Mel Brooks is a well-known comedian, actor, and director who has been entertaining audiences for decades. In his book, “All About Me!”, Brooks shares his life story, from his childhood in Brooklyn to his rise to fame in show business. The book is a humorous and insightful look at the life of a man who has made a career out of making people laugh.
Chapter 1: Growing Up in Brooklyn
The first chapter of the book takes readers back to Brooks’ childhood in Brooklyn, New York. Brooks shares stories of growing up in a Jewish household and attending a Hebrew school. He also talks about his love for movies and how he would sneak into movie theaters to watch films. Brooks’ love for comedy and entertaining others began at a young age, and he would often perform for his family and friends.
Chapter 2: Joining the Army
After graduating high school, Brooks joined the Army. He was stationed in Oklahoma and worked as a combat engineer. Brooks shares stories of his time in the Army, including how he was injured in a training accident. He also talks about how his love for comedy continued to grow while he was in the Army, as he performed for his fellow soldiers.
Chapter 3: Starting in Show Business
After being discharged from the Army, Brooks moved to New York City to pursue a career in show business. He started out as a stand-up comedian and quickly gained a reputation for being one of the funniest comedians in the city. Brooks eventually landed a job writing for television shows, which led to him creating his own television show, “Get Smart.”
Chapter 4: Directing Films
Brooks’ love for film led him to start directing movies. His first film, “The Producers,” was a massive success and won several Academy Awards. Brooks went on to direct other successful films, including “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.” Brooks shares stories from the set of his films and talks about the challenges of directing.
Chapter 5: Personal Life
In this chapter, Brooks talks about his personal life, including his marriages and children. He also shares stories of his friendships with other comedians and entertainers, including Carl Reiner and Sid Caesar. Brooks talks about how his family and friends have supported him throughout his career and how they have inspired him to continue working in show business.
Conclusion
Overall, “All About Me!” is a must-read for fans of Mel Brooks. The book provides a glimpse into the life of a man who has had a remarkable career in show business. Brooks’ humor and insight make the book a fun and entertaining read. Whether you are a fan of Brooks’ films or just looking for a good biography to read, “All About Me!” is definitely worth picking up.