My Anecdotal Life

the long version

It is not universally known that the classic situation comedy The Dick Van Dyke Show was a fictionalized version of the life of Carl Reiner, its main writer/producer. He sold the concept to a group of executives who liked everything - except HIM. Rather than go with the original plan in which Reiner would play himself, Reiner then participated in a process of replacing himself. That led to the hiring of the titular leading man. This is only the first story (funnier when he tells it) of this collection of backstage and back office events filled with stars small and great. "Mr. Reiner's stories allow us to have his whole life flash before our eyes." - Larry Gelbart