DAY AT NIGHT: SAM LEVENSON (TV)

Summary

One in this interview series hosted by James Day. In this program, Day interviews humorist Sam Levenson in New York. Topics discussed include the following, among others: his "underlying nostalgia" for the past and appreciation of life's slower moments; his mother's assessment of time based on memorable personal incidents; his immigrant parents' strong work ethic and his father's role as the leader of the family; his lack of a view of himself and his family as poor, despite having little money; his memories of having few choices as a child, especially compared to today; his father's frustration at having to value production over workmanship in his job as a tailor; his parents' strong respect for books; his perception of freedom as being the opportunity to improve oneself through hard work; his early violin lessons and lack of exceptional skill at the instrument; his later interest in languages and Latino culture; inspiration from one teacher in particular and explanation of "the shoebox method" of studying; his decision to become a Spanish teacher and enjoyment of being an authority figure; his eventual decision to leave the profession upon realizing that he was "no longer a leader"; his affinity for his "very ancient cousins," those who publicly spoke out against injustice; the importance of compassion and humanity in humor; and his reasons for being an optimist and a believer in God. Commercials deleted.

Details

• NETWORK: PBS WNET
• DATE: April 2, 1974 11:30 PM
• RUNNING TIME: 0:27:54
• COLOR/B&W: Color
• CATALOG ID: B:11495
• GENRE: Talk/Interviews
• SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Humorists, American
• SERIES RUN: PBS WNET - TV series, 1973-1974
• COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

• Winter D. Horton Jr. … Executive Producer
• Jack Sameth … Producer
• Jane Baumer … Associate Producer
• Bob Hankel … Director
• James Day … Host
• Sam Levenson … Guest