Comic Legends: Dick Van Dyke In Rare Form

Most people still associate Dick Van Dyke with his long-running sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show, one of the best in the history of the genre. But Van Dyke rarely had the opportunity to show off his musical and pantomimic skills, so those who take a chance on watching this MPI compilation from the Comic Legends series—comprised of various bits Van Dyke performed as a regular on the 1958-59 season of The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom—may be pleasantly surprised to discover the range of Van Dyke's versatility, as he serves up monologues and elaborate pantomime bits, and sings and dances with Boone and Shirley Jones. The routines aren't all rib-ticklers, but score well on average, and they provide a valuable visual record of this talented trouper's salad days. DVD extras include a 1959 episode of Laugh Line, a panel show Van Dyke briefly hosted. Recommended. Aud: P. (E. Hulse)