Book Review: DANNY KAYE: King of Jesters

DANNY KAYE: King of JestersDavid Koenig2012
303 pages
$27.95Bonaventure Press
I am a big, big fan of Danny Kaye. So the idea that somebody of David Koenig’s talent tried to capture his life in a biography was something that I had been looking forward to. I was not disappointed. David does an incredible job bringing to life this brilliant entertainer.
The book is a comprehensive review of Danny Kaye’s work. Every film, television show, audio recording, and cameos are documented in great detail. But it is Koenig’s sharp clear style that moves the story along. You learn of Danny Kaye’s complex personal and  professional relationship with his wife Sylvia.
Of course, Danny Kaye has become part of the Disney theme park story as well. The Kraft Salutes Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary television program aired March 6, 1980 on CBS. He also hosted EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration on NBC, which aired on October 23, 1982. 
In the Disneyland show, Kaye portrayed fourteen different characters as he toured about the park. The show was such a success, Disney brought him back for the EPCOT Center grand opening show. According to Koenig, Kaye was upset that there were always tour groups milling about getting in the way and it was very, very hot. After the taping, Kaye was asked to return for the actual grand opening. He was very hesitant and was not a happy camper during the event. Disney executives vowed never to have Kaye work for the studio again.
Well written. Detailed without being overwhelming. After reading the book I just wanted to (and did) revisit many of Kaye’s film with a fresh pair of eyes. To that end, my awe for Kaye has not diminished. 

I purchased the book from the author at a recent Disneyana sale.