The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
A deadpan life
Seinfeld, Lettterman and more come together to talk about comic Bob Einstein in a streaming documentary
Bob Einstein had a job in advertising when one night in 1967 he talked his way into appearing on a Los Angeles late-night talk show, claiming to be the guy who installed the stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In a long-forgotten blackand-white clip, Einstein doesn’t alter his deadpan delivery as he hilariously answers the questions of host Bob Arbogast.
Einstein, who died in 2019, would soon become known for his comedy work on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” because cohost Tommy Smothers was watching “Arbogast & Margolis” that night on KTTV Channel 11 and tracked him down the next day.
Einstein, however, would find his greatest fame as Super Dave Osborne, the naively optimistic stuntman who seldom stuck the landing.
And in his final act, Einstein played the character Marty Funkhouser, a prickly, stubborn friend and occasional foe of Larry David on David’s HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
For writer-director Danny Gold, the discovery of that first-ever TV appearance was one of his favorite moments in making his new documentary, “The Super Bob Einstein Movie,” running on HBO and streaming on HBO Max.
“What really brought it together for me was a local Los Angeles TV show that he did as a goof while he was still in advertising,”
Gold says. “As Jerry Seinfeld says, and David Letterman says, and Steve Martin says, that was the beginning of his character.”
Seinfeld, Letterman, and Martin are joined in the documentary by other comedians and actors including Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt, Jimmy Kimmel and the entire cast of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
They all laugh hard as they watch the clip, marveling, as Seinfeld does, that from the very beginning, Einstein knew exactly what kind of comedy he wanted to do.
“He goes, ‘You only need one thing, and if you’ve got it, you don’t need anything else,’ “Gold says of the reaction Seinfeld gives in the film.
Gold, who grew up a selfdescribed TV geek, had followed Einstein’s career from childhood, watching reruns of “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and other ‘70s variety series on which Einstein appeared, such as “The Sonny & Cher Show.”
Later, when Super Dave
Osborne took off, Gold watched for the character’s many appearances on latenight talk shows for hosts from Johnny Carson and David Letterman to Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel.
Six years ago, as he explored making a documentary on TV comedy writerproducers, he filmed an interview with Einstein, parts of which appear in the new film, and the two became friends, Gold says.
“I was just infatuated with this guy,” Gold says. “His stories are so amazing. And his persona, with the deadpan, you know, he could take you down the road, telling you a story, then all of a sudden you just found out you went off the cliff.”
They saw each other occasionally, and talked on the phone more often.
“He’d call you up and tell you two or three jokes right off the bat,” Gold says. “It wouldn’t be like, ‘Hey, how are you,’ he’d be like, ‘OK, so you know … ‘and go right into the joke.
“Then he would talk about the Dodgers, mostly
because we both had a love of that, and then, 15 or 20 seconds on whatever business we had to discuss.
“I just loved the guy,” Gold says. “And so after he passed away, I had this amazing footage and felt there was a story there, and through the magic of Hollywood, HBO came around.”
Gold says another discovery on the journey to the film was finding out more about Einstein’s family and life growing up in a showbiz clan in Beverly Hills.
His father, Harry Einstein, was a popular radio and film comedian who, unlike Bob Einstein, actually has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, though it’s under the name of his recurring character, Parkyakarkus. Bob’s mother, Thelma, was a singer and actress.
His younger brother Albert Brooks is a wellknown actor-writer-comedian — he cast Bob in his film “Modern Romance” — and his older brother Cliff Einstein was an advertising executive. Both are interviewed in the film.
“His family life was really
interesting to me, in the influence that it had on his comedy,” Gold says. “I didn’t know that he had polio and was home for year, and got to really observe his father working with comedy writers.”
Bob Einstein, whom other comics and actors knew as both a friend and comedian’s comedian, was so beloved by his colleagues that Gold says everyone he contacted for an interview was an immediate and enthusiastic yes.
“It was like, ‘About Bob? Sure!’ “he says. “They loved him, and this was a chance to say it and show their appreciation.”
Steve Martin, who met Bob Einstein when they both were new to Hollywood as writers on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” and also joined him as a writer on “The Sonny & Cher Show,” says in the film that for three years or so there was no one with whom he was closer.
Kimmel, who admits he never once called him Bob — always Super Dave — shares the time Einstein insisted on doing an expensive
prefilmed sketch. It was only after it aired that Kimmel found out that Einstein had not only done the exact same sketch on his “Super Dave” show, but he’d also done it 30 years earlier for “The Tonight Show,” too.
As the film begins, David, Silverman, Seinfeld and others joke about their certainty that Einstein would be mad that someone was making a documentary about him and that he’d want to tell everyone how to make it.
“Listening to these stories, you really get a sense of Bob and who he was and his interactions with his peers,” Gold says.
At the end of the film, Gold includes interviews with Bob Einstein’s daughter, Erin, as well as her young son and daughter, the grandchildren he doted on.
