December 29th,1969-January 1st,1975 (ABC)
Dick Cavett is back on television as ABC's new entrant in the late-night race. The format is desk and sofa five nights a week like the Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin shows. As Cavett sees it, it's the chemistry that counts. His forte: an articulate way with an interview, plus approaches to comedy that range from youthful innocence to the cynicism of W.C.Fields.
Guests: Henny Youngman, Dr. Theodore Rubin, George Plimpton, and Bill Russell.
David Steinberg is guest host standing in for Dick Cavett.
We hear Steinberg's entire monologue. Comedian Henny Youngman does a stand-up routine, and relates about his early years in show business. He idolized Milton Berle.
George Plimpton discusses his research interviewing comedians including Woody Allen with his own objective to attempt stand-up comedy on his own. He demonstrates his "act" to the audience. He states the most inventive and brilliant comedian of all is Jonathan Winters.
The segment with Bill Russell runs 15 minutes.
Russell is introduced by Steinberg. He is persuaded to take a raw shack test (first thing that comes to his mind) by Steinberg. Bill describes his feelings about Wilt Chamberlin and states why he was so great (in a comedic conclusion Bill mentions that Wilt was the second best player, ever). Russell talks about his initiative to be the first person to grow a beard as a player and how he got his reputation. Bill Russell and David Steinberg play one on one...Russell states his favorite shot a "dunk shot."
In a brief appearance, Dr. Theodore Rubin discusses his book, "Forever Thin." He states the myths about fat people, and defines "obese psychology."
NOTE: Television commercials included.
NOTE: 15 SECOND SILENT GAP prior to David Steinberg's introduction of Dr. Theodore Rubin (track 29).