There's no disputing Harmon later bought the rights to the character from Capitol Records, modified it, developed a television program complete with cartoons created by his own company, and then franchised the package to local TV stations, eventually turning the character into a global icon. Harmon also appeared as Bozo as well. He relates adventures that take him to meet a tribe in New Guinea, experience zero-g, train as a NYFD firefighter, and discusses the dangers associated with a python in Thailand and running for President in 1984.
McKenzie does a great job capturing Harmon's exuberance as if he is right next to the reader telling these stories. He seems so engaged and fascinated by what life had and has to offer that he comes off as ageless. The pages have wide margins with the text printed inside frames are reminiscent of a kid trying to maximize the page count of a school report. The inclusion of black and white pictures illustrating different things being referred to pop up throughout the pages and their randomness is amusing. There is also a selection of color photos.
Man Behind The Nose would no doubt please Harmon who passed away two years ago before the book's release; however, as is typical for the format, he paints himself to look better than an outsider would by focusing on, and possibly puffing up, the positives and overlooking the negatives. Yet, that doesn't detract from the book being a very entertaining read.
Article comments
1 - bozologist
GREAT article, I feel the review was open and honest. The reporter truly knows about the character of Bozo and his yearly years.
The rights to the character were not exclusively lic'd out by Capitol Records until 1956/1957.
For the real history and the true story, fans should check out The Bozo chronicles (Use a Google search) and learn the facts behind the characters creation by Alan Livingston in 1946 for Capitol Records and how the company developed him into a world famous icon with over 20 records, 3 TV shows, a made for TV pilot and a motion picture that toured the world. The character spawned a tent full of Capitol clown toys, dolls comics and more and helped to build the Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood, CA.
This 600 page book details in time-line format the true story of Bozo's golden age and the folks involved with his years at Capitol from 1946-1956. With over 1400 rare and unpublished photos, informative interviews and historical facts it is like being there from day one. The Bozo Chronicles is your ticket for "A Trip to the Circus" and a treasure for fans and collectors alike.
Fans who want the whole true story will want to check out www.thebozochronicles.com
All the best,
The Bozologist
2 - El Bicho
thanks, bozologist