Jaynie's Pink Palace Book Review: "Tashinesque - The Hollywood Comedies of Frank Tashlin"

I have just finished reading Tashlinesque and I admit I was incredibly impressed with this book. The author, Ethan de Seife takes a scholarly look into the life's work of Frank Tashlin. Beginning with his early career as a cartoonist, how he evolved into a motion picture director and how he directed many talented comedians like Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Tony Randall and of course Jayne Mansfield, and ending with his decline in popularity which lead to his retirement. This is not a biography at all. It is a very well written in depth look into the films he created. The book describes in detail the many gags and in some instances entire key scenes from his films. But enough of that, I'm sure the part you are wanting to hear most about is the Jayne Mansfield chapter, and yes there is a whole chapter devoted to his work with Jayne on what is commonly considered his best films ever "The Girl Can't Help It" and "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter".

"The Director and the Bombshell - Tashlin and Jayne Mansfield"
According to the author Jayne Mansfield's work with Frank Tashlin is not only her career making performance but also her finest, something I don't disagree with and I'm sure most other Jayne fans would agree with also. The chapter describes how Jayne Mansfield was the perfect vehicle for Tashin's style. It also compares her comedy work in the two Tashlin movies to her earlier non comedy films. The meaning and comedy behind many scenes is discussed including 'the stink' scene from TGCHI when Jerri tells Mr Murdoch she stinks over and over again while pushing her chest forward so much as to make Fats take a step back, 'the towel' scene from WSSRH in which Jayne uses her voice to comedic effect by changing her voice and tone. All the gags from TGCHI are mentioned including the Milk Bottles, Jayne hiding behind a shrub to change which does not hide her at all, the breakfast scene where only Jayne's torso is in camera view, the delivery man who melts a huge block of ice with his hands, the milk mans bottle of milk exploding and an on lookers glasses shattering. Tashlin's troubles with the censors and the measures he took to make sure his favorite scenes were kept while making Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter is also discussed in length.

All in all, I really enjoyed the book. It may not be the type of book for everyone however being a Jayne Mansfield fan I think that most would enjoy the chapter on the Mansfield movies. Perhaps if you are a fan of Hope or Lewis you will enjoy those chapters also. I found it interesting to finally get a look into the mind of a funny man whose work is sadly not well recognised these days.

The Breakfast scene from The Girl Can't
Help It is used as the cover for the book.

The binding also features Jayne so she will be visable from the bookshelf