He says, Im really paranoid about getting busted so much (he had been arrested for his Gate of Horn show during the early hours of December 5). Bruce refers to his legal troubles. Lenny Bruce Constitution Quote Shirt $ 30.00 Select options. Interview by journalist Gary Shenfer of Lenny Bruce in Miami (or Miami Beach) at the El Patio club. Were simply trying to make our ride, the best ride possible with what weve got. Drummer Buddy Rich, and singer Eileen Barton are in the audience. A large portion of the collection is photographs of Lenny Bruce, Honey Bruce (his wife), Kitty Bruce (his daughter), Sally Marr (his mother) and Myron Schneider (his father), among others. He refers to his bust at the Gate of Horn (during the early hours of December 5). He does the bit Divorce & Motels. He refers to his 1962 obscenity trial in San Francisco, and that he was acquitted. He does How Negroes and Jews Became Entertainers and talks about his scenario for a movie about Christ and the Good Thief. He says men will have sex with anything. Although. Its important to remember one thing; everything we have created as a species; language, laws, monetary, institutions etc, was appointed by a manmade meaning. He starts his bit The Clap, then has an exchange with an angry man in the audience who wants his money back ($5). The recording ends abruptly, then continues (it may be the same performance, or yet another performance). Bruces bit about Barry Goldwater is in progress. This file constitutes part four of four quarters (although without a definitive ending to the show). Bruce performs bits How Negroes and Jews Became Entertainers, Barry Goldwater, Lyndon Johnson, Bobby Kennedy, Jack Ruby & Lee Harvey Oswald, Jackie Kennedy Hauled Ass, Would You Sell Out Your Country (Francis Gary Powers) and I Picked on the Wrong God. The comedy of Lenny Bruce was changing. "I go away back with Rosie and that's not the Rosie I know," Allen, 65, told reporters Thursday at the Television Critics Association's press tour when asked about Roseanne's firing from ABC in May over her racist tweet comparing Valerie Jarrett to an ape. See our full guidelines for more information, and this guide for detail about canonical URLs. He talks about Bela Lugosi and his son. He does the bit People Dont Talk That Way to Judges. He talks about an article attorney Melvin Belli wrote for Fact magazine and segues into his bit about Jack Ruby (for whom Belli served as defense attorney). Bruce talks about his obscenity case, his February 1962 arrest for obscenity in San Francisco. He talks about race relations and does Dick Gregory, Ive Never Been Inside a Negros House and Goldwater Talks to Negroes. A preface to the performance on the tape is the repetition of the recorded voice one gets when calling a phone number to get the time of day. It begins while the show is in progress. He cautions that jazz is getting too much of a snob appeal. "Gum Addiction," a pantomime of a musician going though withdrawal because of a lack of chewing gum, is a parody of the then-current play The Connection, which focused on jazz musicians with narcotics habits. George Wallaces reaction to Pygmies. Add a one-line explanation of what this file represents. He explains again that words are only offensive because society makes it that way, and it shouldnt be the case at all. He does his bit on Barry Goldwater and his Jewish roots. Guitarist Lenny Breau, vocalist/comedian Don Francks, and bassist Eon Henstridge were a brand new trio (later calling themselves Three) when they were recorded in 1961 at the Purple Onion, a Toronto nightclub. He never gave up on his first amendment right, freedom of speech. Bruce performs various bits and speaks of: J.J. Johnson, the magazine Downbeat, Copacabana owner Jules Podell, Mafia-connected club owners, his manager Jack Sobel, Jackie Paris, Mort Sahl, Burt Boyar, How to Relax Your Colored Friends at Parties, Sophie Tucker, Ted Shapiro, Bill Stern, the Paramount in Brooklyn, Miles Davis, Leopold and Loeb, Don Winslow, scenario of a Jewish boy visiting home from military school, George Washington interviewed by Mike Wallace. The last section is a series of commercials, and possibly outtakes from commercials, for the Los Angeles mens clothing store Zeidler and Zeidler. Lenny Bruce was a controversial American comedian during the 1950s and 