Frequent co-star Dom DeLuiseJust as I complete the book proposal for the authorized biography of Madeline Kahn, the need for speed (or at least for efficient time management) is made apparent once again. One of Madeline's close friends and most frequent co-stars, Dom DeLuise, has died, and I never got to interview him. DeLuise and his wife, Carol, brightened many an evening for Madeline, whenever she was in L.A., and Dom and Madeline shared an interest in opera. (Predictably, perhaps, DeLuise's "interest" was really an outsize passion.) I'm sure they could have helped me to draw a more rounded portrait.
But I'm sorry to see Dom DeLuise go, for reasons that have nothing to do with the biography.
When he was at his best, he captured that giggly giddiness that I've seldom felt since childhood: the sheer helplessness of having laughed too hard for too long. What's striking is that, for most comics, the surest way to lose a laugh is to start laughing: if you think you're funny, no one else will agree. (This is the reason my stand-up career doesn't even get past the dinner table.) DeLuise was exceptional, because he gave the impression that he was already hysterical before a sketch began, very much in on the joke and out of control. In reality, he must have calculated some or most of his effects, yet you couldn't see it. His abandon was infectious, and soon enough, you'd be laughing, too.
Thanks to my research on Madeline Kahn, I've caught up with DeLuise's performance in Gene Wilder's film, The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother. He plays an Italian opera singer who is, of course, a spy, and in the funniest scene in the picture, he squares off against Professor Moriarty (the great Leo McKern). In seconds, the two criminal masterminds are fighting like preschoolers. If you haven't seen the movie (which also features some wonderful musical numbers for Madeline), hop to it! It's a great way to pay tribute to a funny man.
But I'm sorry to see Dom DeLuise go, for reasons that have nothing to do with the biography.
When he was at his best, he captured that giggly giddiness that I've seldom felt since childhood: the sheer helplessness of having laughed too hard for too long. What's striking is that, for most comics, the surest way to lose a laugh is to start laughing: if you think you're funny, no one else will agree. (This is the reason my stand-up career doesn't even get past the dinner table.) DeLuise was exceptional, because he gave the impression that he was already hysterical before a sketch began, very much in on the joke and out of control. In reality, he must have calculated some or most of his effects, yet you couldn't see it. His abandon was infectious, and soon enough, you'd be laughing, too.
Thanks to my research on Madeline Kahn, I've caught up with DeLuise's performance in Gene Wilder's film, The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother. He plays an Italian opera singer who is, of course, a spy, and in the funniest scene in the picture, he squares off against Professor Moriarty (the great Leo McKern). In seconds, the two criminal masterminds are fighting like preschoolers. If you haven't seen the movie (which also features some wonderful musical numbers for Madeline), hop to it! It's a great way to pay tribute to a funny man.
Hello,yes I agree The Adventure of Sherlock is a great
ReplyDeletemovie. For many reasons,some of which can be summed up by the fact Gene Wilder would not have
made the movie unless Madeline and Marty Feldman
agreed to do the picture before hand. So,what we see
are really parts written for those two in mind. They
are great vehicles for both, I think.By the way,have
you interviewed Mr. Wilder yet? If not you should!!!!
Thanks! Yes, Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother is really wonderful for the showcase it provides Gene Wilder and his favored collaborators -- several of them employing highly-trained talents they didn't often get to use elsewhere (Madeline's operatic singing, Wilder's fencing).
ReplyDeleteI have indeed been in contact with Mr. Wilder, who has shared several memories via e-mail, and I look forward to continuing that conversation very soon!