A review by kristenlopez8
Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" by David Bianculli

4.0

I didn't know who the Smothers Brothers were before reading this book, I read it because George Clooney is making a movie about them, and their television show was controversial. In reading about the Smothers Brothers, their show, and their constant battles with the CBS censors during the turbulent times of the 60s the author does a fantastic job of connecting this to our own times. The Smothers Brothers were inspirations for several television shows and it'll make you roll your eyes to hear how confined the show was. They couldn't say or show anything for fear of upsetting CBS, it's religious affiliates, and President Richard Nixon. Bianculli tells the story not only of the Brothers and their ups and downs, but also the grander political stage by which the Smothers Brothers were making their jokes. The book is filled with great anecdotes about the stars of the time, but also shows the fear and the need for humor amidst political assassinations and civil unrest. A great book for television fans, or fans of the 1960s.