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Gilbert Selwyn and Friends #2
Putting on the Ritz
While writing songs for would-be singer Elsa Champion, cafe society fellow Philip Cavanaugh must spy on her and her boorish real-estate mogul husband in order to provide friend Gilbert Selwyn with dirt for his forthcoming expose
325 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 1991
9 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Joe Keenan
11 books62 followersJoe Keenan (born July 14, 1958) is an American screenwriter, television producer and novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 7, 2011
a singalong Puttin' on the Ritz! as sung by the feverishly arch 80s chanteur known only as Taco. the immortal Taco!
"If you're gay and you don't know where to stay,
toss off that leash, go with the nouveau riche,
Puttin' on the Ritz.
New York types who run the world, sell the world,
soulless too, the perfect twits,
Puttin' on the Ritz.
Dressed up like a million dollar trooper
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper)
Come let's mix where trophy wives walk with sticks
tiny dogs clutched in their mitts,
Puttin' on the Ritz.
Spying on the well-to-do up and down Park Avenue
On that famous thoroughfare, Phillip, Gilbert, oh and Claire
High hopes and shallow sorrows, watch them as they hunt for dollars
Spending every dime for a wonderful time
If you're queer and prone to sneer,
why don't you go where fashion sits,
Puttin' on the Ritz!"
"If you're gay and you don't know where to stay,
toss off that leash, go with the nouveau riche,
Puttin' on the Ritz.
New York types who run the world, sell the world,
soulless too, the perfect twits,
Puttin' on the Ritz.
Dressed up like a million dollar trooper
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper)
Come let's mix where trophy wives walk with sticks
tiny dogs clutched in their mitts,
Puttin' on the Ritz.
Spying on the well-to-do up and down Park Avenue
On that famous thoroughfare, Phillip, Gilbert, oh and Claire
High hopes and shallow sorrows, watch them as they hunt for dollars
Spending every dime for a wonderful time
If you're queer and prone to sneer,
why don't you go where fashion sits,
Puttin' on the Ritz!"
July 4, 2012
Putting on the Ritz is not the period piece I was expecting, in spite of the references to Wilde, Wodehouse, and Coward on the cover. I understand the references to those giants of comedic chaos replete with send-ups of high society and pseudo-elegance; there are similarities of style (at least through the first three quarters of the book and the last sixth of the book). In particular, author Joe Keenan is a master of the snarky simile and unexpected bon mot. Yet, although the book does not take place in some posh yesteryear, it does build off the classic Broadway songs of Gershwin and Sondheim, as well as place a key scene in the Rainbow Room (the swank dining room atop the NBC HQ in Manhattan).
Still, that wasn’t the only thing I didn’t expect about the book. True to its cover, the situations are “Wodehousean” and the word play is “Wildean.” Yet, the latter seems most apropos since the protagonist is unabashedly gay as are a great number of the supporting characters. It is frank, not flaming, in that aspect of its sexuality. It is not pornography though it is promiscuous while using the equivalent of the old fade-out or comedic interruption to keep the novel from getting sidetracked with steamy prose. If one assumes that reading a book with a homosexual protagonist is tantamount to endorsing the lifestyle, I cannot recommend this book. If the idea of Broadway lyricists and performers being gay isn’t any more of a surprise to you than Anderson Cooper coming out of his transparent closet, you’ll probably enjoy this …dare I say…high-society “romp.”
Even though I’m so unabashedly heterosexual that I am to “gaydar” what the F-117A was to Iraqi radar in the Gulf War, I couldn’t stop reading this book because of the plethora of brilliant similes and clever wordplays. Here, I offer a sample of my favorites (pausing to point out that the gap in page numbers in the following list reflects a “dead zone” in the book after the main plot line had run its course—to be addressed later).
