SHELLEY BERMAN DEFENDS HIS "Comedian Backstage" DIFFICULT REPUTATION

For more on Shelley Berman, check "Stars of Stand-Up" and "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Berman, as even Lenny Bruce joked about on stage, was an intense performer. But he undeservedly got his reputation further darkened by an incident captured on the comedy special "Comedian Backstage." Those who knew Shelley, attest that he was a kind, gentle soul. If he was a perfectionist in his comedy, well, the fact that it won the Grammy and other awards, and has endured for so long, proves his genius.