Is 'Notes On A Cowardly Lion' Worth Reading For Bert Lahr Fans?

2026-01-08 14:32:23 93

3 Answers

Ian
Ian
2026-01-09 17:28:33
I picked up 'Notes on a Cowardly Lion' on a whim, mostly because my granddad used to mimic Bert Lahr’s Lion voice to make us kids laugh. Turns out, the book’s way more than just nostalgia bait. John Lahr writes with this mix of tenderness and brutal clarity—like he’s trying to reconcile the dad he adored with the performer who was often distant. The chapters about Bert’s early career are gold, especially how he honed his timing in vaudeville. There’s a bit where he pratfalls so hard he cracks a rib but keeps going because the audience is roaring. That’s the kind of grit the book captures.

It also doesn’t shy away from the darker stuff, like Bert’s bouts of depression or how typecasting haunted him post-Oz. But what stuck with me were the tiny details—how he’d rehearse lines in the mirror for hours, or his obsession with getting the Lion’s growl just right. For fans, it’s like finding a backstage pass to his soul. Sure, some parts drag (do we really need three pages about his tax woes?), but the good stuff? Pure magic. I’d say it’s essential for anyone who’s ever quoted 'Put ’em up, put ’em up!' with a silly grin.
Owen
Owen
2026-01-10 22:16:58
If you love Bert Lahr primarily for his Cowardly Lion, brace yourself—this book’s a rollercoaster. John Lahr strips away the yellow makeup to reveal a man who was equal parts genius and mess. The writing’s sharp, almost novelistic at times, especially when describing Bert’s chaotic energy backstage. One minute he’s ad-libbing brilliantly, the next he’s sulking because someone stole his spotlight. It’s fascinating, but it might shatter the Lion’s cuddly image for some readers.

That said, the book’s real strength is its balance. It celebrates Bert’s artistry without ignoring his flaws. The Oz chapters are predictably juicy (did you know he improvised half the Lion’s whines?), but the deeper dive into his Broadway work is just as rewarding. My only gripe? It skims over his later years. Still, for fans hungry to know the man behind the roar, it’s a feast. Just don’t expect a fairy tale—this lion’s got claws.
Yara
Yara
2026-01-11 17:17:17
Ever since I stumbled upon 'Notes on a Cowardly Lion,' I couldn’t put it down—it’s like uncovering a hidden gem in an old bookstore. As someone who grew up watching Bert Lahr’s iconic Cowardly Lion in 'The Wizard of Oz,' this biography felt like peeling back the curtain on a performer I thought I knew. John Lahr delves into his father’s life with such raw honesty, blending the glitz of showbiz with the struggles behind the scenes. The book doesn’t just idolize Bert; it paints him as human—flawed, funny, and deeply complex. You get these intimate glimpses into his insecurities, his relentless work ethic, and even his clashes with Hollywood’s system. It’s not a dry recitation of facts; it’s a vibrant, sometimes heartbreaking portrait.

What really hooked me were the anecdotes—like Bert’s offstage antics or his love-hate relationship with the Lion role. The book also explores his vaudeville roots, which gave me a whole new appreciation for his physical comedy chops. If you’re expecting a fluffy tribute, this isn’t it. But if you want to understand the man behind the whiskers, warts and all, it’s utterly compelling. I finished it feeling like I’d shared a late-night chat with Bert himself, whiskey in hand, listening to stories that never made it to the screen.
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