Crying with Laughter: An Autobiography

by Bob Monkhouse

Crying with My Life Story Bob Monkhouse

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Comedy, Autobiography

340 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Monkhouse, who for many years was one of the great entertainers and game show hosts in Television history tells his life story in candid fashion, honest, frank, light hearted; on every page revealing a life with its many ups and downs, his triumphs and tragedies, his life and soul is all here within 330 pages or so.

He also reveals the difficult relationship with his mother who always felt that Bob's brother was a better man than he was, and that Bob would never be a success in life, whether in show business or his family life. Of course, as an entertainer, he proved himself over and over again. His private life was a different matter. His first marriage ended because of unfaithfulness by both himself and his first wife; then there was the trauma of having a severely disabled son, Gary who died quite young. And then there was his obsessions with the accumulation of a vast library of films and video tapes, mounting up to 50,000 copies which were discovered in his garden shed at the time of his death. Many of these copies have proved to be priceless, copies of television shows long thought lost.

I really enjoyed reading this book, which is very revealing and very frank, particularly in dealing with his relationships with other celebrities of the time such as Diana Dors and Frankie Howerd. A marvelous read, and will be enjoyed by anyone wanting to know more about the real Bob Monkhouse and his contributions to television history.

[Ross Maclean · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s an unflinching, almost uncomfortable, candour to Bob Monkhouse’s memoir that takes a mildly rambling approach to his life, darting ahead into diversions and meticulously cross-referencing tales to come with a giddy excitement that seems keen to let you know what you’ve got to look forward to. But he executes it all with the slickness he’s best remembered for. The book is performative in a way that aptly reinforces his stage persona: an inarguably sharp comic mind, but yarns relayed in the almost over-rehearsed fashion of a tale told many times. Of course there are revelations in here — and he’s certainly not shy about outlining his prowess — but even in its most reflective passages, it’s clear that Bob is keeping a tight control of the reins in how much he actually wants to give away and the opening disclaimer about what he doesn’t want to write about provides cover for a multitude of sins. It’s laced with sharp digs at friends and colleagues but it’s mostly good humoured and Monkhouse is pleasingly free of holding grudges. It’s sparkling and fun to read about the era of his coming up and the tales from in front of and behind the curtain are candid, but it gets a bit bogged down in the gameshow and clubland era and rushes to a conclusion that seems hasty. A man aware of his flaws but hard not to admire his skill and love of the craft.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more than just a series of showbiz anecdotes, this has tested my recently formed belief that a life story told by someone other than the subject of it tends to be more reliable and complete. Written in Monkhouse's trademark quickfire style, there are some eyewatering revelations contained here. Written before the shadow of illness and death fell across him, it is insightful and intelligent. Recommended.

[Rick Chagouri-Brindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight

[Mark Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptionally easy book to read. It was so well written. There are moments where you don't like the author for what he has done but you can always see that he is writing truthfully. In the end you get an in depth picture of Bob Monkhouse good and bad. Highly recommended.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the wit and humour of Bob Monkhose.

It's a real pity that his talent at writing comedy didn't extend to writing his autobiography.

[liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off full of promise and laughs, then i got bored and couldn't find it in me to finish it.

[Matt Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always really loved Bob Monkhouse and this is a brutally honest account of life in the comedy trenches.