Promotional Information

/ Lead title Gene Wilder defined film comedy in the 1970s and '80s. But this is no traditional autobiography, rather it's an intelligent, quirky, humorous account of key events that have affected him in search for love and art. / A fascinating compilation of stories, anecdotes and observations covering Wilder's life until now, in his own words / Wilder will visit the UK in June to promote the book -- to include Q & A sessions and book signing events / National press, radio and TV interviews guaranteed

About the Author

American stage and screen actor, director, screenwriter, author and activist Gene Wilder started his acting career at the age of 13.His long and distinguished career, which includes a nomination for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor for his role in cult classic The Producers as well as lead roles in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Young Frankenstein, has made him one of the most influential figures in film. Now unofficially retired from showbusiness, he lives in America.

Reviews

'Funny, unusual and completely convincing.' The Mail on Sunday 'Wilder's prose is as probingly honest as his best performances.' Sunday Times 'Like it's author, it has great charm and intelligence.' Daily Mail -- Critic's Choice 'Pure Gene Wilder! Uproarishly funny and at times very moving. It made me want to go out and see every Gene Wilder movie again.' Mel Brooks

Twice nominated for Academy Awards in acting and screenwriting, Wilder is a comedic master whose performances in Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and The Producers continue to inspire younger actors. And as someone who has worked with Mel Brooks, he can kibbitz with the best of them. In his memoir, he focuses on his work as an artist and his interpersonal relationships, namely four marriages, the most famous of which was with Gilda Radner. Confessional in the literal sense (Jewish guilt factors prominently) as well as the stylistic (much of the narrative is a conversation with his therapist), the story follows a chronological arc, with hilarious and lovely anecdotal reminiscences of such figures as Carol Channing, Zero Mostel, Woody Allen, Richard Pryor, and Arthur Penn. Wilder often concludes chapters with a daisy chain-like summation, e.g., if-Stanley-Donen-hadn't-rearranged-hi s-schedule-I-wouldn't-have-met-Madeline-Kahn, as if to say everything works out for the best. A wonderful addition to the entertainment memoir Gene pool.-Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.