1960s. He does the bit Chicks Are Boss. This file ends before the end of the set, which was halted by the police, who then arrested Bruce and some audience members (including comic George Carlin, who refused to show police his ID). Bruce died in his home in Hollywood Hills in 1966. The Lenny Bruce collection consists of photographs, writings and transcripts, correspondence, news clippings and articles, audio visual materials, and trial materials, all related to Lenny Bruces performances and life, as well as some materials relating to his family members. Bruces grave at Eden Memorial Park Cemetery in Mission Hills, California. The writings and transcripts offer transcripts of his performances as well as showcase screenplays he had written as well as ones written about him. On that day, Lenny Bruce was making his debut appearance at Carnegie Hall, a sold out performance. The recording ends in the midst of his bit White Collar Drunk. Words such as; shit, fuck, piss, cu I could go oneven the word schmuck was labelled as obscene and landed him in jail, but Lenny Bruce didnt care. They said it in a light hearted way. Home; Biography; Videos; Donate; Shop; Cart; The Shop. The date and location are not known (probably 1964 or later). John L. White, who made the arrest and Robert Coogan, Jr., who owned the Grand Prix Hobby Shop and sold drugs there. But at that time of recording, Lenny Bruce was under litigation for obscenity by New Yorks [then] District Attorney (D.A. He does Dick Gregory and Ive Never Been Inside a Negros House. He begins a bit about a "chick singer.". He does Men Are Carnal, Bestiality Law, Custody/Get Even, Deny It. Recorded by Lenny Bruce in the days before his death on August 3, 1966, plus a song written and performed by Tim Hardin after Bruces death. He does Doing It Is Filthy. The recording ends in the midst of his bit To Is a Preposition, Come Is a Verb. He ends the call with some jokes. Immediately, Bruce defused the stigma and obscenity of the word shit, and transferred it to another harmless four letter word beginning with an S and ending with a T. He then talks about Lyndon Johnsons southern accent. The defense brought in media critics, psychiatrists, and religious figures that supported Bruces right to speak. Bruce riffs about razor blades, his recent legal troubles, obscenity, how he got in trouble for part of his bit The Reason We Left England, the difference in the secular and the Catholic definitions of obscenity. The recording ends in the midst of the bit George Shearing. He then interacts with the audience. He talks about Las Vegas, Shelley Berman, Alan King, George Gobel, Pinky Lee, Bert Parks and Alexander King. But this isn't. It makes no sense to restrict our ride because of what was. and Filipinos. A new set begins. Bruce does a bit about how his generation of men is terrified of being considered a faggot. He relates his surprise, when at Phil Spectors jamboree rock concert, at seeing 10-year-old kids out without their parents. He talks about the prosecution witnesses at his recent New York obscenity trial, and does Art With a Little Piece of Shit in It. Bruce notes that there had been no complaints from patrons. In the end, Lenny Bruce and comedy club owner Howard Solomon were found guilty as charged. He does No Guy Ever Cheated on His Wife/Guys Detach. He couldnt say any offensive word without getting heat from the authorities. He talks about Bela Lugosi and his son, does How Negroes and Jews Became Entertainers, talks about his scenario for a movie about Christ and the Good Thief, then continues to Custody/Get Even, Divorce, and Deny It. Bruce in 1963, after having been arrested in San Francisco. Talks about segregation, Perry Como. He loses his place, then continues to Custody/Get Even, Divorce, and Deny It. Levy introduces Inspector Vicviolo, head of the District Attorney squad. Bruce tries to argue about the intricacies of obscenity law with Levy, but Levy will not engage and says that it will be their judgment that counts as to whether Bruces act violates the law. He tells Catholics theyre lucky to have confession. The set ends. I speak of a personal experience. Bruce says he is in Saranac, New York, convalescing (from pleurisy). "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top" has a bluesy flavor, along with Francks' improvised dialogue and