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Length: 02:25
Posted: 2/4/2010
Why We Laugh tracks the evolution of black comedy from the character of Stepin Fetchit and minstrels in blackface to the politically tinged humor of Dick Gregory, and from the television success of Good Times and The Jeffersons to the big-screen accomplishments of stars such as Eddie Murphy and Whoopi Goldberg. The film also turns a perceptive eye on the controversial career decision of Dave Chappelle and the implications of corporate efforts to capitalize on the massive success of Russell Simmons s Def Comedy Jam and Spike Lee s The Original Kings of Comedy. watch
Dick Gregory thanks Bill Cosby for his effects on other 'negro' comedians. watch
One of Hollywood s most enduring and popular stars draws on his memories to tell the amusing and touching story of how it was when the studios ruled supreme, and how a shy and inarticulate boy from a broken family could rise to super stardom to become one of the most handsome, attractive and respected of movie leading men. His early career proved his talent; his later years showed that with the talent came a wise and humane individual. Unfashionably modest in these days of hard-hitting self-aggrandizement, Peck takes us with him on this long and fascinating journey from early theater roles, through his first film parts up to today. This entertainment special uses clips from Peck s most important movies including "The Yearling," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Spellbound," "Moby Dick," "Roman Holiday," "Duel in the Sun," "The Guns of Navarone," "MacArthur", "Captain Hornblower," "The Boys From Brazil" - and interviews with Jane Fonda, Audrey Hepburn, Liza Minnelli, Anthony Quinn, Jack Lemmon, watch
