VIVA MADISON AVENUE!

by George Panetta ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 20, 1957

The advertising world is lathered richly in slapstick and abuse as Joe Caruso and George Caputo, two Italians darting about like ants in a world of tall, blond, well dressed Anglo Saxons, offbeat their way from failures to success. The book isn't a novel but several sketches, some of which are pretty funny. For instance there's the time when, cheated out of an expense account trip by what they think is rank discrimination against Italians, George and Joe persuade the powers that be that a TV hookup with the Democratic (as well as the Republican) elections might be a good thing. On the job Joe is drunk except at breakfast times, fails to collect the right people for a broadcast, and manages to lie his way out of the whole thing. Their failures with women are notorious; they constantly bungle their flirtations and are relieved to walk away from tight situations. Joe's big chance at directing comes with a play for the Milwaukee breweries, whose executives do not want the hero to die. Joe ends up doing credit to the Agency for original, pioneering work. All of this is set up against the props of Anglo Saxon desires for the house in Westport, the women in New York, the slick appearance, Republican victories and a happy audience.

Pub Date: March 20, 1957

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1957

Categories: FICTION