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Dean and Me  By  cover art

Dean and Me

By: Jerry Lewis, James Kaplan
Narrated by: Stephen Hoye
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Publisher's summary

They were the unlikeliest of pairs: a handsome crooner and a skinny monkey, an Italian from Steubenville, Ohio, and a Jew from Newark, N.J. Before they teamed up, Dean Martin seemed destined for a mediocre career as a nightclub singer, and Jerry Lewis was dressing up as Carmen Miranda and miming records on stage. But the moment they got together, something clicked, something miraculous, and audiences saw it at once.

Before long, they were as big as Elvis or the Beatles would be after them, creating hysteria wherever they went and grabbing an unprecedented hold over every entertainment outlet of the era: radio, television, movies, stage shows, and nightclubs. Martin and Lewis were a national craze, an American institution. The millions (and the women) flowed in, seemingly without end, and then, on July 24, 1956, 10 years from the day when the two men joined forces, it all ended.

After that traumatic day, the two wouldn't speak again for 20 years. And while both went on to forge triumphant individual careers, Martin as a movie and television star, recording artist, and nightclub luminary (and charter member of the Rat Pack); Lewis as the groundbreaking writer, producer, director, and star of a series of hugely successful movie comedies, their parting left a hole in the national psyche, as well as in each man's heart.

In a memoir by turns moving, tragic, and hilarious, Jerry Lewis recounts with crystal clarity every step of a 50-year friendship, from the springtime, 1945 afternoon when the two vibrant young performers destined to conquer the world together met on Broadway and 54th Street, to their tragic final encounter in the 1990s, when Lewis and his wife ran into Dean Martin, a broken and haunted old man.

©2005 Jerry Lewis (P)2005 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Fans will be surprised and entertained by Lewis' honesty and diminished ego and bitterness." (Publishers Weekly)

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Endearing insight

Always loved Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis. Never knew the backstory and this explains so much. I’m also indebted to Jerry for the many years he devoted to helping those with muscular dystrophy. I was a recipient of the lifesaving medical breakthroughs brought about through the funds he raised for research. I wouldn’t be here had it not been for him. What a wonderful individual.

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An Incredible Love Story

Was enthralled right from the beginning.
Can't leave how much I enjoy this.
If you are a fan of one or both or any Hollywood legends you must Read this book.

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Couldn’t get out of my car! So entertaining

Wonderful and a book you won’t be able to stop. Cried when finished. Such an intimate story of Jerry and Dean and the narrator excellent.

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golden!

I am currently 62, so wasn't around for jerry and dean's actual partnership, but have always LOVED their movies , specials, and albums. I had no idea of all that transpired in their relationship and careers. this audio book has made me appreciate and love them even more than I did before. in-depth and inspiring, it took me on a journey that I will forever cherish. I laughed and cried as I listened. thank you jerry 😀😢

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Insightful view of their love for each other.

great pace and hard to stop listening. immense joy listening to Jerry's point of view. if you enjoyed the reruns of their shows you'll enjoy the book. have fun.

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WOW ! WOW ! WOW !

Took Me Back To The Good Ole Days. Jerry Lewis Gave Us A Beautiful Tribute To An Amazing Man In Dean Martin. For Those Of Us Who Knew These Days, We Got A Brilliantly Told Behind The Scene Story Of These Two Entertainment Masters. I Loved Them Before, I Love Them Even More Now. Narration Was Off The Charts FANTASTIC!

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Beautiful, a friendship story between two friends

Jerry wrote this poignant, heartwarming and heartbreaking then again heartwarming story about his friendship first, then working relationship, then admiration from side stage and back row about his friend Dean. Martin and Lewis were quintessential to my comedic education and all that was right with the world growing up. Thank you Dean and Jerry for the laughter and love given that goes beyond your lifetime. Thank you Jerry for your vulnerability in writing this story. I admire you all the more for writing this. God bless. May you both find peace in the afterlife!!

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Beautiful story, incredible narration

the narrator was fantastic. switching between Dean Martin, and Jerry Lewis in his voice was incredible. I loved listening to this book.

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Masterful story telling

Lewis reveals his story and journey through a show biz life with the inimitable Dean Martin. Wonderfully read.

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Hey Lady! A tour de force

Brilliant on all levels. Moving. Touching. Fabulous. Jerry Lewis from the heart. Narration first rate.

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