Chicagoist: Gangsters and Griswolds

A2

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:51:08 -0600

Sorry, I meant, he had to learn to speak again!

Ferdy

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:49:01 -0600

The Joe E. Lewis story is amazing and true. I do believe he could speak. I seem to remember seeing him do his comedy routine on TV years ago, though maybe I'm thinking of Joe E. Brown. I'm sorry TCM couldn't show the silent version of Chicago. That's a really great movie. I renew my plea to end the word. word. word. practice.

A2

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:27:58 -0600

Interesting tidbit: I've never seen Jokers Wild, but it's about Joe E. Lewis, who used to sing at the Green Mill. I think the story was that this was one of Capone's only joints on the North Side and one of his henchmen, Jack McGurn, was a part owner. Anyway, Lewis was really popular and got another, better offer at a club but was told by McGurn he couldn't take it. He took it anyway. Shortly thereafter, three thugs broke into his hotel room and sliced up his face, throat, tongue and beat him half to death. Amazingly he lived, though he could no longer speak. Even more amazingly, he re-invented himself as comedian and ended up hitting it big again in Vegas! Guess I'll have to watch the film.