tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post8820899859167670763..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Friday QuestionsBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-3043496383727735462022-08-16T03:21:26.497-07:002022-08-16T03:21:26.497-07:00I saw Stan THREE times in LA...First he was in a b...I saw Stan THREE times in LA...First he was in a booth at the Vine Street Brown Derby when my Dad took me out for my high school graduation lunch back in '66...I was fascinated that they came and plugged in telephones when the celebs and big shots were devouring their three martini lunch...Round two was when he gave us a lecture in a marketing class at USC and played his wonderful commercials from TV and radio...including that classic Radio Advertising Bureau spot...Finally years later I was in Nate and Al's in Beverly Hills and he was eating a sandwich all by himself (looked like it was a pastrami piled high) and he seemed so elderly and tired...But what a comedic and creative genius...Plus he was a good pro when it came to working with puppets...Like you, I wish I had stopped in the deli and thanked him for all the audio AND video joy he gave us over all those decades...Stan WAS the man!tvfatshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05334224433587533124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-19345636936583472682022-08-12T07:38:50.451-07:002022-08-12T07:38:50.451-07:00I have seen different TV appearances of Paul Sand ...I have seen different TV appearances of Paul Sand in the 70's and 80's and do not understand why anyone found him entertaining. Was he a 70s thing? He seemed to get a lot of work then. i saw him on a episode of taxi recently and it might be the only episode of taxi i did not like. The show was centered around him. Not funny. It seems i am picking on him nut I don't get the appeal. You mentioned him Ken and it reminded me of it.Dave Hnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-29767125844713921832022-08-10T10:33:08.380-07:002022-08-10T10:33:08.380-07:00FQ: I recently watched the classic Cheers two part...FQ: I recently watched the classic Cheers two parter "An Old Fashioned Wedding" written by the incomparable David Lloyd and I forgot just how brilliant and hilarious a farce it was, on par with any of the classic Frasier farces imo. I know it was a Lloyd piece but did you and David have any specific input into that episode? Kendall Rivershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16401646799797849078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-83437944761010647632022-08-09T10:29:41.584-07:002022-08-09T10:29:41.584-07:00This may basically be trivia, but since you brough...This may basically be trivia, but since you brought it up, Ken: How did Paul Sands get his name into the title of Paul Sands in Friends and Lovers? I've wondered since hearing it on Penny Marshall's appearance on Match Game. Neumannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08467561591538463501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-49612891462927973852022-08-09T00:57:00.588-07:002022-08-09T00:57:00.588-07:00In 2001, I attended a memorial service for my frie...In 2001, I attended a memorial service for my friend Maurice Noble, Chuck Jones’ wonderful animation designer, on the Warner Bros. lot. As I mingled with the crowd before the official ceremony began, I saw that Stan Freberg was also among the attendees. He was chatting with his friend and colleague June Foray, and I was feeling a bit shy. So I didn’t approach him, even though I’m sure I could have found a moment when I wouldn’t be intruding.<br /><br />In subsequent years, I was at least mildly haunted by my failure to meet Freberg, whom (I need hardly mention) was one of my idols. Until 2009. That’s when I attended San Diego Comic-Con, where Freberg was a guest. I was roaming the “Artist’s Alley” section of the show floor when I saw that Freberg had a table there…and was sitting by himself. No handlers, no wife, and no fans. I approached him and told him about how I’d had a chance to meet him at Maurice Noble’s memorial and screwed it up. His eyes lit up at the mention of Maurice’s name, we went on to have a delightful chat, and he autographed a copy of the CD set of his United States of America albums. I departed no longer haunted.<br /><br />I have a similar story about failing to say hello to Garry Marshall in the lobby of his theater in Toluca Lake. Sadly, that one doesn’t involve me getting the chance to rectify my mistake.Harry McCrackennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-80811097499827840062022-08-07T23:33:06.106-07:002022-08-07T23:33:06.106-07:00Friday Question: Which scenario would you prefer? ...Friday Question: Which scenario would you prefer? A great show with a dream cast but one which doesn’t pay as much, or a great payday on a mediocre show?Freidanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-74550002125890313402022-08-07T12:34:26.830-07:002022-08-07T12:34:26.830-07:00"That would be the day" - that I am told..."That would be the day" - that I am told I have to address an ACTOR and "Mr." or appropriate. POTUS, absolutely. Mr. Spielberg? Without a doubt. Sitcom staff? Never happen.whynotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-42860069257603868442022-08-07T11:04:43.698-07:002022-08-07T11:04:43.698-07:00.
