Van Dyke states right at the outset that if you're looking for "dirt," go elsewhere, but in spite of that this is a frank and very readable, highly entertaining tome. Dyke writes intelligently of his early night club career as one half of a duo, his initial forays into television before hitting it big with the successful Dick Van Dyke sitcom, and his interesting movie career, with such highlights as Mary Poppins and Bye Bye Birdie. He writes of how he and his wife [and mother of his children] drifted apart, then how he began a 35 year relationship with the late Michelle Triola, famous for her palimony case against ex-lover Lee Marvin. He admits he had a troubling battle against alcoholism, occasionally falling off the wagon even after going public. His program Diagnosis Murder, which ran even longer than his sitcom, proved that there was an audience for older performers on television. [Now Hollywood may finally be getting the message that they can also gear movies for older audiences.] Basically, Van Dyke comes off as a likable character grateful for his success and the opportunities he was given, and gives much credit to those who helped him along the way.
Verdict: A darn good read. ***1/2.
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