March 9, 1997 -- I really didn't have any idea what to expect from "Private Parts." I had heard nothing about the movie, had never heard Howard Stern on the radio, had never read about his background. I did have this feeling, however, that he and Dennis Rodman would make a nice pair.

I probably wouldn't have gone to see the movie at all, except it was the only new movie in town and it was close to the Boomerang. I was shocked! I'm glad I saw it. It is very funny, even for those of us who know little or nothing about Howard Stern.

The movie is purportedly a biography. It opens with Stern's early years. When he gets to his college years, suddenly the real Howard Stern shows up, playing himself, even though he's too old for the part. He looks at the camera and says, "It's a movie. You've got to suspend your disbelief."

You are not supposed to be able to get away with that in a movie. But seemingly, Howard can get away with anything. In another part of the film, he talks to a fellow passenger on an airplane, but the words are really meant for the audience. He says he knows most people think he is stupid and vulgar and obscene, but he adds "I grow on you like fungus."

Indeed, he does. I am now covered with fungus. Howard has a way of disarming you. He's really quite likable and he appears to be quite genuine. Whether he really is or not is anybody's guess. All I know is the man is funny. In his early days, before he let his hair grow long, he looked like a larger version of Weird Al Yankovic, very geeky. Later in life, he became more and more outrageous, a kind of male Madonna.

He seems to be taking the position that his sense of humor is what keeps him sane. In two scenes he actually jokes about his wife's miscarriage, suggesting they take a photo of the aborted fetus and send it to his wife's parents. Nothing is private. Nothing is sacred. There's no doubt that Howard will go just as far as he can and the standards are falling rapidly. It'sa scary thought.

There is, of course, nudity in the film, and lot's of obscene language. Stern and his news person sidekick Robin Quivers, both play themselves very effectively. Also playing themselves in the film are Fred Norris, Gary Dell'Abate and Jackie Martling, among others. Mary McCormack is very convincing playing Stern's wife, Alison, and Fred Giamatti is effective as Kenny, who loses the battle of wills with Howard.

Betty Thomas ("The Brady Bunch Movie") shows a nice touch directing the film, and this must have been an interesting bunch to deal with. The writers, Stern (based on his book) Len Blum and Michael Kalesniko do a clever job with the material, taking it right up to the edge of bad taste, but keeping it in bounds. This film rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 1997 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.