To The Previous Commenter, "Mike Bloodwor....<br /><br /><br />To The Previous Commenter, "Mike Bloodworth":<br /><br /><br />Maybe you're aware of it, and maybe not, but doing just a cursory check, I was able to find a number of used copies of Stan Freberg's album "Face The Funnies" currently available on Discogs, Amazon and on eBay:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/6825869?ev=rb<br /><br /><br /><br />https://www.amazon.com/face-funnies-LP-STAN-FREBERG/dp/B00N40UP4E/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JH7M84W1BNP2&keywords=Stan+Freberg+Face+The+Funnies&qid=1659895165&sprefix=stan+freberg+face+the+funnies%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1<br /><br /><br /><br />https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=Face+The+Funnies+Stan+Freberg&_sacat=0<br /><br /><br /><br />.msdemoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01925950306739697218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-12833545370740003582022-08-06T19:31:21.936-07:002022-08-06T19:31:21.936-07:00Oh, that parting scene with Sam and Diane is just ...Oh, that parting scene with Sam and Diane is just beautiful. Especially when Sam explains that things might change in the ensuing six months and Diane says, “None of those things will happen.” The look of dismay on Diane’s face, and how Sam raises his eyebrow as if to say “really?” are examples of how these two performers just elevated that scene.Marknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-70656176918993562362022-08-06T12:03:56.524-07:002022-08-06T12:03:56.524-07:00.
Friday Question
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What w....<br /><br /><br />Friday Question<br />---------------------<br /><br /><br />What were some moments in productions you were involved with where the direction, acting, or a combination of both of those two elements elevated your written words to another level?<br /><br /><br />As an example, I often think of how touching that moment was when Diane Chambers leaves Cheers with her departing words to Sam being, "I'll see you in six months".........and then, as we see her walking up the stairs outside of the bar, the camera cuts back to Sam as he watches her go before he finally says, "Have a good life...."<br /><br />I find it VERY hard to believe that seeing those words on the written page could EVER have had quite the same power they eventually had when acted out and shot SO PERFECTLY in the beautiful way that it was......<br /><br /><br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uory-vm9Jt4<br /><br /><br /><br />.msdemoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01925950306739697218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-68794080223903234812022-08-06T08:41:38.228-07:002022-08-06T08:41:38.228-07:00.
Friday Question
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If Stan....<br /><br /><br />Friday Question<br />--------------------<br /><br /><br />If Stan Freberg "had one of the most creative minds of anyone", who are some of the women you've met or worked with who are exceptionally talented or creative people?<br /><br /><br />. msdemoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01925950306739697218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-88119136804209657602022-08-06T08:28:42.595-07:002022-08-06T08:28:42.595-07:00Friday Question:
How do writers feel about holiday...Friday Question:<br />How do writers feel about holiday episodes? Are they a great story telling device, or something the networks insist on for marketing purposes?Wm. Adamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07281340054835334343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-46249267945455062962022-08-06T05:58:55.085-07:002022-08-06T05:58:55.085-07:00Pat Reeder- you might ask the Museum of Broadcast ...Pat Reeder- you might ask the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago if they're interested in your Freberg recordings.Don Kemphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15841012297515418862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-84379402568035141962022-08-05T23:52:11.714-07:002022-08-05T23:52:11.714-07:00Ken,
I hate to bust your bubble, but having the M...Ken,<br /><br />I hate to bust your bubble, but having the MTM all stars on at the end of Lorenzo Music's variety show pilot was the kiss of death for that show. As a viewer, I would have to say that a cameo by everybody in the company, during a stand-alone pilot, is a form of desperation. It is like SNL bringing in the cast of Cheers, Family Ties, or The Cosby Show every week just for the short goodnight segment at the end of every show where the guest host thanks the cast and the music guest for a great week. I feel that a pilot should stand on its own without any special guest stars. On that note, who is your mentor as far as the world of directing is concerned?JessyShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04769861877235717599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-70232449859824371142022-08-05T23:11:27.852-07:002022-08-05T23:11:27.852-07:00@Larry Hart
The Julie Andrews Cinderella is on yo...@Larry Hart<br /><br />The Julie Andrews Cinderella is on youtube too. It definitely has its virtues but I brought up the later version because I think Ken may have known the director, Charles Dubin who I think did a wonderful job, and I'm curious to know more about him.<br /><br />I remember now, yes, Hammerstein was dead by the time the Leslie Ann Warren show was made but Richard Rogers was very actively involved.<br /><br />-beenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-64962658380513446172022-08-05T19:42:55.563-07:002022-08-05T19:42:55.563-07:00My disdain of Roseanne went down a few notches whe...My disdain of Roseanne went down a few notches when Stan was on her show three times in 1996. Enjoyed seeing him on the tube again back then and not just hearing his voice work on all the cartoons.YEKIMIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01921751875397071034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-77482378835146388942022-08-05T19:04:28.434-07:002022-08-05T19:04:28.434-07:00I had the pleasure of helping out Mr. Freberg (he ...I had the pleasure of helping out Mr. Freberg (he was fine with "Stan", but out of respect this is how I choose to refer to him) and his wife when they made a few appearances at San Diego Comic-Con and Wondercon, both helping out at their table in the Dealers' Area and getting him from their hotel room to his program spotlight items. This was courtesy of our (including myself, Mr. Freberg, and Ken) mutual friend Mark Evanier. It was fun talking to him and hearing about the old days as they were, and I consider it a personal highlight that he laughed at some off the cuff minor jokes that I made. (It also had the later dividends of 1) getting to attend a tribute to him in LA shortly before his passing and 2) again courtesy of Mark, who was one of the organizers, when I asked if there was anything I could do to help out, asked if I'd like to be Weird Al Yankovic's wrangler. Also a complete pleasure to work with).Tom Gallowaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-13673106516828918352022-08-05T17:34:40.984-07:002022-08-05T17:34:40.984-07:00Fleabag season 2 hit it hard.Fleabag season 2 hit it hard.plsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-51022071758610658362022-08-05T16:24:54.509-07:002022-08-05T16:24:54.509-07:00I have no memory of "Doc" in 1975/76. Ap...I have no memory of "Doc" in 1975/76. Apparently after the first season, they drastically rebooted, and it lasted only seven more episodes. I remember that "The Doris Day Show" changed just about every year, with both of her kids eventually disappearing...and it lasted five seasons with fairly stable ratings.Leightonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-37162690991853686252022-08-05T14:59:24.681-07:002022-08-05T14:59:24.681-07:00So much for our first staff job.
