Summaries

Documentary feature exploring the history of American comedy with the last living Burlesque comic, 97 year old Irv Benson.

The Last First Comic tells the story of comedy itself as seen through the eyes of Irving Benson - the last living First Comic of Burlesque. Burlesque - up to the 1940's - was a variety show featuring different acts: magicians, singers, jugglers, comedians, and of course strippers. Many of the comedic acts who got their start in Burlesque include Jackie Gleason, Abbott and Costello, W.C. Fields and Danny Thomas. Having turned 102 at the end of January in 2016, Irving Benson is the last living First Comic. The film features interviews with strippers such as Dixie Evans and features clips of Benson heckling Milton Berle and Johnny Carson. Bart Williams, the narrator, takes Benson back to the Palace Theater in New York where he interviews him on stage while Benson teaches him the timing of a "bit" The film also features the last filmed interview with Ed McMahon.—Bert Simonis

Details

Keywords
  • comedian
Genres
  • Comedy
  • Biography
  • Documentary
Release date Apr 24, 2018
Countries of origin United States
Official sites Official site
Language English
Filming locations Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box office

Budget $10000

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 30m
Color Color
Aspect ratio 1.78 : 1

Synopsis

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