Steve Martin and Me
Yes, I know, there are already a lot of lenses on Steve Martin, heck, I counted 10 myself. So what is different here? Well, for one, this one comes from the perspective of a fellow stand up comic. Well, kind of.
But enough about me, lets talk about what I think of Steve Martin.
He is one of the funniest comics I have ever seen. If I were going to a desert island for the rest of my life and could only take one comedy DVD, it would be Steve Martin doing King Tut. That one would create enough endorphins to last me for decades!
He does his comedy without making fun of others. No fat jokes, or even political jokes. His creativity is so high that he doesn't need to, but my guess is that he wouldn't anyway.
Much of the information here was gleaned from Martin's autobiography, Born Standing Up, an interesting read for anyone.
Margo Arrowsmith Learns Stand Up Comedy
EVERYONE SHOULD TRY THIS
I have always romantisized stand up comedy. Well, until I actually learned how to do it and stood up in front of an audience and did a number. Did I say I "learned how to do it"? Well, what I should have said was that I took a class and then performed at the adult recital that was part of the tuition.And yes, everyone should do it.
It took the course because a collegue of mine had done it. I had always thought it would be the coolest life in the world, better than running away to join the circus. Heck, you were your own boss, stand up comedians are really the entrepreneurs of entertainment. They write and produce their own stuff. They don't have to be hired by anybody. If nothing else they can stand on the corner and tell jokes for change. Free, independent...
Then I took the course and realized how much work it is. Paula Poundstone makes it look so easy, just have nice conversations with strangers in front of thousands of people, and make it look funny, no big deal.
The class was taught by a local comedian, a pretty good one, and I soon learned what a struggle it is. I learned about writing and technique and wow, there is a lot to it. I learned about the importance of threes...Brett Butler is a great example of that, but a lot of comics use it.
It began to remind me of my pottery class. I wanted to learn to throw pots. The text book started out bluntly. 'We love to teach classes, classes make customers. People learn just exactly how hard it is to do and they appreciate the artist more and start to buy'. I paraphrase, but the author was correct. That is when I started to buy.
My comedy class was much the same. I appreciate the art much more. Being able to spot techniques hasn't dampened my appreciate, but increased it. It also makes me feel a little more like and insider. I have stood waiting to go on, wondering if the person before me is so good that it will make me look worse.
I chose to do a narrative rather than a joke session. I told the story of my search for the ultimate purple cowboy boots. I wore them as I told my story (I still have them!) When I finally found them in a store on 9th Street in "The Village" in Manhattan, the store had a pit bull just inside the door with a sign that said "Beware of the Dog". I managed to get a few giggles out of it, believe it or not.
However, my concern wasn't whether people would laugh, well not the major one. My biggest concern was that if no one laughed, I wouldn't be able to continue. Well, I don't remember much, I do know that they weren't rolling in the isles, and I stayed and finished I did not run off the stage. This meant more to me than getting laughs!
Reading Steve Martin's autobiography I learn that this is what most comics go through at the beginning and for him for ten or more years. Just stay on the stage and keep doing it!
So I didn't become a comic. That is best for everyone. However, I did become more of a connoisseur. I learned a few things that you will find on this lens.
Oh, and btw, the picture isn't me, just an idol of mine.
Young Steve Martin and the Disneyland Years
Steve Martin began his career as a boy selling maps of Disneyland in the morning. This gave him some change in his pocket, more importantly free access to the park. He spent hours at the free shows, getting ideas and learning about show business.There were days spent in the magic shops where he learned to use magic tricks as a foundation for his comedy act. He eventually got a job in a shop. The magic demonstrations were actually his first performances.
Years later, after years of struggle, just as his career was starting to soar, a reviewer described his act as "Disneyland on acid".
Steve Martin
"I think I did pretty well, considering I started out with nothing but a bunch of blank paper"
Steve Martin: Comedy Writer
Steve Martin's first job in mainstream show business was as a writer for the Smothers Brothers Show. He says that his audition writing was so bad that his girlfriend's friend, not only hired him out of pity, but paid his salary out of his own pocket. Steven Martin got some breaks, but doesn't hesitate to talk about it. Steve Martin on the Dating Game
But who has done it with so much personality? Who has been so silly and still won?
