For five years, from 1985-90, Paul was the co-producer and host of the only live weekly variety show in the Midwest. The series featured a live band, sketch comedy, and an assortment of guests who ranged from celebrities to amateur talent.
Fifty live cablecasts of the hour-long show were produced each year. The episodes were seen throughout the Chicagoland area, and even syndicated to other stations across the U.S. |
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Above left: A live band and audience energized each episode's taping. Above right: Paul at the host desk. Below: A sampling of Paul's characters from the show's comedy sketches. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paul's most popular alter-ego was Edwardo Vidleone, almost always referred to as Ed Vid. Originally composited from characters in Scorsese's Mean Streets by way of Tony Clifton, Ed Vid would give comedic tips on video production. He also produced and starred in cheap video knock-offs of then-current film releases. His proudest achievement was 2011: A Vid Odyssey, in which Ed essayed the role (retaining his trademark glasses and mustache) originally played by Keir Dullea in 2010. Ed showed "edited highlights" of his flicks on the Friday Club. Below are stills from the 100th episode, which was hosted entirely by Ed Vid. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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