In Which The Artist Discusses Critics, Definitions, His San Francisco Bust, Courts, Juries, Side 1: Critics, Definitions, His San Francisco Bust, Courts, Juries, Cops, His Philadelphia Bust, Corruption, Obscenity, Defines Jewish And Goyishe, Side 6: The Eichmann Theme, The Thomas Merton Poem, Christ And Moses, The Legalization Of Pot, Hillbillies, Judy Garland's Farewell, Side 2: 'The Lie', His Courtroom Fantasy, George Shearing And Guide Dogs For The Blind, Tropic Of Cancer, Cops And Bad Toilet Training, The Philadelphia Hotel, Side 5: Fantasy With The Judge, Las Vegas, The Paradox Of Obscenity, Tits And Ass, Nuns, Paul Robeson And Adolph Eichmann, Side 3: Ride To Jail In Philadelphia, Jails In General, The Philadelphia Lower Courts, Side 4: The Shirley Beck Letters, Blue Suits, Bobby Kennedy, Russians, Integration, Juries, Humour. Among the items recorded by the inspector was Bruce describing the famous Jacqueline Kennedy photo of her crawling on to the trunk of the car after her husband had been shot. He does his bit about Jack Ruby and Melvin Belli. Tim Allen has spoken out in defense of the Roseanne Barr he once knew. He calls writer Alexander King, a frequent guest on Jack Paars late-night show, the junkie Mark Twain. He does his bit on Fay Bainter, the actress who played Andy Hardys mother. Looking at the camera, Bruce talks very briefly about his reputation and the first amendment, the freedom of speech and how a law abiding citizen gets offended by his freedom of speech, but the irony is that he is within his own constitutional right to say whatever he likes, and that there is no law saying that he can not do so. Their interaction in Nat Adderley's soulful "Work Song" is amazing, with Breau providing a bit of percussion on his instrument as well. He talks about his San Francisco obscenity trial. Their 3rd friend wasnt phased by the nickname at all. He was walking on to that stage, knowing that his shocking four letter word could land him behind bars the moment he walked off stage. Bruce talks about the early years of his career, differences between audiences and regions, and television. When he first appeared on the show in 1959, Allen described him as the most shocking comedian of our time, a young man who is skyrocketing to fame. A discussion of Jackie Mason speaking out against censorshipin response to Bruces arrest for obscenity at the Gate of Horn days earliercontinues. He does We Did It to Their Mothers for Chocolate Bars, Unscrew You, Never Cop Out, Custody/Get Even, Stag Film vs. King of Kings, Jimmy Hoffa and Would You Sell Out Your Country (Francis Gary Powers). The recorder is shut off, then turned on again and Ginsberg identifies the time and date of the conversation at the embattled, barbed wire household of Lenny Bruce.. Bruce mentions his bit Religions Inc. from four years earlier. He notes that because the charge was contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor, since a minor was present at the show, he has lost bookings in New York. Bruce does a bit about how his generation of men is terrified of being considered a faggot. He relates his surprise, when at Phil Spectors jamboree rock concert, at seeing 10-year-old kids out without their parents. Back in California, Bruce was again arrested, as well as ordered to go into rehab for drug addiction. Bruce says that he was arrested for obscenity for using the word "fressing" (fress in Yiddish means to eat, but its slang use implies oral sex). Lenny Bruce, the pioneering, ribald comedian who died of a drug overdose in 1966, was given a posthumous gubernatorial pardon today for the obscenity conviction that some supporters . Conversation between Lenny Bruce and his mother, comic Sally Marr, with some guests, including Frankie Man (real name Frank Schneider). More detailed information on the Lenny Bruce collection audio files can be found here: Lenny Bruce Institutional Repository site. In March 1964, Steve Allen invited Lenny Bruce to make his 3rd appearance on his show. He does his bit about Jack Ruby and Melvin Belli. Bruce holds up a magazine with a picture of a nude or scantily clad woman and asks, how can that chick be indecent? The defense brought in media critics, psychiatrists, and religious figures that supported Bruces right to speak. The file ends during the bit Las Vegas Tits & Ass. The last section is a series of commercials, and possibly outtakes from commercials, for the Los Angeles mens clothing store Zeidler and Zeidler. While Breau and Francks had worked together over the previous month, Henstridge literally had only about an hour of rehearsal with the others prior to the making of this recording, though the trio's emphasis was more on spontaneity than set arrangements. Goldfarb Library, Mailstop 045 who was involved with narcotics. Copyright 2023 The Forward Association, Inc. All rights reserved. 