That Lenny Bruce represents one of the most important cultural figures in the twentieth century can be verified by a scan of the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" cover art. Lenny's there, honored by the Beatles as one of their chief inspirations. Modern-day-comedy, from Richard Pryor to Bill Hicks to any episode of "South Park" would be unimaginable if Bruce had not first blazed the trail. His bitter attacks on hypocritical moralism, segregation, and sexual double-standards were as far ahead of his comic contemporaries as James Joyce was ahead of his fellow novelists. This documentary is the best film on Lenny, even besting the excellent Dustin Hoffman biopic, which failed to capture Bruce's incredible wit. Robert DeNiro's voice-over provides a nice counterpoint to the comedy footage and the interviews are revealing. The editing is seamless, enhancing the intimate cinematography. Hopefully, this will soon be released on DVD.
11 Reviews
Excellent account of the man's career and the issues surrounding him.
Hermit C-211 August 1999
It mat be a cliche to call documentaries like this "fascinating" and "informative" but this one is. Rather than simply hearing a bunch of people tell you how funny, insightful and human Lenny Bruce was, you can judge for yourself from the extensive film clips shown here, ones you are unlikely to have seen anywhere else.
One of the big revelations here is how well-rounded a talent Bruce was. He was not just a one (sick)-joke performer, as archive footage of some of his early TV appearances show. Another clip has him singing a song of his own composition, "All Alone," worked into material concerning his breakup with his beloved wife Honey. She, Bruce's mother Sally Marr, and other friends contribute many colorful reminiscences. Yet another bit of footage has Bruce holding a sidewalk news conference naming names of those who suggested that he could bribe a judge in one of his many obscenity trials. You would swear this amazing scene couldn't possibly have been an impromptu session, yet it was.
The talk of Bruce and freedom of speech is not just a lot of liberal breastbeating; what happened to him was a disgrace. That he was prosecuted so many times for obscenity is the true outrage here. The documentary might go a little easy on his drug use but that really isn't what the man was all about anyway. Watch this film and find out.
One of the big revelations here is how well-rounded a talent Bruce was. He was not just a one (sick)-joke performer, as archive footage of some of his early TV appearances show. Another clip has him singing a song of his own composition, "All Alone," worked into material concerning his breakup with his beloved wife Honey. She, Bruce's mother Sally Marr, and other friends contribute many colorful reminiscences. Yet another bit of footage has Bruce holding a sidewalk news conference naming names of those who suggested that he could bribe a judge in one of his many obscenity trials. You would swear this amazing scene couldn't possibly have been an impromptu session, yet it was.
The talk of Bruce and freedom of speech is not just a lot of liberal breastbeating; what happened to him was a disgrace. That he was prosecuted so many times for obscenity is the true outrage here. The documentary might go a little easy on his drug use but that really isn't what the man was all about anyway. Watch this film and find out.
A Good Portrait of Lenny's Life
gbheron15 September 2001
Lenny Bruce is an iconic figure from post-war America. He is viewed today, both as a martyr in the struggle for freedom of expression, and as a giant in stand-up comedy showing the way to an entire generation of comedians that followed him. "Lenny Bruce: Dare to Tell the Truth" fleshes out the icon and presents Lenny as a human being. Following the chronology of Lenny's life from WWII till his premature death in 1965, the film is enhanced by interviews with Lenny's mother, ex-wife, daughter and associates.
No new facts about Lenny's life or motivations are revealed in the movie; it's all stuff we already know. Nonetheless, it is a very well made documentary, presenting Lenny as a real person, and for that reason should be viewed by people interested in this influential American.
No new facts about Lenny's life or motivations are revealed in the movie; it's all stuff we already know. Nonetheless, it is a very well made documentary, presenting Lenny as a real person, and for that reason should be viewed by people interested in this influential American.
Incredible insight to an incredible comedian.
wayback9 August 1999
Great documentary of a great comedian. Like Jesus Christ, he suffered for no reason. Great interviews with his mother, wife, and friends. This documentary shows what Lenny could have done before being cut short by our so-called 'judicial' system. Obviously, he would have been a great actor. Everything was right for Lenny until the 'man' took him down. I don't mean for that to sound trite, but that is exactly what happened to this genius. I guess you could say he carved the road for the comedians of today, but none really come close to his insight and charisma. This documentary will show you what 'could have been' had it not been for the forces that would destroy him. An amazing artist with no guilt. A truly free American. An American Tragedy.
