Eastwood (uncharacteristically open), Robin Williams, Bob Newhart, Sarah Silverman, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Sidney Poitier, Carl Reiner, and dozens of others, testifying to Rickles remarkable ability to offend everyone without being actually offensive. As Chris Rock puts it, “Being funny is like being a pretty girl — you get away with a lot of crap. Essentially, Rickles has big tits.”
Also included are numerous archival clips showcasing Rickles’ extensive work in film and television, most notably his memorable guest appearances on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show.” This will undoubtedly remind you how much you miss Johnny, who dubbed insult-comic Don Rickles, “Mr. Warmth.” (He was also called the “Merchant of Venom” and the “King of Zing.”) For anyone who remembers, Rickles on the Carson show was always an event, a combination of delight and danger as Rickles came out and wreaked pandemonium.
One night when Johnny was off, Rickles was a guest and accidentally broke Carson’s treasured cigarette box. A hush fell over the set. Ed, Doc, the band, and even Rickles, immediately knew this was trouble. The next night Carson discovered the broken box and asked impatiently, “What the hell happened?” Doc identified Rickles as the culprit. As Carson’s ire grew, the audience was delighted.
Steamed, and cigarette box in hand, Carson spontaneously took the camera crew to pay an unannounced visit to the set of “CPO Sharkey,” Rickles’ sitcom. Carson’s surprising Rickles is among the funniest live TV bits ever.
Listening to Don Rickles’ behind-the-scenes conversation, and interviews with his closest friends, is an oral history of the world of stand-up. At 81, these days he mixes reflection about life in with the humor. Surveying the numerous photographs of friends adorning his wall, he says wistfully, “Dead, dying, almost dead, cancer, dead...”
It’s a shame “Mr. Warmth” didn’t have a theatrical release because there’s such a wealth of memorable TV and film clips: He and Frank Sinatra; the Dean Martin roasts; and Rickles performing for President Ronald Reagan and Nancy at the White House in 1985 (“Am I going too fast for you, Ronnie?”).
As “Mr. Warmth” nears an end, we see Rickles preparing for his show in Vegas. Slightly bent and shuffling a bit, he has help as he approaches the wings of the stage. He could be anybody’s wily grandfather. But remarkably, when the music and lights come on, Don Rickles is 20 years younger. And we are the happier for it.
“Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project” airs on HBO this Sunday, Dec. 2, at 11 p.m. (PST) and repeats throughout the month.
Jack Neworth also writes “Laughing Matters” which appears every Friday. He
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 1, 2007. Read the original PDF.