1961 October 4 Lenny Bruce, Pioneering Comedian, Arrested for Obscenity in San Francisco Comedian Lenny Bruce was arrested on this day at the Jazz Workshop in San Francisco on obscenity charges for saying the word "cocksucker." He gives a rundown of persecuted groups, does Ten Thousand Asses (Tigers & Lions), then Shelley Berman & Chicago Shtarkers. Bruce refers to the fact that the previous Sunday hed only sold 500 tickets for a show at the Curran Theater in San Francisco, leaving 1100 empty seats. Bruce is fed up with people saying hes too concerned about integration, in the Shakespearean vein of you protest too much. He says non-Southerners are bigoted regarding people who talk Southern, like Lyndon Johnson. He talks about tourist vs. first class on planes. He does The Romans Segregated Christians with Lions. A collection of handpicked publications about movies, the film industry and fan art. The truth is, New York was almost as impossible then as it is now. He refers to his 1962 obscenity trial in San Francisco, and that he was acquitted. The show is known as The Berkeley Concert. The truth is what is, and what should be is a fantasya terrible, terrible lie that someone gave to the people long ago. Lenny Bruce. Speaks of daughter Kitty, James Joyces Ulysses, Judge Murtagh. Bruce introduces Levy to his attorney, Mark Blumenthal. Joey Hollingsworth, Tap Dancing & Vocals) 1:43. He says he shouldnt talk politics because thats the domain of Mort Sahl and Phyllis Kirk, the Vic and Sade of show business. The next section begins as the set is in progress, with Bruce imagining that Pope Pius XII would sneak in one night to see him. In addition to other bits, Bruce comments on what he's looking at in a newspaper (or possibly a magazine). Bruce does his bit about Obscenity Law and discusses obscenity. Bruce does his bit about Barry Goldwaters Jewish roots. More than 80 celebrities signed a petition demanding Lenny Bruce be allowed to perform, free from censorship and harassment. Lenny Bruce, head-and-shoulders portrait. He does Flashers, then Midgets, wonders whether Pygmies are midgets, and imagines Gov. It contains the routines Jackie Kennedy Hauled Ass, To Come: The Verb Instransitive and Deny It. Discusses differences between Christians and Jews. He then interacts with the audience. Lenny Bruce had already made two previous appearances, so why the need to give him such a dedicated introduction? (2) Bruce is in the midst of the bit We Killed Christ. Literary experts were called as witnesses to support Bendichs claim. He again talks to the cops. Towards the end of his life, Lenny was constantly caught up in bust ups with the authorities. Bruce tells Gleason about his arrest the previous night, at his home, for having given obscene performances at the Trolley Ho nightclub in Los Angeles (under California Penal Code 311.6). Although fans of Lenny Breau are likely to be interested in all of his previously unreleased recordings, the focus is primarily on Francks. He does his bits Schmuck, Small-town Audiences, Dykes, and the Jewish mother who still doesnt know her son is gay. He uncharacteristically tells a joke with a punchline, and inserts JFK into it. This may be the third set of the night. He challenged the status quo, the hypocrisy and corruption of his own government. Bruce believes he was framed. If you make it a taboo to use that word, itll give that word a powerful meaning. As Spector and Ginsberg exit the house, Ginsberg leaves the recorder on during the walk. He talks about Bela Lugosi and his son, does How Negroes and Jews Became Entertainers, talks about his scenario for a movie about Christ and the Good Thief, then continues to Custody/Get Even, Divorce, and Deny It. Allen explained to the viewers that Lenny Bruce was going to use a four letter word on television that will shock the viewers to their very core. He mentions anti-integrationists Ross Barnet and General Edwin A. Walker and wonders what Christ would think about them. The show is known as The Berkeley Concert. He does Dick Gregory, Las Vegas Tits & Ass, Bestiality, Chicken, and Schmuck. The recording ends during this bit. Here are a few clips that show the range, depth, and volatility of a man Complex magazine calls the most controversial comedian of all time. Bruce also attracted attention for his edgy routines that often pushed the limits of good taste. A preface to the performance on the tape is the repetition of the recorded voice one gets when calling a phone number to get the time of day. Bruce holds up a mens magazine (Rogue), does his bits on King Kong, Entrapment by Cops, We Did it to Their Mothers for Chocolate Bars, Adolf Eichmann, Infidelity and How to Relax Your ColoredFriends at Parties. Politics. And nobody paid a higher price for alleged obscenity crimes. He then does Christ & Moses, Are There Any Niggers Here Tonight? He refers to the fact that the previous Sunday hed only sold 500 tickets for a show at the Curran Theater in San Francisco, leaving 1100 empty seats. Below is a famous segment that was recorded in an underground bar, Bruce performs his Are there any niggers here tonight? skit. Originally issues by Fantasy Records (Fantasy 34201) as "Lenny Bruce Live At The Curran Theatre". Jimmy Hoffa, Jewish bigotry, Would You Sell Out Your Country (Francis Gary Powers), Custody/Get Even, Stag Film vs. King of Kings, Transvestites Posing as Police, We Did it to Their Mothers for Chocolate Bars and Bad Toilet Training, Australia, Thank You Masked Man, Ivan Bunny, Bobby Kennedy. Bruce got progressively weaker. (1)The recording begins while the set is in progress. In 1964, a city license inspector attended one of Bruces shows. Ginsberg recorded the conversation. Lenny had proven his point words are only offensive because society allows that particular word to be offensive. Its