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Summary: Fascinating biography of a beloved TV and stage actress
Review: This book is a fascinating page-turner which details the life and times of Vivian Vance, one of television's most beloved actresses. I enjoyed learning how committed Vance was to her craft and how generous she was as a humanitarian. In addition, she emerges from the book as a complex artist with an often unhappy personal life. The writers include numerous stories and anecdotes. A well-researched and very enjoyable biography!
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Summary: Ethel Mae Potter, We Never Forgot Her!
Review: I had the good fortune to meet the authors earlier this year, whereupon I shared my enthusiasm for Vivian Vance, and the tremendous contribution she made to the success of "I Love Lucy." Though it was difficult at times to reconcile some of the truths contained in the book (e.g., Vivian's unhappiness later in life despite the great fame she attained), the authors have presented an honest portrayal of this wonderfully talented woman. This kind of tribute is long overdue, as any fan of "I Love Lucy" eventually realizes the significance of Vivian Vance's role in television's greatest series.
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Summary: Thank you readers for all your comments!
Review: We are thrilled that so many people are reading our book. We are fascinated with all the various comments the book evokes and we thank one and all for taking the time to share them. When we began this project, very few in the publishing world thought it would ever succeed. More often than not we heard, "Who is going to read a book about a second lead?" or "Second bananas don't sell!" Indeed there were times when we thought, why go on with a book that no one cares about? But those times were few. In our hearts we knew that somewhere out there others existed who shared our love for Vivian Vance. We had NO other choice but to proceed as planned. Every reader will experience this book differently. But, we are positive that everyone will walk away with an understanding and respect for an actress who has left an indelible print on American pop culture. We set out to write a book sadly missing from the registry of television history but, most importantly, we set out to give tribute to a fascinating, glamorous, complex, and funny woman, who for 47 years has never been given the credit she deserves. And as Ethel Mertz would say, "Brother, it's about time!"
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Summary: A rare look into a truly wonderful person's life.
Review: The Other Side Of Ethel Mertz is a fascinating, heart warming bio of Vivian Vance. Her ups and downs, triumphs and failures, from stage to screen to I Love Lucy and all in between. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great biography!
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Summary: Excellent, well written, long awaited for, wonderful book.
Review: Wow! This book is wonderful. I could hardly put it down. The information I got out of this book is great. Most people respect Vivian as Ethel Mertz, sidekick to Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) but thanks to this book I have a new respect for her as a comedic actress in her own right, dramatic actress and a humanitarian. I highly reccomend this book for EVERYONE. Warning: Once you start to read this, you won't be able to stop.
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Summary: AWESOME
Review: Although I never get tired of reading about Lucille Ball, it's a nice change from her to read about the elusive sidekick of I Love Lucy (Ethel, you know what i mean). I hope someday people would write more about Desi Arnaz and William Frawley besides Vivian Vance. I bet William Frawley would be a challenge for a future writer
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Summary: This book was not what I expected.
Review: I did not realize what a depressing person Vivian Vance was and that while this book may be technically correct, it was the most boring, depressing book I have ever read. It took all of my efforts to finish the book. I guess I expected to read some interesting and funny information on Vivian Vance and the I Love Lucy Show, but what I got was a woman who slept around, sought psychological help for too many years and brought everyone down with her. I would not recommend this book.
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Summary: Awesome, learned so much about the greatest 2nd banana
Review: My son had recently bought the book and while visiting him, I read it and am so glad that I did. I had the chance to learn so much about a wonderful lady. I didn't know that she had a life before "I Love Lucy", but she did a lot of theater but wasn't ever cosidered a star. The names of people that crossed her paths, read like a who's who, as I read, I recalled this one and that one, was an impressed list. She and Lucy were quite a team and there has never been another like it, although it has been copied. If one wants to learn about the real Vivian Vance, then I highly recommed this book, you won't be able to put it down.
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Summary: The book was informative and entertaining.
Review: I found it hard to believe that one of television's most recognizable entertainers had never really had anything written about her, except in reference to Lucille Ball. I thought the book was entertaining and informative. There was not a dull point anywhere! I think the authors did a great job of presenting readable and concise information on Ms. Vance. A must for any "I Love Lucy" fan and anyone who does want to know the other side of Ethel Mertz.
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Summary: Good, workmanlike biography
Review: Both authors admit they are not "writers," and this shows in the competent but sometimes awkward text. That having been said, Castelluccio and Walker did an ace job of research and--for first-timers--an admirable job of writing, as well. Who doesn't love Vivian Vance? It's about time something was written on her, and the authors have produced a definitive look at both her career and private life. She emerges as a complicated woman and dedicated actress. Photos--though too few--are well chosen. If you've ever enjoyed I Love Lucy--and who hasn't?--grab this as a tribute not to Ethel Mertz but the actress who created her.
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