Cutting Edge Comedians of the '60s & '70s (2007)

In the late 1950s, a fresh, unconventional style of standup comedy emerged in sharp contrast to the standard "Take my wife, please" approach. It tackled such previously taboo subjects as sex, religion, drugs, and politics, and ushered in an avant-garde era of comedy that was decidedly more cerebral, satirical, and improvisational than before. Here are many of the maverick comedians who took those big risks years ago and paved the way for today’s current crop of outrageous, in-your-face comics. Many of these rare television performances have not been seen in 30 or 40 years. Carl Reiner & Mel Brooks (1966) Jackie Mason (1961) Bob Newhart (1966) Shelly Berman (1966) Bill Cosby (1965) Jonathan Winters (1961) Smothers Brothers (1974) Steve Martin (1977) Rowan & Martin (1964) Lily Tomlin (1975) George Carlin (1967 & 1975) Richard Pryor (1967 & 1974) Andy Kaufman (1977) Hendra & Ullett (1966) Billy Crystal (1976) Jay Leno (1978) David Letterman (1979)

Movie Run-throughs
"Cutting Edge Comedians of the '60s & '70s", a 2007 documentary film, offers an informative exploration into the blossoming dates of comedy during the 1960s and 1970s. Directed by Steve Boettcher and Mike Trinklein, it shines a light on lots of America's funniest and most prominent comedians of the times-- those who challenged societal standards and changed the funny sphere with their edgy humor and ground-breaking performances.

Comedic Pioneers
The film profiles a range of legendary comics consisting of Lenny Bruce, Dick Gregory, George Carlin, and Richard Pryor, alongside other influential figures who transformed the canvas of comical expression. Through a collection of timeless video footage, archival interviews, and conversations with modern comics, it narrates their journey from performing in small, smoky bars to getting into mainstream tv, highlighting the comedians' adventurous wit, talent, and perseverance.

The Evolution of Comedy
The narrative charts the development of comedy throughout these two transformative decades, recording how comedy moved from unimportant one-liners to a more extensive, observational design that dared to question and parody social conventions. These comedians pushed borders and brought up questionable subjects like civil rights, the Vietnam War, and sexual liberation, reflecting the shifting zeitgeist of the period.

Legacy and Influence
Their wit and audacity served as a driver for society's increasing exploration of liberal ideas. While their approach at first stimulated outrage and controversy, it ultimately broke lots of taboos and set the stage for a more open discourse, illuminating the function of comical criticism in affecting societal change. Pioneers like Pryor and Carlin not just assisted shape today's stand-up funny however they also left enduring impacts on future generations, motivating a roster of comedians who continue to push the envelope in the name of totally free speech and artistic expression.

Societal Impact
"Cutting Edge Comedians of the '60s & '70s" delves deep into the societal ramifications and responses to their comedy. It details how Lenny Bruce was often jailed for his provocative material, while Gregory used his platform to project for civil rights. In the middle of their battles and accomplishments, it portrays an age filled with censorship battles and a continuous quest for freedom of speech.

The film concludes by echoing the significance of these comical trailblazers in shaping the art form and its power to advance society, pointing out that their raw, no-holds-barred style of funny has actually led the way for contemporary comedic expression.

Final Thoughts
Both an affectionate homage and an engaging historical document, "Cutting Edge Comedians of the '60s & '70s" celebrates the leaders who significantly changed stand-up funny throughout the mid-20th century, bold to challenge the status quo. Reflective of funny's capability to show and shape societal attitudes and beliefs, it uses an interesting snapshot of the troubled times that gave rise to a few of the most long-lasting, innovative figures in funny.

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