The Other Side of Ethel Mertz: The Life Story of Vivian Vance

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Summary: WHERE IS LUCY WHEN I NEED HER?
Review: It is about time a book has been written for this famous sidekick of the eternal Lucille Ball. This book gives all detail from the personal life of Vivian Vance, to the triumphs and hardship to making it to a star. Although she had billing as a sidekick, to the fans of her eternal memory of Ethel Mertz she will be billed as a top banana! If you want to share in the memory of a incredible actress(aside from being Mrs. Fred Mertz) than enjoy this book. It is for you. We all must remember Vivian Vance is a person and an Actress-not just a character.

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Summary: Light, breezy look at "Ethel"
Review: Written by two fans, this is a light and breezy look at Vivian Vance. Although it contains very little original research, Lucy fans will appreciate this gathering of materials about Lucy's best co-star, outside of Desi Arnaz. No great insights but an enjoyable and quick read.

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Summary: Class Act
Review: I just finished reading the book on Vivian Vance, and I had to let you know that this book brought tears to my eyes. She was definitely "a class act". I have always been a big fan of the "I Love Lucy" show, my parents raised me watching this show. The Ethel character had always been a favorite of mine and I often wondered what other movies Vivian Vance had done. I use to always complain that you can always find books on Lucy and Desi, but you can never find books on Vivan Vance. This book was long overdue and it was almost impossible for me to put it down. A toast to Vivian Vance!!

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Summary: Great
Review: This is possibly the only formal biography of Vivian Vance and does a great job of explaining all of the aspects of her life and how they differ from those of Ethel Mertz. It is easy to read and short, which makes it more enjoyable. It also has the most up to date info about Vance and is a MUST HAVE for anyone who loves Lucy and Ethel.

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Summary: THE PRIDE OF CHERRYVALE.
Review: Vivian Roberta Jones was born in Cherryvale, Kansas on July 26, 1909 which astrologically made her a Leo. Vance was destined to underplay another Leo by the name of Lucille Ball! In my opinion, Vivian was one of most underrated talents in show business. Her playing of Ethel Mertz on the legendary "I Love Lucy" show was so honest and her timing and delivery were impeccable. Vance seemed to BE Ethel (she wasn't). This thoroughly engaging and well-researched biography gives us personal glimpses of Vance's sometimes hectic and chaotic life along with her many stage roles and little-known marriages. I once read a biography on the unique silent star Louise Brooks -she was also a native of the tiny rural town of Cherryvale - she and Vivian's sister Venus were friends. The author of the book went to Brook's birthplace in order to collect data. Inquiring a local woman with an indifferent attitude about Brooks, she remarked brusquely: "You know, Vivian Vance was raised here too, and I always thought she was TEN times more talented than Louise ever was!" The co-authors obviously relished writing about their Emmy award-winning subject and we I LOVE LUCY fans around the world are delighted that our Viv is finally given the recognition and kudos she so richly deserves!

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Summary: We still don't know her.
Review: The Other Side of Ethel Mertz : The Life Story of Vivian Vance only scratched the surface of who this woman was. I felt the book repeated itself about Ms. Vance's attributes over and over again. Her tortured childhood seemed typical of all those who long to flee an overly righteous right-winged household. She reacted with rebellion. What a stretch. I loved Ethel Mertz, a character on a TV Sitcom and would have liked to know more about the actress. I cared less for her after reading this book and did not appreciate the repetition.

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Summary: Second Banana No More
Review: Step right up, sit-com fans. At last, the last word (or is it?) on one of America's top-ranking comediennes. Or is that all she was? This very interesting book also reveals that Miss Vance was a highly accomplished dramatic actress whose frequent bouts with depression might have destoyed a lesser person. Sadly, Miss Vance has also been strangely overlooked by critics and "serious" lovers of entertainment who have regarded her as nothing more than a great foil to the legendary Lucille Ball. This well-researched book should finally highlight a very fascinating woman's very fascinating life.

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Summary: wow, wish I could give it 10 STARS!
Review: I sat down to read this book and didn't want to put it down. It was interesting to read about Vivan I have been a fan of the I Love Lucy Show since I was a little girl, I am 38 now. I lOVED the book and would recommend it to anyone who loves Vivan, Lucy, Desi and william. Watching the show now, I realize Vivan and William really did act like they hated each other.... thanks for writing such an interesting book.. Lena

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Summary: Eternal Second Banana
Review: Ethel Mertz is the ultimate second banana, and Vivian Vance was the ultimate actress, in fact the only actress who could stand up talent-wise to Lucille Ball. She had a complicated life and carried loads of emotional baggage. I was saddened to think that Vivian Vance's real life was so difficult. I wish I could have seen her perform on Broadway--what a treat that would have been!

This book was very fast-moving and involving. The authors' love of their subject shines through. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Ethel Mertz--get to know Vivian, too.

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Summary: Informative and interesting
Review: This biography gives the reader and "I Love Lucy" fan a chance to see Vivian Vance in a way we have never been permitted to before. Her life is revealed very intimately and is extremely interesting--much more interesting than Ethel Mertz's life was!