Howard Storm

Howard Storm was interviewed for two-and-a-half hours in Beverly Hills, CA. Storm talked about his comic teaming with Lou Gostel in his early career, and outlined the various venues they worked. He talked about his single appearances in variety series of the ‘50s and ‘60s, including such series as The Merv Griffin Show (where he appeared with his then-retired vaudevillian father). He acknowledged his tenure at Desilu Studios and gave his impressions of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. He looked back on his association with Woody Allen, assisting him on his earliest feature films. He related how he came to break into directing, due to his success directing the play “Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone” and the artistic atmosphere at MTM Productions. He spoke about his first directorial credit on Rhoda and his continued association with Valerie Harper on her subsequent series. He spoke in great detail about his extensive work on the popular sitcom Mork & Mindy, commenting on the series stars, the production workweek, and favorite episodes. Among the other series he discussed, of the many he served on as guest director, were: Laverne & Shirley, Taxi, Too Close for Comfort, Best of the West, Amanda’s, Brothers, The Redd Foxx Show, Full House, Good Grief!, Head of the Class, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Kenan & Kel. He also spoke about several series for which he contributed as a writer, including All in the Family and Happy Days. Lastly, he talked about his participation in “Yarmy’s Army,” a monthly meeting of legendary comics, named for the group’s late friend Dick Yarmy. The interview was conducted by Jenni Matz on August 20, 2008.