This is a MUST SEE! (for everyone)
MrAwesome799 February 2005
I saw this documentary right after it came on HBO, for the first time (8yr. or so ago). For those who are not familiar with Lenny Bruce, this film is a must to see. I have to say the same for those who know of Lenny (like if you have read "How to Talk Dirty and Influence People", or whatever). Though if you don't have that book, (this is to everyone) please buy it.
Back to the film, I think that this documentary is one of the best of it's time (later 90's). This is a great depiction of his life, and basically the sacrifices that he was confronted with. I have to applaud Robert Weide for this work. As a filmmaker he truly (though a true fan of Lenny), remained realistic without bias. To top it off Robert De Nero is the narrator.
The only thing else I can say is, "we should all be thankful that we had a Lenny Bruce, for if not for him we would not have the great performers we have today".
(Please Watch this Film if you can / and Don't Forget the BOOK!)
Back to the film, I think that this documentary is one of the best of it's time (later 90's). This is a great depiction of his life, and basically the sacrifices that he was confronted with. I have to applaud Robert Weide for this work. As a filmmaker he truly (though a true fan of Lenny), remained realistic without bias. To top it off Robert De Nero is the narrator.
The only thing else I can say is, "we should all be thankful that we had a Lenny Bruce, for if not for him we would not have the great performers we have today".
(Please Watch this Film if you can / and Don't Forget the BOOK!)
Funny, touching, a testament to the power of words
Quinoa198410 December 2003
I caught this documentary on the Sundance channel, knowing Lenny Bruce very well as being influential (I listened to one of his later recordings) though not knowing a whole lot on why he became the most controversial comic of the pre-Vietnam era. What I learned was that Lenny Bruce's story - of rising to fame as a satirist and stand-up comic after working in strip joints, and then being put down by the legal machinations of the United States government - is both hilarious and engrossing, and here and there a (necessary) downer. What the system pulled over on Lenny was a travesty, and the mere fact that (technically) the charge of swearing/indecency still stands decades later is an insult to, if any, meaning by the constitution. When Lenny does do his act in the film, one who's never heard most of his material can be drawn in, the style in which he lays his bits is extraordinary. If one had to describe this film to someone who hasn't seen it, or perhaps might not know who Lenny Bruce is (most of my friends don't, though they know his descendents like George Carlin), 'Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth' is about a terrific wordsmith who's self-esteem got crushed to oblivion & suicide by those who felt that they had the right over another person's language. It also includes some good narration by old Bobby De Niro. Grade: (strong) A
An incredible documentary on a fascinating comedian.
rlynnw13 May 1999
This film should not be missed by any Lenny Bruce fans. The incredible archival footage collected here is second to none. The narration is used sparingly to knit the interviews into a seamless presentation of the troubled life of Lenny Bruce.
The amount of time and effort that went into this documentary is readily apparent, and well worth it. A must see.
If you know who Lenny Bruce is, this film will give you incredible insights into his life and personality from the people who knew him intimately.
If you've never heard of Lenny Bruce, prepare to be turned on to a truly unique comic genius.
The amount of time and effort that went into this documentary is readily apparent, and well worth it. A must see.
If you know who Lenny Bruce is, this film will give you incredible insights into his life and personality from the people who knew him intimately.
If you've never heard of Lenny Bruce, prepare to be turned on to a truly unique comic genius.
HBO documentaries are great!
LJT-217 August 1999
It seems in this country of ours, so many pay the price. Soldiers lose their lives in wars. Innovators lose their life just living. Lenny Bruce was just a little before my time, and his. I do know one thing, I would have been a fan, I guess you could say I am a fan of Lenny's. I thought he was very smart, funny, and bold. I wonder how much other comedians, such as Carlin, Murphy, and Rock appreciate this man that blazed a path of this raw, wild, new humor. Without him, it makes me wonder, would these other guys put themselves out there like Bruce did? I guess someone would have. Not being the most secure person in the world, he was very secure in what he believed this country of ours was molded to be.
