spookylorre

Times HAVE changed. Decades ago, "The Toastmaster General" used to tell this joke to audiences all over America. Now, it might be considered offensive to Iranians (Persians now), Egyptians and Jews! (This recording was intended to be used on a fund-raising album of comedians telling funny stories). Go ahead, Georgie....

Is there a difference between irritation and aggravation? Here's an old classic told by JACK BENNY

What a phenomenon: Youtube “REACTION” videos. Yes, couch potatoes want to watch other couch potatoes REACT to a) movie trailers or b) packages they opened from Amazon so you can SEE what they BOUGHT. You Tube has taken monetization AWAY from people who post historical clips, public domain pop culture, and anything that might possibly be of interest to intelligent people. Trying to complete with Netflix, YOUTUBE seems to encourage amateurs to perform dangerous stunts that could get themselves killed. Wearisome off-key cover versions of hit songs are still plentiful. YOUTUBE will pay egomaniacs to rant about sports events or politics, or do lame self-help guru blabber. YOUTUBE will NOT tell you how to monetize, why you’re demonitized, or anything else. Just try to dumb down, which is the best way to go “VIRAL.” The other day “THE” ERIC BUTTS (as he calls himself) got some scorn from social media because of his enthusiastic REACTION video about the new STAR WARS movie. Result: over 250,000 hits (and counting). He could be the next “Ross the Intern” or get his own show like JAMES CORDEN. “Star Wars” geeks, and fans who feel sorry for basement dwellers, are cheering him for wearing his heart on his sleeve, and his giddiness and tears on his puss. Here are the TOP TEN “reaction” faces from ERIC, who is clearly on his way to fame and fortune with his fabulous face and heartfelt emotions!. PS. this video falls under “FAIR USE” and ‘PARODY,” and has been endorsed by Julian Assange as a marvelous example of Freedom of Speech. it is NOT being monetized by YOUTUBE. The best things in life are free.

Here's an example of a "timing strip" well placed. It's so far in the corner it's not too distracting, even with the madly revolving count of each fraction of a second. Christmas songs from...two and a half Jews! Yes, John Banner and Robert Clary were both Jewish. Warner Klemperer was half-Jewish. Clary was a concentration camp survivor. If they didn't think their sitcom was "offensive," or disrespectful, maybe it wasn't. John Banner and Werner Klemperer step up to sing "Silent Night" in the original German ("Stille Nacht") and Robert Clary follows with a quickie in French.

Here's the stereo GEORGE CATES version of "Solfeggio," which Cates (and most) called "Song of the Nairobi Trio." The song was written by Robert Maxwell, and gained fame when used by Ernie Kovacs and his varying rubber-masked musicians.

Pillsbury was slightly un-PC when they made "Funny Face" drinks using ethnic caricatures, such as "Chinese Cherry" and "Injun Orange." Come to think of it, "Freckle-Face Strawberry" wasn't so funny either! "Injun Orange" was switched to "Jolly Olly Orange," and voiced by Paul Frees. Pillsbury offered commercials, promo records, even novelty mugs, but their "Funny Face" line dried up. Here's the immortal Mr. Frees doing a minute novelty called "LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH" as Jolly Olly Orange. This voice may remind Frees fans of his "Big Jim Buchanan" voice used years earlier (notably on a Stan Freberg cover of "Money Money Money.") Imagine how wild this recording session was!

"It's the year of the ZOMBIES." The Hall of Fame rock group gets a cover from the ghost of PETER LORRE, on the Colin Blunstone-penned "JUST OUT OF REACH."

The last lines from Michael Jackson and Prince Charles quotes .. are filled in by the panel of I'M SORRY I HAVEN'T A CLUE (the long-running British radio show). Some of their Jacko gags on this 2004 broadcast are more than timely in 2019.

After Flip Wilson, Jack E. Leonard, Johnny Carson and all the guests took their shots...here's DON RICKLES. (Also check Part 1 and Part 2)

Rose and Lynn Goldman were born in Philadelphia, and entertained for the USO during World War 2. They became the Gordon Sisters, but a manager wasn't thrilled. Rose recalled: "When we were working the Borscht Belt — everyone did the Borscht Belt — the manager with one of the other acts came to us and said, “I’d like to manage you kids. Gordon Sisters isn’t a good name for you.” He had on his desk a bottle of Gallagher and Burton, the whiskey. And he said, “OK, you’re the Burton Sisters.” The rest is Borscht Belt history. The duo signed with RCA Victor in 1955 for "Doin' the French Can-Can" and several other singles. Rose retired to get married, but Lynn continued on stage in musical comedies until she too got married. She moved to San Francisco where she and her sister gave a reunion performance in 2011.

