Marshall Brickman, the multi-talented artist who has excelled as a folk singer, comedy writer, and even an Oscar-winning writer for the legendary film “Annie Hall,” made an appearance on the iconic talk show, David Letterman.
In this lively conversation, Brickman reminisced about his time as a folk singer in the 1950s and 60s, when it seemed like everyone had a guitar. He was a member of a group called The Terriers, and they performed at various folk clubs and college tours. However, Brickman eventually realized that his father hadn’t escaped Russia for him to pursue a career in music, so he made a shift in his creative endeavors.
What stood out about Brickman’s musical journey was his unexpected banjo performance in the Soviet Union. In 1957, he participated in the sixth World Festival of Youth and Students for Peace and Friendship in Moscow. For a mere $30, Brickman got to fly to Russia, stay at a hotel for two weeks, and enjoy plenty of caviar. And if you had any talent or skill to offer, you could even perform. To the Russians, Brickman playing the banjo was like seeing a Martian on stage. He played a tune by Earl Scruggs, a renowned bluegrass banjo player, and received a pocket of response from the audience.
Letterman, being the witty host he is, couldn’t help but express his amazement at Brickman’s unusual experience. Brickman humorously responded that his banjo playing in Moscow was either a result of his talent or the fact that he was part of the CIA. The conversation took a light-hearted turn as they delved into the unique circumstances that led to this unexpected performance.
The interview also touched on Brickman’s latest film, “Lovick,” which had recently been released. However, the conversation took a comedic twist as they discussed the protest from the wife of a prominent television producer who was unhappy with how a relationship was portrayed in the film. Brickman jokingly mentioned that she had been asked to join the staff of “sneak previews,” making an inside joke about her critical review.
Throughout the interview, Brickman’s charm and wit shone through. His stories enthralled the audience, and Letterman seemed genuinely impressed. They even took a moment to appreciate Thelma’s tribute to the Great American theater, which moved Brickman. It was a heartfelt moment that showcased the camaraderie between the guests and the host.
The interview ended on a lighthearted note, with a promise from Letterman to have Brickman back to share more stories. Clearly, Brickman’s fascinating experiences and his knack for storytelling had won over the audience and the host.
This episode of David Letterman‘s talk show was packed with entertainment, laughter, and intriguing anecdotes. Brickman’s journey from folk singer to banjo-playing in the USSR captivated viewers, and his insights into his latest film added an extra layer of excitement. It’s safe to say that this episode was truly unforgettable.
