CAN YOU HEAR THE LAUGHTER? THE STORY OF FREDDIE PRINZE (CBS 9/11/79)

The true and tragic story of a very young and very talented comedian from the 70's whose sudden rise to fame had some of its benefits, as well as some of its burdens.

At 19, Freddie Prinze (Ira Augustain) exploded on the entertainment scene. With the help of his friend, comedian David Brenner(Ken Sylk), Freddie’s career catapulted from second-rate clubs in Manhattan to a prime time sitcom in Hollywood, and sell-out crowds in Las Vegas.

Freddie had it all...fame, fortune, women, however the leap into stardom also brought with it a new set of problems. Drugs provided easy solutions. Freddie looked for love and approval in any way he could, but happiness and satisfaction eluded him. Finding no one to understand him, he turned inward...and deeper into drugs. This insightful, true story explores the private tragedies and shocking death of a brilliant Hollywood celebrity. It is a sensitive portrait of a young comedian who found he could no longer hear the laughter. Based on the Playboy magazine article entitled "Good Night Sweet Prinze"

Also stars Kevin Hooks, Melaine Chartoff, Julie Carmen