Sex, profanity but ‘Lenny’ inoffensive

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33959, 27 September 1975, Page 16

Sex, profanity but ‘Lenny’ inoffensive

The controversial film “Lenny,” the story of an American comedian, Lenny Bruce, was shown for the first time in Christchinch yesterday, with no apparent reaction from the audience.

The film stars Dustin Hoffman as Lenny, and Valerie Perrine as his wife. Honey Harlow. It received much publicity because it was initially banned by the Chief Censor (Mr D. C. Mclntosh) but later passed without cuts by the Censorship Board of Appeal. Mr Mclntosh later advised I the public to see the film, and I other "debatable” films, so [that they could express their [own views.

Bruce's life story is a tragic one. He became notorious in the United States in the 19505, and his reputation followed him through that decade and into the next, before his squalid death from an overdose of heroin.

The films shows, through a series of “interviews” and flash-backs, Bruce’s early ineffectual efforts as a comic, his gradual attraction to contentious material, attacks on institutions, and sex, all of which he discussed in language which led to his nickname, “Old Foulmouth,” and numerous appearances in court on obscenity, and later drug, charges. It also deals with his strong attraction towards Honey, whom he met when she was working as a stripper, the slow deterioration of their marriage through Bruce’s sexual maladjustment. and her use of drugs, and the final tormented years when Lenny also became addicted.

Dustin Hoffman is an ideal Lenny. He gives force to the lines.” underscoring his Jewish origins while reaching out to “spiks, wops. . yids, and niggers," in his night-club audiences. Hoffman even sounded like Bruce. The obscenities he castigates were war, politics, and the

plight of the underprivileged minorities.

Miss Perrine gives life to her performance of Honey. She is a good stripper, an attractive wife, and a convincing junkie. There were scenes depicting nudity and sexual activity in the fiim, probably necessary to show the growth and decline in the relationship. These I did not find offensive. Other films have been more explicit. The censor probably objected to the language. The “magic” word was used often, and others,- which describe sexual activity, used as insults, were bandied about. If the film failed, it was in not showing Bruce as a very funny comedian, for this would have given more meaning to his crude language, and tragic life. The language of the film did not offend me; much of it is in common use. With an R2O certificate to protect it from this year’s crop of new voters, it will probably disappear more quietly than it arrived. —J.McN,