First of all, the 1960s was an era of the variety show. Laugh-In, The Dean Martin Show, The Carol Burnett Show, Sonny and Cher, The Andy Williams Show, The Red Skelton Show to name just a few were watched by millions on the only three stations available ABC, CBS and NBC.
I should also list the granddaddy of them all which introduced us to the Beatles and countless other acts that went on to great success in the entertainment business because Ed Sullivan gave them a start on his weekly variety show.
For those of you younger than the Baby Boomer age bracket, you may not remember a time before cable, hundreds of channels and remote controls! I am reposting this skit because I showed it to my 41-year-old attendant the other day and she had never heard of the names in my post nor any of the shows I mentioned.
Another reason I want to post this skit again is because I think it is just plain funny! It is a classic example of two grown men making you laugh out loud without saying a thing! It is so funny in the beginning as Harvey Korman tries to stay in character and not laugh at the bungling of his dentist, Tim Conway.
The last reason I am posting this is I have more subscribers today than I did in 2007 and I would like to introduce them to a time gone by.
This type of television would never make it today and illustrates how much is shown on hundreds of channels of violence, sex, illicit drug use, language and adult oriented behavior during prime time when children have access to thousands of murders, rapes and other violent acts before they are eighteen, it is a wonder they are able to understand the difference between right and wrong when they are raised in front of a television. I guess we can include video games in that genre as well.
Click on this URL to see my post and watch a short video of The Dentist's skit:
http://iamnotdoneyet.blogspot.com/2007/10/tim-conway-harvey-kormans-comedy.html
I will end this post with a Test Pattern the way every network ended its viewing day every night:
Do you remember this?
As always, I look forward to your comments.
Later,
3 comments:
Great post, Michael!! I love the test pattern at the end! If one were up long enough to see that, You were probably bleary eyed the next day! Just the sight of some of those oldies can still crack one up without the spoken word...memorable for sure! Thanks for the memories and chuckles!
I know this skit well. Indeed it's funny which is why the actors got carried away! Mostly though, like Colleen, I love the test pattern. WAY nostalgic and the perfect close to your post. Keep on Mike!
Loved that show! You're giving away my age ...
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