Watch Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project

Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project is a documentary film released in 2007, directed by John Landis, and starring Don Rickles, Harry Dean Stanton, and many other famous names. The documentary celebrates the life and career of the legendary comedian Don Rickles, who was famous for his sharp wit, quick humor, and hilarious insults. Through interviews with friends, colleagues, and fans, as well as rare footage from his early stand-up comedy shows and various television appearances, the documentary portrays the importance of Don Rickles' contributions to the entertainment industry.

The movie starts with a sequence from Don Rickles' stand-up performances in the 60s and 70s, which showcases his unique style of comedy. He would insult people in the audience, celebrities, and even the host of the show itself. The documentary then moves to a more personal story, revealing how Don started his career, and how he made his way to the top. We see old photos, interviews with old friends and colleagues, and even a recording of his first-ever stand-up comedy show, which he performed at a nightclub.

We learn that Don Rickles was not an overnight success, but he worked incredibly hard to hone his craft. He performed for free at small venues and clubs, sometimes with only a few people in the audience, and slowly built a loyal following. His hard work paid off when he was discovered by Frank Sinatra, who became his biggest fan and later became a close friend. Don's career took off, and he soon became a fixture in Las Vegas.

The movie explores the dynamic between Don and his many celebrity friends, such as Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson, Dean Martin, and others. There are hilarious stories of antics backstage and pranks played on each other. Throughout the film, we see how he used his humor to win over people, even those who might have been initially uncomfortable with his unique style of comedy.

There are many notable moments in the documentary, such as Don's appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, which is considered a landmark moment in television history. We see the clips from the show, where Don's personality and quick wit take center stage. The auditorium is filled with people laughing and applauding, and it's clear to everyone that Don Rickles is the star of the show. Later, we see footage from other shows, including his appearances on The Dean Martin Show and The Carol Burnett Show, where he would improvise hilarious sketches and skits.

Throughout the movie, there are many touching moments, as we see the softer side of Don Rickles. For example, we learn that he was a devoted husband to his wife Barbara, who he adored and looked after until her death in 2017. We also see the bond he had with his daughter, and how he shared with her his love of comedy and entertainment.

In the documentary, we learn how Don Rickles was a trailblazer in his own right, and how he influenced many comedians who came after him. He inspired people like Joan Rivers, Jay Leno, Chris Rock, and even David Letterman. He was a mentor to many young performers, and helped to shape the comedy scene in America for decades.

In conclusion, Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project is a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest comedians and entertainers of all time. The documentary is packed with memorable moments, from hilarious performances to touching interviews, and everything in between. We see the many aspects of Don Rickles' personality, from the performer to the husband to the father to the friend. We are left with a deep appreciation for his contributions to the entertainment industry and a sense of loss for the passing of such an iconic figure.

Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.