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Bernard Manning: A Biography
 
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Bernard Manning: A Biography (Paperback)

by Jonathan Margolis (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Orion; New edition edition (6 Oct 1997)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0752809059
  • ISBN-13: 978-0752809052
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 703,457 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Product Description
This first biography is an investigation into the enormous contradiction between the public Manning - reviled for his racsit and abusive act - and the private man, generous to a fault, but a typically melancholy clown. Margolis asks what drives the millionaire workaholic; is he a monster or a genius?

About the Author
Jonathan Margolis is a well known journalist and author of five successful showbusiness biographies.

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Customer Reviews

5 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Can't help liking the man, 6 May 2004
By A Customer
I am an intelligent graduate, I'm neither racist nor homophobic, and I generally detest mainstream, old-school comedians (Jim Davidson, Stan Boardman, et al); but I do like Bernard Manning.

I am not a fan of Manning's racist stuff, and he'd be just as funny if he left that material out of his act; as far as Manning's concerned, though, it gets him the headlines, and that's all that matters. Manning, to me, is not a true racist, and if you've seen his act you will know that he tell jokes, not incites racial hatred. Like Jerry Sadowitz, a comedian that seems to be much more accepted by the alternative comedy scene, Manning has a go at everything and everybody. Margolis, in this biography, covers the arguments, and makes the point that Bernard Manning is a "man of his time", rather like Groucho Marx or Alf Garnet, and simply wants people - of all nationalities - to laugh and have a good time.

As a comic Manning's timing and delivery are faultless, and some of his retorts and one-liners are sublime. His command of an audience is superb, and I challenge anyone to go and watch Bernard Manning live and fail to laugh. Offstage, Manning is a warm-hearted, empathetic man who dotes on his friends and family.

"National treasure" is an overused cliche, but I believe that in Bernard Manning's case that description fits. The sad thing is that he probably won't be acknowledged as the great that he is until sometime after he passes.

This intelligent, readable biography of one of our country's comedy greats is highly recommended.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars The Enigmatic Mr. Bernard Manning, 30 Dec 2000
By A Customer
I read with often mixed feelings the biography of Mr. Manning by journalist Jonathan Margolis. A fine comedian in every sense - timing, delivery, the looks - most people who have experienced a taste of Bernard Manning in person will tell you that he doesn't actually need the awful racist material that he spews nightly onstage at his famous Embassy Club. One of the things I particularly like about Margolis' book is he covers both sides of the coin (but then again, how could he not?!) - yes Bernard is a brilliant comic, yes he is offensive - but why? Early stories are interesting, and there is a lot of detail about Bernard's early career as a Swing singer. There are tales of his generosity, his softness and his staunch faithfullness to his customers at his club (on an offer of a multi-million pound world tour: "no thanks, I've got me own punters"). I feel Margolis could've spoken a little more to the important people in Bernard' s career ie. producer Johnnie Hamp, the great stand-up comedian George Roper, producer John Fisher, Esther Rantzen (he memorably had an on-screen dispute with her in the 70's on Parkinson) and even to the other members of The Comedians. We could have learnt more about the man. But overall, a very good read.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read, 15 May 2001
Very good. Bernard is seen as a sexist rascist homophobe but don't forget that he takes the mickey out of every sector of society including his own. The UK takes things far too seriously nowadays and the PC Right-On brigade (normally a bunch of Guardian readers sat around a table conferring about what person or group they should target as their next victim to accuse of racism)create barriers!!! Believe it! It's true! Get this book and ignore the lib-lefts. They have no s.o.h! Cheers....
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars An good insight
Many know Manning for the wrong reasons. Yes he was very contoversial but he was also a brilliant comedian who knew what he wanted in life and how to get it. Read more
Published 15 hours ago by M. Clark

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, funny biography.
This is a richly entertaining biography of one of Britain's best known comedians. Although sneered at by the right-on brigade, Manning is actually a very, very good joke teller,... Read more
Published on 30 May 2000 by lewinr@hotmail.com

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