The novel describes a feud begun when an architect’s “style” was described as, “Albert Speer goes to Las Vegas” (p. 17) and one of the major players who was so hideous, “…she has to wear a wig because snakes won’t hold a wave.” (p. 21) The protagonist describes a questionable decision by offering this aside to the reader: “I’d juggled my moral books with the skill of a Hollywood accountant, and my qualms had, like the profits of a hit film, entirely vanished.” (p. 35) Much the same idea was described significantly deep in the book when it is said of a character, “…whose moral arithmetic makes up in swiftness what it lacks in precision.” (p. 273)
For me, the appeal of the book is strictly about the descriptions. Early on, there is: “She’s not the face in my locket, either.” (p. 36), “…people who make the Borgias look like the Amish.” (p. 36), “…he complied with the crestfallen air of a python ordered to cough up the rabbit and apologize to it.” (p. 45), “…a look you could store fur in.” (p. 49), “…a rough Old New York way of speaking. She was like Nathan Detroit after a transsexual operation.” (p. 66), “…a woman who ovulates Faberge eggs.” (p. 95), “…her fanny undulating like a lava lamp.” (p. 105), and “…gazing fretfully across at her like a Polynesian virgin contemplating a volcano.” (p. 123). At a much later point, an “overserved” character is described: “His repertoire of consonants was somewhat diminished, but he was still fairly lucid…” (p. 255). Instead of the proverbial “deer in the headlights,” a character who is caught off-guard was said to be: “…looking rather the way Oedipus must have looked in the moments preceding his elective surgery.” (p. 268).
I believe my favorite lines, however, were the observation on Irish women: “I hope I won’t offend my countrymen if I acknowledge that although we do produce many beautiful women, they tend as a rule to be somewhat Faustian in nature, enjoying themselves tremendously for a few years, then going straight to hell.” (p. 44) I almost laughed out loud on the “L” train when I read this summary of the outcome of a duel between rivals: “He congratulated me, too, of course, but with the bleak, upstaged air of an archaeologist who’s just presented his few shards of Roman pottery, only to have Indiana Jones calmly produce the place mats from the Last Supper.” (p. 104)
The Wodehausean plot is simple. After a Broadway musical crashed and burned, an out of work lyricist and composer are hired to develop a night club act for a socialite “wannabe.” Although that sounds straightforward (an adjective with which I’m sure the protagonist would be uncomfortable), it isn’t. The plot is twisted with some surprises being authentically unexpected while others are clearly telegraphed (including the mix-up at what I consider the climax of the book). Let’s just say that if you enjoyed Sergio Aragones’ “Spy vs. Spy” cartoon strip in Mad magazine, you’re likely to enjoy this tale of blackmail, snooping, misdirection, convenient accidents (and inconvenient accidents) up to the point at which the entire plot reaches a clear climax and Keenan inexplicably adds a lengthy denouement that adds little to the story (and clearly lacks the polish of the first three-fourths of the book). This book was entertaining, but it lost its luster after the main event was complete.
Still, that wasn’t the only thing I didn’t expect about the book. True to its cover, the situations are “Wodehousean” and the word play is “Wildean.” Yet, the latter seems most apropos since the protagonist is unabashedly gay as are a great number of the supporting characters. It is frank, not flaming, in that aspect of its sexuality. It is not pornography though it is promiscuous while using the equivalent of the old fade-out or comedic interruption to keep the novel from getting sidetracked with steamy prose. If one assumes that reading a book with a homosexual protagonist is tantamount to endorsing the lifestyle, I cannot recommend this book. If the idea of Broadway lyricists and performers being gay isn’t any more of a surprise to you than Anderson Cooper coming out of his transparent closet, you’ll probably enjoy this …dare I say…high-society “romp.”
Even though I’m so unabashedly heterosexual that I am to “gaydar” what the F-117A was to Iraqi radar in the Gulf War, I couldn’t stop reading this book because of the plethora of brilliant similes and clever wordplays. Here, I offer a sample of my favorites (pausing to point out that the gap in page numbers in the following list reflects a “dead zone” in the book after the main plot line had run its course—to be addressed later).
