I’m a little late getting to Jackie Martling’s documentary, “Joke Man,” but I’ll tell you, this is what we need in the middle of a gross, hot summer.
Jackie is known to millions from Howard Stern’s radio show. Ultimately, he left to be his own star, a designation he deserved, and eventually I think they made up. Kinda. But if you want to know what made Howard so outrageous in his heyday, the answer is Jackie Martling. Nothing was off limits. He was labeled a bit of a savant, hence the nickname “Joke Man.”
Jackie’s metier is bathroom jokes. His stories are filthy and he knows enough punch lines to set a room of drums ready for rim shots. The thing is, he’s so sweet in his own way (I hope he doesn’t mind that) that even the worst of them — worse than, for example, “the Aristocrats,” the dirtiest joke ever — that it’s all good. Martliny has developed a rep for serving up zingers delivered in apple sauce.
You’ll be surprised by some of Jackie’s friends who are interviewed in the film. One of his BFFs is Willie Nelson, of all people. There’s also actress Sean Young, billionaire Mark Cuban, and magician Penn Jillette. Also, another ex Stern comedian Artie Lange, is featured. He and Jackie compare notes about being ostracized from Stern’s world. There are several more cameos, too.
How many people love Jackie Martling? His ex wife very astutely provides her own story arc and observations about him. They are still in touch and she’s charming. Jackie’s on tour this summer and fall, and I swear, watching this doc — well directed by Ian Karr — will make you want to go to one of his shows.
“Joke Man” is available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and most streaming services.