Great Documentary
Mr.Toad27 October 2000
I loved this documentary.
I have been a fan of Lenny Bruce for years, and I was impressed that the film made the point that Bruce was a pioneer, and without him, other comedians such as George Carlin, Richard Pryor (and later, Chris Rock and others) might not have had the careers they did.
After Bruce's conviction in New York for obscenity, no other comedian has been prosecuted. He set the trend, and his suffering smoothed the path for others.
I would have liked a little more archival footage showing more fully why Lenny Bruce was such an innovator, but this is a minor gripe.
All in all, a great film. Should be seen by anyone who is concerned about the the influence of the conservative right wing in the USA, and their attempts to stifle free speech, even to this day.
I have been a fan of Lenny Bruce for years, and I was impressed that the film made the point that Bruce was a pioneer, and without him, other comedians such as George Carlin, Richard Pryor (and later, Chris Rock and others) might not have had the careers they did.
After Bruce's conviction in New York for obscenity, no other comedian has been prosecuted. He set the trend, and his suffering smoothed the path for others.
I would have liked a little more archival footage showing more fully why Lenny Bruce was such an innovator, but this is a minor gripe.
All in all, a great film. Should be seen by anyone who is concerned about the the influence of the conservative right wing in the USA, and their attempts to stifle free speech, even to this day.
The best I've seen so far
davequ14 March 2008
As a serious lifelong Lenny Bruce fan (I'm actually old enough to remember seeing him "live" on Steve Allen) I don't think there is any treatment, film or documentary that comes close to Mr. Weide's labor of love "Swear to Tell the Truth."
That includes Fosse & Dustin Hoffman's famous collaborative work on the film "Lenny." See this documentary, then go back and watch the film "Lenny" and you will see what I mean. The film "Lenny" is well intentioned and well done, but it can't carry the jock of Weide's "Swear to Tell the Truth."
"Swear to Tell the Truth" is the first work I've seen that correctly shows in detail and explains THE REAL REASONs why Lenny Bruce was hunted and persecuted by the authorities all the way to his eventual death. It wasn't "dirty words" in his act: the true cause of his persecution was his ruthless-yet-funny satires of the Catholic Church (I am catholic btw) and (initially) a major blunder on Bruce's part - when he blew the whistle publicly on a bribe he was offered to get out of a minor drug bust. Bruce is actually shown doing both on film in the documentary.
Weide really did his research and homework (supposedly 12 years worth). There are scenes and interviews with Lenny, his family, and close friends of Lenny's that even I have never seen before.
If it's so great, WHERE CAN I SEE IT? you ask:
Here is the BAD NEWS: This documentary as of the date of this post, will likely NEVER become available on DVD. I personally contacted Mr. Weide's Whyaduck Production company to find out why (a duck).
The reason?
According to Whyaduck, there are copyright hassles / issues with the excellent jazz soundtrack (includes early Miles Davis and others). I was told due to these unresolved licensing squabbles (translated "greed" imo), we may never see the release on DVD of this excellent film. What a shame. Luckily I taped it (VHS) and I still go back and watch it all the time: never bored, always fascinated and finding new treats with each viewing.
Luckily it was a 1998 Oscar nominee for Best Documentary, so it is sometimes (rarely) still shown on cable. Your best bet is to search for it occasionally on your PBS, Sundance, or HBO listings. Per Mr. Weide, it costs ~ 4 times as much to show it on regular cable (HBO / Sundance) due to commercial licensing fees, as opposed to PBS.
Thank you Mr. Weide for this excellent documentary, and I share your frustration. Greed is keeping this work of art from the public.
That includes Fosse & Dustin Hoffman's famous collaborative work on the film "Lenny." See this documentary, then go back and watch the film "Lenny" and you will see what I mean. The film "Lenny" is well intentioned and well done, but it can't carry the jock of Weide's "Swear to Tell the Truth."
