The Slapstick Queens by James Robert Parish (1941- ) - 1973

298 pages with photographs, film stills, drawings, illustrations, and figures. Quarto (11 1/4" x 9") bound in original publisher's green cloth with gilt lettering to spine in original pictorial jacket. First edition. Part of the Encore Film Book Classics series, The Slapstick Queens is by James Robert Parish. At one time or another, most every nostalgia-conscious film enthusiast has laughed heartily at the wild onscreen antics of gifted movie comediennes Marjorie Main, Joan Davis, Martha Raye, Judy Canova, and Phyllis Diller. The Slapstick Queens provides an in-depth study and appraisal of the professional work of these exceptionally noteworthy funsters. Each of these five talents has a lengthy, comprehensive chapter devoted to her oncamera and personal life, containing, as well, a detailed filmography of the subject's screen work. In addition, the book provides a full survey of each of these stars' stage, radio, television, nightclub, recording, and book-writing careers. Personal interviews with Phyllis Diller and Judy Canova give this volume an added dimension. The Slapstick Queens delves deeply into the lives and times of five major laugh makers, numbered among the cream of comediennes, particularly in motion pictures and television. Moreover, these antic talents-Marjorie Main, Joan Davis, Martha Raye, Judy Canova, and Phyllis Diller-were among the highest paid non-glamour actresses in the annals of Hollywood. This volume extols not only the film careers of these exceptionally skilled comics, but also the essence of their mirthful work in other media. The Slapstick Queens is a chronicle of, and a testament to, the fabulous careers of a quintet of Hollywood's most memorable comediennes! Condition: Lightly soiled, light rubbing to extremities, corners bumped. Jacket price clipped, soiled, corners and spine ends chipped, edge wear with closed tears and creases else very good in a good to very good dust jacket.