The Last First Comic

The Last First Comic is a captivating documentary that beautifully encapsulates the rich legacy of American Burlesque comedy. Released in 2010, the film stars Irving Benson, Lillian Benson, and Suzanne Charny, giving viewers an insightful perspective into the gritty and humorous world of early 20th-century vaudeville entertainment.

Irving Benson, age hundred at the time of filming, serves as the focal point of the film. As the oldest living link to the golden age of Burlesque, Benson harnesses his century's worth of experience and memories to offer a unique, first-hand account of this once widespread art form.

Elected to the Burlesque Hall of Fame in 2009, Benson's career spanned over nine decades. He performed as half of the legendary comedy duo, "Benson and Mann," then later in his career, he appeared to TV audiences as comic foil on the ground-breaking Jackie Gleason and Dean Martin shows. In this documentary, through a series of personal anecdotes and narratives, he narrates the rise, evolution, and the eventual decline of Burlesque comedy, adding a layer of authenticity and credibility to the storytelling.

The film also stars Lillian Benson, Irving's wife, providing another perspective. Her accounts of the journey of Irving's career and personal experiences provide context to the struggles and successes encountered by these early artists.

Equally compelling, Suzanne Charny adds depth to the narrative with her recollections. As a Broadway dancer and actress, Charny's insights into the world of vaudeville and dance help shape a well-rounded depiction of the era.

The Last First Comic is not just a biographical account of Irving but also an exploration of the comedic genre that inspired modern stand-up comedy. Through interviews with comedy legends like Professor Irwin Corey, Dick Curtis, and Max Coleman, who worked alongside Irving, the film dives deeply into the business of making people laugh. It examines in detail the signature feature of Burlesque – the "comics and straight man" format that set the foundation for the modern comedy we enjoy today.

In essence, The Last First Comic is a nostalgic journey through the trials and tribulations of old-time burlesque comedians. It captures how these unplanned, absurd, and often times risqué performances would pave the way for the popular comedy of future generations.

The film is directed by John C. Brown with Brian G. Reynolds as the executive producer. The pair do an impressive job in their storytelling technique, juxtaposing archival footage and photographs along with the intimate interviews, keeping the experience authentic and engaging. They manage to depict the simple but profound contrast between the smile-inducing outer world of the performers with the challenging inner world of unabashed dedication and aspiration the artists navigated.

The Last First Comic is a comprehensive tribute to an age of raw, hard-hitting comedy, drawing a vivid comparison between then and now. It gifts its audience a reminiscent exploration into an art form long forgotten, rekindling a respect for the performers and their art that played a pivotal role in shaping modern American comedy.

Viewers of The Last First Comic take away a deeper understanding of the American comedy scene's roots, the battles fought by its pioneers and the legacy that holds relevance even today. Sure to evoke laughter and tears in equal measure, this film shines brighter than ever, reminding us of the golden era of Burlesque comedy that indeed, laughter is the best form of therapy.