The novel describes a feud begun when an architect’s “style” was described as, “Albert Speer goes to Las Vegas” (p. 17) and one of the major players who was so hideous, “…she has to wear a wig because snakes won’t hold a wave.” (p. 21) The protagonist describes a questionable decision by offering this aside to the reader: “I’d juggled my moral books with the skill of a Hollywood accountant, and my qualms had, like the profits of a hit film, entirely vanished.” (p. 35) Much the same idea was described significantly deep in the book when it is said of a character, “…whose moral arithmetic makes up in swiftness what it lacks in precision.” (p. 273)
For me, the appeal of the book is strictly about the descriptions. Early on, there is: “She’s not the face in my locket, either.” (p. 36), “…people who make the Borgias look like the Amish.” (p. 36), “…he complied with the crestfallen air of a python ordered to cough up the rabbit and apologize to it.” (p. 45), “…a look you could store fur in.” (p. 49), “…a rough Old New York way of speaking. She was like Nathan Detroit after a transsexual operation.” (p. 66), “…a woman who ovulates Faberge eggs.” (p. 95), “…her fanny undulating like a lava lamp.” (p. 105), and “…gazing fretfully across at her like a Polynesian virgin contemplating a volcano.” (p. 123). At a much later point, an “overserved” character is described: “His repertoire of consonants was somewhat diminished, but he was still fairly lucid…” (p. 255). Instead of the proverbial “deer in the headlights,” a character who is caught off-guard was said to be: “…looking rather the way Oedipus must have looked in the moments preceding his elective surgery.” (p. 268).
I believe my favorite lines, however, were the observation on Irish women: “I hope I won’t offend my countrymen if I acknowledge that although we do produce many beautiful women, they tend as a rule to be somewhat Faustian in nature, enjoying themselves tremendously for a few years, then going straight to hell.” (p. 44) I almost laughed out loud on the “L” train when I read this summary of the outcome of a duel between rivals: “He congratulated me, too, of course, but with the bleak, upstaged air of an archaeologist who’s just presented his few shards of Roman pottery, only to have Indiana Jones calmly produce the place mats from the Last Supper.” (p. 104)
The Wodehausean plot is simple. After a Broadway musical crashed and burned, an out of work lyricist and composer are hired to develop a night club act for a socialite “wannabe.” Although that sounds straightforward (an adjective with which I’m sure the protagonist would be uncomfortable), it isn’t. The plot is twisted with some surprises being authentically unexpected while others are clearly telegraphed (including the mix-up at what I consider the climax of the book). Let’s just say that if you enjoyed Sergio Aragones’ “Spy vs. Spy” cartoon strip in Mad magazine, you’re likely to enjoy this tale of blackmail, snooping, misdirection, convenient accidents (and inconvenient accidents) up to the point at which the entire plot reaches a clear climax and Keenan inexplicably adds a lengthy denouement that adds little to the story (and clearly lacks the polish of the first three-fourths of the book). This book was entertaining, but it lost its luster after the main event was complete.
April 28, 2013
Joe Keenan is laugh-out-loud funny and a worthy successor to P. G. Wodehouse, with Philip and Gilbert as today's Bertie Wooster and Claire, of the mighty brain, as Jeeves - the wonder woman who comes up with the brilliant solution to a seemingly insoluble problem. The final scene at the church is a clever mirror of the wedding scene at the end of Wodehouse's "Ukridge's Accident Syndicate".
Just to give you an idea of Keenan's Wodehousian facility with the English language, here is a sample: his description of Mr. Fessendon, "a drooping young poet and semiotician, apparently possessed by the ghost of Ronald Firbank. So exquisite and ethereal was his nature that one gruff staffer was moved to bluntly inquire to his face if he ever consumed actual food or if he got by all right on photosynthesis."
I wish Mr. Keenan would treat us to another tale featuring this dynamic trio. (There are 2 others in the series, "Blue Heaven" and "My Lucky Star", both also excellent.)
