Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth

That Lenny Bruce represents one of the most important cultural figures in the twentieth century can be verified by a scan of the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" cover art. Lenny's there, honored by the Beatles as one of their chief inspirations. Modern-day-comedy, from Richard Pryor to Bill Hicks to any episode of "South Park" would be unimaginable if Bruce had not first blazed the trail. His bitter attacks on hypocritical moralism, segregation, and sexual double-standards were as far ahead of his comic contemporaries as James Joyce was ahead of his fellow novelists. This documentary is the best film on Lenny, even besting the excellent Dustin Hoffman biopic, which failed to capture Bruce's incredible wit. Robert DeNiro's voice-over provides a nice counterpoint to the comedy footage and the interviews are revealing. The editing is seamless, enhancing the intimate cinematography. Hopefully, this will soon be released on DVD.

I saw this documentary right after it came on HBO, for the first time (8yr. or so ago). For those who are not familiar with Lenny Bruce, this film is a must to see. I have to say the same for those who know of Lenny (like if you have read "How to Talk Dirty and Influence People", or whatever). Though if you don't have that book, (this is to everyone) please buy it.

Back to the film, I think that this documentary is one of the best of it's time (later 90's). This is a great depiction of his life, and basically the sacrifices that he was confronted with. I have to applaud Robert Weide for this work. As a filmmaker he truly (though a true fan of Lenny), remained realistic without bias. To top it off Robert De Nero is the narrator.

The only thing else I can say is, "we should all be thankful that we had a Lenny Bruce, for if not for him we would not have the great performers we have today".

(Please Watch this Film if you can / and Don't Forget the BOOK!)

I loved this documentary.

I have been a fan of Lenny Bruce for years, and I was impressed that the film made the point that Bruce was a pioneer, and without him, other comedians such as George Carlin, Richard Pryor (and later, Chris Rock and others) might not have had the careers they did.

After Bruce's conviction in New York for obscenity, no other comedian has been prosecuted. He set the trend, and his suffering smoothed the path for others.

I would have liked a little more archival footage showing more fully why Lenny Bruce was such an innovator, but this is a minor gripe.

All in all, a great film. Should be seen by anyone who is concerned about the the influence of the conservative right wing in the USA, and their attempts to stifle free speech, even to this day.

Lenny Bruce is an iconic figure from post-war America. He is viewed today, both as a martyr in the struggle for freedom of expression, and as a giant in stand-up comedy showing the way to an entire generation of comedians that followed him. "Lenny Bruce: Dare to Tell the Truth" fleshes out the icon and presents Lenny as a human being. Following the chronology of Lenny's life from WWII till his premature death in 1965, the film is enhanced by interviews with Lenny's mother, ex-wife, daughter and associates.

No new facts about Lenny's life or motivations are revealed in the movie; it's all stuff we already know. Nonetheless, it is a very well made documentary, presenting Lenny as a real person, and for that reason should be viewed by people interested in this influential American.

As a serious lifelong Lenny Bruce fan (I'm actually old enough to remember seeing him "live" on Steve Allen) I don't think there is any treatment, film or documentary that comes close to Mr. Weide's labor of love "Swear to Tell the Truth."

That includes Fosse & Dustin Hoffman's famous collaborative work on the film "Lenny." See this documentary, then go back and watch the film "Lenny" and you will see what I mean. The film "Lenny" is well intentioned and well done, but it can't carry the jock of Weide's "Swear to Tell the Truth."

"Swear to Tell the Truth" is the first work I've seen that correctly shows in detail and explains THE REAL REASONs why Lenny Bruce was hunted and persecuted by the authorities all the way to his eventual death. It wasn't "dirty words" in his act: the true cause of his persecution was his ruthless-yet-funny satires of the Catholic Church (I am catholic btw) and (initially) a major blunder on Bruce's part - when he blew the whistle publicly on a bribe he was offered to get out of a minor drug bust. Bruce is actually shown doing both on film in the documentary.

Weide really did his research and homework (supposedly 12 years worth). There are scenes and interviews with Lenny, his family, and close friends of Lenny's that even I have never seen before.

If it's so great, WHERE CAN I SEE IT? you ask:

Here is the BAD NEWS: This documentary as of the date of this post, will likely NEVER become available on DVD. I personally contacted Mr. Weide's Whyaduck Production company to find out why (a duck).

The reason?

According to Whyaduck, there are copyright hassles / issues with the excellent jazz soundtrack (includes early Miles Davis and others). I was told due to these unresolved licensing squabbles (translated "greed" imo), we may never see the release on DVD of this excellent film. What a shame. Luckily I taped it (VHS) and I still go back and watch it all the time: never bored, always fascinated and finding new treats with each viewing.

Luckily it was a 1998 Oscar nominee for Best Documentary, so it is sometimes (rarely) still shown on cable. Your best bet is to search for it occasionally on your PBS, Sundance, or HBO listings. Per Mr. Weide, it costs ~ 4 times as much to show it on regular cable (HBO / Sundance) due to commercial licensing fees, as opposed to PBS.

Thank you Mr. Weide for this excellent documentary, and I share your frustration. Greed is keeping this work of art from the public.