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The Mel Brooks Webring

On Writing Dec 2002 Volume #17

Arlene Hellerman Editor

The file is no longer listed on the Writer's Guild of America West, but you can find it on their East Coast counterparts website here (Adobe Acrobat .pdf).

Normally I would just have this linked directly from the Print Page but the contents of this publication are significant from a fan perspective. Firstly, it's one of the longest interviews I've read with both Mel Brooks and Tom Meehan discussing everything from their early career to the development of the Producers for Broadway. Secondly, becaues it's targeted at the writing community, there is a sense of additional insight into the creative process/factors throughout their careers. The discussion feels quite fresh in comparison to some of the more standard interviews. There were enough references/name dropping that I had to highlight and go back and do some research. And last, but certainly not least, there are two attachments, one each for Mel and Tom, following the interview.

The first attachment, showcasing Mel's work, is the script for "Of Fathers and Sons" from the Broadway revue, New Faces of 1952 (you can purchase this on DVD under the Critic's Choice branding, though Mel's skit is missing a small portion). This is a funny little takeoff of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and shows that even early in his career, Mel had an eye for parody.

The second treat is a reprint of Tom Meehan's piece titled Yma Dream from a 1962 issue of the New Yorker. What's great about this piece is that it was later adapted into a sketch for Anne Bancroft's special, Annie, The Women in the Life of a Man. I've heard an audio recording of this, but it was great to read the original piece.

Enjoy!
-Felix

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