Klein recalls stand-up’s early days
COMEDY GUIDE: Robert Klein was star of first-ever HBO stand-up comedy special
By Cindy Spielvogel -- Video Business, 3/31/2008
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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.
VB: What DVDs do you enjoy yourself?
Klein: A Christmas Carol. I had it on laserdisc, and my laserdisc machine broke this Christmas, so I finally got the DVD. Before that, I had the tape. It’s the English one from 1951 with Alastair Sim. When Scrooge awakens the next morning and finds out he’s alive, that’s one of the greatest moments in literature. It’s about redemption, a second chance. I keep it sacred, along with W.C. Fields, the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin. Those are my most treasured collections that I go back to again and again.
