Ernie Kovacs: Between the Laughter (TV 1984)

Director:

Lamont Johnson

Writer:

April Smith

Stars:

Jeff Goldblum, Melody Anderson, Madolyn Smith Osborne

Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeff Goldblum	...	Ernie Kovacs
Melody Anderson	...	Edie Adams
Madolyn Smith Osborne	...	Dorothy Kovacs
John Glover	...	Pierre Lafitte
Cloris Leachman	...	Mary Kovacs
Joseph Mascolo	...	Richards
Jordan Charney	...	Harry Ascot
Francis X. McCarthy	...	Judge (as Frank McCarthy)
Lois De Banzie	...	Mrs. Enke
Murphy Dunne	...	Leon Lane
Steven M. Porter	...	Rusty Valentine
Edie Adams	...	Mae West
Fran Bennett	...	Miss Deal
Weldon Bleiler	...	Bum Detective (as Weldon Boyce Bleiler)
Bryan Englund	...	Cab Driver

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

character name in title

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 May 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ernie Kovacs - Tra una risata e l'altra

Company Credits

Production Co:

ABC Circle Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

" Genius at Work: The Story of Ernie Kovacs "

In the earliest days of Television, Ernie Kovacs, laid the foundation for many aspiring talk show hosts, comedians and News Personalties. After his death, there were many who acknowledged his inspirational influences. Having grown up with his unusual humor on our small Black and White TV sets, it came as no surprise when the world passed by this early screen innovator. However, this movie called " Ernie Kovacs: Between the Laughter " is a great tribute to that remarkable talent. Jeff Goldblum plays Ernie Kovacs and does so with a flair which would have made the late great comedian proud. Kovacs' film begins with his early days when he switched from radio to Black and White Television. His first marriage failed but left him with two beautiful daughters which were kidnapped by his first wife, Dorothy. (Madolyn Smith Osborne) Further into his life, Ernie continues to invocate his way into the world of Television all the while raising the standard, while at the same spending a great deal of money on private detectives like Pierre LaFititte (John Glover) who eventually proves his worth. The movie is a serious attempt at defining the original artist and Goldblum does a remarkable job of bringing life to an otherwise deadpan expression. Nevertheless with little effort Melody Anderson plays his second wife Edie Adams who adds a beautiful segment to a wonderful individual who established an art form which many recognize as pure Classic. Recommended for the serious fans of Jeff Goldblum. ****