Product Description

Bob Monkhouse recounts his life and 40 years of stardom in show business, during which time he has known both triumph and tragedy. His first son was born disabled with cerebral palsy; his first marriage fell apart painfully; and he was arrested in 1978 for conspiracy to defraud, which led to a two-year struggle with the law that took him to the dock of the Old Bailey. But with these low points came the high: his first successful TV series in 1953; starring in the first "Carry On" film; topping the ratings with hit TV series; and fondly-remembered love affairs, before he married his long-time secretary, Jackie. Monkhouse's career has brought him into touch with many major stars of the entertainment world, and his anecdotes in the book incorporate personalities such as Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Bob Hope, Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore, Tommy Cooper and the Princess Royal.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #35043 in Books
• Published on: 1994-07-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Customer Reviews

Bob's Full MonkhouseCar
What an appropriate title ! If worshiping Bobby Monkhouse was a religion than this text would be the bible. Either this or his joke book was stolen. Either way, Bob Monkhouse is the daddy of comedy. This cannot be disputed...

As the synopsis puts it so excellently, Bob has lead a life of ups and downs. Without attempting to outdo Bobby in the comedy stakes (I would never even try..) his life could be compared to the Grand Old Duke of Yorks men - when he was up he was up and when he was down he was down. This tale seems so common in a number of stars lives (see Anthea Turner 'Fools Rush In'), but you needn't worry, Bobby comes through in the end !

He landed the job as presenter of Wipeout as Mr Jones of Cardiff illustrates. Mr Jones fails to mention, what was to me, Bobs greatest televisual banquet - Bobs Full House. This bingo inspired programme is detailed in this book as is all of Bobs succesful (and not so succesful) TV appearences.

Three Hail Mary's and a read of Crying With Laughter later, I am truly a convert to the church of Monkhouse.

From the Bible of Comedy: The Book of Monk.
"Ahhhhh, the tears of a clown..." This is what I thought when I finally closed the cover of this excellent book. I'm a big comedy fan and love to read about my favourite comics (such as Jim Davidson). To me, like my fellow reviewers, Senior Monkhouse is top of the pile, king of the heap! Yep, like Sinatra, he did it his way. Like Sinatra, "The Monk" lived the life. The highs, the lows, he took the blows. Crying with laughter, he did it his way.

Regrets? Yep. There were a few. But what shines through is the shear naked honesty of the man. This book takes us beyond what the "politically correct brigade" like to call "smarm" and reveal a human, a human with an extraordinary talent for quips, a true gagmister. Because he's been around for so long, does this not tell you that Monkhouse is the Cardinal of comedy. Bishop Monkhouse, praise be!

As a big showbiz fan, I love the anecdotes about those who worked with Bob. It's just a different world! But don't worry, I won't ruin the surprise, let me just advise you to wear a napkin and bring a spoon because plenty of beans are spilled.

Funny -- even if you don't like the central subject!
Bob Monkhouse was a UK TV institution (and he probably would use that old gag about needing to be in one!)

Here is an autobiography of the (now late) man who was a writer/performer. And books that are written by writers are always better than those that are written by non writers. He may only have done a few failed films, cabaret and be best known for TV fluff -- but boy has he some funny stories to tell about clubland and live TV.

If I was to fault the book it doesn't get very deep in to the soul of anybody else. Not living anyway. I'd love to have known what Benny Hill was like or even what was said by Bob Hope when a microphone wasn't around - but we get little of it.

If you loved Bob Monkhouse read the book. If you don't like Bob Monkhouse read the book -- it is funny, sad and a lesson in the swings and ladders of show biz. Many lesser lights have spread their story over three or four volumes - for Bob it is the one and only. I am sure he could be just as good with the bits he missed out.