The Last First Comic (2010)

Documentary feature exploring the history of American comedy with the last living Burlesque comic, 97 year old Irv Benson.

Directors:

John C. Brown, Bart Williams

Writer:

Bart Williams

Stars:

Irving Benson, Lillian Benson, Suzanne Charny

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Irving Benson	...	Himself
Lillian Benson	...	Herself
Suzanne Charny	...	Herself
Phyllis Coates	...	Herself
Chris Costello	...	Herself
Andrew Davis	...	Himself
Mickey Deems	...	Himself
Dixie Evans	...	Herself
Armond Fields	...	Himself
Dee Ann Johnston	...	Herself
Ed McMahon	...	Himself
Don Potter	...	Himself
Betty Rowland	...	Herself
Alan Young	...	Himself
Bart Williams	...	Narrator

Storyline

The Last First Comic tells the story of comedy itself as seen through the eyes of Irving Benson - the last living First Comic of Burlesque. Burlesque - up to the 1940's - was a variety show featuring different acts: magicians, singers, jugglers, comedians, and of course strippers. Many of the comedic acts who got their start in Burlesque include Jackie Gleason, Abbott and Costello, W.C. Fields and Danny Thomas. Having turned 102 at the end of January in 2016, Irving Benson is the last living First Comic. The film features interviews with strippers such as Dixie Evans and features clips of Benson heckling Milton Berle and Johnny Carson. Bart Williams, the narrator, takes Benson back to the Palace Theater in New York where he interviews him on stage while Benson teaches him the timing of a "bit" The film also features the last filmed interview with Ed McMahon.

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Taglines:

How Burlesque Died and Irv Benson Lived to Tell It!

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Filming Locations:

Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

Comedy Unlike Any Other

This was an awesome film that tells the story of the origins of a craft still used today. The comedy is timeless. You will learn so much from the people who invented and live it. The cast has the best stories to tell. John C. Brown and Bart Williams do an excellent job preserving the history of comedy. This award winning film will go on to do great things. If you are in the field of comedy or acting this is a definitely must see. It is a way to learn from the people who lived the art. Learn the history of the straight man and the funny man from the best. Some mild nudity. Not recommended for small children. If you have the chance to see it don't miss out!