Rating: 
Summary: Works for me!
Review: Disappointing. Fundamentals may be sound, but the examples are extremely out of date (unless you think George Carlin and Lily Tomlin are up-and-comers and Danny Thomas is current). Reads like it was written by an old-timer, and the approach is largely shtick.
Rating: 
Summary: Schticky and dated
Review: Disappointing. Fundamentals may be sound, but the examples are extremely out of date (unless you think George Carlin and Lily Tomlin are up-and-comers and Danny Thomas is current). Reads like it was written by an old-timer, and the approach is largely shtick.
Rating:
Summary: Comedy Writing Secrets by Melvin Helitzer a must!
Review: Helitzer's Book on comedy writing is the best book out there on the subject. He has a firm grasp on essential techniques needed to refine your raw material into comedy gold. I recommend this book for anyone seiously interested in the old addage, "if it's funny there's money!" If you perform stand-up, or just write, this is the book to read. His various examples from today's comedians are not only hilarious but keep the reader interested and the book moving along. Helitzer has written the first and best book on the subject. I teach a comedy class and I know I couldn't do it without this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent source for aspiring comedians
Review: I am an amateur comedian and I found "Comedy Writing Secrets" to be extraordinary. It actually helped me write comedy and structure it so it flows and makes sense.I am now performing in Cleveland and this excellent source has been a great help. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Works for me!
Review: I borrowed this book from my grandmother. I am already writing a comedy book and a lot of what this man says is true. I don't really feel that it is outdated. Lots of the written jokes were funny in here. The best comedy books I have read so far are Braindrppings by George Carlin, Poltically Correct Bedtime Stories and MAD magazines.
Rating:
Summary: Did anybody actually read this?
Review: I consider my completition of Herlitzer's COMEDY WRITING SECRETS to be one of my greatest accomplishments this year, as I can remember fewer more arduous uphill battles. The first problem with this book is how old it is. Published in 1987, he refers to rising stars of comedy like Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. Since comedy is like any other fast-paced media, these guys are practically the wise old men at this point.
With the way he breaks down humor in here, into such contrived formulas and over-simplification, it seems he could never have imagined the popularity of stand-ups like Dave Atell, Mike Barbiglio, Lewis Black, Jon Stewart or the atrocious Colin Quinn. Humor has simply changed too much since he wrote this book.
And while this book may contain little gems here and there, he consistently uses the most TERRIBLE jokes for his examples (like: "wife to husband, opening present, 'It's what I always wanted! Did you keep the receipt?'").
I hate to disagree with every other reviewer, but I think that this book's advice on comedy only applies to the select few of us blessed with time machines.
Rating:
Summary: The Book the Pro Comics Read
Review: I'm a photo journalist and I interview a lot of professional
touring comics when they hit Orange County (California). I'm amazed at the number of times these big time pros have "Comedy Writing Secrets" in their rooms. Last month Drew Carrey was photographed reading the book in a national ad he did for library services. Since I've read and loved the book, I use it as a conversation ice breaker while I'm lightting the set. The
comics then feel more relaxed knowing we enjoy something in common.
Rating:
Summary: The Book the Pro Comics Read
Review: I'm a photo journalist and I interview a lot of professional
touring comics when they hit Orange County (California). I'm amazed at the number of times these big time pros have "Comedy Writing Secrets" in their rooms. Last month Drew Carrey was photographed reading the book in a national ad he did for library services. Since I've read and loved the book, I use it as a conversation ice breaker while I'm lightting the set. The
comics then feel more relaxed knowing we enjoy something in common.
Rating:
Summary: Learn the fundamentals of comedy writing!
Review: The fundamentals of comedy writing haven't changed since this book was originally published, and Mel Helitzer (who's taught comedy writing at university for decades) delivers a step-by-step course on comedic writing, thinking, and acting.You'll learn the basics of comedy writing, the anatomy of humor, and the avenues by which you can turn your comedic talent into a well-paying pursuitÑand why the demand for humor writers far exceeds the supply. You'll also find more than a thousand one-liners, bits, and speech excerpts covering the entire range of comedy techniques. If you want a comprehensive guide to writing, selling, and performing all types of comedy, then this is the book you must read cover to cover and keep on your shelf for a lifetime of reference.
Rating:
Summary: Put this book back in the time capsule
Review: This book is an antique. I found this book to be completely dated and unhelpful. Unless your are Schecky Green and going out on tour on the Catskills comedy circuit don't buy this book. If you plan on opening with "Take my wife, please", then you will find this book very helpful, if not then don't bother...RKC
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