Steve Martin Learns On The Road
While the picture here is later in his future, it is the flexibility he showed traveling around the country that got him on that cover.After the writing gigs dried up (the Smothers Brothers were canceled for anti-Nixon activity) Steve traveled the country. Occasionally he played prestigious venues such as (what he called) the soul sucking Playboy Clubs. But often he just played where ever he could.
One night he played in a classroom at Penn State. The students didn't realize the show was over and wouldn't go. When he finally gathered his props and left they followed him. He told them to get into a drained swimming pool, that he would breast stroke over them and it worked. This taught him a lot and he began to become more eccentric.
When the hippy era was ending, he was the first to cut his hair, shave and put on a suit. This made his odd act and him stand out even more.
Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live
He has been in some of the most memorable skits in the show's history. I looked for the romantic "Strangers Dance" scene with Gilda Radner and was disappointed that I couldn't find it. If you can tell me where it is, I will put you in my will. (You will get a thank you from my estate!)
I had actually never seen the Elephant Man skit before. And the Coneheads? Nothing more to say there.
Steve Martin Early Signature
I Think Steve Martin Is the Greatest!
Do You Think Steve Martin Is The Greatest Comic Ever?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byNo Way Jose, ***** Is Better and Here Is Why!
You Bet and Here Is Why!
sharpturn says:
I think all the top well known comedians are great in their own way. I dont personally have a favourite because they all have different ways of expressing their humor.
If Im in the mood for some zany,mad comedy then Steve Martin would deffinately be in the top 5.
I love his movies, his comic timing is spot on!
Posted May 06, 2009
mbrownauthor says:
Yes I absolutely do! There are many funny men, but Steve's the King of Hilarity! I love him!
Posted February 01, 2009
KimGiancaterino says:
He is the greatest, most innovative and versatile comedian of all time!
Posted November 13, 2008
"First the doctor told me the good news: I was going to have a disease named after me"
Steve Martin: He is So Obvious That He is Subtle
Steve Martin Logic
"Boy, those French: They have a different word for everything"
The Man With Two Brains: Arguably One of Steve Martin's Best
That is one of the great things about his movies. They can be put into a coherent movie with a plot, yet each scene is a stand alone comedy act that can stand by itself.
Steve Martin's "Pennies From Heaven"
I loved this movie! The guy I was with hated it. The critics hated it. I have read that even Steve Martin considered it an artistic failure.
If I get a million people to watch this DVD (and I wouldn't object to your buying it from this site) it will make a comeack or a first back. Steve Martin will be so grateful that he will call and we will become fast friends.
So get busy and watch this movie, get your friends to do it, get me my fantasy, its up to you. Remember how clapping helped Tinkerbell come back to life? Well, you can do this here!
The Elegance of Steve Martin
The Elegance of Steve Martin
A plethora of lovely moments featuring Mr. Steve Martin. All of Me, Best of Gilda Radner, Best of Steve Martin, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Housesitter, The Jerk, Little Shop of Horrors, My Blue Heaven, Parenthood, Pennies from Heaven, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Roxanne, L.A. Story, Three Amigos,
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The Multitalented Steve Martin
Steve Martin with His Purest King Tut
Steve Martin Puts a Twist on the Blue Joke
Well, watch this video. This is Steve Martin's 'Blue Comedy" It is really funny, it is intelligent, looks easy, but took a lot of thought and work. It is what every cheap shot artist would like to be able to do, or should
You Have to Like a Character to Mock Him
Steve Martin is the King.
Steve Martin Suffer Two Years for Art: Moonwalking Doesn't Come East
This is a tribute to the talents of both Martin and Jackson.
Steve Martin as "The Jerk"
This rags to riches story has an absurdness that is the pure Steve Martin. I venture to say that this is one of his most well known and popular movies.
He plays a white 'boy' who was raised in a poor black family. He is heart broken when he finds out the truth, that he was not a birth child. "You mean I will always be this color?" This was the first attempt at 'color blindness in America.
I am reminded of a remarkable woman who was a foster mother to 7 very disturber girls. One of the girls was African American. They lived in a very white New Jersey Suburb. One day the girl, who was 15 and had lived in the family since she was ten, came home from a school lesson on racial pride. She looked at her blond haired, blue eyed foster mother and informed her, "We are a African American family. I learned that in school today."