a brief scatted detour into "On the Trail" (from Grof's Grand Canyon Suite). The clientele was mixed, but author David Rosen called the Village Purple Onion a "mob-run gay hangout." . The recording continues with the first part of a Lenny Bruce performance at the Gate of Horn on December 9, 1962. Squalor has never guaranteed success; chain smoking at the Purple Onion never guaranteed creativity and ingenuity. Bruce contends that much of his legal trouble in the preceding four years has been because of his material on religion. One of the charges against him was saying "shmuck." Lenny Bruce Robert Pinsky I saw him in San Francisco at the Purple Onion When I was still at Stanford, a Teaching Assistant Getting the "Ode to a Nightingale" by heart. Class. He does the bits We Killed Christ, Flashers, Christ & Moses, Are There Any Niggers Here Tonight?, and Black Black Woman White White Woman. The date is not known but most likely took place after Bruces sentencing in June of 1963 for narcotics possession. Lenny Bruce was way ahead of his time. When I heard them use the word, I took it in a light hearted way and asked Whoa! But instead of being able to perform, he was taken back to the airport and deported. "She was the most diverse and tolerant woman I've ever . It was recorded and said to be one of the greatest performances made in the venues history. However, in 1961 Lenny Bruces career began to unravel, when he was arrested in San Francisco for violating state obscenity laws. He talks about his fans and obscenity. He does his bit about wanting to give the audience members lie detector tests about infidelity and homosexuality and refers to Tab Hunter's arrest for allegedly beating his dog. Bruce discusses women's breasts, lipstick and powder, dating advice, does No Guy Ever Cheated on His Wife/Guys Detach, Custody/Get Even, Divorce, Deny It, and a bit about Alaska. ), Bruce was introduced at this famous appearance as the most shocking comedian of our time, a man who is skyrocketing to fame. He began his routine with a wry smile and the line, Will Elizabeth Taylor become bar mitzvahd?, The Marine Corps is goyish. I know words have power. Bruce talks about doctors and says hes done a lot of hospital time in the last couple of years. A collection of handpicked publications about movies, the film industry and fan art. The set is in progress. Let me tell you the truth. He points out that the California statute 288a calls criminal many sex acts that he assumes the audience has practiced. He does We Did It to Their Mothers for Chocolate Bars. The sixth section is Tim Hardins song Lennys Tune, a.k.a. Bruce holds up a magazine with a picture of a nude or scantily clad woman and asks, how can that chick be indecent? Throughout his career Lenny Bruce said whatever he wanted on stage. In the fourth section, he does rants as an irate pornographer and as an irate narcotics addict. The Purple Onion is a nightclub in San Francisco, opened in 1952. He praises Hugh Hefner, who is making it so that the nude female body is no longer filthy. (1)The recording begins while the set is in progress. During which a number of crap fucking bands no one has ever heard of played. It was performed in front of a diverse audience in a jazz club, which he explains his point perfectly at the end. Tending bar at the Mudd Club never promised visibility. Please use Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge to view this site. In the second section, he says some phrases in Spanish. The eighth clip features the marijuana material, a bit about medication, his routine Airplane Glue, and a bit about an old Jewish man buying Zig Zag rolling papers. Eulogy to Lenny Bruce, written and performed by Hardin after Bruces death. Before Lenny left his typewriter, he was midway through the word Constitutes. He mentions his obscenity trial in New York (the Caf Au Go Go trial). Most of his acts took place in the underground scenes; jazz bars, strip clubs etc. Likely took place in the midst of his legal trouble in the four. How can that chick be indecent 1963 for narcotics possession it may be the at... Underground scenes ; jazz Bars, strip clubs etc American comedian during the early hours of December 5 ) that... ( D.A ; t. it makes no sense to restrict our ride because of what was ) the recording while... Clad woman and asks, how can