A few quickies. This one is from Ted Herrmann…
I also am a long-time Jerry Lewis follower — how can you not be? — and I was a little sad at the abrupt wording of the statement. We love him for what he's always been — a brilliant performer who often morphs into a train wreck much to our delight — and I really don't care what his part in this fiasco is — he should've been given a proper send-off for all he's done. Whatever comes out in the wash, I'm on Team Jerry!
I kinda feel that way…but I also have the feeling that the blow-up was because Jerry wouldn't let them give him a proper send-off. I also have the feeling we haven't heard the last of this.
Ray Arthur wrote to ask…
What are your memories of working for Dick Clark Productions? And, if you worked directly with Dick Clark…good/bad memories?
I worked a lot with Dick over a brief period, including producing a show that he hosted but which was not done through his company. If you can set aside a fierce determination to pay everyone as little as possible, my memories of him are all good. I liked the man and I really admired his professionalism and work ethic. He worked like a madman yet still managed to be utterly accessible. If you just walked up to him and said, say, "Little Richard," he'd drop everything that was droppable and tell you ten minutes of Little Richard anecdotes. Or Elvis. Or Ray Charles or anyone. He had, of course, worked with everybody and he had real sharp insights into every aspect of show business.
Great sense of humor. Very little ego. Always on time for everything. Very respectful of the talents and expertise of others. Worked like a dog. Easy to get along with. I can tell you hours of stories of producers, execs and stars who were maniacs and a-holes. I have only good stories about Dick Clark. That is, if you could get past the underlying fear that he wouldn't make every possible dime on every project.
Finally, this from Joel Williamson…
I see we're coming up on what would have been the 100th birthday of Lucille Ball. I assume you met her and have some great stories, right?
You assume wrong. I have a couple of friends who worked with her or knew her well but I never had what I hope would have been the pleasure. My pal Jim Brochu was a close pal of hers late in her life and a couple of times when he was going over to her place to play Backgammon with her, he invited me to tag along. But I was busy all those times, I didn't know how to play Backgammon…and to tell the truth, I didn't love Lucy as much as a lot of other folks do. With me, it was more a matter of respecting the body of work than of being a huge fan of the lady.
When I watch old I Love Lucy episodes as I occasionally do, I find myself watching for Desi Arnaz and William Frawley…and also for the writing, which I think has always been underestimated. When I watch her later shows, it's usually for Gale Gordon and/or the guest stars. I just never really liked her screen character, I guess. Maybe I'd have more affection for the lady if I'd taken Jim up on one of those invites and met the real person. [CORRECTION, YEARS LATER: I dunno why I gave that answer. I did meet Lucy once…briefly. I told the story over at this post.]