Hal Holbrook in "Mark Twain Tonight!" (1967)

Hal Holbrook plays Mark Twain, expounding upon Man, "the reasoning animal." Holbrook still performs MTT these days, but requires considerably less makeup.

The words in this scene come mostly from Twain's 1903 essay, "The Damned Human Race" and other essays, such as "Papers of the Adam Family".

• Category

  Comedy

[WhiteBritishWarrior]

Is this really 1967? There was no colour in 1967. This looks more like mid 70s. Also, Holbrook would've been 42 in '67. He doesn't look anything like 42 in this clip.

[lalmonmass]

Yes, it really was 1967, by which time colour TVs were selling like hotcakes in the US. By the end of 1965, more than half of the three networks' shows were available in colour. Even in the UK, the first colour broadcast was in July 1967 on BBC2, though it took longer to catch on there. As to his aged appearance, Holbrook simply did a great job on his makeup. When you get a chance, take a look at Dustin Hoffman in "Little Big Man", playing a 121-year-old man at the age of 33. Astonishing.

[robtul12]

Does anybody know where I can buy this. I looked for the 1967 version and I couldn't find it.

[lalmonmass]

Amazon and several sellers on eBay both have it. Search for Mark Twain Tonight DVD. On eBay , leave "Include title and description" unchecked.

[leapoffaith20]

"He's the animal with the true religion. Several of them!"

[Lorena Floyhar]

Hal sorry about your wife.She was an amazing actress.Dixie may you R.I.P

[WhiteBritishWarrior]

Hmm, interesting. And you're right about the UK taking longer to catch on. I'm an admirer of Holbrook. He was particularly good as the doom-laden priest in The Fog.

[sntcrl]

a bunch of great people incapable of error or blame.

[brandeaux lazo]

I met hal he is now 88 years old

[Pinkie Pie]

What are women then?

[geezeweezebabypls]

donno y his eyes remember me of Osho's

[geezeweezebabypls]

Humor + Brain feed

[Gottlieb Goltz]

Absolutementi.. Yuk-Yuk.!

[notpoorsmeagol]

Hahaha what a story Mark.