clear that his demographic audience existed, people who wanted to see him and listen to what he had to say. Reading law books and other commentaries on free speech now took up most of Bruces time. On the same day, he had received a foreclosure notice, but his death was not a suicide. Bruce talks about his obscenity trial and the police. Bruce mentions his bit Religions Inc. from four years earlier. Sex from the philosophical viewpoint. He does Ive Never Been Inside a Negros House, Dick Gregory and Goldwater Talks to Negroes, Las Vegas Tits & Ass, The Best Man in the Tribe (St. Paul), Schmuck, Flashers, Custody/Get Even and Deny It, and The Reason We Left England. Bruce riffs on what he is doing, testing the Sony Dynamic Microphone, speaks in Spanish, does a riff on a radio talk show called Nightline, does rants as an irate pornographer and as an irate narcotics addict, girlfriend Maury Haydn (Lotus Weinstock), beatniks, a used car salesman, a Senate investigating committee, Steve Allen and Phyllis Diller. Bruce refers to his attire, a raincoat, pants and mismatched socks. He does The Best Man in the Tribe (St. Paul) and Filipinos. The Purple Onion was a legendary comedy club in San Francisco. George Wallaces reaction to Pygmies. Allmusic critic Ken Dryden notes that while "fans of Lenny Breau are likely to be interested in all of his previously unreleased recordings, . 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Lenny Bruce wanted to point out that your interpretation of that word, will be different from another persons. He performs the bit How Negroes and Jews Became Entertainers, then talks about Hugh Hefner's strategy in putting out Playboy. He comments on the three people who just walked out, mentions Tab Hunters arrest, does We Killed Christ, and ends the set with Ben Hurs Mother & Sister. Bruce talks about the fantasies that come to mind as he faces a Carnegie Hall audience for the first time. Class. (1) Bruce continues the bit Flashers, then does Midgets, wonders whether Pygmies are midgets, and imagines Gov. It was recorded and said to be one of the greatest performances made in the venues history. To republish, copy the HTML by clicking on the yellow button to the right; it includes our tracking pixel, all paragraph styles and hyperlinks, the author byline and credit to the Forward. Bruce talks about the mixed reaction he got during the first show. Bruces bit about Barry Goldwater is in progress. Bruce talks about doctors and says hes done a lot of hospital time in the last couple of years. He does Religions, Inc., and starts Father Flotsky. Bruce discusses women's breasts, lipstick and powder, dating advice, does No Guy Ever Cheated on His Wife/Guys Detach, Custody/Get Even, Divorce, Deny It, and a bit about Alaska. Bruce decided to flee to New York City hoping to continue his career. Bruce wonders whether it is the usual practice to confront performers before their shows. He does his bit The Christian God Has a Face, the Jewish God Doesnt. The sixth section is Tim Hardins song Lennys Tune, a.k.a. A new set starts. In the first section, Bruce riffs on what he is doing, testing the Sony Dynamic Microphone. He explained that he didnt care what people thought about the nickname because they arent there to understand. "A New Electric Chair" is a stream-of-consciousness narrative about a warden deliberating a purchase. He does Communism/The Phone Company. He does We Did It to Their Mothers for Chocolate Bars. He does the bit Divorce & Motels. It does not include images; to avoid copyright violations, you must add them manually, following our guidelines. He talks about Bela Lugosi and his son. He does the bits Las Vegas Tits & Ass, The Clap, Gypsies, and Christ & Moses. Bruce answers some questions seriously and also does shtik. Bruce is talking about a D.A. He says he was hip to the Bay of Pigs before most people. By Philip Eil Tending bar at the Mudd Club never promised visibility. Starts in the midst of his bit Flashers. He does the Transylvania bit, Airplane Glue, interview with George Washington, King Kong and Tarzan. He talks about the double standard in depicting sex vs. violence. The second clip is a bit on how Lawrence Welks accent and square persona were just a put-on. First part (of three) of a conversation among comedian Lenny Bruce, attorney Albert Bendich and journalist Ralph J. Gleason. The Lenny Bruce collection consists of photographs, writings and transcripts, correspondence, news clippings and articles, audio visual materials, and trial materials, all related to Lenny Bruces performances and life, as well as some materials relating to his family members. Francks takes the same approach to "Tea for Two," slipping in and out of "Black Coffee" and adding a bit of scatting. Names mentioned include Tony Viscarra, the friend who was with Bruce at the time of the arrest, police Sgt. He discusses New York sportscaster Bill Stern, and talks about a jazz show he went to. ), Bruce was introduced at this famous appearance as the most shocking comedian of our time, a man who is skyrocketing to fame. He began his routine with a wry smile and the line, Will Elizabeth Taylor become bar mitzvahd?, The Marine Corps is goyish. Witnesses to support Bendichs claim, James Joyces Ulysses, Judge Murtagh Curran ''! 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