E. Nick: A Legend in His Own Mind

My review was written in July 1986 after watching the program on U. S. A. Video cassette.

"E. Nick" is a well-earned spoof of the format and mindlessness of "adult" programming on cable tv and video magazines. Taped in 1984 but just recently released, project lacks the heavy yocks inherent in the subject.

Hugh Hefner is the main target of satire here, as Don Calfa portrays smu king E. Nick Vanacuzzi, first seen lounging outdoors in his pajamas at his mansion, loaded with guest cameos by people like Wayne Newton and Carlos Palomino. E. Nick is throwing a party celebrating the launch of his Bon Vivant video magazine. The program consists of segments from that video crudely intercut with antics at the mansion.

Satire is right on the money during a segment introing Bon Vivant's first video Maiden of the Month, Charmaine (well-cast in the form of Monique Gabrielle, former Penthouse model who has appeared in many Playboy Channel-funded features), who strips repeatedly while a funny voiceover apes the rigid Playboy format of gushing about how supportive her parents are and how much she owes to the magazine.

Other segments are generally unfunny, including a silly Pat McCormick sketch as a boorish man-about-town, and Andra Akers' dull portrayal of Aunt Mona, answering viewer letters. One for the time capsule, however, is a lengthy sketch in which Jonathan Winters essays his improvised, stream-of-consciousness material in uncensored format. Winters' effort is hit and miss in the laugh department but still a lesson to budding comedians.

Among the guest stars, the best sports are Bo Hopkins and Betty Thomas, both gamely joining in corny gag routines. The late comedienne Carol Wayne is featured very prominently in the video cassette's packaging and billing but appears on screen for only a few seconds in a nothing role.