Controversial faux rubber noses apart, Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro is likely one of the most critically-acclaimed movies of the 12 months, and is presently nominated for seven Academy Awards. However simply consider what number of extra Oscars it will be up for had the film included a scene during which the musical genius almost hooks up with the star of Caddyshack.
You may not assume that the composer of the enduring West Aspect Story and the composer of not-so-iconic “Rapper’s Plight” would cross paths, however Leonard Bernstein and Chevy Chase completely met, and even labored collectively at Jimmy Carter’s inauguration gala, held on the Kennedy Middle in 1977. However years earlier, Chase was tasked with inviting Bernstein to host Saturday Night time Stay, and issues obtained… surprisingly horny?
In keeping with the biography I’m Chevy Chase… and You’re Not by Rena Fruchter, throughout his lone season as an SNL solid member, Chase was enlisted by Lorne Michaels to persuade Bernstein to host the present. This may allow them to do a West Aspect Story parody, with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi dancing to songs like “Cool.”
Chase sat subsequent to Bernstein at Kurt Vonnegut’s fiftieth birthday (God, the ‘70s sound superior) and requested him if he would contemplate internet hosting. Bernstein mentioned he’d give it some thought, however implied that his reply would “rely partly on how Chevy may reply to the maestro’s attentions.” When the pair ended up alone in a room collectively afterward, Bernstein “planted a kiss firmly on Chevy’s lips” however Chase “merely wagged his index finger at him admonishingly.” In consequence, Bernstein declined the invitation and by no means hosted SNL.
Now, remember, all of this info is all coming from the “approved” Chevy Chase biography, so presumably this story originates with Chase himself. Bernstein isn’t even the one music legend that Chase claims to have been intimate with; he as soon as instructed Norm Macdonald all in regards to the time he actually slept with Bob Dylan within the ‘60s.
Chase additionally instructed the Leonard Bernstein story to Fox Information in 2007, however among the particulars have been barely totally different. On this model of occasions, Chase met Bernstein backstage at a live performance, and he was accompanied by SNL author Tom Schiller. The top end result, nonetheless, was the identical. “He put his hand on my knee,” Chase defined. “After we have been leaving, he kissed me full-on, on the lips.” The story might not be true, nevertheless it’s nonetheless removed from probably the most egregious misinform be repeated by Fox Information.
On condition that there’s not less than some documentation of this anecdote, wouldn’t it have killed Bradley Cooper to incorporate within the film? Come to consider it, they in all probability may have gotten Joel McHale to play Chase once more.
You (sure, you) ought to comply with JM on Twitter (if it nonetheless exists by the point you’re studying this).
