To Kill A Mockingbird

Chris Rock was a guest on two shows last week to promote a movie he has  written and acted.

The first show was David Letterman's.  The comedian yelled all the time and contorted his face and I found little  humor in the routine.

 Only one thing made me smile. He said black audiences are better than white because they laugh with their feet. Then he drummed his feet on the floor and I recognised  it instantly.

But I thought , if I were in the habit of going  I would  pass that  movie a pass.

A couple of days later  he was a guest on Charlie Rose for the full hour. Charlie's program is not  interrupted by commercials. When he says so-and-so  is our guest for the full hour, the full hour is what you get.

Chris Rock was transformed.  Black history was part.  A lesson in humor. How hard it is to do and possibly the most difficult.

Denzil Washington and others  were referenced and what the black community expects from successful artists.,

The movie is apparently a step forward in  career evolution of Chris Rock.  I believe I will see it.

Charlie Rose  has apparently appeared in the movie. Being himself.

For all the intensity of the conversation , neither brought up the subject of events related to Bill
Cosby. I didn't think about it at the time.  Now considering the wide ranging conversation I think
that was odd.

Fear perhaps? Discretion?

Cosby had been entertaining us with family  humor for a very long time. His language was never offensive.  Neither lewdity or cruelty were in his wit.

He has had a long and successful career.

He is seventy-seven years old.
Still married to his first wife.
They jointly take care of business affairs together without a manager.

I think  about Bing Crosby...Bob Hope...Errol Flynn... and wonder.