AllMovie

This episode of the popular show Biography takes a look at the life and times of Ernie Kovacs, a comedy pioneer. Through extensive interviews and performance clips, this tape shows how Kovacs brought a new brand of lunacy to comedy through shows and films like Bell, Book, and Candle and The Ernie Kovacs Show. Particular attention is paid to an early misdiagnosis of tuberculosis and his consequent confinement within a TB ward. According to Kovacs, it was this event that instilled in him a drive to succeed. Many of his showbiz colleagues are interviewed including Steve Allen and Jack Lemmon.