The Legacy of Marshall Brickman in Entertainment
Early Musical Beginnings
Marshall Brickman's musical journey began in 1943 when his family moved to Brooklyn. Sundays were spent at folk festivals in Washington Square Park, where he learned to play banjo, guitar, and mandolin. After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin with the intention of becoming a doctor. However, a stint at Wisconsin General Hospital led him to switch his major to music. His friendship with college roommate Eric Weissberg also played a significant role in his musical career. The Tarriers, a folk group, offered him the opportunity to front the group and develop his comedic skills.Brickman's time with The Tarriers was a turning point. He started to incorporate jokes and routines into their performances, which laid the foundation for his future in writing. His talent for writing jokes was soon recognized, and he began writing for Joan Rivers and Woody Allen.
Television and Stand-Up Comedy
Represented by legendary manager Jack Rollins, Brickman took a stab at stand-up comedy but realized his true calling was in writing jokes. He landed a gig on CBS' Candid Camera in 1960 and shared an office with Fannie Flagg and Joan Rivers. Through Rollins, he also became friendly with Dick Cavett and got a chance to work on The Tonight Show. When head writer Walter Kempley quit, Brickman replaced him.During his time on The Tonight Show, Brickman invented the "Carnac Saver," a technique to give Johnny Carson a second chance at a laugh. However, he soon left the show in 1971 to become a producer on The Dick Cavett Show. His diverse career in television allowed him to showcase his writing skills in different formats.
Collaborations with Woody Allen
In the early 1960s, Brickman started collaborating with Woody Allen. They worked together on various projects, starting with Sleeper (1973). The job was on spec, but luck was on Brickman's side when an old banjo album he recorded with Weissberg was chosen as the soundtrack for Burt Reynolds' film Deliverance. This led to significant financial success.Brickman and Allen's collaboration on Annie Hall (1977) was a turning point. The film won four Academy Awards and became a classic. Brickman took credit for suggesting the character of Annie to build tension. Their creative partnership continued with Manhattan (1979) and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993).
Other Works and Legacy
Brickman's career extended beyond his collaborations with Allen. He wrote and directed films like Simon (1980), Lovesick (1983), and The Manhattan Project (1986). He also penned the Tony-nominated book for the Broadway musical Jersey Boys and wrote the screenplay for the 2014 film adaptation. His influence can be seen in the works of many other artists.In addition to his professional achievements, Brickman was a family man. He is survived by his wife Nina Feinberg, two daughters Sophie and Jessica, and five grandchildren. His life and work continue to inspire future generations of writers and filmmakers.