This documentary tells the story of the rise and fall of Lenny Bruce (1925-1966), hip comedian and bête noire to the establishment. The film makes the case that Bruce was impoverished and broken by a series of unjust arrests and prosecutions in the 1960s. Clips of Bruce performances, “bits” as he calls them, dominate the film, from Steve Allen’s TV show to night-club appearances late in life when he would mine his arrests for material. Malcolm Muggeridge calls Bruce a moralist. A former assistant district attorney from New York in effect apologizes for his part in persecuting Bruce. The bounce and snap of Bruce in the 50s transform into ironic social commentary. |
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Ratings: | IMDB: 6.1/10 | |
Released: | July 5, 1972 | |
Runtime: | 85 min | |
Genres: | Documentary Biography | |
Companies: | New Video Group | |
Cast: | Steve Allen Lenny Bruce Fred Baker Martin Garbus | |
Crew: | Fred Baker Barbara Baker John Parson | |
WeeKnighT : At he time this aired, Cindy Brady Susan olsen) 16, Bobby Brady (Mike Lookinland) 17, Greg...