I first saw this program when it was originally broadcast in 1967. Until that time I hadn't paid much attention to Mark Twain's life and career, but Mr. Holbrook's amazing performance awakened an interest in those subjects that has proved to be very rewarding. Twain was an authentic American genius, and Mr. Holbrook does a wonderful job of conveying the nature of the man and his writing. I was lucky enough to see Mr. Holbrook in person in the mid-70's, and the CBS program, although different than that live performance, is a perfect 90-minute demonstration of what Mr. Holbrook can do. This video is a priceless gift to Americans, both for the quality of the performance and its depiction of the nature of the man being portrayed. We are all in Mr. Holbrook's debt.
It is sad to think about how far we've fallen, from "Mark Twain Tonight" on network television in 1967 to the awful nonsense shown on it now. At one time, at least, we were better than we are now.
It is sad to think about how far we've fallen, from "Mark Twain Tonight" on network television in 1967 to the awful nonsense shown on it now. At one time, at least, we were better than we are now.