Maybe "The Jerk" wasn't so absurd after all.
Steve Martin in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrals"
In this version Martin plays a fledgling con man to Michael Caine's old line con man. It has been ranked #85 in Bravos top 100 funniest movies.
Martin and Caine begin as rivals in conning wealthy American women who come to the Riviera for vacations and romance. They end up in the same boat as the movie has not only many laughs but an amazing amount of twists and turns for a comedy.
Steve Martin In Time
Steve Martin on People
The Steve Martin Documentary
Come Visit My Salon!
Did you know that laughing could save your life? Would this make Steve Martin a doctor?-
"A" is for "Arrowsmith"
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I began this journey as a lens master on June 21, 2008. I started with the story of how my parents began their first small business. That first lens reached a top rank of 188 overall and 14 in business, and then started back down, getting as low as...
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Some of My Favorite Lensmasters on Steve Martin
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The Jerk
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The Jerk starring that "wild and crazy guy" Steve Martin is a comedy that was filmed back in 1979. In this hilarious movie, directed by Carl Reiner, Steve plays Navin R. Johnson the adopted son of poor sharecroppers who goes o...
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BORN STANDING UP by Steve Martin
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Can you imagine Steve Martin being called a wallflower? Me neither. But that's the exact word he uses when describing himself in Born Standing Up. The book is well written and he does a good job taking us through his life. I particularly like the wa...
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Steve Martin Video Showcase
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You may or may not be old enough to remember seeing Steve Martin do his thing on Saturday Night Live, but I'm sure you've at least heard of the famous "wild and crazy guys" sketch. Here are some great clips of Steve Martin demonstrating his...
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Steve Martin: King Tut
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Artist: Steve Martin Recorded by: Steve Martin and The Toot Uncommons Written by: Steve Martin Album: A Wild and Crazy Guy (1978) King Tut King Tut (King Tut) Now when he was a young man He never thought he'd see (King Tut) People stand in line To s...
"Chaos in the midst of chaos isn't funny, but chaos in the midst of order is"
Steve Martin in Pink Panther
Steve Martin Always Something Different
Cafe Press Immortalizes Steve Martin
Stay This Color Dark T-Shirt
Price: 21.99 
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Reply
- MsSnow4a MsSnow4a Jul 6, 2009 @ 5:13 pm
- Love steve martin Thanks
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Reply
- julcal julcal Jun 30, 2009 @ 9:30 pm
- Hey Margo, how did you slip this one by me? I must have been in my dark night of the soul.
I adore Steve Martin and loved his book. This is a great lens - nothing less expected from you - it kept me up past my bedtime :)
'night!
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Reply
- Sunfish Sunfish Jun 30, 2009 @ 4:26 pm
- I love Steve Martin. Great job on the lens. The moonwalk video was just hilarious.
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Reply
- BevsPaper BevsPaper Jun 28, 2009 @ 9:01 am
- Loved the video of Steve doing the moonwalk!
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Reply
- sharpturn sharpturn May 6, 2009 @ 4:23 am
- Hi,
Great lens! There is stuff in here I didnt know about Steve.
Thanks.
Andy
- Load More
Steve Martin Has Made a Lot of Movies: Which Are Your Favorites?
I know, this is hard. There are so many good ones and great ones, but go ahead tell us what you think!
