Long before WKRP in Cincinnati, actor Tim Reid and his friend, Tom Dreesen, were told they were funny enough to be in show business. They took that advice literally, and formed the nation's first black-and-white standup comedy act. Even their marketing tools appeared naturally in place: A black youngster named Tim and the white one named Tom; even the names alliterated perfectly---leaving them the luxury of calling their act.
TIM & TOM
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In
That's Not Funny!, Vince Sanders has written an enjoyable account about
the intersection of social and political changes with the entertainment
industry in the United States in the 1960's and 70's. While telling the
story of Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen, Vince injects his own insights into
a racially divided society and the part the entertainment industry
played in the changes following the civil rights movement. Imbedded
are also his observations and philosophies about success in the
industry - observations from a man who progressed to the top of his own
segment of the entertainment worl during the time that Tim and Tom were
performing as the "nations's first black and white standup comedy team."
Terry Olson, Director
Orange County (Florida) Arts & Cultural Affairs
What
adds the most credibility to That's Not Funny! is the real-life
postscript. The portrait of Reid as ambitious has been borne out by
his remarkable third act as an independent producer and director,
helming a studio that makes African-American-themed films. Sander's
rendering of Dreesen as a comic whose material was questionable, but
whose work ethic was unparalleled also fits. He never became a
superstar, but was so respected by peers that he thrived under the
patronage of Davis, Sinatra Johnny Carson and David Letterman.
Jake Austen
(Time Out Chicago Review)
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