The main difference is that the Roswell story is particular enough that it can be investigated. Actually investigating the Barris story would require expenditures in six or seven digits.
<< Actually investigating the Barris story would require expenditures in six or seven digits. >>
Cecil, or Staff, would happily accept such sums in advance to do a thorough investigation.
Shifting the subject a little, I’ve heard somewhere that Barris got a top producer’s job at ABC by helping cover up American Bandstand’s payola. One element seems right (he was the man ABC had investigate American Bandstand in the late 1950’s), and one has a felling that he looked the other way quite a bit, considering his friendship with Dick Clark.
How do you think this board got to three million posts? That’s what we’re all doing here!
Seeing you say this, though, gives us hope. It won’t be long before you’re hopelessly ensnared, obligated by the monkey on your back to post a dozen times a day… Bwahahahaha!
Thank you, Cecil. That response puts your column in a different perspective for me. As such, I pull back my previous comment.
alewbail, you’re recollections of The Gong Show are much clearer than mine. All I recall is a vague sense of there being a panel, and the gong, and of course the big hook used to pull people off the stage once they were gonged.
Was the identity of the unknown comic ever revealed?
Just wondering if it’s someone famous…
P.S. www.gongshow.com and www.thegongshow.com aren’t taken yet - quick! Register them before Chuckie baby does!
Also, love Gene Gene the Dancing Machine. I read a book about the Gong Show back in its heyday that said he was just a backstage crew member…loved it when they’d roll out a refrigerator while he danced…and still have that tune in my head.
I also remember the audience clapping along with Chuck, and how he’d fake them out sometimes
The Unknown Comic is Murray Langston. Here’s a pic without the headgear.
Thanks Dijon! 