Just to give you an idea of Keenan's Wodehousian facility with the English language, here is a sample: his description of Mr. Fessendon, "a drooping young poet and semiotician, apparently possessed by the ghost of Ronald Firbank. So exquisite and ethereal was his nature that one gruff staffer was moved to bluntly inquire to his face if he ever consumed actual food or if he got by all right on photosynthesis."
I wish Mr. Keenan would treat us to another tale featuring this dynamic trio. (There are 2 others in the series, "Blue Heaven" and "My Lucky Star", both also excellent.)
October 1, 2020
This is the sequel for Blue Heavens. However, it is so well written that the book stands by itself if you read it first.
I did read Blue Heavens first. Bad idea. I should have given myself a break. The writing is light, great choose of words and a number of references of American pop culture. Thus, the book will eventually get out dated. As is I had to google a lot, despite the easy reading.
The characters were driving me crazy, they're shallow and retarded. They make continuous bad decisions. All could be funny yet, could be misleading or creating a bias towards gay guys (musicals, greed, superficialities, out of shape fag-hags, etc). If you're OK with these, the book is entertaining. The ending on this volume was cheesy.
In summary, it was a good book to read during the 2020 pandemic. I'm glad I did it, tbh.
I did read Blue Heavens first. Bad idea. I should have given myself a break. The writing is light, great choose of words and a number of references of American pop culture. Thus, the book will eventually get out dated. As is I had to google a lot, despite the easy reading.
The characters were driving me crazy, they're shallow and retarded. They make continuous bad decisions. All could be funny yet, could be misleading or creating a bias towards gay guys (musicals, greed, superficialities, out of shape fag-hags, etc). If you're OK with these, the book is entertaining. The ending on this volume was cheesy.
In summary, it was a good book to read during the 2020 pandemic. I'm glad I did it, tbh.
Want to Read
May 30, 2014Absolutely adored Blue Heaven and just learned that there are two sequels. Hooray! Of course, I can't get that damn Taco song out of my head now.
May 1, 2013
One of the funniest things I've ever read! A laugh-out-loud novel with all the wit of Wilde, Wodehouse and Coward, by the writer of "Frasier".
July 11, 2014
Reading this ten years after I first picked it up, I'm in awe of Keenan's ability to handle witty dialogue, insinuation and innuendo, and deft plot twists. As wordly as I thought I was in my twenties, I'm guessing there was a good amount I missed, and hopefully when I read this again in my forties, I'll feel the same. You want an example? There are layers and layers of humor and insight into the two colliding societies depicted here, the gay community and the New York social elite.
As with the first book in the series, there is roadkill. At least this time, no one actually ends up dead, but a fair amount of innocent people have their careers destroyed by Gilbert and Philip's hapless machinations. In this book, though, and it seems as if Keenan is determined to only make suffer those who most deserve it, and Philip is a little quicker to realize the consequences of his actions on innocent bystanders. Too bad he's still just as quick to be swayed by Gilbert's brilliant schemes and handsome men with British accents...
Lovers of gay fiction will appreciate this gem of humor. Lovers of romance will be disappointed that Philip's fling (yes, Philly gets laid!) is not described on the page. But there is an especially tender scene between Gilbert and Philip as they cuddle in bed together and discuss their love lives. It is their friendship, after all, for better or worse, that is the real love story in this series, and it neatly parallels the relationship between the two rich sisters with whom they become entangled. Like Lucy and Ethel, Gilbert and Philip are a timeless comedic pair who make dumb choices, find themselves in regrettable situations, and somehow find a way out through their endless charm.
I love this book.
As with the first book in the series, there is roadkill. At least this time, no one actually ends up dead, but a fair amount of innocent people have their careers destroyed by Gilbert and Philip's hapless machinations. In this book, though, and it seems as if Keenan is determined to only make suffer those who most deserve it, and Philip is a little quicker to realize the consequences of his actions on innocent bystanders. Too bad he's still just as quick to be swayed by Gilbert's brilliant schemes and handsome men with British accents...
