The George Carlin of the 1960s
For most, memories of George Carlin on television come from his many HBO specials starting from the 1970s and continuing up until the present day. For others, it was his appearance during the very first Saturday Night Live back in 1975. But, there was another George Carlin that many don’t remember. That is the very young George Carlin from the 1960s.
Before the beard, and the long hair, and the swearing and his “the world is doomed” attitude, George Carlin was a traditional suit-and-tie stand-up comic. He began by teaming up with comedian Jack Burns in the late 1950s, then eventually went his own way. During that time he came up with a number of famous routines including “The Indian Sergeant,” “The Hippy-Dippy Weatherman,” and “Wonderful WINO.” Many of these routines would be performed on shows like The Tonight Show (both the Jack Paar and Johnny Carson versions) and the Ed Sullivan Show.
After the jump you’ll see two examples of his mid-60s television appearances.
The first one may or may not be from the Ed Sullivan Show. Either way, it features Carlin performing “The Indian Sergeant.” The second video is from a 1966 episode of The Tonight Show, with Carlin as Al Sleet — the Hippie-Dippie Weatherman. The Tonight Show video will probably more familiar to those viewers who have spent numerous early morning hours watching television since it was part of the Tonight Show DVD infomerical that aired for several years.
BREAKING: George Carlin Dead at 71
Man, this is really sad. A Slashfilm fave, legendary comedian and thinking man, George Carlin, died today (Sunday) from heart failure at a Santa Monica hospital. He was admitted on Sunday afternoon after experiencing chest pains. Sadder still, Carlin was to receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center this November. No word on how that event will proceed, but let’s hope it will be a fine send-off from his peers for a career that spanned five decades. Carlin said this regarding the reward: “Thank you Mr. Twain. Have your people call my people.” That is one phone call that warranted a tap.
Peter’s Thoughts: This really sucks. Carlin was not only a legendary comedian but a master wordsmith. When he delivered comedy, it was like he was singing a song or reading a poem.
If you haven’t seen every one of his HBO television specials, than you haven’t laughed. Surprisingly he made few appearances on the big screen. My favorite was his performance in Kevin Smith’s Jersey Girl, where he plays Ben Affleck’s father Bart Trinke. Strangely it’s probably his least comedic attempt on the big or small screen. His performance is heartbreaking. I never got to see Carlin live (and it’s not for a lack of trying), and that will probably be one of my biggest regrets.
“The planet isn’t going anywhere. WE ARE! Pack your shit, folks. We’re goin’ away.” - George Carlin
Hunter’s Thoughts: Carlin’s comedy routines threw your mind on the treadmill, whipped it into shape and left you dying on the couch from laughter and the absurdity of a world gone mad (and madder still). I’ve talked to several friends in just the last few minutes–everyone’s watching YouTube clips–and one memory that many of us share is watching Carlin’s superlative HBO specials with our dads. Carlin said he made a decision not to “live a lie” and to speak the truth, and his boldness and intellect closed gaps amongst generations of guys (and women too–his pro-choice bits are classic–no doubt) that rock ‘n’ roll, a lot of literature and a lot of heated discussions failed to do.
His intellect, memory and honesty were brilliant and nearly intimidating, though he wasn’t a snob by any means. He never stopped thinking, he never let his brain age, and he stood on stage like some slender, creaky lightning rod and, tellingly, nothing shot him down. Goddamn it, he was one of the greats. Let’s be sure to put younger generations onto his act and not allow ourselves to easily become that which Carlin stood so humorously against. R.I.P. He was one of the only guys I ever listened to with a pony tail.
“In Heaven, the French do the cooking, the Germans are the mechanics, the Swiss run the hotels, the Italians are the lovers and the English are the police.
In Hell, the English do the cooking, the Italians are the mechanics, the French run the hotels, the Swiss are the lovers and the Germans are the police.” - George Carlin (via commenter Captain Awesome)