Title:
Shelley Berman ACA Oral History, March 8, 2005.
Creator:
Berman, Shelley
Creator:
Dana, Bill, 1924-2017
Creator:
Matz, Jenni
Creator:
Emerson College. American Comedy Archives
Record Type:
digital moving image formats
Record Type:
oral histories (literary works)
Date:
2005-03-08
Description:
In his two-hour interview for the American Comedy Archives at Emerson College, Shelley Berman (1925-2017) talks about his early career, and recording his first comedy album, "Inside Shelley Berman." He describes learning how to deal with an audience as a stand-up comedian, and the tools of their trade. He recalls several of his favorite comedians, including Jackie Gleason, Robin Williams, Jim MacGeorge, and Danny Kaye. He discusses the construction of comedy, what makes people laugh, and the evolution of comedy. Berman speaks of the lifting of limitations and censorship on comedians, and what he considers to be the lack of creativity that leads to vulgarity in modern comedy. He talks about the then-future of comedy, and how he feels it is embodied by his 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' co-star Larry David. Jenni Matz and Bill Dana conducted the interview on March 8, 2005 in Los Angeles, CA. Additional topics covered include: Censorship/Standards & Practices, Historic Events and Social Change, Television Industry, War, World War II, and Comedy Series.
Extent:
02:04:00
Subject:
Comedians
Subject:
Social change
Subject:
Television broadcasting
Subject:
Television -- Censorship
Subject:
War
Subject:
World War II
Subject:
David, Larry
Subject:
Gleason, Jackie, 1916-1987
Subject:
Jackson, Janet, 1966-
Subject:
Sahl, Mort
Subject:
Williams, Robin, 1951-2014
Collection:
Bill Dana Oral History Interview Collection (ACC-MSS 002), 1L
Location:
Emerson College Archives and Special Collections
Rights Restrictions:
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) (http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/). For questions about rights statements, or access to the original document please contact the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections at www.emerson.edu/library/archives.
Access Restrictions:
No known access restrictions.
Language:
English
Identifier:
acc_mss002_berman_2005_03_08.mp4
