Billy, Stan and Ollie

I happen to think Billy Crystal is a brilliant comedian, and I am a fan of all his films (in fact, I even enjoyed “Mr. Saturday Night”). But I must point out something regarding his Counterpunch article of June 11 (“Crystal: MTV Didn’t Invent Parodies”), defending the originality of his brilliantly produced “Zelig”-style movie parody aired on the 1992 Oscars telecast, wherein he is seen apparently dancing with Laurel and Hardy in a clip from “Way Out West.”

The fact is, in early 1979, that specific, ingenious comedy bit was broadcast with Mary Tyler Moore edited in to appear to be dancing with Stan and Ollie. It was a segment on her short-lived CBS situation comedy-variety show (David Letterman and Michael Keaton were members of the regular cast).

I was there at the time, among a number of writers on that series--particularly Pat Proft (“Naked Gun,” “Hot Shots,” etc.), who actually conceived the concept.

I remember being bowled over by the seamlessly done bit when I first saw it completed in 1979 (long before all the fancy digital technology now available)--and bowled over yet again some years later, for different reasons, when I saw Billy doing the same bit on the Oscars.

I have no idea if Billy was “inspired” by that Mary Tyler Moore segment. Quite likely it was a complete coincidence, which certainly happens and perhaps is the point--or the pointlessness--of this “controversy.” After some 30 years as a professional TV comedy writer, I’ve learned that a lot of seemingly unique and brilliant ideas intersect, perhaps “inspired” by others, perhaps not.

ROBERT ILLES

Santa Monica