Ringmaster!

by Jerry; Morton Springer

Shock-talk TV host Jerry Springer makes his feature-film debut in Ringmaster and is, unfortunately, the least interesting aspect of this ragtag comedy that purports to be a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of people who regularly appear on his show. To be fair, Springer doesn't have much to do except play the often-befuddled moderator. The only time he breaks loose is to defend his guests' right to air their dirty laundry on national television. But most of the juicy lines and situations are assigned to the competent cast of trailer-park denizens who pop in and out of each other's beds and then go on TV to tell everyone about it. There's a hair-pulling scene about every 10 minutes or so. But unlike the nationally televised syndicated program, there is also a great deal of real nudity and unbleeped profanity. There aren't many surprises here, but the actors are amiable and attractive and don't play down to their characters. For all its raunchiness, Ringmaster doesn't have a mean bone in its body. The DVD is formatted in widescreen. Additional features include the film's trailer, a music video, production information, and a commentary from the director, Neil Abramson. --Richard Natale

Genres: Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[Liannis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If all you know about Jerry Springer is that he hosts a scandalous talk show, you need to read this book. Details his entire life, and is just as entertaining and much less offensive.

[Marianne Nichols · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I've never been a big Jerry Springer fan. So one of the things on a reading challenge I'm working on is "Read the memoir of a celebrity you don't like". I went wandering up and down the bio aisles at the library. I saw Ringmaster! By Jerry Springer, so that was the one!

It began strange, with Jerry appearing on God's talk show. Even though I found it off, I kept reading. There were some things I already knew, like he's a screaming liberal. He admits it, so I'm not talking off the wall. I'm conservative, so there's one reason I chose this book for the challenge.

There were other things I didn't know, such as he immigrated to the United States from Great Britain, where he was born during the bombing of London during WWII. His parents had immigrated to England from Germany. The family came to the US in 1949. They lost several friends and family members to the camps in Germany. THAT made me sad. Jerry continues on about his life growing up in America, how involved in politics his family was, and the insight into his family made me dislike him less.

He is still not one of my favorite people, but I did enjoy the book, much more than I thought I would. Three solid stars!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

[arlene · Rating 1 out of 5]

had to read for work so 🤷

[Patti · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was interesting to learn that Jerry was born in England. His parents were German Jews who escaped to England two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland which started WWII. Both Jerry's maternal and paternal grandparents, along with his father's brother, were exterminated in concentration camps.

Jerry and his family moved to America when Jerry was five years old. I find this kind of background interesting as Jerry is only four years older than me.

The focus of the book, however, is his TV show. The book is as relevant/irrelavant as the show.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've already heard that Jerry Springer had an interesting life above and beyond his trashy popular show and indeed this book touches on that but not overly in depth. Of course this story focuses on the part of his life and the show that made him a household name. It was an interesting read, good for entertainment value, felt a little dated, and definitely not cerebral at all. You know just like the show.

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Featuring the movie Ringmaster's preview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's easy to forget that Jerry is a very smart, talented guy. He won multiple emmy awards for his work as a news anchor in Cincy. His argument that the news is exploitive but his show is not is very convincing. I honestly feel that they made him dumb down his prose. An interesting man, even if his show isn't my cup of tea.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oddly enough, I found this autobiography of Jerry Springer to be fascinating.

An added note: The description in Goodreads seems to be for the movie by the same name and doesnt have anything to do with this book. Check Amazon for a better summary.

[Laurie Stoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book for .49 and it was worth every penny! This book was actually more thoughtful and interesting than I was expecting. It doesn't read anything like his show.