Ep 13. Dean Martin & Jimmy Stewart

The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts was a wildly popular television series that first aired in 1974. The premise of the show was to gather a group of famous comedians and personalities in Hollywood to roast a celebrity guest of honor. Season 1 episode 13 was titled "Dean Martin & Jimmy Stewart," and it was a hilarious and entertaining episode that left audiences rolling with laughter.

The episode began with Dean Martin, the host of the show, walking onto the stage and greeting the audience with his signature charm. He then introduced the evening's guest of honor, Jimmy Stewart. Stewart was a beloved Hollywood icon who had starred in countless classic films, including "It's a Wonderful Life," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," and "Vertigo."

The first comedian to take the stage was Don Rickles, who was known for his abrasive, insult comedy. Rickles, dressed in his trademark suit and tie, wasted no time in roasting Stewart. He joked about Stewart's age, his thinning hair, and his acting abilities. The audience roared with laughter, and even Stewart couldn't help but crack a smile.

Next up was Flip Wilson, one of the first African American comedians to have his own television show. Wilson was known for his characters and impressions, and he delighted the audience with a hilarious impression of Jimmy Stewart. He then proceeded to roast Stewart, mimicking his distinct voice and mannerisms.

Phyllis Diller, the queen of one-liners, followed Wilson and delivered a series of hilarious jokes about Stewart's personal life. Diller talked about Stewart's marriage and his reputation as a ladies' man. She also joked about Stewart's cowboy persona, referring to him as the "Lone Ranger in a cardigan sweater."

Milton Berle, a vaudeville legend and one of the earliest stars of television, was the next comedian to roast Stewart. Berle was known for his quick wit and impeccable timing, and he delivered a series of hilarious jokes about Stewart's acting career. He joked that Stewart had played the same character in every movie he had ever been in, and he even got Stewart to play along with a funny skit.

Jonathan Winters, a comedian and actor known for his improvisational skills, was the final comedian to take the stage. He started his routine by singing a song about Stewart and then proceeded to do a series of character impressions. Winters' roasting style was more gentle than the other comedians, but he still managed to get plenty of laughs from the audience.

Throughout the episode, Dean Martin acted as the master of ceremonies, introducing each comedian and keeping the show running smoothly. Martin was known for his laid-back, casual style, and he often appeared slightly tipsy on the show, adding to the overall feeling of fun and irreverence.

The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts were known for being outrageous and over-the-top, but they were also a testament to the camaraderie of Hollywood's elite. The celebrities who appeared on the show were all good friends with each other, and it was clear that they were all having fun poking fun at each other. At the end of the episode, Jimmy Stewart took the stage and delivered a heartfelt thank you to his friends and colleagues for the hilarious night of roasting.

Overall, season 1 episode 13 of The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts was a hilarious and entertaining tribute to one of Hollywood's most beloved actors. The comedians delivered one zinger after another, and Jimmy Stewart was a good sport about it all. It's no wonder that the show was such a hit with audiences in the 1970s, and it continues to be a beloved classic today.