Dick was interviewed recently on MSNBC about his TCM show, but the interviewer totally blew it. She kept cutting him off in mid-witticism, betraying her ignorance of his style and intelligence. Below, a copy of a letter I sent complaining about it. I would be interested in whether anyone else saw it and what they thought.
Dear Ms. Witt,
Although you are certainly a competent news reader, your interviewing skills leave much to be desired. The most glaring example of this fact was displayed during this morning's "interview" of Dick Cavett.
What a waste of this charming man's time! And how disappointing for us in the audience who enjoy his witty reparte?. You totally ruined the opportunity you had to do this man justice.
First of all, he was far from using rude language when you panicked and tried to cut him off as he quoted from some mail he had received. He was not about to use the vulgar words you apparently thought him capable of, you silly goose! And I say goose intentionally, as that is how you behaved, flapping your wings insanely and cutting him off verbally with your "b-b-b-but" or "w-w-w-wait!" or whatever non-words you used. Cavett's quote would have been amusing if you had given him the chance to finish it.
Then, when he tried to finish the joke later, you walked all over the punch line! Which was something like, "I wrote back immediately and said I am not 'sawed-off.'" Where was the harm in that, you numbskull? Don't you know it is anathema to cut off a comic's punch line? You've been in the info-tainment business long enough to have absorbed that, for heaven's sake!
Another humorous remark from Cavett was his "They brought me to...and then they brought me two more!" A funny, if old, joke. But you not only didn't get it, you didn't let the audience hear it! What is the matter with you? You ruined the interview with your pusillanimous and puerile behavior.
It was the height of irony when you asked Cavett for interviewing tips. Hah! You wouldn't know a tip if it bit you! Dick was far too gallant to let you know how poor your performance was, of course. Instead, he said something complimentary about being in love or some such face saving device.
Grow up, Alex! Witty, sophisticated humor is not necessarily raunchy. Don't panic at the mere suggestion of something risky. At your stage in life, you ought to realize a high-calibre intellect and high-class character like Dick Cavett is hardly likely to use vulgarities for a laugh.
Thanks for spoiling what should have been a charming interview with a really bright man who you are not fit to intern for, let alone interview. It is a crime that people like myself who appreciate and understand Cavett have to have our enjoyment ruined by the likes of you.
Disappointedly Yours,
E Fay