“I think that was important to have,” he says. “Even though I went out to make a movie that was funny and I wanted to sort of stay in that lane. But it has to be a full person. And that’s part of his life, a big part of his life.”
Happenings
Here is a brief rundown of some coming entertainment options in Northeast Ohio. Make submissions for consideration via email to entertainment@morningjournal.com. You must include a phone number and/ or web address for publication. Note: The latest surge of the novel coronavirus has led to recent cancelations, so double-check with a venue or promoter before attending an event.
Art Cleveland Museum of Art:
11150 East Blvd., presents “Collecting Dreams: Odilon Redon,” through Jan. 23; “Fashioning Identity: Mola Textiles of Panama,” through Jan. 9; “Art of the Islamic World,” through May 31; Medieval Treasures From Munster Cathedral, through Aug. 14; “Picturing Motherhood Now,” through March 13; “Stories in Japanese Art,” through April 10; “Popular Art From Early Modern Korea,” through April 24; “Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodia’s Sacred Mountain,” through Jan. 30; “Migrations of Memory — The Poetry and Power of Music,” through May 1; “Native North America,” through Dec. 4; “Ancient Andean Textiles,” through Dec. 4; “Derrick Adams: LOOKS,” through May 19; “Arts of Africa: Gallery Rotation,” through Dec. 18. Call 216421-7340 or visit clevelandart.org.
Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Cleveland: an “unforgettable art experience where the art of Vincent van Gogh will come to life around you,” runs through March 6 at Lighthouse Artspace Cleveland, 850 E. 72nd St. Visit vangoghcleveland.com.
Stocker Arts Center at Lorain County Community College: 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, presents the 54th annual Lorain County Regional Scholastic Art Exhibit,” featuring work from public, parochial and private middle, high school and homeschool students from Lorain, Erie and Huron counties, Jan. 10through March 11 in the Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery. Call 440-3664040 or visit StockerArtsCenter.com.Comedy.
Agora Theatre & Ballroom: 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents John Crist, Jan. 8; Steve-O, Jan. 14. Visit AgoraCleveland.com.
Hilarities 4th Street Theatre: 2025E. Fourth St., Cleveland, presents Anthony Rodia, through Jan. 8; Jay Stevens, Jan. 9. Call 216-736-4242 or visit pickwickandfrolic.com.
Lorain Palace Theater: 617 Broadway, Lorain, presents Bill Engvall, 4:30 and 7 p.m. April 3. Call 440-245-2323 or visit lorainpalace.com.
Film
Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque: 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents a series of film noir classics — John Huston’s “The Asphalt Jungle,” 5 p.m. Jan. 8 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9, Jules Dassin’s “Night and the City,” 5p.m. Jan. 15and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Elia Kazan’s “Panic in the Streets,” 5 p.m. Jan. 22 and 8:40 p.m. Jan. 23, Fritz Lang’s “Human Desire,” 5p.m. Jan. 29 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30, Max Ophüls’ “Caught,” 5 p.m. Feb. 5 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6, Otto Preminger’s “Angel Face,” 5 p.m. Feb. 12 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13, Frank Borzage’s “Moonrise,” 5 p.m. Feb. 19 and 8 p.m. Feb. 20, and Anthony Mann’s “Raw Deal,” 5 p.m. Feb. 26. Call 216-421-7450or visit CIA. edu/Cinematheque.
Music
Agora Theatre & Ballroom: 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wade, Priscilla Block, Jan 15; Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, Feb. 3; Waxahatchee, Madi Diaz, Feb. 14. Visit AgoraCleveland.com.
Akron Civic Theatre: 182 S. Main St., presents DaBaby, Jan. 16; Tedeschi Trucks Band, Feb. 1. Visit AkronCivic.com.
Beachland Ballroom: 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, presents The Lustre Kings, DJ Mr. Fishtruck, Jan. 7; The Jason Donovan Band — performing the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” soundtrack, Jan. 8; Nonpoint, Discrepancies, Artifax, Jan. 11; BoomBox, ETHNO, Jan. 13. Call 216-383-1124 or visit beachlandballroom.com.
Cleveland Orchestra: performing at Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Cleveland Orchestra: performing at Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, performing “Levit Plays Brahms Second Piano Concerto,” featuring Igor Levit on piano and also music by Schnittke and Abrahamsen, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 and 8 p.m. Jan. 8; “Welser-Möst Conducts Mozart & Dvořák,” also featuring music by Deutsch and Dvorak, 7:30p.m. Jan. 13 and 14 and 8 p.m. Jan. 15. Call 216-231-7300 or visit ClevelandOrchestra.com.
Cleveland Polka Association: presents National Polka Month Celebration, featuring Jody Maddie’s UpTown Sound, 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23at Holy Spirit Party Center, 5500 W. 54th St., Parma. Call 216-496-0223.
