Still Laughing

A Life in Comedy (From the Creator of Laugh-In)

By: George Schlatter, Jon Macks - contributor, Lily Tomlin - foreword, Goldie Hawn - afterword

Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1967, producer George Schlatter pitched an idea for a quirky new television show: one inspired by the hippie counterculture, which would take the idea of sit-ins, love-ins, and be-ins, and manifest that politicized, sexualized, consciousness-raising energy into pure comedy. Much to the surprise of NBC executives, Laugh-In soon became the #1 show on American TV, and the careers of beloved stars like Lily Tomlin and Goldie Hawn were born.

Still Laughing features never-before-told stories from the creation of one of the most groundbreaking shows in television history. It also recounts the coming-of-age of one of Hollywood's most iconic producers, from his early nightclub days rubbing elbows with mob figures like Mickey Cohen and John Stompanato, to his influential friendships with Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra, for whom George was asked to deliver a eulogy at his funeral decades later.

An inside look at Hollywood in the wake of the cultural upheaval of the '60s and '70s, Still Laughing demonstrates the crucial, deeply creative role a working producer plays in bringing a show (and its stars) to life. With spit-fire humor, tireless wit, and keen perception, Still Laughing tells of the rise of some of comedy's greatest talents, and reveals the actual people cloistered inside larger-than-life celebrity.

©2023 George Schlatter (P)2023 Tantor

Insider stories from a true comedy legend

I may be late reading this 2023 book but it still stands as one of the most entertaining and insightful books about show business I have ever had the pleasure of reading. George Schlatter now in his early 90s tells his life story and along with it 50 years is American comedy history in colorful no holds barred fashion and I loved listening to it. He worked with and has known all the great stars and personalities of the past six decades. He is best known as creator of the wonderful tv comedy hour Laugh In but he is and has been so much more. His life story is a real insiders take on the development of modern America. He really knew the biggest stars and was on the right side of history for so many of them. This book really is full of laughs but more importantly it is full of truth, honesty and heart.