Don Rickles built a legendary career by firing insults at everyone around him.
But in this classic Friars Club roast, the tables are turned.
Instead of standing safely behind the microphone and attacking everyone else, Rickles becomes the guest of honor who has to sit back and take the jokes.
That simple change creates the perfect setup for some unforgettable old-school comedy.
Season 1, Episode 2 of The Classic Friars Club Roasts originally aired on September 30, 1970, and features Dean Martin roasting Don Rickles.
George C.
Scott also joins the celebration, while Johnny Carson, Milton Berle, Chet Huntley, Dick Cavett, and Henny Youngman are part of the legendary lineup.
DEAN MARTIN TAKES AIM AT RICKLES
The moment Dean Martin takes the stage, the atmosphere changes.
Everyone knows Rickles is famous for making other people uncomfortable with his rapid-fire insults.
Now Martin has the opportunity to turn that same style back toward him.
That reversal is what makes the roast so entertaining.
Rickles knows exactly what is coming.
He has spent years delivering this kind of comedy himself.
But watching him sit there while another comedian takes control creates an entirely different kind...
