Stand-up comedy has exploded as the hottest entertainment phenomenon of the '80s -- what rock and roll was to the '60s and '70s. Comedy clubs are franchising across the nation (with more than 300 now open). Comics star on "Latenight with David Letterman," "Saturday Night Live," Carson's "The Tonight Show" and other late-night talk shows. Stand-ups are featured on their own uncensored, often "live" cable specials. And stand-ups like Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Jay Leno and "Bobcat" Goldthwait who started behind the microphone have moved on to star in films and television specials, and draw thousands to standing-room-only concerts.