Dick Cavett: "Talk Show"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-12-13/dick-cavett-talk-show
Dick Cavett
Barbara Friedman
Dick Cavett is a legendary talk show host who spent three decades interviewing some of the most influential figures of the last century. Cavett got his break when he was hired as a comedy writer for Jack Paar, host of "The Tonight Show, in 1960." Eight years later, he was offered his own program, "The Dick Cavett Show." He has chronicled his most memorable moments in an opinion blog he writes for the New York Times, portions of which have just been published in a book. Cavett also discusses his struggle with depression and how testifying on behalf of John Lennon got him in trouble with the Nixon White House. Diane Rehm has a conversation with Dick Cavett.
Guests
Dick Cavett
talk show host, online columnist for the New York Times and coauthor of "Cavett" and "Eye on Cavett.
Comments
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back in the 60s-70s, I was in my 30s and I never missed Dick Cavett's show -- read his funny book of that era and watched with attention every interview. when he left the air, it the first and few times, I ever wrote to a network, begging them to get him back on the air.
talk shows on TV have not had the content or soul since he left. Still, one of my favorites, was his interview with Janis Joplin, so soon before her tragic death. He brought more -- treated people with such respect and gentle humor...so sorry for his struggle with depression -- seems so wrong for someone who has brought so much joy...thank you Diane Rehm and thank you, Dick Cavett.
I was an avid viewer in the mid 60's; I particularly remember an interview with Timothy Leary. Mr. Leary was expounding his theories on a drug culture and whatever else he was doing at the time. Mr. Cavette listened respectfully and after a few seconds replied something to the effect that while he realized that it was not the position of a host to have personal opinions on his guests, but that he "thought Mr. Leary was full of crap".
I've never forgotten that nor the other wonderful guests and conversations. Where is that kind of entertainment available now?
Thank you, belatedly. Patty O'Dell.
What a wonderful walk back when Dick Cavett's Talk Show was the best! Love the clips and is there anyplace where they can be viewed?
The mention of Jack Paar reminds me of staying up late on vacations and watching him. He was a master! So loved Dick Cavett's show. Thank you Diane-once again your show is fabulous!
Anne
Marion, MA
A baby boomer retired teacher and grandmother, I have Dick Cavett's Rock Icons DVD and love to watch his interview with Mick Jagger, who was so charismatically congenial during that scintillating conversation! Also, the vignettes of Mick's performances in Madison Square Garden are soooo exciting, and I wonder if Dick has more footage of Mick to share. I want to see it all!
P.S. I too cringe when people say nucular intead of nuclear, especially a world leader (who shouldn't have been).
I was listening and a caller have asked about the interview of the magician Slydini with Dick Cavett.
Just Search for this phrase: "Dick Cavett magician slydini"
A complete video on NYtimes blog:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/conjuring-slydini/
I have enjoyed that interview even I did not know Dick Cavett before "I am originally from Cairo Egypt".
Thanks Diane and Dick.
Khaled Elsehsah
May Diane live a healthy hundred years and be interviewed frequently in her retirement for the edification of future generations. She will relate memories of many notables and wondrous events. Here's hoping she remains as appealing as Dick Cavett has been today.
I loved Dick Cavett's shows, and I enjoyed today's interview, but it was almost more odd than interesting. Diane asked interesting questions, and he gave sometimes interesting answers, but almost all were unrelated to her questions. Perhaps he was on too much cold medication? Sometimes Diane asked a question for which I was hoping to hear the answer, but Dick skipped on to whatever thought was in his head. Diane held on and did an excellent show despite the bumpy ride.
Netflix has a lot of the DVDs mentioned as being available from Amazon. They include the interviews with John and Yoko, rock stars, comedians, Hollywood veterans, and others.
I have listened to the show for years and have always enjoyed the diversity of opinion. Today's show was so disappointing. Diane, you allowed mr. Cavett to engage in ad hominem attacks on political figures that Mr. Cavett hated (Nixon and Bush). I do not agree politically with our current president but I cannot believe that you would fawn over a guest that referred to any presiden as "Dumbo", etc. Come on, Diane, as a conservative I listen to you expecting more respect for differing viewpoints and decorum. That's why I don't listen to Limbough, Hannety, etc. Do you really want your program to deginerate to that form of "entertainment"? If so, I can look elsewhere for intelligent, principled discussion. Leave the namecalling on the playground, Dick.
How sweet it is.
A trip down memory lane.
Have him on again.
I'm so glad I caught the reference to Slydini and that Dick's two shows with him are online. Amazing.
Ms. Rehm. I'm very happy that I was able to catch your conversation with Mr. Dick Cavett. Thank you! That was one of the most endearing, enjoyable hours I've had , listening (or watching), in some time. And I must have had at least 10, really good, belly laughs. Mr. Cavett, thanks for sharing some of those memories! It was fun!
I was a high school student when his show aired. None of my friends appreciated his program the way I did. I loved his dry humor and keen wit. His interaction with the guests on his program never ceased to be enthralling. When I would sometimes see him make cameo appearances on other television shows, it was a done deal that the channel stayed there. Dick Cavett is a gem.
While I usually liked Mr. Cavett as a performer/interviewer, I think he is quite sensitive to anyone who questions his perception of an issue.
Over the years I have heard a number of Cavett interviews and his acerbic humor can be aimed at denigrating or insulting people. While he justifiably was willing to take on Norman Mailer in this piece, he too often seems not to broach alternative views from everyday folk.
To wit, Cavett wrote a hagiography of John Lennon for his blog in the NYT, and among the 200+ sycophantic messages there was not one that questioned Mr. Cavett's over-the-top Lennon-loving commentary.