Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? (1999)
For fans of comedy, Sam Kinison needs no introduction. His scathing comedy tackled tough topics no other comedian dared to touch. Fed up and disenfranchised with his career as a Pentacostal preacher, Sam left the ministry to try his hand at comedy. Almost immediately, and thanks in part to the foresight of Rodney Dangerfield who showcased Sam on an HBO special, his piercing scream, extreme humor and irreverent take on life attracted attention. Containing rare, early footage of Sam preaching and performing stand up at the world famous Comedy Store, the Award Winning "Why Did We Laugh" tells the story of a comedic genius who touched a deeper chord in people than most entertainers. Sadly, Sam was taken from us far too early, yet leaving us with a lasting and unique legacy.
Director: Larry Carroll
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Sam Kinison as Self (archive footage) |
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Richard Pryor as Self |
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Rodney Dangerfield as Self |
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Dennis Miller as Self |
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Judy Tenuta as Self |
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Jay Leno as Self |
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Tim Matheson as Self |
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Beverly D'Angelo as Self |
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Larry King as Self |
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Bill Kinison as Self |
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Carl LaBove as Self |
| Production | Larry Carroll | Executive Producer |
| Production | Arnold H. Orgolini | Producer |
| Directing | Larry Carroll | Director |
| Production | Linda Agnelli | Producer |
| Sound | Paul Hoffman | Original Music Composer |
| Sound | Bill Lane | Original Music Composer |
| Production | Stuart Garret | Executive Producer |
| Crew | John Crawford | Cinematography |
| Production | Bill Kinison | Executive Producer |
| Sound | Frank Floyd | Original Music Composer |
| Writing | Larry Carroll | Writer |
| Writing | Sam Kinison | Writer |