There’s
radio comedy and then there’s The Firesign Theatre’s radio comedy.
Most
of us have heard about classic radio comics such as Jack Benny, Bob Hope and
the like but nothing could prepare us for The Firesign Theatre!
Take
four guys, wicked sensibilities and humor, a no-hold-barred, in-your-face
sarcastic and poignant jabs at current trends, politics, societal norms and
conventions and you get The Firesign Theatre.
In
David Ossman’s memoir: Fighting Clowns Of
Hollywood he lets readers in on the latest and greatest comedy sketches and
homage with such sketches as Owl & Octopus Show, Nick Danger and many more
tongue-planted-firmly-in-their cheeks parodies and tributes in a hilarious romp
sure to please The Firesign Theatre legion of fans.
Written
by John Rayburn and published by BearManor
Media, Thrilling Days Of Yesteryear:
The Golden Age Of Radio takes readers back to the roots of early broadcast humor,
intrigue, Westerns and other radio genre.
Comprised
of personal recollections from both the author and old time radio personalitie,s
the book brings the heyday of broadcast radio dramas, comedies and the like to
life.
Long
before TV and movies captivated audiences with their visual magic classic radio
shows left it up to listeners to use their imaginations to fill in the gaps.
It
is a delightful book that recaptures the long gone era of family entertainment
that dominated living rooms for over a quarter of a century.
My
all-time favorite, classic science fiction movie is George Pal’s The Time
Machine. Well over 50 years ago I
remember sitting in a movie theater and being totally captivated by the film’s
premise. The film’ star: Rod Taylor totally
owned his role as the world-weary time traveler.
Rod Taylor An Aussie
In Hollywood,
by Stephen Vagg, delves into Taylor's illustrious acting career. Manyrefer to him as the premiere Australian
actor in Hollywood.
For
decades Taylor starred in an impressive line of movies such as The Birds, The
VIPS and more. He was one of only a few
actors who successfully starred in both movies and on TV.
His
range as an actor ranged from action and adventure to love stories.
The
book is an absorbing tale of a young Sydney boy who dared to take on Hollywood
and beat it at its own game.
Considered
one of the most professional and respected actors in Tinsel Town, Rod Taylor
also had his own share of demons, alcohol and ego among them.
Yet
through it all he managed to survive and consistently turn out outstanding performances
in high profile films.