We’ll Laugh Again

New York: Putnam, 2002. First Edition. Signed and inscribed by the author, journalist, and humorist Art Buchwald to film executive Jack Valenti and his wife on a special label from the publisher affixed to the half-title. Inscribed: “To Jack and Mary Margaret, Read between the lines, Art Buchwald, Aug 2002”. From the library of Hollywood executive Jack Valenti with a Certificate of Authenticity. Fine copy in a fine bright dust jacket. Pulitzer Prize winner Art Buchwald (1925 - 2007) had a rare gift of combining wit, humor, and serious journalism, with his work regularly appearing in his column in The Washington Post. Jack Valenti (1921-2007) is best known in his long-time role as President of the Motion Picture Association of America from 1966 to 2004. During his 38 year position in the MPAA, Valenti created the MPAA film rating system which is still used today. In 1963, Valenti was in the John F. Kennedy motorcade in Dallas, and he is seen in the famous photograph of Lyndon Johnson being sworn in as President on Air Force One. Valenti flew back to Washington with Johnson and literally lived in the White House for two months helping Johnson take the reins of the presidency. He was the first special assistant to President Johnson and served at Johnson’s direction as a liaison to the Republican Congressional leadership. Hollywood mogul and Democratic fundraiser Lew Wasserman pressured Lyndon Johnson to let Valenti leave in 1966 to run the MPAA. A striking and articulate man who easily made friends, Valenti became a figure of considerable influence in both Hollywood and Washington. Few people have known as many famous and powerful people as Valenti.Art Buchwald (1925 - 2007) is best known for his regular column in The Washington Post.