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| Plot Summary of Bert Williams: A Biography of the Pioneer Black Comedian |
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"Egbert "Bert" Williams is generally considered to be the greatest vaudeville comedian in American history. That he is mostly forgotten today, except by historians, is a pity. He died in 1922 after having made a very few films and so there is not a lot of photographic record of his genius.
Eric Ledell Smith's book on Williams covers as much as is possible about someone who was rather private and whose biography was largely invented by the fan magazines. The biography covers Williams' legendary collaboration with George Walker to create the winning team of Williams & Walker, and his venture into solo work after Walker's death. He became one of the greatest stars of the legendary Ziegfeld Follies, alongside such luminaries as Fanny Brice and Eddie Cantor. He introduced his signature song "Nobody," which can still be heard if you know where to look for it, and is still just as moving as it was in its heyday.
The book also delves into the difficulties he encountered as a pioneer on the vaudeville stage, and the business difficulties he faced in trying to make sure that all members of society, no matter what their color, would be able to enjoy his performances. W.C. Field said of Williams - "He was the funniest man I ever saw, and the saddest man I ever knew." This book helps you to understand why this was true. "
Graceann Maciolek, Resident Scholar
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| Review Analysis of Bert Williams: A Biography of the Pioneer Black Comedian |
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Our unique search engine provides a wealth of detail about books by breaking them down into many different literary elements, all of which are searchable (click here).
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Ethnic/Relig. of subject (inside)
- Black
Job/profession/poverty story
Yes
Ethnic/regional/gender
Yes
ethnic of society (outside)
- Black
Story of entertainer?
- Comedian
Period of greatest activity?
- 1900+
Subject of Biography
Gender
- Male
Profession/status:
- actor/actress/producer
Age:
- 40's-50's
Biography of famous person?
Yes
Ethnicity
- Black
Nationality
- American (!)
How sensitive is this person?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Strong but gentle sense of humor
Intelligence
- Very much smarter than other people
Physique
- average physique
Setting
How much descriptions of surroundings?
- 2 ()
United States
Yes
The US:
- Northeast
City?
Yes
City:
- New York
Century:
- 1900-1920's
Style
Accounts of torture and death?
- no torture/death
Book makes you feel?
- thoughtful
Commentary on society?
Yes
Commentary on
- race
Writer's slant towards subject:
- favorable
Story of entire life, or part?
- story of nearly entire life
If this is a kid's book:
- Age 16-Adult
Pictures/Illustrations?
- More 6-10 B&W
How much dialogue in bio?
- little dialog
How much of bio focuses on most famous period of life?
- 51%-75% of book
How much is philosophy rather than life story?
- 0-25% of book
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Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s). | |
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