Lenny (film)

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Lenny

Original movie poster
Directed by Bob Fosse
Produced by Marvin Worth
Written by Julian Barry (screenplay)
Based on his play Lenny
Starring Dustin Hoffman
Valerie Perrine
Jan Miner
Stanley Beck
Gary Morton
Music by Ralph Burns
Cinematography Bruce Surtees
Editing by Alan Heim
Distributed by United Artists
Release date(s) November 10, 1974
Running time 111 min.
Language English
IMDb profile

Lenny is a 1974 film about the life of the comedian Lenny Bruce, starring Dustin Hoffman. Directed by Bob Fosse. The screenplay by Julian Barry is based on his play Lenny.

It was nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

Contents

[edit] Plot summary

The chronology hops, skips and jumps between Lenny Bruce in his prime and the burned-out, strung-out performer who, in the twilight of his life, used his nightclub act to pour out his personal frustrations to great, boring length. We watch as up-and-coming Bruce courts his "Shiksa goddess", a stripper named Honey. With family responsibilities, Lenny is encouraged to do a "safe" act, but he cannot do it. Constantly in trouble for flouting obscenity laws, Lenny develops a near-messianic complex which fuels both his comedy genius and his talent for self-destruction. Worn out by a lifetime of tilting at Establishment windmills, Lenny Bruce died in 1966.

[edit] Trivia

It was known that Hoffman would spend days listening and watching Bruce's routines and practice mimicking in front of a mirror to get the feel of the role.

[edit] Main cast

[edit] External links