It’s Good to Be the King

This book traces the extraordinary life and career of Mel Brooks, who has ridden a wave of show business success perhaps unsurpassed by anyone of his generation. Offering many insights into the wacky world of Brooks and his many collaborators, as well as an intimate look into his successful marriage to the brilliant and beautiful actress Anne Bancroft, It's Good to Be the King might just be the most delightful, engaging, and entertaining biography you'll ever read.

With the runaway success of his Broadway musical version of The Producers , Mel Brooks is more popular than ever, and this fresh, funny, insightful book at last brings his distinguished career and colorful personal life into focus.

Acknowledgments. Introduction. 1. Out of the Ashes of Despair. 2. Born into the Spotlight. 3. The King of the Street Corner. 4. Hello and Good-bye to Brighton Beach. 5. Swimming in the Borscht Belt. 6. Off to War. 7. Becoming Mel brooks. 8. Hal Caesar! 9. Smashing into the Ranks. 10. Your Show of Shows. 11. Living on the Edge. 12. On the Torturous road to Success. 13. Broadway, Love and Marriage. 14. Farewell, Caesar. 15. Unraveling. 16. A Wacky Man for the Millenniums. 17. A Season of Many Changes. 18. A remarkable New Love. 19. Back to Broadway and Beyond. 20. Becoming the Critic. 21. Getting Smart. 22. Flaunt It, Baby. 23. Jumping in Front of the Cameras. 24. Back in the Running - Again. 25. A Monster Hit. 26. On the Hollywood Treadmill. 27. Stretching His Career Horizons. 28. A Mighty Monarch at Last. 29. Next Stop, Outer Space. 30. Back to Work. 31. Comedy - Tonight! 32. Carrying On. Mel Brooks's Film, Stage, and Television Credits. Bibliography. Index