Thanks for the recommendation. I'll make a point of seeing it. I don't know if this anecdote is in the film, but it might be my favorite fact about Sullivan, courtesy of the old American Heritage magazine's profile of him from many years ago. The specific details have faded from memory, but the essential story goes: having read and been disgusted by a blatantly racist column by Walter Winchell, Sullivan responded to the sight of Winchell entering one of Manhattan's then-famous watering holes by grabbing Winchell by the belt and collar, frog-marching him into the men's room, sticking his head in the toilet, and flushing. Hard not to like a guy who'd do that.
My wife and I watched this about three weeks ago. We both enjoyed it immensely, and the documentary makes a compelling case for Ed Sullivan being an important man.
It's a funny thing: the history that we lived through and experienced is like water to a fish. My perspective on the 60's isn't what it should be because I was a child.
A great doc, I concur. And Sacha Jenkins, who I worked with a bit during my days at Spin magazine, always struck me as a sharp music journalist and a real mensch. RIP.
I assume that by "AI creepiness" you're referring to the way Sullivan appears to physically utter things the credits indicate Sullivan is on incontrovertible record writing or saying. An excellent gimmick very well-executed I thought--unlike so much AI trickery.
"It’s reasonable to wonder whether even the most well-meaning white director could have made anything as provocative and complex of Ed Sullivan’s legacy."
So you admit that there are genetic differences between races. That's progress I suppose.
I assumed and assume that the decision to skip Sullivan's Beatles show--the focus of the excellent Beatles-themed flick I Wanna Hold Your Hand, case you didn't know--was made by those who oversee the Beatles' still highly profitable brand.
It was an intentional choice. Sullivan made numerous contributions to American culture, beyond the Beatles and Elvis, which Jenkins beautifully highlighted.
Yes, we really need a good comprehensive documentary but in the meantime there are several books you might want to take a look at that I found and will look for at my local library:
Impresario: The Life and Times of Ed Sullivan by James Maguire (2006): This is widely considered the most comprehensive biography of Ed Sullivan. Maguire explores the often-contradictory aspects of Sullivan's personality, portraying him as both hot-tempered and high-minded. The book goes behind the scenes to reveal the business savvy that made The Ed Sullivan Show a success for over two decades.
Right Here on Our Stage Tonight!: Ed Sullivan's America by Gerald Nachman (2009): This cultural history tells the story of The Ed Sullivan Show through the voices of over 60 stars who appeared on it. Nachman details how Sullivan brought a modern version of vaudeville to the small screen and integrated the show with Black performers at a time when doing so was rare.
A Really Big Show: A Visual History of The Ed Sullivan Show by John Leonard (1992): A well-regarded book with hundreds of photographs that chronicle the legendary stars and moments from the show's run. It focuses on the show's powerful influence on American culture.
No, they mention it and show some clips. But I felt it was off topic and they shouldn't have. Or they should have used it as a framing device to show how influential the Sullivan show was on American culture.
Thanks for the recommendation. I'll make a point of seeing it. I don't know if this anecdote is in the film, but it might be my favorite fact about Sullivan, courtesy of the old American Heritage magazine's profile of him from many years ago. The specific details have faded from memory, but the essential story goes: having read and been disgusted by a blatantly racist column by Walter Winchell, Sullivan responded to the sight of Winchell entering one of Manhattan's then-famous watering holes by grabbing Winchell by the belt and collar, frog-marching him into the men's room, sticking his head in the toilet, and flushing. Hard not to like a guy who'd do that.
Thanks for reminding me about this. I have to see it.
Nice work…looking forward to seeing this at some point.
At 66, I still remember the show…an after NFL football institution of my youth on Sundays.
Does this “guy” make an appearance?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topo_Gigio#
Just watched it on the plane — highly recommended!
The 2 Ego Trip books couldve been the best bathroom reads of all time, but they just dont fit on the tank like those Christgau Guides!
My wife and I watched this about three weeks ago. We both enjoyed it immensely, and the documentary makes a compelling case for Ed Sullivan being an important man.
That clip sold me.
It's a funny thing: the history that we lived through and experienced is like water to a fish. My perspective on the 60's isn't what it should be because I was a child.
Too much stock news footage and Motown talking heads - that time should have been performances.
A great doc, I concur. And Sacha Jenkins, who I worked with a bit during my days at Spin magazine, always struck me as a sharp music journalist and a real mensch. RIP.
Other than the AI creepiness, it was excellent.
I assume that by "AI creepiness" you're referring to the way Sullivan appears to physically utter things the credits indicate Sullivan is on incontrovertible record writing or saying. An excellent gimmick very well-executed I thought--unlike so much AI trickery.
Yes. That.
"It’s reasonable to wonder whether even the most well-meaning white director could have made anything as provocative and complex of Ed Sullivan’s legacy."
So you admit that there are genetic differences between races. That's progress I suppose.
Jenkins was working with Marshall Crenshaw on a documentary on Tom Wilson when he passed. What a loss.
I assumed and assume that the decision to skip Sullivan's Beatles show--the focus of the excellent Beatles-themed flick I Wanna Hold Your Hand, case you didn't know--was made by those who oversee the Beatles' still highly profitable brand.
It was an intentional choice. Sullivan made numerous contributions to American culture, beyond the Beatles and Elvis, which Jenkins beautifully highlighted.
It was about Sullivan and Black artists.
Fine in that regard, but I was curious to learn more about Sullivan, as I have only gathered bits and pieces over time about his life.
Yes, we really need a good comprehensive documentary but in the meantime there are several books you might want to take a look at that I found and will look for at my local library:
Impresario: The Life and Times of Ed Sullivan by James Maguire (2006): This is widely considered the most comprehensive biography of Ed Sullivan. Maguire explores the often-contradictory aspects of Sullivan's personality, portraying him as both hot-tempered and high-minded. The book goes behind the scenes to reveal the business savvy that made The Ed Sullivan Show a success for over two decades.
Right Here on Our Stage Tonight!: Ed Sullivan's America by Gerald Nachman (2009): This cultural history tells the story of The Ed Sullivan Show through the voices of over 60 stars who appeared on it. Nachman details how Sullivan brought a modern version of vaudeville to the small screen and integrated the show with Black performers at a time when doing so was rare.
A Really Big Show: A Visual History of The Ed Sullivan Show by John Leonard (1992): A well-regarded book with hundreds of photographs that chronicle the legendary stars and moments from the show's run. It focuses on the show's powerful influence on American culture.
I do not recommend Nachman's book. There are many factual errors.
No, they mention it and show some clips. But I felt it was off topic and they shouldn't have. Or they should have used it as a framing device to show how influential the Sullivan show was on American culture.