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Steve Provizer's avatar

That's Henry Morgan in the photo.

The Metropolitan Review's avatar

It's been fixed! Getty miscaptioned it, and led to the error.

Harry Clark's avatar

Funny that, for I find most biographies last two-thirds to three-quarters worth of pages generally dull and uninspired. I like the beginnings, the acorn before the mighty oak, not the great deeds of famous people once they are famous, for we know this list, or should. In any case, most all panelists on What's My LIne were scintillating, charming, and smart. Each possessed that wonderful mix of high-middle-low brow intellects, interests, and enthusiasms. Find me a show or group of supposed celebs today who can match them. I'd tune in. Just one old guy's take.

Chuck Mitchell's avatar

I enjoyed the book. It notes throughout that many underestimated Cerf upon first meeting him and grew to understand that there was greater depth to him than was revealed on the surface. Complex, yes. Egotistical and vain, unquestionably. “Inane”? I don’t think so.

And yes, that’s Henry Morgan.

Jane Farrell's avatar

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the Famous Writers School grift. It was especially unconscionable how Cerf exploited the dreams of writers who would never be published. One of these victims was an elderly woman who gave her savings to the school and got nothing. I hope Feldman doesn’t give this episode short shrift in her biography.

Ben Sims's avatar

She does not at all! I didnt have space!

Sam Robinson's avatar

Let’s fucking Go

Joan Callender's avatar

That’s not Bennett Cerf in the picture.