Babbling Brooks
Early in his career, when Albert Brooks went on talk shows he didn't just come on over to the host's desk and sit down to chat from pre-interview questions. Instead, he often prepared special material just for that appearance, or adapted it from parts of his (unique) stand-up act. (Of course, at that time there really was only one talk show, The Tonight Show -- or perhaps two, with Dick Cavett -- so there wasn't the chance of spreading yourself too thin. But still, it was always a treat looking forward to him.)
I've posted a few in the past, and here's one more. It's from The Tonight Show in 1973. The video ends abruptly, but it's near the end.
By the way, at one point, his album Comedy Minus One get mentioned. This is a remarkable work -- not for everyone (indeed most of his work isn't for everyone), but it's the most unorthodox comedy album you're likely to hear. The first side of the LP is normal, and very funny, including perhaps my favorite of his bits, "Rewriting the National Anthem." But it's the second side that's...well, unique. It's a long sketch -- the full side, probably about 20 minutes long, as I recall, in which one part is left out. Inside the album cover is the dialogue for the sketch -- with that "missing" part, and you the listener are supposed to read it...and be part of the sketch! So, yes, that's what I mean about "unorthodox," "unique" and "not for everyone." But I love the guy.
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