Recently in Comedy Category
Leno, as reported just about everywhere, continues to dominate the late-night ratings, despite his writers being on strike, and in spite of the fact that Letterman, who signed an interim pact with the Writer's Guild, is supposedly supposed to be getting "better" guests.
Comedy mavens. and not a few comedy snobs, prefer Letterman-- but the public continues to favor Leno. As do I.
I think the reason is simple: Before they go to sleep people want a warm glass of milk.
They are not looking for edgy, they are not looking for sharp. They are looking for soothing, comforting, old fashioned, middle of the road humor. A few chuckles, gentle teasing of the guest and then it's off to your dreams.
For years I've been arguing that if the Oscars actually wanted to have better ratings, they should hire Leno to host.
First of all, the Oscars are, when all is said and done, a TV show. And who is more popular on TV? Is it Jon Stewart? Conan? I think not. Second, Leno harks back to Bob Hope -- corny, yes. But funny too.
So let me say it again. Give Leno his due: Let him host the Oscars.
Comedy mavens. and not a few comedy snobs, prefer Letterman-- but the public continues to favor Leno. As do I.
I think the reason is simple: Before they go to sleep people want a warm glass of milk.
They are not looking for edgy, they are not looking for sharp. They are looking for soothing, comforting, old fashioned, middle of the road humor. A few chuckles, gentle teasing of the guest and then it's off to your dreams.
For years I've been arguing that if the Oscars actually wanted to have better ratings, they should hire Leno to host.
First of all, the Oscars are, when all is said and done, a TV show. And who is more popular on TV? Is it Jon Stewart? Conan? I think not. Second, Leno harks back to Bob Hope -- corny, yes. But funny too.
So let me say it again. Give Leno his due: Let him host the Oscars.
Mel Brooks will be appearing at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica tonight -- and I am intending to go.
Last year Turner Classic Movies (TCM) aired "The Dick Cavett Show with Mel Brooks" (a re-staged revived for this episode edition of the Dick Cavett Show directed by Robert Trachtenberg). I was lucky enough to be in the audience. My favorite moment occurred when Dick Cavett flubbed a joke, and Mel Brooks said (this is from memory, not an exact quote) "You want funny, you come to me." Brooks self-confidence in his own comic skills was intoxicating -- you could just imagine how in a room of funny people he was not intimidated -- he would hit the ball back harder -- which explains the genius of "The 2000 year old man" and the chutzpah-like blind spot of Agent 86 in "Get Smart."
Last year Turner Classic Movies (TCM) aired "The Dick Cavett Show with Mel Brooks" (a re-staged revived for this episode edition of the Dick Cavett Show directed by Robert Trachtenberg). I was lucky enough to be in the audience. My favorite moment occurred when Dick Cavett flubbed a joke, and Mel Brooks said (this is from memory, not an exact quote) "You want funny, you come to me." Brooks self-confidence in his own comic skills was intoxicating -- you could just imagine how in a room of funny people he was not intimidated -- he would hit the ball back harder -- which explains the genius of "The 2000 year old man" and the chutzpah-like blind spot of Agent 86 in "Get Smart."
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