Dick Cavett, Always Brilliant and Entertaining, Interviewed About His New Book, “Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic Moments, and Assorted Hijinks”

Last night I had the great pleasure of seeing the legendary Dick Cavett interviewed about his new book, “Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic Moments, and Hijinks. The interview was conducted by Eric Metaxas, who is the author of “Socrates in the City.”

Mr. Metaxas provided a great introduction for Mr. Cavett that included a song delineating some of the incredible guests that graced Dick Cavett’s talk shows over the years.

That set the stage for Mr. Cavett, who is utterly brilliant, “Old West quick” (as in That FAST), sharp, and witty.

His stories, comments and inside reflections were tremendous, humorous and often times deeply moving. He could have and wanted to go on for hours, but alas there were and always are time constraints.

Trying to circumvent time, which despite HG Wells is impossible, the names and memories conjured up do help.

Among them:  William F. Buckley, Judy Garland and a story or two about “fat” Jack Leonard, described as a so called “insult comic,” who bestowed gifts on the production/writing staff.

Mr. Leonard, for whom Mr. Cavett wrote, had a line “put your glasses on backwards and walk into yourself.”

Mr. Cavett suggested to Mr. Leonard that he embellish it this way, “walk backwards into a parking meter and violate yourself.” People laughed, including me, others did not and it was cited that meters and violations have changed their association with time.

Mr. Cavett’s memories are treasures. Toward that end, I know his latest book “Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic Moments, and Assorted Hijinks” is a must read.

I will read “Socrates in the City” as well, and based on Mr. Metaxas’ wit in collaborating and “holding his own” with the great Dick Cavett, surely will like, perhaps love it.

Any or all of Mr. Cavett is a sure good thing. He talked of others, telling stories about Muhammad Ali’s visit to his home and his getting into Ms. Garland’s dressing room.

The last word and story goes to the indomitable Groucho Marx, who attended a seance in Minnesota as Mr. Cavett recalled.

The scene and situation were recalled brilliantly by Mr. Cavett (I remember long black curtains as part of the description) and the seance began.

The trans-medium made “contact” with the other world. That “world” asked if anyone had questions for the presumed “voice from beyond.”

A familiar voice was heard asking the following question. What is the capital of North Dakota? Indeed!

“Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic Moments, and Assorted Hijinks”

“Socrates in the City”