Just a couple of nights ago I happened to catch "Bandolero" on TV, featuring Dean Martin and Jimmy Stewart, so it was an odd coincidence that the Celebrity Roast sitting on top of my still unviewed collection happened to be Dino's 'Man of the Hour' tribute to his co-star from that film. Perhaps even odder, one of the roasters, Senator Barry Goldwater, referenced the movie in his presentation. I find it very cool when a bit of cosmic serendipity makes it's way into my viewing pleasure like that.
I caught a lot of these Celebrity Roasts back in the day, and marvel at the way all those top entertainers got together to honor one of their own without being vulgar or mean spirited. Sadly, many of the greats have already passed away, but their spirit and humor live on. Members of the dais for this installment included Mickey Rooney, Red Buttons, Henry Fonda, June Allyson, Lucille Ball, Janet Leigh, and Rich Little doing his Stewart imitation. The funniest bit though, in this and just about every roast in which she appears, was Ruth Buzzi in the guise of her 'Laugh-In' character Gladys Ormphby. When she winds up with her pocketbook, nobody's safe, including Dino. She did however seem to take it easy on the guest of honor this time out.
Throughout the laughs and digs at the expense of the Man of the Hour, you get a good sense of how well loved and revered Jimmy Stewart was for all his talented work for over a half century in film. It goes without saying that his was truly a wonderful life.
I caught a lot of these Celebrity Roasts back in the day, and marvel at the way all those top entertainers got together to honor one of their own without being vulgar or mean spirited. Sadly, many of the greats have already passed away, but their spirit and humor live on. Members of the dais for this installment included Mickey Rooney, Red Buttons, Henry Fonda, June Allyson, Lucille Ball, Janet Leigh, and Rich Little doing his Stewart imitation. The funniest bit though, in this and just about every roast in which she appears, was Ruth Buzzi in the guise of her 'Laugh-In' character Gladys Ormphby. When she winds up with her pocketbook, nobody's safe, including Dino. She did however seem to take it easy on the guest of honor this time out.
Throughout the laughs and digs at the expense of the Man of the Hour, you get a good sense of how well loved and revered Jimmy Stewart was for all his talented work for over a half century in film. It goes without saying that his was truly a wonderful life.