by David Bianculli
"Beginning with his decidedly wry and ironic title, veteran television critic and current NPR Fresh Air commentator Bianculli (Teleliteracy: Taking Television Seriously) immediately sets the tone for this deliciously informative and entertaining story of the venerable Smothers Brothers' 50--year run and their tempestuous struggles with the CBS censors during the three-season reign of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Combining extensive interviews with siblings Tom, Dick, and Sherry Smothers; Smothers stalwarts Pat Paulsen, comedian David Steinberg, and musician Mason Williams; and television industry suit Fred Silverman, this is a revelatory and surprisingly balanced treatment of the conflict between the artists and the corporatists. Bianculli excels at juxtaposing the story of the longest continuing, artistically subversive comedy team with the contemporary political landscape. Highlights include the superbly related back story of the mock "Pat Paulson for President" campaign. Verdict This title will appeal to pop culture and 1960s counterculture fans, students of communication and the history of mass media, and to all entertainment and comedy readers." (LJ Express Reviews)
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