Obligatory Shecky Greene reference
From the Everett (WA) Daily Herald review of Woody Allen‘s latest movie:
Allen’s joke-writing recalls a different era– the era of Shecky Greene and Allan King and Johnny Carson. It doesn’t really work anymore, and there are few actors who can work in that mode.
Doesn’t “the era of Shecky Greene and Allan King and Johnny Carson” span about 40 years or so? And, since Carson and King have only died within the last 14 months or so (and, since King was gigging right up until the last and was just as creative and relevant until then), might it not be argued that the era is not one that has passed? Eras can run coincidentally. We’re still in the era of Shecky Greene. Put it this way: If Woody Allen were to book himself into Steve Wynn’s new casino as a standup comic headliner, would anyone speak of him as from a bygone era? We think not.
No Responses
Reply to: Obligatory Shecky Greene reference
I disagree. Style of humor is distinct, and not something that’s timeless. I don’t believe the statement should be read into as “Woody Allen sucks”. Take Mel Brooks for example. People thought ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’ were hilarious in their day. Today, Mel’s films aren’t that funny. Times have changed, so has our sence of humor. No, I don’t consider Mel and Woody on the same page, I’m just using that as an example. My point is, the fact that Woody Allen could fill a room, doesn’t mean he’s cutting edge. It’s like going to see a Stones concert. They’ll sell out an arena, but you’ll get an evening of really dated sound. These people are icons though. To be respected.