Documentary on Erma Bombeck: A Legacy of Laughter

[Jean Riva]

If any of you are fans of Erma Bombeck---and I am---there is going to be a documentary about her life and work in May, 2008 narrated by Phil Donahue. It will be on 90% of the public television stations so mark your calendars so you don't miss it.

Click here for more information.

[theBarefoot]

Wow. Phil is having trouble getting work nowadays.

[Jean Riva]

Phil and Erma were good friends. They lived next door to each other before she died. It just occurred to me--- Am I the only one here old enough to really remember Bombeck's writing?

[jcorn]

My latest post ought to answer THAT question, lol. I do wonder how popular she'd be today. Was her humor "of its time" or would it hold up today? Not sure about whether this is an accurate take, but I think part of her appeal was that she dared to admit that she hated to cook.

It really resonated with her audience, bringing new readers to her. Was she a feminist or pre-feminist or did she just have a brilliant title? As a magazine collector, I know there were tons of articles back then on quick hooking, 30 minute meals, summer meals, no time to cook recipes but no one came out and said, "Cooking? Forget it! I want to stay out of that kitchen - or get out - as quickly as I can!" She did.

Brilliant idea, top-selling cookbook, polished with wit. You probably know a lot more about whether she was feminist or not. I know not a thing about it (:

[Jean Riva]

You've got a better memory than I do. I don't remember Erma's cook books. Her columns did appeal to homemakers, though, with her witty commentaries about marriage and kids and septic tanks.

I'll tell you after I see the documentary if she was a feminists, or not. But I don't recall ever hearing that. She's only been gone 10 years so I think her humor still carries. At least her books still sell.

[jcorn]

Thanks for the heads up . I am a fan of some of her work. I absolutely loved (still do) the I Hate to Cook Book - or is that the I Hate to Cook cookbook? In any case, that book was one I read even before I ever attempted to cook and a good share of those recipes are still staples in our house. I don't care if they are "good cuisine" or not. If my family eats the food and it is quick to make, I feel smug.

[Porter]

I love her work -- what a surprise though that she and Phil were friends. Oh well...I'll still watch the show. Thanks Jane!

[jcorn]

Donna - Thank Jean - She is the one who posted about it (:

[Shana]

Phil Donahue is still alive? Is't he about 118 years old by now? I do like or did like Erma, she was funny, all kidding aside she was a great lady. Sorry she is gone.

[Kelly]

Thanks for this info. I will definitely be watching. I've been an Erma Bombeck fan for years. I read my first Erma Bombeck book, I Should Have Seen It Coming When the Rabbit Died when I was 11. My favorite part was when she said she knew she was getting old when she put her bra on backwards and it fit. LOL