December 12th, 2005
… on the passing of comic genius Eugene McCarthy and everyman’s politician Richard Pryor. Or is it the other way around? Double obits, unfortunately timed as they are, can be a little confusing. But first, on Pryor: The man took scatalogical humor to a whole new level. I mean he really, um, pushed it. For that, I pay him homage. Pryor also starred in great films (at least I liked them) such as Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, The Toy, and, best of all, Brewster’s Millions. (The Toy is notable for not only matching Pryor with Jackie Gleason but also child-star Scott Schwartz, who later starred in New Wave Hookers 5 and The Wrong Snatch. Incidentally, Schwartz’s character’s name in The Toy? Master Eric Bates.)
Where was I? Oh right, Eugene McCarthy. He ran for president before I was born and his leanings aren’t exactly mine. But I did get a chance to hear him speak some 13 years ago at Georgetown. My friend and I went to the reception that followed, heading right for the hors d’oeuvres table. Suddenly the senator came up on us, placed his hands on our shoulders, and said, “I remember the kids on my campaign. They always came for the free food too.”
And right he was.
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