Author

Publication

2007-10-23 - Random House Books

Language

English

Word Count

72,000 words, Guess

Page Count

288 pages

Physical Format

Hardcover

Identifiers

and 2 more
  • Better World Books9781905211708
  • Open LibraryOL8775725M

Classifications

  • LCCPN1995.9.C55 M47 2007
  • LCCPN1995.75

Description

One of our foremost comedians shares his passion for the greats of the silent comedy eraOn the surface it may seem slightly surprising that a master of verbal humour should also be a devotee of silent comedy, but Paul Merton is completely passionate about the early days of Hollywood comedy and the comic geniuses who dominated it. His knowledge is awesome – as anyone who watched his BBC 4 series Silent Clowns or attended the events he has staged nationwide will agree – his enthusiasm is infectious, and these qualities are to be found in abundance in his new book. Starting with the very earliest pioneering short films, he traces the evolution of silent comedy through the 1900s and considers the works of the genre's greatest exponents – Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Harold Lloyd – showing not only how each developed in the course of their career but also the extent to which they influenced each other. At the same time, Paul brings a comedian's insight to bear on the art of making people laugh, and explores just how the great comic ideas, routines, gags and prat-falls worked and evolved. His first book for ten years, this richly illustrated history of silent comedy is destined to be a classic.

Description

On the surface it may seem surprising that a master of verbal humour should also be a devotee of silent comedy, but Paul Merton is passionate about the early days of Hollywood comedy and the comic geniuses who dominated it. His knowledge is awesome - as anyone who watched his BBC 4 series Silent Clowns or attended the events he has staged nationwide will agree. Starting with the very earliest pioneering short films, he traces the evolution of silent comedy through the 1900s and considers the works of the genre's greatest exponents, showing not only how each developed in the course of their career but also the extent to which they influenced each other. At the same time, Paul brings a comedian's insight to bear on the art of making people laugh, and explores just how the great comic ideas, routines, gags and prat-falls worked and evolved.

Subjects

Other Editions

  • Silent ComedyHardcoverRandom House Books2007-10-23

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