Lenny (1974)

**_The last fifteen years of the controversial stand-up comic_**

This biopic covers the years of Bruce’s life from 1951-1966. He met and married burlesque performer Honey Harlow in 1951 and they started a double act since Lenny understandably didn’t want her to make a living as a stripper. Their relationship is covered, along with Lenny’s legal issues concerning obscenity laws and, to be expected, his eventual downward spiral. The latter brings to mind movies like the funereal “Big Sur,” which addressed Jack Kerouac, not to mention “The Rose,” which was loosely based on Janis Joplin.

It’s worth watching just to journey back to the 1950s-60s, not to mention get an idea of what the hubbub over the comedian was all about (I never even heard of him until seeing this movie). He’s effectively played by Dustin Hoffman while Valerie Perrine is a highlight and a must for fans of Miss Teschmacher, particularly the first act. Just keep in mind that the flick’s adult-oriented and therefore rated a hard ‘R.’

Naturally, freedom of speech in America is a focus, aka the First Amendment. Imagine arresting Andrew Dice Clay for obscenities in his act during the late 80s/early 90s. Absurd, right? I’m not a fan of Clay, but he proved on VH1 Classics that he could be thoroughly funny without resorting to crudeness and profanity. Nevertheless, these were part of his shtick and if people didn’t like it they could walk out or simply not go to see him in the first place. Now translate this to the early/mid 60s and Bruce’s act. It’s much ado about nothing. Yet, to be expected, the negative press actually made him more popular, which is ironic since he became unfunny in his latter days, taking himself and his act too seriously.

I like how the movie spurs reflection on the morality of word usage. It comes down to common sense wisdom. For instance, a vulgar sexually explicit word can be spoken at a police station amongst law-enforcement officers, but that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate to loudly voice the same word at, say, a family restaurant or funeral. Context is everything. For example, a scanty bathing suit is fine for the beach or hotel swimming pool, but not in an academic class, whether you’re a student or teacher. It’s just common sense. You’d have to be an uncouth dullard not to get it.

If a certain word is going to unnecessarily offend someone present, then don’t use it. It’s a matter of walking in love & respect toward fellow humans in the community. But a comedic nightclub act is a different story since words are chosen for the purpose of entertainment, whether to amuse or shock. Anyone who doesn’t like it doesn’t have to attend. Problem solved. Again, it’s much ado about nothing.

The film runs 1h 51m and was shot in early 1974 in the Miami Beach/Fort Lauderdale area, as well as Brown's Hotel in Loch Sheldrake, New York, and Brooklyn for a club sequence.

GRADE: B-