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
An ad exec and a shower-curtain-ring salesman beco more...4 points
The Man with Two Brains
Widowed, world-famous neurosurgeon Michael Hfuhruh more...3 points
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
One's got a sophisticated, suave and debonair con more...2 points
Parenthood (Special Edition)
Relive all the heart-warming moments of the unforg more...2 points
Saturday Night Live - The Best of Steve Martin
Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 05/23/2 more...1 point
My Blue Heaven
A comedy about a government witness who gives subu more...1 point
Saturday Night Live: Best of Steve Martin
Although he was never a cast member on SNL, Steve more...0 points
Steve Martin - The Wild and Crazy Comedy Collection (Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid / The Jerk / The Lonely Guy)
Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/26/2 more...0 points
The Pink Panther (Special Edition)
When a star soccer coach is murdered & his pin more...0 points
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
Bonus features: theatrical trailer film highlights more...0 points
Leap of Faith
LEAP OF FAITH stars Steve Martin as Jonas Nighteng more...0 points
Pennies From Heaven
During the Great Depression, a married sheet-music more...0 points
Charlie Rose - An hour with Steve Martin (December 12, 2007)
An hour with actor and comedian Steve Martin about more...0 points
Steve Martin Tricks Johnny Carson
Steve Martin the Author
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin
In the midseventies, Steve Martin exploded onto th more...0 points
The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin
A New York Times BestsellerDaniel Pecan Cambridge, more...0 points
The Alphabet from A to Y With Bonus Letter Z! by Steve Martin, Roz Chast
The acclaimed entertainer and bestselling author S more...0 points
Underpants, The by Steve Martin
heobald Maske has an unusual problem: his wife's u more...0 points
Kindly lent their owner: The private collection of Steve Martin by Steve Martin
The private collection of Steve Martin with essays more...0 points
Steve Martin: The Magic Years by Morris Wayne Walker
This book documents the wild and crazy years the a more...0 points
Double Tap by Steve Martin
Thriller !!! Martin keeps the story building to a more...0 points
Steve Martin's "WASP": A Study Guide from Gale's "Drama for Students" (Volume 19, Chapter 12)
Term paper due tomorrow? Need to cram for a test? more...0 points
The News and Bloggers on Steve Martin
Steve Martin Cracks up Johnny Carson
Steve Martin Photos
Steve Martin & T...
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Steve Martin & N...
The Steep Canyon Ran...
DSC_0068
Graham Sharp & S...
Graham Sharp,Charles...
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Steve Martin at Hard...
Steve Martin
Feed Your Cells Pure Food
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAbout Margo Arrowsmith
Lensmaster Margo_Arrowsmith has been a member since June 21 2008, has rated 2,017 lenses, favorited 121, and has created 129 lenses from scratch. Margo Arrowsmith donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "Heifer International: The Pay It Foward Entrepreneurial Charity". See all my lenses
My Bio
For Arrowsmith Printing 9/22/08
I was born into a small business, I believe that small business and entrepreneurs are the backbone of America and what has made us great. They are what made us great and will save us in these unsure times. I have never wanted to have a great job. Well, better a great one, than a boring dead end one, and I have had both. But I have never really wanted a job at all.
Don't get me wrong, I am a hard worker. I have worked a full-time job, a part time job and a private practice all at the same time for a lot of years in my past. It isn't the work, its the working for someone else. Never wanted to do that, and I don't understand those who want to do that.
When I was six months old my parents bought their first small town weekly newspaper in Iowa. This was back in the day, back when small town newspapers were not just advertising sheets. Perhaps there are still some of them that are real, I hope so.
So I came by this perverse nature naturally. My path to self employment has been different than theirs, but it has always been my path, my direction.
Growing up in Iowa, in the fifties, I also grew up politically conservative. By the time I was 30 I was radically left. Today? I am proudly liberal and what that means will be clearer as we progress.
However, I have had conflicts about 'taking advantage of people'. I now know that employing people is not automatically taking advantage of them, but it took a while for me to learn that nothing is intrinsically good or bad. Well, almost nothing.
I have educated myself in business, I have a small business and I have used EFT and other energy clearing methods to help me clarify the old conflicts and move forward.
My mission here is to provide a forum for people who want to work independently through one person businesses or through employing others and for whom the betterment of human kind is an important value. My lenses are about offering good products, teaching people about betting their lives, and using the money they make for their pleasure and the benefit of others.
That is how I see business and if you have a similar vision I invite you to my blog www.creatingbusinessenergy.com
Margo Arrowsmith
Raleigh, North Carolina
Mother and Grandmother
Clinincal Social Worker, Coach and Internet Marketer
Interfaith Contemplative Minister
Student of life, business, the human spirit that motivates us to be our best in all circumstances.
Check out these great lenses...
by Margo_Arrowsmith
For Arrowsmith Printing 9/22/08
I was born into a small business, I believe that small business and entrepreneurs are the backbone of America and w... (more)
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