I once watched a videotape copy of this episode of Playhouse 90 and recently discovered it on YouTube. Man, they just dont make TV or even movies like this anymore! Mickey Rooney shines as the title character and, behind closed doors, odious heel who has his manager brother under his thumb (pop singer Mel Torme, who did little acting but is Emmy-worthy as the abused and put-upon kid brother of Rooney) besides controlling and abusing everyone else around him. Rooney himself wasnt strictly a comedian but certainly had comedic capabilities. This tale is an inside look at an idol of the public who, in private, isnt such a nice guy. With Edmond OBrien as his top joke writer, who resorts to plagiarism after a bout with writers block and deadline pressure leave him no honorable way to do his job. Kim Hunter is Tormes wife, who loathes Rooney and his shabby treatment of her husband but will do anything (yes, ANYTHING) to persuade her brother-in-law to stop the abuse. Mickey Rooney was someone you either loved or hated. In a lot of ways he was very much like the comic he portrays here and its perfectly understandable why Rooney leaves many people cold. But, love him or hate him, theres simply no denying Mickey was just saturated through and through with talent -- and if youve never seen THE COMEDIAN, heres your chance to see what I mean!
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 17:40:36 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015