Book Review - Gracie: A Biography of Gracie Allen

Gracie Allen is one of the true comic icons during the first half of the 20^th century.  With husband-partner George Burns, she became a kooky, delightful presence on radio, in films, and finally on television. Episodes of The Burns and Allen Show continue to be run on the classic movie stations and on streaming platforms.

“Gracie: A Biography of Gracie Allen, a new book from BearManor by author Ange Clancy-Sukala,  is a very concise look at Gracie’s life and career from the perspective of a fan.  It celebrates her comedy, applauds her legacy, and gives respect to her contribution to comedy.

The book traces Gracie’s story from her childhood, performing with her sisters, her early work with Larry Riley and Company, her choosing to leave showbiz and get a “real job,” and finally her introduction to George Burns.  From there, the duo’s rise as a comedy team is carefully chronicled through the hard times and the eventual massive success.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is that the author allows Gracie to tell her own story.  Deep research gathered enough interviews so that every aspect of Gracie’s career is highlighted by quotes from the source.  So we get a better understanding of how she connected with showbiz, how she developed her comic character, and how she responded to George Burns both in the act and off stage.

As concise as the book is, it truly packs in a wealth of information, all the way up to Gracie’s retirement and her eventual passing.  The happy times are written with passion and exuberance, while the sad times are written with warmth and affection.

Gracie: A Biography of Gracie Allen is very enjoyable and enlightening book that is highly recommended to this wonderful lady’s many fans.  The book is available at this link: GRACIE