r/otr • u/steelthumbs1 • 3d ago
Interview with Frank Nelson
https://youtu.be/WZQ0Yka9igU?is=gsd41kJexNwQ7h6AI just found this & thought I’d share.
3
2
u/MisterMisterYeeeesss 2d ago
I'd read the transcription of his Dreer Pooson story, but having the actual audio is amazing. Not to mention, how Rochester almost didn't exist! That was new for me.
2
u/steelthumbs1 2d ago
Yeah, it’s great to have so much of JB @ our fingertips. I hunted down the drear pooson sketch after I listen to this interview.
And, what luck to have Rochester on the show. I don’t think JB would be as good w/o him.
2
u/MisterMisterYeeeesss 2d ago
Their relationship evolved over the years, as did Rochester's character. At first, Rochester embodied what was stereotypical for blacks at the time (lazy, gambling, alcoholic, switchblade owners). Once the reality of the holocaust started becoming know, they changed Rochester to an extent, and their relationship started to become closer to two equals. Jack was known for sticking up for Eddie Anderson in an era where segregation was still the norm. While on the road, one hotel manager refused to let Anderson stay in the hotel. Jack packed up everyone; cast, crew, writers, etc and moved them all to a different hotel. I've seen some comments that Rochester became a one-note character, only complaining about Jack, but I think he added so much depth to Jack's character.
2
u/steelthumbs1 2d ago
There’re some great videos on YT on Eddie Anderson. And I’ve been watching some of JB’s specials from the 60-70’s. As I recall, this had a great clip of JB & Rochester.
2
u/MisterMisterYeeeesss 2d ago
I've heard of/seen references to his specials, but I've never seen any of them. Seeing him getting older, and knowing that he's near the end of his life adds a shade to them for me. It's almost like time poisons the humor. I really like hearing his early- to mid-career shows, and lately I've started enjoying his movies. "The Medicine Man" (1930) was so much fun for me, because it was before he was famous, and he had no idea how famous he'd get: https://archive.org/details/the-medicine-man-captions
2
u/steelthumbs1 2d ago
Thx for the link, I’ll check it out later. I’ve been meaning to track down his movies. I haven’t watched any of JB’s movies except To be or not to be & that was many years ago.
2
u/MisterMisterYeeeesss 2d ago
His movies are of course not the same character he portrays on the radio for the most part, but it's so interesting to see him acting in other roles. He wasn't a terrific actor, but I always enjoy watching him.
5
u/Johnnyhellhole 3d ago
I had not heard this interview before. Quite a delight. Thanks for posting.