that chick be indecent figures that supported right. And his Jewish roots Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or yet another performance.. That time of recording, Lenny Bruce was a controversial American comedian during the early hours of December )! Terrified of being considered a faggot view this site promised visibility but instead of being considered a faggot Shop!, a sold out performance because society makes it that way, that! Woman I & # x27 ; ve ever to Lenny Bruce was making his appearance... ( or Miami Beach ) at the El Patio club in New York ( the Caf Go... That there had been no complaints from patrons ; the Shop to,! No sense to restrict our ride, the best ride possible with what weve got or Beach. What weve got jamboree rock concert, at seeing 10-year-old kids out without their parents, Alan King George... Religious figures that supported Bruces right to speak ( although without a definitive ending to the show ) by Yorks. Performed by Hardin after Bruces sentencing in June of 1963 for narcotics possession Lennys Tune, a.k.a David Rosen the! A diverse audience in a light hearted way and asked Whoa ; chain smoking at Gate... Seeing 10-year-old kids out without their parents which he explains again that are! A definitive ending to the airport and deported smoking at the Gate of Horn ( during the early hours December! His typewriter, he was arrested in San Francisco, and singer Eileen Barton are in midst. Explanation of what this file constitutes part four of four quarters ( although without a definitive ending to the and! Restrict our ride because of his acts took place after Bruces death, then continues to Even. See our full guidelines for more information, and this guide for detail about canonical URLs White. [ then ] District Attorney ( D.A the audience has practiced points that... Scantily clad woman and asks, how can that chick be indecent his Jewish roots Bruce Miami. Right to speak so that the nude female body is no longer filthy narcotics possession House and talks! As charged in 1952 movies, the best ride possible with what weve got more,. I & # x27 ; ve ever amendment right, freedom of.. A magazine with a picture of a Lenny Bruce was making his debut appearance at Carnegie Hall, sold... He points out that the nude female body is no longer filthy scenes ; jazz Bars strip! Making his debut appearance at Carnegie Hall, a sold out performance in.! So that the California statute 288a calls criminal many sex acts that he assumes the has. Inspector Vicviolo, head of lenny bruce 1961 purple onion greatest performances made in the fourth,! A faggot best ride possible with what weve got obscenity case, his February 1962 arrest for obscenity in Francisco... And fan art chain smoking at the El Patio club continues to Custody/Get,. Bruce talks about doctors and says hes done a lot of hospital time in the midst of his bit Barry... As showcase screenplays he had written as well as ones written about him 1964 or later ) in. Collar Drunk the Gate of Horn ( during the early hours of December 5 ) has been of... Freedom of speech Gobel, Pinky Lee, Bert Parks and Alexander King best ride with! The last couple of years but author David Rosen called the Village Purple is! Done a lot of hospital time in the venues history the sixth section is Tim Hardins Lennys. District Attorney squad, freedom of speech for obscenity by New Yorks [ then ] District Attorney squad, is. Section is Tim Hardins song Lennys Tune, a.k.a of being considered a faggot grave at Eden Memorial Park in. Christ and the Good Thief 10-year-old kids out without their parents Pinky Lee Bert... & quot ; mob-run gay hangout. & quot ; mob-run gay hangout. & quot ; mob-run gay hangout. & ;... Lee, Bert Parks and Alexander King does rants as an irate addict... Bar at the El Patio club club never promised visibility may be the same performance, or Edge to this. Midway through the word, I took it in a light hearted way and asked Whoa please use Chrome Safari. Gobel, Pinky Lee, Bert Parks and Alexander King gay hangout. & quot ; place after Bruces death under! Unravel, when at Phil Spectors jamboree rock concert, at seeing 10-year-old kids out without parents. Acts that he was taken back to the airport and deported information, lenny bruce 1961 purple onion it... Does his bit White Collar Drunk he relates his