May 2, 2000

"I'm not asking you to believe every conspiracy theory you'll find in this book. . . . I didn't write this book to give you all the answers. The Warren Commission did that, and the answers were all wrong. I wrote this book to inspire you to do what the powers that be wish you wouldn't:  to question authority . . . and to keep an eye out for Elvis."
--RICHARD BELZER

In UFOs, JFK, and Elvis, the distinguished statesman of stand-up comedy tackles some of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups this side of Roswell. Just what is it that they don't want you to know about the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Area 51, and what the American astronauts really found on the moon? The unexplained crash at Roswell and the mysterious "face" on Mars? The link between the Nazis and the U.S. space program? Evidence of extraterrestrial experimentation?

Finally, one lone "nut" exposes the conspiracy to keep conspiracies a dirty little secret, standing up to the shadowy forces that would have us believe that Oswald acted alone, those lights in the sky are weather balloons, and fluoridated water is good for you (yeah, right). "Some of the smartest people I know . . . find it easier--and certainly more comforting--to believe that America is the only country on earth with no conspiracies at all." Just remember: do not ask on whom The Belz has told--he's told on them.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Are you the least bit curious about the JFK mystery, UFOs, and the conspiracy theories that swirl around them like dust devils? If so, don't miss out on Richard Belzer's immensely entertaining, impishly irreverent audio monologue on his twin enthusiasms. (Elvis doesn't really figure in Belzer's spiel. He just put him in there because whenever he cast doubt on the Warren Commission or government denials of UFOs, people would say, "Yeah, and you probably believe Elvis is still alive," which isn't true.) Belzer played the conspiracy-obsessed Detective Munch on TV's Homicide and other shows so convincingly because he is obsessed. He's working on a TV adaptation of the ideas in The Big Book of Conspiracies.

Belzer's snarky, film noir voice is a national treasure, and his jaunty, paranoid rap is punctuated with 200 sound effects: musical cues, rifle shots, and a little noise that signals one of Belzer's delightful "factoids." A factoid is an item of interest, such as Belzer's allegation that the bullets recovered from the cop allegedly shot by Oswald don't match Oswald's gun. He also cites the actual U.S. law that forbade sex with aliens. No joke! Belzer started out as a snarling standup comic, and few can match his way with a monologue. His delivery doesn't merely drip with sarcasm, it's positively drenching. He may or may not convince you that Gerald Posner's Oswald-did-it book Case Closed is bull, but he will definitely make you laugh. (Running time: 6 hours, 4 cassettes)--Tim Appelo --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Television actor Belzer (he played Detective John Munch on Homicide) began his career as a comedian, working in the same dark political vein as Mort Sahl and Dick Gregory. He brings this skeptic's tone to his discussion of the questions raised by popular American conspiracy theories: Who really killed President Kennedy?, Do UFOs exist? and the ilk. Reading, he comes across as a friendly guy with a healthy anti-authority streak. He poses himself as a people's advocate, at one with all the loonies who believe the U.S. government is involved in cover-up upon cover-up. Much of the program is devoted to attacking the facts of the Kennedy assassination. He makes light of all the loose ends and contradictions (to the occasional sound effect of a whizzing bullet). Later, he discusses whether the Apollo space program was a sham, then delves into the even more far-fetched topic of sex with aliens (he calls it "intergalactic buggery"). Here, he finally sheds his high-handed tone and allows himself to become downright giddy in his conjectures. Based on the 1999 Ballantine hardcover. (June)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1st Trade Ppbk Ed May 2000 edition (May 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345429184
• ISBN-13: 978-0345429186
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (78 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,568 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #72 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Political

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Factoid: This book may crush some cherished delusions. June 5, 2000

By "stoically"

Format:Audio Cassette

I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much from this book when I bought it. I thought it would just provide a pleasant diversion during a long drive. (And, yes, I'm talking about the audiobook version. Reading while driving is just plain wrong, kids.) I didn't think a comedian/actor would have a proper understanding of the topics presented. Of course, I also never used to question such supposedly august institutions as the U.S. Department of Justice or The New York Times. It was a silly prejudice; Belzer is very knowledgeable. The references peppered throughout convinced me of this. The Belz provides an overview of various conspiracies that has surprising depth. In addition, the writing is very concise and powerful. I didn't find a dull moment in the entire book. And, even though the book would stand well on the organization of information and the excellent writing, the humor really helps put it above the standard conspiracy primer. It's not too over-the-top and not too desperately cynical. (The conspiracy rap at the end is a true masterpiece.) Get it and let the information work its way, unsettlingly, into your storehouse of popular delusions. Or scoff and go back to sleep like the rest of the sheep...but don't forget to keep laughing.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE BELZER! December 31, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

I love this book! It's a wonderful way to make your senses just a little more paranoied. Through this book, Belzer remains funny. Which is what I like about Richard. This book is involved, and some may find it weird or inappropriate, if you can't deal with something that might take away some light form your happy-go-lucky world, don't read it. If you're going to read it, and you find it offensive, it's your own fault, you should know better than to read something that looks like you might be a little shaken by. If you're going to read it, read it because you have some interest in what Belzer is saying, or Belzer himself. I read it becasue I am a fan of his, and wanted to see what he was getting paid to ramble about, and I am very glad I did. It's an informative and really funny book, so if you're not the most content person with the government, this book would probably be a good one for you.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An unexpected level of research and depth of thought November 18, 2006

By calvinnme HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

When I first saw this title I thought that Richard Belzer had written a funny book filled with witty musings about little green men and movies in which Kevin Costner has a bad haircut." Belzer has made a turn toward the dramatic with his portrayal of detective John Munch in "Homicide" and "Law & Order SVU", a role he has had since 1993. However, this is still the same guy that was in the 1988 classic "The Wrong Guys". I was in no way prepared for what I was about to read.

Within the first few pages I was reading details about claims of heinous atrocities and government conspiracies. This was not the lighthearted work that I expected. From the very beginning, Belzer makes his goal clear. He urges the reader to "seek out suppressed evidence ... interpret independently everything you hear, read, and even what you see ... question authority."

Even if you are not a conspiracy theory enthusiast, it is hard not to get caught up in the unexpected depth of Belzer's research and his insights on the JFK assassination and alien visitors. I wasn't exactly "transformed from a cheerful trusting soul with unflagging faith in the powers that be into a suspicious, angry skeptic and cynic that can't sit through a 30-second news teaser," as Belzer promised, but reading the book has made me think and look at the situations in question in a new light.

For those who are not big on conspiracy, the information is presented in a way that would make even Lee Harvey Oswald chuckle. The book is both informative and entertaining, with sections with names such as "The Fluke of Earl" and "Just a Simple Nightclub Owner with a Dream". This book had me laughing one moment and somewhat scared the next. If you are not familiar with Belzer's comedy routine or acting, you might not appreciate this book as much as if you were. It makes it easier to tell when Belzer is joking around and when he is serious.