What everyone reacted to was the sparkling dialogue.
And I don't think it's an age thing. As many younger readers responded as older.
The sad thing is you don't hear dialogue like that in movies today. Or TV. Or even a lot of plays. Theatrical comedies have to be dark black comedies as is the current trend.
And I say why?
Now, I must admit I'm not an objective bystander here. I've always loved smart, character-driven funny banter. Steve Gordon is one of my idols. Neil Simon, Larry Gelbart, and Herb Gardner are a few others. So that's the kind of dialogue I try to write.
Happily, that style was in vogue during my TV writing career. MASH, CHEERS, and certainly FRASIER appreciated and celebrated the value of witty dialogue. Every play I write I strive to reach the level of ARTHUR. And it's very rewarding when lines get big laughs from the audience.
And understand, I'm not talking about "jokes." I'm talking about dialogue that is in character, moves the story along, is generally attitude-based, and is funny in context.
I suspect witty dialogue is not so prevalent because it's very difficult to do. Easier to do a gross-out scene, sophomoric sex jokes, dripping irony, or moments that are mildly-amusing at best. And of course, those who can't do it or are intimidated by it claim it's a style that's "old school" and passe today.
But ask an audience. Or, more accurately, listen to them. Listen to them laugh at well-crafted funny lines. Watch ARTHUR again (only the original. The sequel and remake -- neither by Steve Gordon -- suck!). Forget that it's a timepiece and in today's sensibility you couldn't do a number of the things they did in that film. You're going to laugh your ass off. For 90 minutes you're going to be bombarded with one hilarious line after another.
It's a style that I feel should come back, and I'm out there every day doing what I can to revive it. This one's for you, Steve.
from By Ken Levine
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