This is an edited version of the interview, the original version ran over an hour. While it appears this interview takes place in Gleason's home, it was filmed in a hotel bar and lounge due to the fact Gleason's house had burned down a few months earlier and he and his wife were living in the hotel. As with most interviews later in his life Jackie tends to gloss over certain aspects of his life and blends dates and events to make for a smoother "story". But this remains probably his most indepth and honest interview.
-Greg
Oh...and the clip of him as the Poor Soul crashing into the brick wall on the bike from his variety show was the second take. The first one the bike's brakes locked up and the wall barely fell. Gleason insisted on a second take and that is the version on the clip. He ended up breaking his wrist in that take and continued with the hour long show before going to the hospital.
See if you can find 'Soldier in the Rain'. It is a film based on a book by William Goldman.
Gleason plays straight man to Steve McQueen's clown. It is a great satire with an unbeleavable cast of supporting actors and staff. I watched it on the 4th. I was laughing out loud. Half of the stuff I did as a clown I stole from McQueen in this movie. It has always been one of my favorite films.
How Sweet it is!
ReplyDeleteThis is an edited version of the interview, the original version ran over an hour. While it appears this interview takes place in Gleason's home, it was filmed in a hotel bar and lounge due to the fact Gleason's house had burned down a few months earlier and he and his wife were living in the hotel. As with most interviews later in his life Jackie tends to gloss over certain aspects of his life and blends dates and events to make for a smoother "story". But this remains probably his most indepth and honest interview.
-Greg
Oh...and the clip of him as the Poor Soul crashing into the brick wall on the bike from his variety show was the second take. The first one the bike's brakes locked up and the wall barely fell. Gleason insisted on a second take and that is the version on the clip. He ended up breaking his wrist in that take and continued with the hour long show before going to the hospital.
See if you can find 'Soldier in the Rain'. It is a film based on a book by William Goldman.
ReplyDeleteGleason plays straight man to Steve McQueen's clown. It is a great satire with an unbeleavable cast of supporting actors and staff. I watched it on the 4th. I was laughing out loud. Half of the stuff I did as a clown I stole from McQueen in this movie. It has always been one of my favorite films.
Is "Gigot" available on DVD or VHS anywhere?
ReplyDelete-Kenny
Gigot is not officially avaiable on DVD, but turns up as a DVD-R on e-bay almost daily.
ReplyDelete-Greg
Soldier in the Rain was released on video years ago, and recently became avaiable on DVD from Warner Home Video.
ReplyDelete-Greg