ABC Stage 67 (1966)

The Love Song of Barney Kempinski

NYC

This is one of Alan's more obscure roles, as far as the ease with which modern audiences can find it. It's an early episode of a short-lived

anthology series, intended to bring the stage into the living room. I'm still slightly surprised I found it, though in watching it,

I think I understand why the series didn't take off.

In Love Song of Barney Kempinski, Alan shows up as what appears to be a cabbie in New York. As the story progresses, we find that, instead,

he is some sort of small time crook, without a job, who is trying to earn enough one morning so that he can marry his girlfiend. This same

girlfriend is also avoiding all of his calls. So, Barney spends his day selling ice cream (after stealing it from a vendor), pretending to be a tour guide,

avoiding the police, and trying to contact his girl. All the while, he manages to sing (poorly) of his love of the Big Apple.

I don't know how much of it was a generation gap or my lack of passion for the stage, but quite often in this movie, I found myself more interested in

seeing the old skyline of New York than trying to discern the plot. The storyline would've suited a Buster Keaton short, but as a talkie, there wasn't really

enough funny business to drag it out. Still, there are a couple of interesting cameos (Alan King & John Gielgud) to make up for at least some of the flaws.

Where Can I Find It?

If you live near or plan to visit New York City, check out the Paley Center. They have a vast array of old and new tv shows, which you can check out

for a small fee. While there, you can also watch Alan in St. Elsewhere and with Second City.