Klein recalls stand-up’s early days

By Cindy Spielvogel -- Video Business, 3/31/2008

MARCH 31 | Comedian Robert Klein was the star of the first-ever HBO stand-up comedy special in the ‘70s, when both HBO and stand-up were in their infancy. That special is now available, along with Klein’s other HBO specials, in a comprehensive archival set from Kultur. Klein spoke with VB’s Cindy Spielvogel about his body of work and what has happened to comedy since that first special was made.

VB: What is the value in having your HBO specials available on DVD?
Klein: These were underexposed shows that weren’t seen by many people--a lot of people still don’t have HBO. These are the kind of shows that are comprehensive, not just the six- or seven-minute hits you get on The Tonight Show or David Letterman. The phenomenon of stand-up comedy has become clearly an American art form. I’m not a household name, but I’m proud of my body of work. In my DVD package, you get to see me transform from embryonic to geezer.

VB: How does the comedy of your earlier days differ from stand-up today?
Klein: I think anything goes now. Lenny Bruce could not get work because he used four-letter words. Anyone can say anything now. I lament that there’s not more class or subtlety. Profanity can be part of the language as long as it’s used properly, but it shouldn’t be a substitute for wit. Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart take an intelligent approach to political comedy. People who emerged in the late ‘50s and ‘60s--Woody Allen, Mort Sahl, Bob Newhart, Shelley Berman, Bill Cosby--their routines were brilliant. Chris Rock is among the very best today; his fame is well-earned.