Lovers of gay fiction will appreciate this gem of humor. Lovers of romance will be disappointed that Philip's fling (yes, Philly gets laid!) is not described on the page. But there is an especially tender scene between Gilbert and Philip as they cuddle in bed together and discuss their love lives. It is their friendship, after all, for better or worse, that is the real love story in this series, and it neatly parallels the relationship between the two rich sisters with whom they become entangled. Like Lucy and Ethel, Gilbert and Philip are a timeless comedic pair who make dumb choices, find themselves in regrettable situations, and somehow find a way out through their endless charm.
I love this book.
June 11, 2015
This is a sequel – of sorts – to Keenan's first book, Blue Heaven. I say of sorts there because the books are really stand alone. Read them in any order and you won't be out of the loop.
It's not as witty as Blue Heaven. The plot centres around a socialite who wants to re-launch her career and her billionaire husband and his business rival. There are subplots on subplots and everything twists and turns.
One of the problems with the novel is the amount of reported speech in place of dialogue. Reported speech is along the lines of: "Elsa said that she thought that Kitty was a liar. Kitty replied that if she was a liar, then Elsa was a thief."
It's easy enough to swallow in small amounts and it usually moves the plot along to more important points, but there are whole pages of reported speech, almost chapters of it with minimal dialogue.
Because of that, the characterisation falls over and it slows the pacing down to a crawl. There's also less witty one-liners and humour than Blue Heaven, and since – let's face it – that's the reason I'm reading it, it didn't help.
I was glad to get done with this one. Between this one and Blue Heaven, I'll go for Blue Heaven.
It's not as witty as Blue Heaven. The plot centres around a socialite who wants to re-launch her career and her billionaire husband and his business rival. There are subplots on subplots and everything twists and turns.
One of the problems with the novel is the amount of reported speech in place of dialogue. Reported speech is along the lines of: "Elsa said that she thought that Kitty was a liar. Kitty replied that if she was a liar, then Elsa was a thief."
It's easy enough to swallow in small amounts and it usually moves the plot along to more important points, but there are whole pages of reported speech, almost chapters of it with minimal dialogue.
Because of that, the characterisation falls over and it slows the pacing down to a crawl. There's also less witty one-liners and humour than Blue Heaven, and since – let's face it – that's the reason I'm reading it, it didn't help.
I was glad to get done with this one. Between this one and Blue Heaven, I'll go for Blue Heaven.
May 29, 2007
Go, find it, read it! You will pee.
October 31, 2021
“I sauntered off, my face shining with that happy glow a writer can only acquire by bringing another writer to the brink of suicide.”
Second in the trilogy of Gilbert-Philip-Claire gay farces details Philip and Claire putting together a cabaret for a mildly talented socialite while Philip and Gilbert attempt to bring down the socialite’s husband, an evil magazine and real estate magnate. Though it’s the most rambling and least funny of the three entries, the unapologetic gayness of the characters and frequent, niche musical theater references are wonderful and refreshing as ever.
Second in the trilogy of Gilbert-Philip-Claire gay farces details Philip and Claire putting together a cabaret for a mildly talented socialite while Philip and Gilbert attempt to bring down the socialite’s husband, an evil magazine and real estate magnate. Though it’s the most rambling and least funny of the three entries, the unapologetic gayness of the characters and frequent, niche musical theater references are wonderful and refreshing as ever.
February 22, 2023
Putting on the Ritz. Once again, Joe Keenan had me laughing out loud in all sorts of public places, as I raced through the pages to see what calamity would next befall our bitchy protagonists as they wreaked havoc on New York high society. Winning him the Lamda Literary award for humour, it came as no surprise to discover that he’d also picked up a number of Emmys for his writing on Fraser, which remains one of the my favourite TV comedy series. While the pile of ‘to reads’ is already stacking up for 2023, I’ll be sure to add his third novel - My Lucky Star.
