Dennis Hopper Interview- Easy Rider/The Last Movie (Merv Griffin Show 1971)

Maverick actor/filmmaker Dennis Hopper appeared on the Merv Griffin Show in 1971 as a disenfranchised idealist having recently fallen from Hollywood’s good graces. After riding high on the success of “Easy Rider“ he made “The Last Movie“ which won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival but was trashed by critics and moviegoers in America. He certainly stands out on this panel which includes fellow actors James Brolin and Diane Baker as well as baseball legend Willie Mays. While many of the original tapes of the Merv Griffin Show were preserved, this one was lost and this clip is an example of a show preserved on color kinescope. Merv Griffin had over 5000 guests appear on his show from 1963-1986. Footage from the Merv Griffin Show is available for licensing to all forms of media through Reelin’ In The Years Productions. .