DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
Ken Burns Remembers Hal Holbrook, 1925-2021
February 2, 2021  | By David Bianculli  | 68 comments
 

Today, on the day that Hal Holbrook’s Jan. 23 death at age 95 was revealed, PBS held a video press conference for Hemingway, the latest film by Ken Burns and company. I asked Burns to comment on Holbrook, who was the key ingredient in his fabulous 2001 documentary about another seminal American writer, Mark Twain.

“Hal was a friend,” Ken Burns said. “He was a narrator of our Lewis & Clark film, and someone we interviewed for our Twain film. We loved him. He was really great at what he did.

"You must understand, he had on his hard drive – I thought it was six hours; the [New York] Times suggested today it was 10 hours – of memorized material,” from which he would draw for his various one-man Mark Twain Tonight! stage shows.

“And he would sometimes, just minutes before he went on stage, decide which of the two hours he was going to put [into that night’s one-man stage show]. Do I have a lot of Republicans? Well, then, I’m going to throw thunderbolts about the Republicans. Do I have a lot of Democrats? Then I’m going to throw the torpedo like that.

“He was fantastic. And in fact, one of the best shows – I saw him as a little boy, I saw him several times, and then the last time I saw him perform it, not on tape or anything, was right after 9/11, in November, on Twain’s birthday, the 30th of November. And he performed at Ford’s Theatre, a pretty sacred ground for me. And he had, for the first time, basically most of President Bush’s cabinet out [in the audience], and he just let go, until these people were squirming in their seats. And just with material that was, in many cases, 100 years old.”

Burns smiled and concluded, “He’s sui generis. There’s nobody like him, and I’m so happy to count him – and I know I’m speaking for Dayton Duncan, who worked on both those films, the Lewis & Clark and the Mark Twain – how much we loved him and miss him so.”

I echo those sentiments. I interviewed Hal Holbrook for my book on the Smothers Brothers, and on several other occasions. Like Ken Burns, I saw him perform live on stage at different points in my life and his. And as a TV viewer and critic, I was the beneficiary of a generous number of fabulous televised performances, from That Certain Summer to Pueblo.

But my biggest debt to Hal Holbrook comes from his CBS telecast of Mark Twain Tonight! in 1967. It was the year I discovered both Mark Twain the writer, thanks to Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Holbrook’s dramatic delivery of excerpts from that same novel in that CBS special.

I never forgot either, and both of them shaped me. Thank you, Hal.

 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
PHYYV
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 4  | Go to page: 
68 Comments
 
 
Thanks for sharing this useful information. If you are looking for a famous Advocates in India then meet Property Advocates in Bangalore, a world famous Property Lawyer in India.
Oct 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Sam
[url=https://atellier.in/services/product-animation/] 3D Product Animation [/url] is a visual technique that brings inanimate objects or products to life through motion, typically in videos. It showcases a product's features, functionality, and benefits, enhancing marketing and educational content by creating dynamic and engaging presentations.
Oct 11, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Evan
At Acustom Boxes, we go beyond just providing boxes. We offer various packaging options and services to meet your diverse needs.

[url=https://acustomboxes.com/]" A Custom Boxes[/url]
Sep 25, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
sad
1. Recommendation of casino sites, verification of casino sites, address of casino sites, ranking of casino sites,
Slot site recommendation, slot site validation, slot site ranking, slot site address
,casino site,slot site

https://start.me/p/wMno27
https://start.me/p/p1g5aG
https://nextsetup88.com
https://sites.google.com/view/alllink1/
https://sites.google.com/view/alllink23/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F31h7C59NBs
https://t.co/SNj6KwM1dd
https://t.co/YI1iHQHscV
https://ekdmadlek.contently.com/
https://jaden19.contently.com
Aug 21, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
a href="https://www.123topai.com/furry-diffusion-ai/">Furry Diffusion AI
The technology opens doors for newcomers, providing a starting point for those new to furry art and character design. <
Aug 17, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
When it comes to finding your way, MapQuest Directions has become the go-to choice for countless individuals seeking guidance they can rely on.
Aug 11, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Just had an incredible experience selling my Pittsburgh house to 'We Buy Houses Pittsburgh.' They are reliable, professional, and efficient.
Aug 7, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
hoor
Very informative post! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful social networking campaign. Technology BBC
Jul 29, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
thanks for this usefull article, waiting for this article like this again.
Jul 9, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
anjalikusumur
this is a great post this site has a lots of phenomenon. i found many interest things over this site https://shivanandastrologer.com/astrologer-in-manhattan.php
Jun 15, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
[url=https://tipsaving.com/coupon-store/lashify-coupon-code/]lashify coupon[/url]
Efficient social media content planning is key to success. Take a refreshing dip into creativity with Swimply coupons while strategizing engaging posts. Dive into a world of discounted pool experiences and ensure your content makes a splash!
Jun 7, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
You truly are exceptional since you have a remarkable ability for motivating others with only a few words.
May 27, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
This is a great post. I like this topic.This site has lots of advantage.I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways.Thanks for posting this again.
May 11, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
May I inquire if you accept guest writers to contribute to your exceptional blog? I would be deeply honored to have the opportunity to compose a post or offer additional insights on any of the topics that you cover.
May 10, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Well-researched, and free of any plagiarism or copyright infringements. Additionally, we reserve the right to edit or modify any content submitted to us for clarity, accuracy, and style.

Thank you again for your interest in our blog, and we look forward to the possibility of working with you in the future.
Apr 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Extremely intriguing online journal. A lot of web journals I see nowadays don't generally give anything that I'm keen on, however I'm most definitely inspired by this one. Recently felt that I would post and let you know.
Mar 31, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I believe this website needs more attention to fulfill the requirements of its visitors. I will probably return to learn more and gain a better understanding of the information provided here.
Mar 27, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Thank you for your comment! I'm glad you found the information valuable and enjoyed the design. I am here to assist you with any writing needs you may have in the future.
Mar 27, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Mar 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I am incapable of reading articles online very often, but I’m happy I did today. It is very well written, and your points are well-expressed. I request you warmly, please, don’t ever stop writing.
Mar 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 4  | Go to page: