It Could Be Verse

by Jack Yourman

Book by Buono, Victor

Genres: Poetry, Humor

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Tristan Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was but a pup, I saw Victor Buono portray "King Tut" in the [i]Batman[/i] television series. Hardly an award-winning program, but Buono's performance provided precisely the right level of kitsch that the show was known for, as well as cementing his features and voice into my mind. I found his record "HEAVY!" at a music shop. It contains a performance of many examples of the delightful doggerel found in this book, and when the book itself appeared before me amid a pile of miscellany in a used book store, the sale was beyond question.

Any who find this verse either "unfunny" or "plodding" are welcome to dismiss it, but they're missing out on a wit almost as vast as the man himself. Weighing over 300 pounds, Buono was never afraid to turn his humor toward himself, with one-liners in performance and these clever observations in his stand-up (or sit-down) presentations. A quick example:

To me it's inconceivable
That one could find believable
The prospect one must have a shape
Exactly like his chum.
I simply won't apologize
For being of a grander size--
When everyone's a seedless grape,
It's great to be a plum.

Anyone (like myself) who is "of a grander size" will appreciate his various observations about the difficulties of "living large."

Some folks are awful unlawful
They're loaded with loot, but who'd know it?
I try to sneak in a waffle,
And five minutes later, I show it.

I must add one of my favorite comments from the comedy album. "There are some people who think the idea of being fat is tragic. There are times when it's inconvenient... such as when one is at the beach, and one hears a childish voice sing out, 'Momma, look -- a man with titties!' A thing like that can crimp one's day..."

This slim volume is a delight and, like any rich dessert, one is tempted to devour rather than sample. Give yourself time to peruse slowly, enjoying each bite, giggling all the way through... rather as I do when I imagine my doctors' faces if they were actually there to watch me enjoying yet another thick slice of "Mile High Mud Pie." Take my advice: Go for the gusto.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvelous, humorous, short poetry collection from the Falstaffian actor. I'm old enough to remember his appearances as King Tut in the Batman series of the late 1960s, his recurring villain role in "The Man From Atlantis", and his frequent guest appearances on seemingly every television show from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. But, and more importantly here, I remember his regular appearances on talk shows like Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show", where he actually _read_ some of his poetry. I'm so glad he eventually published this short volume in 1972...

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those of us who are a certain age will remember character actor Victor Buono, perhaps most famous for his portrayal of King Tut on the "Batman" TV series in the 1960s. He was also in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" and "The Strangler" and many other films and television shows. This book of his humorous poetry is an absolute delight. I remember my older sister bought a copy in the early 1970s when it came out and I was delighted to find a good secondhand copy. Most of the poems are about food and Mr. Buono poking fun at his own size, but they are brilliantly written. Highly recommended!

[Rebecca Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading and interesting for its now historical references -- 1972 was a long time ago. This short one seemed apt for this politically-charged week:

To the poor man I offer a simple solution
To ease his troubled mind:
Step to the rear of the Constitution
And quit while you're behind.

[Dean Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!

[Leelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with Stephen. This is a wonderful book! But my favorite is "Bless Me, Doctor" p25. I heard Victor read this on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson so many years ago. I laughed until I cried! It sounds like something you might say to your priest in confession! It's a hoot!!!

Here is a sample from p45 (but not "Bless Me"):

Once I turned a somersault
Quite near the San Andreas fault.
Later as I nursed my knee, A telegram arrived for me.
The message part read: "Cool it, Victor!"
The signature read: "Dr. Richter."

Would you believe this hardback was $3.95 when it was published in 1972 ???

A CD reprint of Victor Buono's album "Heavy!" is available. If you can't find this book --- or even if you can! --- get a copy of this CD. It's hilarious! And a little sad. But Victor could really see both sides of what we might call being "graviationally challenged".

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic. Fat Man's Prayer is priceless, as are the rest. I have a first edition, first printing (I think that is all there ever were) and wouldn't trade it for anything. If you can find it, read it!

[Turton12 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and light reading

[Lyg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, short, whimsical.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, love his sense of humor!!