January 24, 2023
The follow up to Blue Heaven wasn't as good as the original, but it's still fun to check on and follow the antics of Gilbert as he gets into even more trouble. Also, it pokes fun at a character who can only be based on Donald Trump of the late 80s.
December 28, 2023
Welp. This was a bit of a letdown after the excellence of the first. The characters are quite morally compromised here versus situationally compromised and that does not land well. There is a third so I am hoping their story is wrapped up differently.
March 29, 2026
Hilarious throughout. Special mentions for some of the lines Phillips uses describe his feelings towards his love interest. I spat coffee out twice whilst reading and have been asked not to come back to that shop. Thanks Joe for that.
April 21, 2018
One of the most hilarious books I've ever read.
July 19, 2019
I’m not sure yet if I’ll be re-reading this a million times as I have with Blue Heaven, but it was nice spending the past two days with these characters again.
March 5, 2022
Complete craziness from beginning to end, but I loved it all
Read
May 6, 2025Totally hated this book. Tried to read it three times and couldn’t get past the first very long winded paragraph.
June 13, 2025
witty, surprising with twists and turns. The predictable and sometimes stereotypical characters but still very fun to read.
September 25, 2025
3.5 out of 5
Not quite as good as the first book in my opinion but still very enjoyable
Not quite as good as the first book in my opinion but still very enjoyable
December 28, 2025
se re alarga al final, me costó banda terminarlo lol
December 31, 2025
This was a great read. Campy, funny, great characters
July 11, 2018
Even better than his first book, Blue Heaven, Keenan’s humorous take on gays and New York is entertainment of the first rank. Anyone who can do analogies to George Gershwin, Philip Glass, and Charlotte Corday has lots going for him in my book. This time Philip Cavanaugh gets roped in by Gilbert Selwyn into an on-going feud between rival millionaire publishing magnates. Philip knows better than to get involved in another of Gilbert’s schemes, but gets trapped by love–the initiator of the plot is this beautiful man named Tommy Parker who Philip falls madly for. Of course, Claire gets involved as well (without knowing Gilbert’s involvement or the actual scheme) and the books is an exciting ride to the last page.
My only disappointment is that, as far as I know, Keenan hasn’t written any other books. Someone hurry up and give that man a contract!
My only disappointment is that, as far as I know, Keenan hasn’t written any other books. Someone hurry up and give that man a contract!
August 31, 2009
This second installment starring the Phillip/Gilbert/Claire trio which began in Blue Heaven is as humorous as cotton candy is sweet. All the references in other reviews to Wodehouse makes me think I need to read (re-read?) something by him.
November 3, 2014
Very, very funny. Two songwriters/producers down on their professional luck, accept a gig writing music for and coaching the performance of a vainglorious yet terribly insecure wife of a NYC real estate billionaire, culminating in a glamorous debut at a private New York club.
A witty skewering of the rich and famous.
A witty skewering of the rich and famous.
February 5, 2017
I enjoyed the first part of this book, about the first one third. I could see the similarity to Wodehouse and was enjoying the story, even recommending the book to others. Then it went downhill, and kept going in that direction. This was disappointing, because I felt Keenan has the skill... the art was there... then he lost it. He also seemed to push some points too much.
June 6, 2021
How did this compare to Blue Heaven? Well, with Blue Heaven, because I read it first, in addition to the pure enjoyment of the book I also felt amazed gratitude and self-congratulation that I had come across it. With Putting on the Ritz I already knew I was in for something good. I prefer the "scandal in NYC high society" setting to the mafia setting of Blue Heaven.
August 4, 2010
More Philip, Gilbert and Claire debaucles. I love these characters. I honestly don't think you could write a dull story where they were involved. If you liked the first one, you will like this one as well.
January 21, 2012
A wonderful second part of the hilarious and camp adventures of Gilbert and Phillip, this time as they get roped into a battle between two feuding millionaires. Really enjoyed this - it's a modern take on PG Wodehouse and so wonderfully done.
April 20, 2009
I really enjoyed this book, there are many humorous sections and it came together better than I thought it would at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews