Make ‘Em Laugh hit stores January 13, and in support of the release I’ve got a clip of Jeff Foxworthy that is not included on the DVD set. Additional footage from Billy Crystal, George Carlin and Tommy Davidson is available upon request. The three-DVD collection was released by Rhino Entertainment and features more than a century of the funniest moments in American entertainment.

Jeff Foxworthy Extra Footage Link (Not Included on DVD Set)

Produced by Thirteen/WNET and Ghost Light Films, in association with Rhino Entertainment and BBC, MAKE ’EM LAUGH is produced and directed by Michael Kantor and cowritten by Kantor and Laurence Maslon. It melds performances, biographical portraits, and American history to illustrate how comedy has mirrored the political and social changes in American society. Each hour-long episode focuses on a different genre of comedy, from slapstick and satire to stand-up and sitcoms.

MAKE ’EM LAUGH compiles the most popular routines, the most ingenious physical shtick, the snappiest wisecracks, and the most incisive, biting satirical jokes to have come out of American culture. The list of influential comedic talent featured and/or interviewed for the series includes: Charlie Chaplin, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Sid Caesar, Judd Apatow, Woody Allen, Larry Wilmore, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Richard Lewis, Jon Stewart, and many others.

Episode titles include: “Would Ya Hit A Guy With Glasses?: Nerds, Jerks & Oddballs”; “Slip On A Banana Peel: The Knockabouts”; “Sock it to Me?: Satire and Parody”; “When I’m Bad, I’m Better: The Groundbreakers”; “Never Give A Sucker An Even Break: The Wiseguys” and “Honey, I’m Home!: Breadwinners and Homemakers.” The DVD extras feature interviews with comedians discussing comedy, including Roseanne Barr on sitcoms versus stand-up; James L. Brooks on “The Simpsons”; Carol Burnett on Lucille Ball; Joan Rivers on Bill Cosby; Cheech Marin on Lenny Bruce; as well as appearances by George Carlin, Richard Lewis, and more.

Jim Leher PBS Spot:

DVD Contents

DVD 1:

Episode One: Would Ya Hit A Guy With Glasses? Nerds, Jerks & Oddballs

*Includes Bonus Content

Episode Two: Honey I’m Home! Breadwinners and Homemakers

*Includes Bonus Content

DVD 2:

Episode Three: Slip On A Banana Peel—The Knockabouts

*Includes Bonus Content

Episode Four: When I’m Bad, I’m Better—The Groundbreakers

*Includes Bonus Content

DVD 3:

Episode Five: Never Give A Sucker An Even Break—The Wiseguys

*Includes Bonus Content

Episode Six: Sock It To Me? — Satire and Parody

*Includes Bonus Content