Friday, September 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Book Soup, West Hollywood
HEALTH & SAFETY: WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK WHILE INDOORS FOR OUR EVENTS. THANK YOU. Rob Reiner comes to Writers Bloc to discuss his new book, __A FINE LINE BETWEEN STUPID AND CLEVER: The Story of Spinal Tap.__ Moderator TBA. Courtesy of Gallery Books: __A FINE LINE BETWEEN STUPID AND CLEVER: The Story of Spinal Tap__ For the first time, director Rob Reiner provides the full behind-the-scenes story of __This Is Spinal Tap__, the rock ‘n’ roll comedy classic, and its sequel, __Spinal Tap II: The End Continues__. Since its release in 1984, __This Is Spinal Tap__ has evolved from a beloved cult film into a cinematic landmark that has taken its place in the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry. It pioneered its entire genre, the mockumentary, and is one of the most quoted movies, from “These go to eleven” to “Hello, Cleveland!” Now you will learn of tales of this famous collaboration: how the fictitious band Spinal Tap came to be and how this low-budget indie film took on an unexpected, celebrated life of its own. SMELL THE BOOK: The majesty of rock, the mystery of roll, the humblest beginnings in Squatney, the improbably triumphs in Carnegie Hall, Glastonbury, Wembley Stadium, and the Royal Albert Hall… Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls hold nothing back in this revealing oral history of Spinal Tap, the world’s loudest and most punctual band. Conducted by their longtime interlocutor and frenemy, director Marty DiBergi, Smell the Book is packed with insights into Tap’s shallow existence. How much more packed can it be? The answer is none—none more packed. ROB REINER, a two-time Emmy Award–winning actor for his role in the landmark television series __All in the Family__, is also the acclaimed director of __Stand by Me__, __The Princess Bride__, __When Harry Met Sally__, __Misery__, __A Few Good Men__, __The American President__, __Ghosts of Mississippi__, and __The Bucket List__. He recently directed the Emmy-nominated documentary __Albert Brooks: Defending My Life__, and __The End Continues__, the sequel to __This Is Spinal Tap__. As a dedicated political activist, he spearheaded a tobacco tax initiative in California to fund early childhood development programs and chaired the state commission to oversee its implementation. In 2008, he cofounded the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which paved the way for marriage equality nationwide. Rob Reiner Photo © Romy Reiner Limited parking onsite. We recommend rideshares and carpooling. Please allow time to find parking. ****Did you know that you can make a fully tax-deductible donation?**** As a nonprofit organization, Writers Bloc Presents relies on support from people like you. Help us to remain a strong community as we continue to celebrate literature by authors we love, and explore critical contemporary issues. Please [donate here](https://writersblocpresents.com/main/donate/ "https://writersblocpresents.com/main/donate/"). No refunds or exchanges on tickets or books. Books must be picked up on the night of the program. [](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writers-bloc-and-book-soup-present-rob-reiner-and-griffin-dunne-tickets-1468597407379)