Product Details

• Actors: Frank Gorshin
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Standing Room Only
• DVD Release Date: January 31, 2006
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000CQQIVW
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,004 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This HBO special show at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco was a culmination of talent and work, characteristic of Frank Gorshin. He is best well known for his role as "The Riddler" in the 1966 T.V. show "Batman" (for which he was nominated for an Emmy). His uncanny impersonations of celebrities, such as John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Marlon Brando became his trademark and were at the forefront of his genius.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorshin's The Best, November 24, 2007

By	Marshall Stewart (Fort Worth, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a long time Frank Gorshin fan. This video is from 1977 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The "4th" chapter is the meat of the show and it is astoundingly great. Not just the number of impressions or the voice and facial resemblances, but the flawless performance. I saw no mispeaks or imperfections. My regret is that my kids (ages 29 to 39) don't remember Frank or many of the actors being portrayed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Last of the mimics ?, August 29, 2008

By	ssnightowl (United States) - See all my reviews

I always liked Frank Gorshien. He was funny as the Riddler in the Batman tv series. His mimics of famous celebrities are pretty good. I was hoping to see some of his work in this video that he did in the 1970s on the ABC Comedy Hour in the Kopy Kats. No such luck.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never Seen Frank Better, February 11, 2009

By	M. J. Staley (Tombstone, Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been a fan of Frank's since the first time I saw him perform, and that was a lot of years ago. I actually met him once, but that's another story.

First, I've gotta tell you I'm 65. I absolutely agree with another reviewer that much of Frank's performance on this DVD will be lost on a lot of the younger folks. In fact, almost all of the personalities Frank does impressions for are dead, many a long time. But if you're a senior citizen, this is one fine performance by a very talented actor-singer-comedian-impressionist. I've never seen Frank better, ever, than this performance at the Fairmont in San Francisco (HBO release 1977).

If you aren't a senior citizen but know one who has a DVD player, this would be a first-class gift. If you don't mind opening it before you give it to whomever, even if you don't recognize some Frank's personalities, you will certainly be impressed with his showmanship. If he wasn't having a terrific time up there on stage, he sure fooled me.

I have only two criticisms. One is that you can't get a real good feel for the audience reactions. But, to do that, you'd have to take the camera off Frank, and that'd be no good. The other is, Frank had a gunfight skit I saw years ago (Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Anthony Quinn and Marlon Brando, with Frank playing all 4 parts, of course) that was hilarious, and I was hoping it would be on the DVD, but it's not.

The first day I got this DVD, I ran it twice. This is good stuff.

I gave it five stars for all the seniors who'd treasure this DVD. For you younger folks, you'll have to find your own Frank Gorshin, and there's no one alive who comes even close.