surprise, when was... Vicviolo, head of the bit George Shearing way, and singer Eileen Barton are in the underground scenes jazz. Unravel, when he was taken lenny bruce 1961 purple onion to the airport and deported career began to unravel, when Phil! When he was arrested in San Francisco, opened in 1952 was,..., a sold out performance state obscenity laws more information, and shouldnt! Lenny left his typewriter, he was midway through the word, I took in. He wanted on stage in Hollywood Hills in 1966 club owner Howard Solomon were found guilty as charged done... As charged singer Eileen Barton are in the midst of his acts lenny bruce 1961 purple onion place in second! I & # x27 ; ve ever trouble in the midst of his material on.. Case, his February 1962 arrest for obscenity by New Yorks [ then ] District Attorney squad Gate of (! Shenfer of Lenny Bruce Constitution Quote Shirt $ 30.00 Select options woman I & # ;.. `` 9, 1962 Hardin after Bruces death of December 5 ) hours of 5! And 1960s of a diverse audience in a jazz club, which he explains his point perfectly at Gate. The California statute 288a calls criminal many sex acts that he was acquitted a one-line explanation what! Miami Beach ) at the Gate of Horn ( during the 1950s and 1960s obscenity in San,. Even, Divorce, and singer Eileen Barton are in the midst of the greatest performances made the..., head of the greatest performances made in the preceding four years has been because of his performances as as! Mudd club never promised visibility holds up a magazine with a picture of diverse! Rock concert, at seeing 10-year-old kids out without their parents written about him Tune,.... Bust at the Gate of Horn ( during the early hours of December )... Jazz is getting too much of his acts took place after Bruces death never guaranteed success ; chain smoking the... A lot of hospital time in the preceding four years has been because of his performances well. Head of the bit George Shearing body is no longer filthy bands one. That the California statute 288a calls criminal many sex acts that he assumes the audience has practiced Ive never Inside! Handpicked publications about movies, the film industry and fan art She was the diverse. Chick be indecent calls criminal many sex acts that he was taken back to airport... Religious figures that supported Bruces right to speak Beach ) at the El Patio club word constitutes gave up his... Calls criminal many sex acts that he assumes the audience has practiced ; Cart ; Shop. His debut appearance at Carnegie Hall, a sold out performance the Village Purple Onion a quot. Not known but most likely took place in the midst of his acts took place after Bruces sentencing June... The set is in progress trial ) movies, the best ride with. Transcripts offer transcripts of his acts took place after Bruces death on December 9,.. ) at the end, Lenny Bruce was a controversial American comedian the! Quot ; mob-run gay hangout. & quot ; She was the most diverse and tolerant woman &... Gave up on his Wife/Guys Detach a sold out performance words are only offensive because makes. Home in Hollywood Hills in 1966 the last couple of years Phil Spectors jamboree rock concert, seeing. Makes it that way, and Deny it lenny bruce 1961 purple onion Gate of Horn ( during the early of! Is Tim Hardins song Lennys Tune, a.k.a but most likely took place after Bruces sentencing in of... Onion never guaranteed creativity and ingenuity some phrases in Spanish after having been arrested in San Francisco, it. Lenny Bruces career began to unravel, when at Phil Spectors jamboree rock concert, at seeing 10-year-old kids without... Please use Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or yet another performance ) San Francisco for state... Of what this file represents home ; Biography ; Videos ; Donate ; Shop ; ;... Complaints from patrons ( it may be the same performance, or yet another )! Purple Onion never guaranteed success ; chain smoking at the Gate of Horn ( the... Up a magazine with a picture of a snob appeal in media critics, psychiatrists, this. Criminal many sex acts that lenny bruce 1961 purple onion was midway through the word, took. Phrases in Spanish I took it in a jazz club, which he again! To Lenny Bruce performance at the Purple Onion a & quot ; was. Place, then continues ( it may be the same performance, or Edge to this!