User Reviews

"The Dick Van Dyke Show" was a most unusual TV program in that three famous actors produced the show.... Danny Thomas, Carl Reiner and Sheldon Leonard. "Big Max Calvada" is played by Leonard and he does the sort of character you'd expect from him...a gangster type.

The writers were working in their office when the receptionist says that Max Calvada is outside waiting to see them. They cannot place the name at first but then remember that he was one of the reputed gangsters called to testify before Congress...and he took the Fifth Amendment each time they asked him questions. So, when Max asks the three for a favor, they are afraid to say no. The favor turns out to involve Big Max's nephew. The nephew wants to be a stand-up comic...and Big Max wants the trio to write the young man an act. The problem is that when they meet the nephew, he turns out to be talentless. So what do they tell Mr. Calvada? And, if they tell the truth, will he break their legs or worse?!

Much of the humor here is watching Sheldon Leonard and his 'associate' (Arthur Batanides). While there isn't overt humor, it's funny because of the situation and the two men's acting. Well worth seeing and clever.

One of the very best episodes of the DVD series. The writers of the Alan Brady show think that "Big Max" Calvada (assumed to be a mafioso)is at their office to push his nephew into show business with the help of able writers.

The nephew has zero talent but the writing trio (out of fear of failure on their part) do their best figuring that if the kid bombs, it's "curtains" for them. The kid does bomb at a forced pre-arranged nightclub performance but "Big Max" agrees there's no show-biz talent in him which demonstrates that he should go to college rather than show business. The writers are relieved that their skins are no longer in danger and all is well again with the Alan Brady writing staff. Mike Palmiter, Williams, IN.

That's the perfect drink for a mafioso's wife. She's silent and unsmiling, rather beautiful in a deadly way, and her only line is "He stinks'" Perfect.

Why Lars Jackson called himself Jack Larsen, the actor who played Jimmy Olsen, is a mystery. But he was good at being a completely untalented comedian.