book when caesar was king

when caesar was king book by david margolick

delve into the golden age of television and the incredible life of a comedic genius with david margolick\s captivating biography, \when caesar was king\. this deeply researched and engaging book chronicles the meteoric rise and subsequent fall of sid caesar, television\s first true superstar. margolick masterfully paints a portrait of a complex man whose influence on comedy is still felt today, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the history of entertainment and the price of fame.

about the author david margolick

david margolick is an esteemed american journalist and author, known for his long and distinguished career as a contributing editor at vanity fair. before his tenure at vanity fair, he held similar positions at newsweek and portfolio.com and was a legal affairs reporter for the new york times. margolick has authored several acclaimed books, including "beyond glory: joe louis vs. max schmeling, and a world on the brink" and "strange fruit: the biography of a song".

when caesar was king summary

‘when caesar was king’ offers an in-depth look at the life and career of sid caesar, the pioneering comedian who dominated the early days of television. in the spring of 1954, caesar was at the pinnacle of his fame, with twenty million viewers tuning in weekly to his groundbreaking variety show, "your show of shows". margolick explores caesar\s unique comedic style, which was a significant leap forward from vaudeville and was characterized by its intelligence, character-driven humor, and hilarious pantomime. the book details how caesar, an introverted and often troubled man off-stage, could transform into any character on-screen, from a bumbling husband to a pretentious professor. the narrative also delves into the incredible team of writers caesar assembled, which included future legends like mel brooks, carl reiner, and neil simon, who would go on to shape american comedy for decades. however, the book also chronicles caesar\s tragic downfall, as the pressures of live television, his own perfectionism, and personal demons led to a swift decline from the top. margolick poignantly captures the story of television\s first great star and its first great victim, leaving readers with a profound understanding of caesar\s enduring legacy.

frequently asked questions

1. what is the main focus of \when caesar was king\?

   the book primarily focuses on the life and career of comedian sid caesar, who was a foundational figure in the early days of television comedy. it details his rise to stardom with "your show of shows," his unique comedic genius, and his subsequent struggles and decline in the industry.

2. who was sid caesar?

   sid caesar (1922–2014) was an american comic actor and writer best known as the star of the 1950s television series "your show of shows" and "caesar\s hour". he was considered a pioneer of television comedy, known for his versatile and intelligent sketch comedy.

3. what was "your show of shows"?

   "your show of shows" was a live 90-minute variety program that aired on nbc from 1950 to 1954. it starred sid caesar and imogene coca and featured a talented writing staff that included mel brooks, neil simon, and carl reiner. the show was immensely popular and is considered a classic of american television.

4. what is david margolick\s writing style in this book?

   the book is described as being deeply researched and written with a lively and engaging style. margolick\s writing is filled with affection for his subject and the era he is writing about, offering a poignant and rollicking narrative.

5. what is the significance of sid caesar\s career?

   sid caesar\s career is significant because he was television\s first major comedy star, and he helped to invent the form of sketch comedy. he also nurtured a generation of comedy writers who would go on to have a profound impact on the entertainment industry. his work represented a new, more sophisticated style of humor that moved beyond the slapstick of vaudeville.