Firelands Symphony Orchestra: presents its “Portraits of American Heroism,” a patriotic pops concert honoring the Tuskegee Airmen with guest vocalist Tricia Tanguy, 4 p.m. Jan. 16at Sandusky High school Auditorium. Call 419-6214800or visit FirelandsSymphony.com.
Goodyear Theater: 1201 E. Market St., Akron, presents Rick Springfield, Feb. 14. Call 330-690-2307 or visit goodyeartheater.com.
Grog Shop: 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, presents Glam Gore — Night of 1,000
Gagas, Jan. 7; Teenage Bottlerocket, The Last Gang, Tightwire, Jan. 13; The Stars Align — a visual art display, Jan. 14; Inner Wave, Jan. 16. Call 216-321-5588 or visit grogshop.gs.
Kent Stage: 175 E. Main St., Kent, presents Tropidelic, Cassidy King, Mooky, Jan. 22; Albert Lee, Jan. 28; Ana Popovic, Jan. 30. Call 330-677-5005 or visit kentstage.org.
Lorain Palace Theater: 617 Broadway, Lorain, presents Winger, Firehouse, Feb. 18; Travis Tritt (solo acoustic), Feb. 26; Jefferson Starship, March 4; The 5th Dimension, The Lettermen, March 12; In the Heartland, featuring the music of the Michael Stanley Band, March 19; Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, April 8; Stars of the Sixties, featuring Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Apri. 22. Call 440-245-2323or visit lorainpalace.com.
Masonic Cleveland: 3615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Dropkick Murphys, The Bomb Pops, The Rum Jacks, Feb. 24; Madeon, March 8; Trevor Hall, Gone Gone Beyond, April 19. Visit MasonicCleveland.com.
MGM Northfield Park: 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, presents The Gilmour Project (featuring the music of David Gilmour, Jan. 16; Funk Fest 2022, featuring Morris Day & the Time, The Dazz Band, Feb. 4; Colbie Caillat, Nick Davisson, Feb. 26; The Marshall Tucker Band with Dave Mason, March 4; Tower of Power, March 17; Gary Allan, March 19. Call 330-9087625or visit mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.
Music Box Supper Club: 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, presents Brass Metropolis (Chicago tribute), Jan. 7; Hay Mavis, Jan. 7; CSNY Brunch featuring Long Time Gone, Jan. 9; Livingston Taylor, Jan. 13; Dueling Pianos with Cleveland Keys,
Jan. 14; Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd tribute), Jan. 14; Louis Prima Jr. & The Witnesses, Jan. 15; Drag Brunch featuring Vernanda L’Ni & Friends, Jan. 16; Masters of Hawaiian Music, Jan. 16. Call 216242-1250 or visit musicboxcle.com.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse: 1Center Court, Cleveland, presents Kacey Musgraves, MUNA, Jan. 23. Call 888-894-9422 or visit rocketmortgagefieldhouse. com.
Stocker Arts Center at Lorain County Community College: 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, presents Masters of Soul, Jan. 23 in the Hoke Theatre; The British Invasion, March 10 in the Hoke Theatre; The Ten Tenors, April 6 in the Hoke Theatre. Call 440-3664040 or visit StockerArtsCenter.com.
Theater
Blank Canvas Theatre: 1305 W. 78th St., Suite 211, Cleveland, presents “Cabaret,” 8 p.m. Jan. 6 through 8. Call 440-941-0458 or visit BlankCanvasTheatre.com. Goodyear Theater: 1201 E. Market St., Akron, presents “Harriet Tubman: Straight Up Outta the Underground,” a one-woman interactive storytelling experience, 4 p.m. Jan. 16. Call 330-6902307 or visit goodyeartheater.com.
Misc.
Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve |
Historical Society: 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, presents “A Century of the American Motorcycle,” through March at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum. Visit WRHS.org.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History: 1 Wade Oval Drive, University Circle, presents “100Years of Discovery: A Museum’s Past, Present & Future,” through July 24. Call 216-231-1177, 800-317-9155, or visit cmnh.org.
Great Big Home + Garden Show: will be Feb. 11 through 20 at the I-X Center in Cleveland. Visit GreatBigHomeandGardenShow.com.
Music Box Supper Club: 1148Main Ave., Cleveland, presents CLE Rocks Presents … “Cleveland’s Swingo Hotel,” Jan. 12. Call 216-242-1250 or visit musicboxcle.com.
North Coast Harbor: a district in downtown Cleveland on the lakefront, presents the eighth annual Ice Fest, with a “Harry Potter” theme and activities that include Cleveland Monsters’ slap shot hockey & swag, roaming characters, the Snow Sisters, free hot chocolate, cookies an kids’ crafts, icecarving demos and more, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 17. Visit NorthCoastHarbor.org.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse: 1 Center Court, Cleveland, presents Disney on Ice’s “Mickey and Friends,” Jan. 7 through 16. Call 888-894-9422 or visit rocketmortgagefieldhouse. com.