Pardon My Hearse: A Colorful Portrait of Where the Funeral and Entertainment Industries Met in Hollywood

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, couldn't put it down! As a purveyor of Funeral equipment, hearses, limousines, armoured VIP vehicles and ancillary funeral equipment for the past 54 years I am totally familiar w/the geographics, demographics and many of the individuals outlined in the book as clients and close, loyal friends. I traveled eight western states calling on Funeral Directors, Ambulance Operators Hearse and Limousine Livery Co's. Abbot and Hast was a client and continued to be a source of sales and referrals for many years. Both Allen and Ron became trusted personal friends as well as some of the other mutual acquaintances in the book. I have been waiting for the publication of Allen's memoirs for some time and now it is out and extremely accurate, compelling, sad and in some parts a "hoot".The most touching part was chapter 50 "Lost Love", it literally brought tears to my eyes and when I read a portion to my wife and mother-in-law. I became so choked up I couldn't continue reading the account of Kathy's untimely death as I know how much Allen loved her! I rec'd a call from both Ron Hast and Doug Scott within hours of Kathy's anurism and we were devastated as all of us had recently been to dinner w/them and were guests in their home shortly before the sad event. Their marriage was truly a beautiful love story that still continues on to this very day. We truly enjoyed their charisma, graciousness and their love for one another and family, it was so evident. They willingly shared that special love with their friends and associates too, a real loving family!To Allen and his family, Shalom and Blessings, Mazel Tov and a "L'Chaim" to Allen and Kathy!Ed (Moishe) Axton

How does one review a book, that felt like the most enjoyable evening I have had in a lifetime? Turning the last page the only thought was to start again, with the words of Jackie Gleason saying, “And away we go...” For that, alone I thank you.There are still a few of us left, born into a world no longer in existence, or rationally understood, so when we find another, the God Winks and understanding become a bridge of knowledge and compassion crossed with enjoyment…this book is exactly that. For readers unable to know such kismet, hold your kindle kitty-corner and read into humanity, stopping only for an occasional conniption fit of disbelief, laughter or longing…all of which you will find.This book is not a salacious page turner, if you want that there is an App for it (trust me). Instead, it is a look at who we were, what mattered and how along the lines, intrigue, opportunity, delight and commitment colored the black and white into Kodachrome. Sadly, words that have been redefined by a generation who will never know what they have lost.But I do.Never before have, I wished to continue a connection over some tea and cake, laughing at references no one would understand, remembering an era when Sam Browne wasn’t in police custody, but nevertheless enforced the heart of an officer.Read this book! Smile, laugh and look past the obvious and see the what if.

I didn't read this book to get all of the Hollywood dirt. I was more interested in this bit of history of the funeral industry. As a long time embalmer who used to work in L.A., I found it very interesting to learn about the growth and change in the funeral industry.I know a lot of people have condemned the author for the unflattering description of Marilyn Monroe, but let's be honest, funeral workers are humans too, and have curiosity just like everyone else. Having participated in the preparation of several dead celebrities myself, I can completely understand. NOBODY looks good dead, no matter how good they looked when they were alive. It was refreshing to see that Mr. Abbott has a sense of humor and doesn't seem to take himself too seriously, unlike many others who work in the funeral industry. The only thing that I considered to be a bit unethical was the fact that he kept a lock of her hair and her falsies...But hey, who's to say I wouldn't have done the same if I was in the same situation?I would've given the book more stars because the funeral stories were really interesting, however, some of the other stories just really didn't belong. They were kinda odd, and although I understand they were part of Mr. Abbott's personal life, they really didn't fit with the theme of the rest of the book.All in all, it was an interesting read, and I recommend it to other funeral industry workers.

I heard about this book on the Huffington Post news on June 13, and it peaked my curiosity; I immediately bought it. I was expecting to read all about the movie stars that Mr. Abbot had taken care of, but the book is not about that. It is more about how he grew to be very popular and respected in the mortuary business in Los Angeles. He does mention a few stars, but he does so with respect, which I thought was amazing. I couldn't put the book down, because it was so interesting and it keeps your attention. It moves at a fast pace, never a boring moment. It tells of his beginnings in the mortuary business with his best friend and how they grew and grew and grew. I love that he included very nice pictures in the book, personal pictures of his famliy as well. He had a gorgeous wife, Katy and has two amazing sons. He was strongly connected with the movie business and mentions some movies or pictures that he was in. He tells of his ups and downs he encountered in this business in a very natural and sincere way. I found it easy to read because it didn't have all these typos that you usually find in the e-books, like I said, very well written. I'm really glad I bought it.

it is all right. I thought it would give more in depth detail of peoples funerals. It is more how they started and built up the business. Some interesting bits but I got bored

great book a personal account of the funeral homes in the 1970 in u,s,a full of antidote's , an other strange habits a must read

Brilliant, next one please .

I bought this book because of the Hollywood connection but found it fascinating on every level especially the way in which the business evolved. It was a really good read, couldn't put it down

Very interesting read ,but a pity there was not more about the Hollywood stars.