The David Frost Show

N.p. Group W Productions, Circa 1969. Original transcript of David Frost's interview with Muhammad Ali and Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier from Season 1, episode 8 of the 1969-1972 television show, which aired on Group W television stations on July 16, 1969. Single annotation in manuscript pencil on the first page, underlining Ali's birth name, "Cassius Clay," in the script title (Ali abandoned his birth name in 1964, upon entry into the Nation of Islam).

In addition to Ali and Grier, the episode featured interviews with actors Gloria Loring, Jerry Shane, O.C. Smith, actor and athlete Johnny Weismuller, and journalist Alden Whitman. Ali and Grier were principal guests (the transcript is only of the Ali and Grier interviews).

Just over the first half of the transcript is Frost's interview with Ali, focusing largely on the topic of race in the US, current boxing matches (from which Ali had been barred from 1967 till 1970 due to his refusal to be conscripted into the Vietnam War), and Ali's relationship with the Nation of Islam. The second half is Frost's interview with both Grier and Ali, the conversation again largely focusing on race in the US.

A fascinating interview of Ali during his exile from boxing, and an exceptional snapshot of a particularly incendiary period of US history.

Self wrappers. 20 leaves, with last page of text numbered 20. Spirit duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, with light fading to outer right edge, bound with staple to upper left corner.

[Book #152393]