Hal Holbrook, legendary stage, motion picture and television actor, is interviewed by host Jim Benson about his remarkable career and autobiography, Harold: The Boy Who Became Mark Twain.
On this edition of TV Time Machine, we are honored to welcome an extraordinary gentleman whose television, stage and movie career has reached heights few are privileged to experience: Emmy and Tony Award Winner Hal Holbrook. It is no exaggeration to say Mr. Holbrook’s distinguished acting career is a part of Americana, and is woven into the fabric of our nation’s artistic history in much the same fashion as the towering American figures he recreates on stage and screen. Best known for his definitive portrayal of Mark Twain, and filling the shoes of such giants as Abraham Lincoln and John Adams, Mr. Holbrook has also created a multitude of memorable fictional characters over a nearly sixty year career.
In these three audio segments, Hal Holbrook not only helps us explore virtually every aspect of his remarkable contribution to television, but also discusses his poignant and personal autobiography, Harold: The Boy Who Became Mark Twain. For those of you intrepid enough to ride a steamboat of memories, feel free to light up a cigar, as we slip from the restraints of the present, and honor a most American past!
Listen to the Interview Below
Hal Holbrook audio interview Segment One
In this segment, host Jim Benson talks to Hal Holbrook about writing his autobiography, Harold: The Boy Who Became Mark Twain, and the book’s remarkable honesty. Mr. Holbrook recalls his lonely and difficult years growing up, his attraction to the arts, and the impostant people in his life who helped inspire him to claim his goals in life. The legendary actor also discusses the genesis of his one-man stage performance playing Mark Twain, and the 1950’s TV soap opera that launched his career, The Brighter Day.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Click above to play audio embedded on this page.
Click here to open audio in separate window (PC users)
Hal Holbrook audio interview Segment Two
For the second segment, host Jim Benson discusses with Hal Holbrook the impact of his ground-breaking 1967 TV special Mark Twain Tonight, what made Mark Twain tick, and why the world has always embraced the legendary writer and his work. Mr. Holbrook also discusses his 1970 Emmy Award-winning TV series The Bold Ones, and how his rotating segment on the series (entitled The Senator), manifested both critical acclaim–and political controversy.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Click above to play audio embedded on this page.
Click here to open audio in separate window (PC users)
Hal Holbrook audio interview Segment Three
For the final segment, host Jim Benson discusses with Hal Holbrook his remarkable performance in the 1973 TV-Movie Pueblo, based on the real-life incident of the crew of a Navy vessel taken hostage by the North Korean military in 1968. Mr. Holbrook talks about his portrayal of Captain Lloyd “Pete” Bucher, the real-life relationship he forged in later years with the commander, and the injustices surrounding the incident. In closing, Hal Holbrook sums up his thoughts and feelings about his remarkable life and career—to this point.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Click above to play audio embedded on this page.
Click here to open audio in separate window (PC users)
