Good start, but then it gets ruined

Am I Missing Something?

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

Thank You Mask Man (1971)* 1/2 (out of 4)Lenny Bruce co-wrote, co-directed and does all the vocal work for this seven minute animation movie that is a spoof of The Lone Ranger. When this was first released it was highly controversial because this is basically a spoof of homosexuality and there are a lot of jokes aimed at them. Well, watching this film today you can't help but think that the only reason this was controversial is because of Bruce. I mean, if you know anything about the comedian then you know about his legal troubles dealing with his act so I'm going to guess that this short was attacked simply because of his name being on it more than anything else. As far as the film goes, I really didn't like it because it simply wasn't funny. I'm not sure what the point of this thing was but without a single laugh the film is pretty much dead in the water. At just seven minutes it moves along pretty quick and the animation is nice but that's about it.

Classic Lenny! I found this on a 'Cartoon Scandals' video that I picked up in Philly in 1989. Since I can't find this anywhere else, I kept this video even though I've been changing to DVD's.The way the story unfolds is actually pretty good. And pay attention because he fills it with non sequitors. ("How many times did he take out the garbage? Sweep the yard?") The best line? "I like what they do with fags, they put them in jail with other men. Very clever." Despite the limited animation, this is well worth owning. I've never seen animation like this anywhere else either come to think of it.I only wish it were easier to find.

Easily the best thing about the Lenny Bruce: Performance Film video. While the performance portion is one of Bruce's worst, this short shows him at his satirical best. The riff on homophobia isn't even the best part...the commentary on accepting thank-yous and the resultant egotism and self-aggrandizement are priceless, especially when the Mask Man goes to his mailbox only to discover that the Messiah has returned, and society has no need for him once evil has been eliminated.

This short video must be viewed with a grain of salt. You must also view it with the understanding of the times. The Lone Ranger (spoof) makes a huge issue about why he never sticks around after helping the town. He doesn't want to stick around for his "Thank you, Masked Man". Then he finally does, and we see an immediate change in attitude. Then the truth comes out! You must watch this over and over again, to understand everything the people say, as with Lenny Bruce...he's a fast talker. Quite ingenious. A must see. A classic of it's own. I would say, most people that rented the "Performance Film" never saw this cartoon, because it was after the credits.