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Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story

  • 20132013
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 16m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
104
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • IMDbPro
Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story (2013)
  • Documentary
A look at the life and work of Canadian comedy icon David Steinberg.A look at the life and work of Canadian comedy icon David Steinberg.A look at the life and work of Canadian comedy icon David Steinberg.
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
104
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Barry Avrich
  • Stars
    • David Bianculli
    • Johnny Carson(archive footage)
    • Larry Charles
Top credits
  • Director
    • Barry Avrich
  • Stars
    • David Bianculli
    • Johnny Carson(archive footage)
    • Larry Charles
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 2User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 1 nomination

    Photos

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    Top cast

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    David Bianculli
    David Bianculli
    • Selfas Self
    Johnny Carson
    Johnny Carson
    • Selfas Self
    • (archive footage)
    Larry Charles
    Larry Charles
    • Selfas Self
    Larry David
    Larry David
    • Selfas Self
    Jean Doumanian
    Jean Doumanian
    • Selfas Self
    Bob Einstein
    Bob Einstein
    • Selfas Self
    Dave Foley
    Dave Foley
    • Selfas Self
    Stevie Ray Fromstein
    • Selfas Self
    Jeff Garlin
    Jeff Garlin
    • Selfas Self
    Billy Grundfest
    Billy Grundfest
    • Selfas Self
    Jay Kogen
    Jay Kogen
    • Selfas Self
    Brian Koppelman
    Brian Koppelman
    • Selfas Self
    Norm MacDonald
    Norm MacDonald
    • Selfas Self
    Mary Ellen Mark
    Mary Ellen Mark
    • Selfas Self
    Jane Milmore
    • Selfas Self
    Phil Rosenthal
    Phil Rosenthal
    • Selfas Self
    • (as Philip Rosenthal)
    Robin Ruzan
    Robin Ruzan
    • Selfas Self
    Jerry Seinfeld
    Jerry Seinfeld
    • Selfas Self
    • Director
      • Barry Avrich
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

    Storyline

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    User reviews2

    Review
    Top review
    Glad I Didn't Heed My Expectations
    Every time I saw this documentary listed, I would shrug and say "Well, he was funny, but I don't think I'd find this interesting." Boy, was I wrong. As a comic, David Steinberg was hilarious, insightful and more than responsible for establishing stand up as a venue for storytelling, political observation and self revelation as opposed to set ups and punchlines. And this was not an evolution. With Pryor, Carlin, Bruce, Sahl and Klein, Steinberg took this art form to a new level in quick fashion especially in the mode of challenging "proper standards".

    As with any excellent documentary regarding a celebrity, the back story of Steinberg's life is deftly interwoven with anecdotes and observations from family, contemporaries and those comics whom he influenced. The clips of Steinberg's career, especially his Tonight Show appearances, are hilarious. Always good to see Johnny, especially when he is genuinely cracking up.

    Steinberg's humanity and talent are finely exhibited. Plus, amazingly enough for a comic (or even a person) he doesn't seem to have a mean bone in his body.

    If you have any interest in fine comedy, politically incorrect observations or taking a journey through the pop culture of the last six decades you'll be glad you watched. The first 3 minutes hooked me and was glad to take the ride to the end. Hurry, though. It leaves Showtime 10/14.
    helpful•1
    1
    • mrgogonyc
    • Oct 11, 2014

    Details

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    • Release date
      • May 2, 2013 (Canada)
    • Country of origin
      • Canada
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Prepare for the Worst
    • Production company
      • The Nightingale Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 16 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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