This reference guide looks at the career histories of nearly 300 comedy stars, some of whom have a prodigious reputation resting on only one or two outstanding films. Quinlan examines their methods and their sense of physical comedy with background stories as to how comic effects were achieved. Over 350 photographs illustrate entries for nearly 300 comedy stars, including John Cleese, Steve Martin and Danny DeVito and older favourites, the Marx Brothers, Mae West and Danny Kaye. Each entry is accompanied by a complete filmography, including film, TV and guest appearances, plus voice-over narrations and films directed.