Chapter 1: The Setup

Mitch describes his childhood and early comedic influences.
Endnotes:

1. Steve Martin, Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life, (New York, Simon & Schuster, 2007), pp 27-29. Capsule Review: Exquisitely structured narrative, beautifully written. Slack score: 7.3. Snark score: 9.5. Overall FCA ranking: #2
2. Sanford and Son, Season One, episode 8, “The Great Sanford Siege,” originally aired Mar 3, 1972. Teleplay by Aaron Rubin. Directed by Peter Baldwin, scene featuring Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson
3. George Carlin with Tony Hendra, Last Words: A Memoir, (New York, Simon & Schuster, 2009), p.283. Capsule review: Medium-interesting career trajectory. Well-written, but overly long. Too many childhood anecdotes. Slack score: 6.2. Snark score: -10. Overall FCA ranking: 47