Chris and Bridey Elliott on the New Horror Comedy, Clara’s Ghost

8th January 2019

Chris Elliott is an alternative comedy legend. He began his career on Late Night with David Letterman. He’s appeared in films like “There’s Something About Mary,” “Groundhog Day” and “Scary Movie” and in many TV shows, including “The King of Queens” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” His daughter, Bridey wrote and directed a new movie called “Clara’s Ghost.” It’s a family collaboration: Bridey also stars in the movie, along with Chris, her sister Abby, and her mother Paula! We’ll get the scoop on this very funny new horror film. Plus, we’ll take a deep dive into the absurdist works of Chris’ past, including the very bizarre film “Cabin Boy.”

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Photo: Jesse Thorn
Chris and Bridey Elliott on ‘Clara’s Ghost’
Chris Elliott got his start in showbiz as a production assistant on “Late Night with David Letterman,” before becoming an iconic writer and performer on that show. One of our favorite bits from him on Letterman included a parody of Marlon Brando – in the skit he’d dump bananas out of a sack and slowly dance around them to the tune “The Alley Cat.”

After his stint with Letterman, he went on to star in the cult sitcom “Get A Life” and the equally bizarre film “Cabin Boy.” Both works have cemented him as an absurdist comedy legend. While those projects are not for everyone; they’re a real treat if you can sit though some really cringe worthy moments.

You’ve definitely seen him in “There’s Something About Mary,” “Groundhog Day,” and “Scary Movie” and in many TV shows, including “The King of Queens,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Most recently, he can be seen as Roland Schitt, the mayor of the small town on Pop Tv’s “Schitt’s Creek.”

Bridey Elliott, his daughter, wrote and directed a new movie called “Clara’s Ghost.” It’s a family collaboration: Bridey also stars in the movie, along with Chris, her sister Abby, and her mother Paula.

The movie takes place over one night. It tells the story of the Reynolds family, who live in a secluded mansion in New England. Chris’ character Ted is the patriarch, a comedian past his prime. His daughters work in showbiz, too, but like their dad, haven’t gotten a callback in a long time. Then there’s Clara, played by Paula Elliott. Clara’s discovered a ghost that only she can see.

We’ll chat with Chris Elliott about his time on Letterman, and what it was like to work on the strange film “Cabin Boy.” Plus, he’ll tell us why he doesn’t use social media. Bridey will explain how she tried to make horror film that had significant elements of comedy, and how “Cabin Boy” was kind of a horror film when she saw it as a kid. Plus, what it’s like when people find out who her dad is, which often garners one of two very different reactions.

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In this episode...

Senior Producer
Producer
Maximum Fun Producer
Maximum Fun Production Fellow
Video Editor

Guests

  • Chris Elliott
  • Bridey Elliott

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Bullseye is a celebration of the best of arts and culture in public radio form. Host Jesse Thorn sifts the wheat from the chaff to bring you in-depth interviews with the most revered and revolutionary minds in our culture.

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