Comic Legends is the series from MPI Home Video that looks back on the legendary talents of Dick Van Dyke, Phyllis Diller, Tim Conway, Redd Foxx, and Groucho Marx.
They’ve been available separately so you may already own them, but they’re still funny and good to see the old pros at work (though some of the material is better than the other).
MPI has been releasing some performances of various comedians under a Comic Legends banner. This box set collects them together in one set (and puts them in slim cases if you’re worried about shelf space). This allows you to pick up the entire run at a reduced rate (one online retailer has the set listed at what two of the single releases would cost).
The set includes Dick Van Dyke: In Rare Form, Phyllis Diller: Not Just Another Pretty Face, Tim Conway: Timeless Comedy, and Groucho Marx & Redd Fox. The Van Dyke set is hosted by singer Pat Boone since most of the appearances of the comedian are taken from a variety show that Boone hosted.
These performances probably come off the best. Diller’s routines are also taken from a similar show, but the self-deprecating, groundbreaking comedienne also comes off well in her familiar stchick. Conway’s bits also come off of a variety show, but they feature the funnyman in skits with Bing Crosby, David Janssen, and a gaggle of other stars.
Groucho and Foxx seem like the oddest pair up in the universe, but when you put the disc in you realize the reason. Both appeared on a standup show called “One Man Show.” This disc might be the least funny of them. Foxx seems hampered by appearing on television (though he would fine tune his persona with Sanford and Son) and having to tone down his set.
Groucho appears more at ease on the tube, but the skits seem less funny than his other appearances. There’s one about a group wanting to clothe “naked” animals that doesn’t go off well, though Groucho does get some zingers in.
All of the performances are presented in fullscreen. Van Dyke’s special features include a 29 minute episode of “Laugh Line” that he hosts and 6 minutes of additional sketches. The Diller disc has her 7 minute appearance on “What’s My Line?” and 1 minute soap commercial.
The Conway disc has an alternate guest star in the Warden sketch (5 minutes). It’s Joan Crawford and she really doesn’t appear happy to be there. The Marx/Foxx disc has a 9 minute television appearance by Marx in which he recreates his Dr. Hackenbush song from A Day at the Races.
If you’re a fan of any of the above you may have these discs already in your collection. However, if you’re a fan of several of them, if not all of them, and have missed the set you’re in for a treat and (even better) at a bargain price. Some of the bits have not aged well, but it’s always good to see these legends working the room.
Comic Legends: Four Disc Collection is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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