Mort Lachman

Producer

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

In his three-hour Archive interview, Mort Lachman (1918-2009) talks about his early years becoming a writer in network radio for Eddie Cantor and Bob Hope. He describes in detail, working as a writer, and later head writer/ director/ producer on the Bob Hope Television Special s. He vividly recalls Bob Hope's topical humor and gift for ad libbing. He speaks about his work as a writer for several Ralph Edwards series. He also describes his work as a producer and writer on All in the Family (for which he won an Emmy Award), Archie Bunker's Place, One Day at a Time, Sanford, Gimme a Break, Kate & Allie and Bagdad Café. Jeff Abraham conducted the interview in Los Angeles, CA on January 26, 2004.

"I never wrote early. I never wrote on time. Until it was almost too late, I never wrote anything. Bob Hope once said: 'if Mort Lachman could ever write one day ahead of time, he would own the world.'"

People Talking About ...

Mort Lachman

Highlights

Mort Lachman on his trademark style of writing

Writer Mort Lachman on the beginning of his working relationship with Bob Hope

Writer Morth Lachman on working on This is Your Life; on Roy Rogers as a guest; on writing a spoof of the series for Bob Hope

Mort Lachman on writing for network shows, like the Bob Hope Specials , and the restrictions from the network S&P

Mort Lachman on the work environment of All in the Family

Full Interview

Chapter 1

On his formative years and breaking into show business in radio as a writer for Eddie Cantor; on becoming a writer for Bob Hope's radio show

Chapter 2

On working with producer Ralph Edwards on Truth or Consequences and This is Your Life

On reuniting with Bob Hope for his television work

Chapter 3

On working as a writer, and later head writer/ director/ producer on the "Bob Hope Television Specials"; on Bob Hope's topical humor and gift for ad libbing.

Chapter 4

On his work on Bob Hope's specials; on the sitcoms One Day At A Time and All in the Family, the latter of which won him an Emmy Award.

Chapter 5

On his work on the series All in the Family, Archie Bunker's Place, Sanford (the spin-off of Sanford and Son), Gimme a Break, and Kate and Allie.