The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts: Stingers and Zingers

I think I watched too much TV growing up since I actually remember many of the Dean Martin roasts and even some of the jokes, like movie tough guy Ernest Borgnine threatening to visit the Little House on the Prairie set to steal Michael Landon's hair dryer. The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts ran for a decade beginning in 1974, amassing a total of 54. The roasts of the A-list legends from entertainment, sports, and politics have already been released (see review of Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts in VL-7/14), leaving us with this bunch, who are—for the most part—considerably down the alphabet: Dan Haggerty, Mr. T, Joe Namath (twice), Jack Klugman (twice; once with his Odd Couple costar Tony Randall), Joe Garagiola, Evel Knievel, Peter Marshall, and Monty Hall. As for the roasters, we see the odd, albeit misplaced, legend (why, for instance, is Orson Welles roasting Dan Haggerty?). As for the title, Moaners and Groaners would be closer to the mark (“It was either come here or going to an orgy at Lawrence Welk's house,” jokes Soupy Sales at the Klugman/Randall roast). Extras include a pair of featurettes, bonus interviews featuring reminiscences from the roasted and the roastees, and comedy sketches from The Dean Martin Show. Those of a certain age or who harbor a fondness for old school show business may find this a hoot, but others might feel burned. Optional. (D. Liebenson)