"Swear to Tell the Truth" is the first work I've seen that correctly shows in detail and explains THE REAL REASONs why Lenny Bruce was hunted and persecuted by the authorities all the way to his eventual death. It wasn't "dirty words" in his act: the true cause of his persecution was his ruthless-yet-funny satires of the Catholic Church (I am catholic btw) and (initially) a major blunder on Bruce's part - when he blew the whistle publicly on a bribe he was offered to get out of a minor drug bust. Bruce is actually shown doing both on film in the documentary.
Weide really did his research and homework (supposedly 12 years worth). There are scenes and interviews with Lenny, his family, and close friends of Lenny's that even I have never seen before.
If it's so great, WHERE CAN I SEE IT? you ask:
Here is the BAD NEWS: This documentary as of the date of this post, will likely NEVER become available on DVD. I personally contacted Mr. Weide's Whyaduck Production company to find out why (a duck).
The reason?
According to Whyaduck, there are copyright hassles / issues with the excellent jazz soundtrack (includes early Miles Davis and others). I was told due to these unresolved licensing squabbles (translated "greed" imo), we may never see the release on DVD of this excellent film. What a shame. Luckily I taped it (VHS) and I still go back and watch it all the time: never bored, always fascinated and finding new treats with each viewing.
Luckily it was a 1998 Oscar nominee for Best Documentary, so it is sometimes (rarely) still shown on cable. Your best bet is to search for it occasionally on your PBS, Sundance, or HBO listings. Per Mr. Weide, it costs ~ 4 times as much to show it on regular cable (HBO / Sundance) due to commercial licensing fees, as opposed to PBS.
Thank you Mr. Weide for this excellent documentary, and I share your frustration. Greed is keeping this work of art from the public.
This film should be an episode of "American Masters" on PBS
peter-m-koch13 September 2004
if it isn't, already, and, along with the "Lenny Bruce Performance Film", may become known as the definitive video overview of the life and work of this iconic, visionary, controversial and seminal American artist, satirist and comedian.
Perhaps the one important event in Bruce's life, overlooked by, or perhaps deliberately excluded from, the film, is the near-fatal injury suffered by Bruce's wife, Honey, in a car accident.
It would have been good to see interviewed in the film, people that knew Bruce, that were heard in Larry Josephson's "Modern Times" radio documentary, "Lenny Bruce Remembered", such as Orin Keepnews, Sid Mark, Mort Sahl, Jean Shepherd, Albert Goldman, and Sherman Block, but I suppose one cannot have everything, and it IS Bob Weide's film, not Larry Josephson's. We DO hear from Bruce's mother, wife, and last girlfriend, Lotus Weinstock, in the film, as we do in the radio documentary.
It also would have been good to see and hear Bob Dylan talk about the real-life incident he mentions in his song "Lenny Bruce" :
"I rode with him, in a taxi once, only a mile and a half, seemed like it took a couple of months"
if indeed that did happen, but perhaps that was between the two of them only.
I will close by quoting from the end of Bruce's autobiography. I think the words are Dick Schaap's :
"Finally, one last four-letter word concerning Lenny Bruce : Dead. At forty. That's obscene."
Perhaps the one important event in Bruce's life, overlooked by, or perhaps deliberately excluded from, the film, is the near-fatal injury suffered by Bruce's wife, Honey, in a car accident.
It would have been good to see interviewed in the film, people that knew Bruce, that were heard in Larry Josephson's "Modern Times" radio documentary, "Lenny Bruce Remembered", such as Orin Keepnews, Sid Mark, Mort Sahl, Jean Shepherd, Albert Goldman, and Sherman Block, but I suppose one cannot have everything, and it IS Bob Weide's film, not Larry Josephson's. We DO hear from Bruce's mother, wife, and last girlfriend, Lotus Weinstock, in the film, as we do in the radio documentary.
It also would have been good to see and hear Bob Dylan talk about the real-life incident he mentions in his song "Lenny Bruce" :
"I rode with him, in a taxi once, only a mile and a half, seemed like it took a couple of months"
if indeed that did happen, but perhaps that was between the two of them only.
I will close by quoting from the end of Bruce's autobiography. I think the words are Dick Schaap's :
"Finally, one last four-letter word concerning Lenny Bruce : Dead. At forty. That's obscene."
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