In one of the most explosive moments in television history, Georgia Governor Lester Maddox famously storms off the set of The Dick Cavett Show. Originally aired on December 18, 1970, this high-tension confrontation remains a definitive snapshot of American political and racial tensions. Watch as the debate over Maddox’s "segregationist" reputation reaches a breaking point, leading to a legendary exit that left the audience—and Cavett—stunned. Dick Cavett’s career has defined excellence in the interview format for over five decades. A three-time Emmy winner, Cavett has hosted some of the most influential figures in history, from John Lennon and Salvador Dalí to Muhammad Ali. For clip licensing opportunities please visit https://www.globalimageworks.com/the-dick-cavett-show Explore more of Dick Cavett’s work: - Books: "Talk Show" (2010) and "Brief Encounters" (2014) - Documentaries: "Dick Cavett’s Watergate" and "Dick Cavett’s Vietnam" Subscribe for more iconic interviews and legendary TV moments! #thedickcavettshow #lestermaddox #classictelevision #walkoff #tvhistory #civilrights #1970s #interviews
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Cavett was sharp, did not suffer fools lightly. Last of his kind in the talk show world.
Continuously talk over and divert attention. The tactic still works like a charm.
old man was ahead of his time... he had the black fatigue 56 years ago
He forgot his hood and sheet
I love the looks on jim brown's face!
With his own track record of racist statements and actions the “governor” shockingly so threatened by the term bigot. His reaction says it all.
I would have liked to hear from Truman Capote.
But he left without apologizing to the people of New York and New Jersey.
Looks like the worst of humanity have always been the ones to take offence most quickly.
Didnt even realize Capote was sitting off camera
segregationist southern governor goes on TV to prove he cannot publicly admit to the existence of bigotry within the south. instead demands apology for someone else admitting to it. can appreciate his own nasal twangy drawl, but not irony or history or even his own zeitgeist. still entirely representative of southern white politics. more breaking news at 11.
maddox was really mad at jim brown for saying 'white bigots' but he took his frustration out on cavett...his overreaction was just silly
Funny how this was not so long ago 😮
AND EVEN TODAY THEY STILL CAN'T HANDLE BING CALLED OUT! Jim Brown exercised a lot of restraint; Maddox was doing nothing but playing victim and didn't want to be called out for it! Racist plain and simple.
So there were no bigots in Georgia. Ok. Everybody was a saint and angel there, yeah. There were some bigots in every other place but none in Georgia. Sure, ok.
Black Fatigue
of course we know now Lester was right
Fascinating and important record interview.. Cavett is remarkable.❤ from Australia
I agree with this governor,
Wow just wow - I can't believe I never saw this before. Thank you so much