Jeri Jacquin
Currently on DVD to celebrate the 100th birthday
of a comic genius from SHOUT! Factory is an amazing collection with ERNIE
KOVACS: The Centennial Edition.
Ernie Kovacs came from a family that immigrated to Hungary and although not a great student still
managed to receive a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts New York City
Finding acting work in summer stock, it would be an almost
fatal illness that would be a school of another kind. After spending time in
several hospital, he returned home to take care of his mother after his parents
separated. His first job in television was in 1950 and a show called Pick Your Ideal, then hosting Deadline For Dinner, Now You’re Cooking and
Three to Get Ready.
In 1954, Kovacs began a late-night talk show called The Ernie Kovacs Show so now he could be
seen almost everywhere on television. He even took a few nights a week for
Steve Allen on The Tonight Show, part
of the game show Gamble on Love, One
Minute Please, Time Will Tell and
Take a Good Look.
Kovacs also did television specials which were popular in
the 50’s and 60’s as Silent Show
contained no dialogue but instead only sound effects and music. Now Kovacs
would be noticed receiving movie offers, the Sylvania Award and the cover of Life magazine.
His theatrical films included OPERATION MAD BALL, IT
HAPPENED TO JANE, STRANGERS WHEN WE MEET, NORTH TO ALASKA, FIVE GOLDEN HOURS
and SAIL A CROOKED SHIP to name a few.
That’s not all Kovacs is known for as he was a music lover
from the days of being in the hospital. He would often use classic music as
part of his comedy as well. He also wrote the book Zoomar: A Sophisticated Novel about Love and TV, Silent Show, How to
Talk at Gin as well as articles for Mad
magazine.
Kovacs was killed in a car accident in 1962 but he left
behind some of the most iconic legacy of original comedy that we are not likely
to ever see again.
SHOUT! Factory
has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new
animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty And The Beast.
Also their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of
what SHOUT Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.
The 9 DVD set includes 22 hours of landmark hilarity
featuring Episodes from his Local and
National Morning Shows, Episodes from his NBC Prime-Time Show, Kovacs on Music, Five ABC TV Specials,
The Color Version of His Legendary Silent Show Eugene, His Award-Winning Commercials for Dutch Masters Cigars, Short Films,
Tributes, and Rarities.
Eighteen Bonus Sketches
Featuring Man of his Most Beloved Characters, Three Complete Episodes of his
Offbeat Game Show Take a Good Look,
“A Pony for Chris” – his Rare TV Pilot for Medicine
Man Costarring Buster Keaton, The Lively Arts Featuring the Only Existing
Filmed Solo Interview with Ernie Kovacs and the 2011 American Cinematheque
Panel.
Ernie Kovacs was one of the first funny men that I can
remember watching on television with my mother. His sense of humor was
hilarious to me and I knew his voice on television even if I was in another
room. The comedy of Kovacs continues to be what I consider the gold standard
and can see how comedy throughout the years has some similarities to his
creativity.
This man had so much talent that it isn’t surprising to me
that he found so many outlets for it. From radio, music, television and films,
as well as in book form, Kovacs found a way to reach his fans.
ERNIE KOVACS: The Centennial Edition is not only a great way
to remember everything he brought to us through the years but a stellar way to
introduce a new generation to comedy that is enduring. There is so much in this
collection to share and let me say, it is totally worth a marathon with
everyone who enjoys laughing with characters that are original and so full of
fun.
In the end – happy 100th birthday to an original
genius!
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