User Reviews

Considering the lineup, this entry in the Celebrity Roast series seemed to lack a little something. Doc Severinsen for example, Johnny's band leader for many years, only had a couple of lines. Whenever Ruth Buzzi showed up for these shows as her Laugh-In character Gladys Ormphby, she would knock the house down with her delivery, but this time she didn't even swing her hand-bag. Maybe it's the print I just watched, but I expected more from the likes of Joey Bishop, Dom DeLuise, Bob Newhart, Redd Foxx and Jack Benny. Presenters who did a pretty good job were George Burns and the addled Foster Brooks doing his drunk routine. Rich Little was pretty good too, running down a list of Johnny's twenty two identifiable mannerisms, while Johnny had to sit on his hands to avoid matching Little's presentation with his reactions. A couple of surprise guests on the dais were Senator Barry Goldwater (the only Republican out on bail), and legendary actress Bette Davis. Johnny's wife Joanna offered a few quick quips before Johnny came on himself to dish it back to all his buddies, ending with his heartfelt appreciation - "I will remember this evening probably as long as it takes me to get to my car".