This story look...<i>So much for our first staff job.</i> <br /><br />This story looks like about 500 words minimum for VOL TWO of your memoir (1970s-80s). <br /><br />OR - for a joint "professional memoir" by Levine and Isaacs.<br /><br /><br /><br />I take it Stan Freberg DID NOT SAY:<br /><br /><i>Mr. Freberg is MY FATHER - call me Stan</i>???<br /><br />"Mr. Randall" said "call me Tony" because you were both grownups by them. <br /><br />Beany and Cecil - I vaguely remember a cartoon by that name - didn't know it was a puppet show. <br /><br />Apparently Matt Weiner and staff picked up on Freberg's "John and Marsha" (a hit single - 1951) - mentioned in his wiki entry. It sounds pretty funny - with only "two words" of dialog. Peggy and free-lancer Joey "used it" fifteen years later.Jahn Ghaltnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-62120136111311867932022-08-05T14:19:23.542-07:002022-08-05T14:19:23.542-07:00Mr. Freberg hosted a syndicated radio respective s...Mr. Freberg hosted a syndicated radio respective series called "When Radio Was" for 11 years, ending in 2006. He replaced the original host, Art Fleming of "Jeopardy!" fame, after Fleming's death in 1995.<br /><br />Among the aforementioned clips of Freberg on YouTube is a 1969 appearance on "The Tonight Show." Johnny Carson introduces Freberg at the 46:48 mark. (Google Tonight Show Stan Freberg 6/13/69.)<br /><br />Freberg died at 88 in 2015.Kevin FitzMauricenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10421183439197906362022-08-05T14:13:32.714-07:002022-08-05T14:13:32.714-07:00bee8/05/2022 10:32 AM
“Long Friday Question:....”
...bee8/05/2022 10:32 AM<br />“Long Friday Question:....”<br /><br /><br />Hammerstein was dead by the 2nd Cinderella <br /> <br /><br />Check out the first version with Julie Andrews<br />Larry Harthttps://www.amazon.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-59877127509533689082022-08-05T11:32:32.400-07:002022-08-05T11:32:32.400-07:00So, was the Lorenzo Music pilot ever filmed? Seein...So, was the Lorenzo Music pilot ever filmed? Seeing the casts of the MTM shows together sounds amazing!Trevornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-90472435447178763662022-08-05T11:29:40.085-07:002022-08-05T11:29:40.085-07:00Blackadder, which had to be reconceived as a lower...Blackadder, which had to be reconceived as a lower budget production from season one to season two (BBC seasons being all of six episodes) significantly improved. The first season is hard to watch. Seasons two and even three and four are superb. The last full episode is classic. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-30666848596433186792022-08-05T11:02:25.792-07:002022-08-05T11:02:25.792-07:00I love his story of how Freburg got his first job ...I love his story of how Freburg got his first job (which I hope is true). I’m paraphrasing from memory, here, but he took a bus into LA, and told the driver he was looking for voice work. The driver stopped in the middle of the street in front of an agent’s office, saying this is as good as any. Stan went in, auditioned, and the agent said “you’re pretty good. Let me see what they think of you at the studio”. At the studio he fit right in and was hired. One of the other voice artists said “You’re really good. Why haven’t I heard of you before?”. When Stan stuttered for an answer, the guy quickly continued with “oh, I don’t think that you just got off the bus or anything.”kcrosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08382428119963294086noreply@blogger.com