PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA, THE: INSIDE MEDIA: CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE {LONG VERSION}
Summary
One in a series of evenings and special screenings presented as part of The Paley Center for Media's Inside Media events. Held at the Paley Center in Los Angeles, this evening celebrates "Carol Channing: Larger Than Life," the documentary film about the life and career of the famous Broadway star. Host Rene Reyes (director of public programs and festivals, The Paley Center for Media) offers opening remarks and introduces moderator Lily Tomlin, who takes the stage and reminisces briefly about her friendship with Channing, as well as Channing's foundation for the promotion of arts education. Tomlin then introduces producer and director Dori Berinstein, and she previews the film, which is then screened in its entirety. (For synopsis and credits, see ACCNUM 107176.)
After the screening, Tomlin brings the panelists to the stage: Berinstein; actress Carole Cook; actor and writer Bruce Vilanch; and actress and former Channing standby Joanne Worley.
The conversation touches on such topics as: how they all met Channing; Cook's nervousness at taking over Channing's iconic role in "Hello, Dolly!"; Berinstein's childhood trip to see Channing on tour; Vilanch's memories of her "flop" show "The Vamp"; Channing's quirky food habits; Worley's role as her standby, different from an understudy, proved unnecessary by Channing's tireless work ethic; the audience's horror at the idea of seeing another actor in Channing's role; a recent performance in which Channing forgot her lines and joked with the audience to cover; her contentious relationship with Ethel Merman; the many different incarnations of Dolly Levi; Worley's dual role as both Channing and Eileen Brennan's standbys; last-minute alterations to the "Dolly" script, including the addition of the memorable act-one closing number "Before the Parade Passes By"; Vilanch's fondness for "The Millionairess," Channing's show right before "Dolly"; funny memories of shopping with the sharp-tongued Channing and Ann Miller; Berinstein's surprise at Channing's down-to-Earth nature upon meeting her for the film; her appearance at the 58th Annual Tony Awards in 2004, presenting alongside rapper LL Cool J; a televised special with Pearl Bailey, another "Dolly" performer; her nightclub act and work with George Burns after Gracie Allen's passing; her lovably "befuddled" onstage persona; an awkward run-in with her ex-husband Charles Lowe; comparisons to lively nonagenarian Betty White; whether Channing is interested in returning to film roles; praise for the film's director of photography Rob VanAlkemade and composer Craig Sharmat; the film as a "labor of love" and Berinstein's inspiration by Channing's career and "love story" with husband Harry Kullijian; and an anecdote about her determination to appear onstage after a fall, complete with bejeweled cast.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: January 18, 2012 7:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 2:17:06
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 107136
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Rene Reyes … Host
- Lily Tomlin … Moderator
- Dori Berinstein … Panelist
- Carole Cook … Panelist
- Bruce Vilanch … Panelist
- Joanne Worley … Panelist
- Gracie Allen
- Pearl Bailey
- Eileen Brennan
- George Burns
- Carol Channing
- Harry Kullijian
- LL Cool J
- Charles Lowe
- Ethel Merman
- Ann Miller
- Craig Sharmat
- Rob VanAlkemade
- Betty White