A rare chance to see one of the greats of Second Avenue Yiddish Theater.

MAX WILNER offers some Borscht Belt comedy from the early 50's, followed by music from Mary Forest.

FYVUSH FINKEL in a very early comedy sketch. And...a bonus comedian turns up for some stand-up, too!

Bill Maher probably didn't have the "timing" right. The death of Stan Lee might not have been the best time to scold people for dressing up in Marvel hero outfits and obsessing over comic books and "action" figures. A few months later...and here's Bill's rebuttal, and it's a sharp one. No, he wasn't snarking about Stan Lee the person, but the comic book world in general. (The Ann Coulter joke...Coulter was the lead guest on this episode of "Real Time," so any Marvel fan who is also a Coulter hater had to be doubly annoyed). As Shatner once did in a memorable SNL skit, Bill makes the point that taking fantasy and making it your LIFE is pretty pathetic. Stan Lee made money from it and achieved fame. But the Huelbigs of the world who wear their Underoos to Comic Con and who collect "action" figures have no fame, no life, and really do need to grow up. A little. (NO monetization to the uploader...HBO and Maher get it. NO dumb line about "I don't own copyright I just like this." Copyright IS owned and IS respected and the $$ go to HBO and Maher.

Here’s a rare glimpse of KENT ROGERS (1923-1944). The young man had a brilliant future in celebrity impressions and voice-overs. One of his best surviving achievements is voicing almost all the male stars in “Hollywood Steps Out,” a 1941 Tex Avery Warner Bros. cartoon. (It's been posted on YouTube by another uploader). He was a perfect Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Peter Lorre, Kay Kyser, Ned Sparks and Groucho Marx. He gave the bird to Warner Bros as “Beaky Buzzard” and “Henery Hawk” and also voiced Woody Woodpecker for some Walter Lantz cartoons. You’re watching Kent’s scene from “All American Co-Ed.” It’s a frothy farce that featured Johnny Downs in drag (invading an all-girls school). Johnny does a great job (not too campy) and the film’s got a variety of comic supporting players including Harry Langdon, Noah Beery Jr and Alan Hale Jr. Kent was inserted sort of the way Jay Lawrence (Larry Storch’s brother) was in “Stalag 17,” just for the sake of novelty. Rogers did a fair job of imitating the visual tics of Gary Cooper and once his baby-faced features matured, probably would have become an exceptional impressionist, more able to visually morph into a Karloff, Cagney or Edward G. Robinson (voices he did so well in that Warner Bros. cartoon, which was made the same year as this movie). He had the potential to be a fine addition to Mel Blanc at Warners, and to Paul Frees at Disney and Jay Ward. Kent didn’t reach the age of 21. Old enough to serve in World War Two, he was killed in a training flight accident in Florida.

Here's a video souvenir of the NEW YORK CITY MARATHON, November 4, 2018. Congratulations to the runners, and the crowds on the sidelines who drank beer, shouted "WOO" and became part of the show. PS, YouTube DEMONETIZED thousands and thousands of uploaders. Nobody knows why. YouTube is owned by Google and they refuse to have a working phone number, answer e-mails, or even have someone moderate the YouTube forum. YouTube is rich enough and nasty enough to suddenly "fire" people who have built up 5,000, 15,000 even 50,000 subscribers, and gotten MILLIONS of hits. It's not exactly the nicest way to treat employees who are trying to make a living with original content, but it IS a reminder that the Internet is run by a handful of uncaring rich people with sadistic tendencies.

The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Ronald L. Smith's Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE. You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Zsa Zsa is being roasted by Pat Buttram, who once played "Mr. Haney" opposite Eva Gabor's "Mrs. Douglas" on "GREEN ACRES."

The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Ronald L. Smith's Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE. You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Zsa Zsa Gabor is being roasted by the king of the one-liners, Henny Youngman

The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Ronald L. Smith's Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE. You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Phyllis Diller is being roasted by Rich Little

The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Who's Who in Comedy by Ronald L. Smith) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE. You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where ALAN KING is roasting his pal Billy Crystal

The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications, Facts on File, and Ronald L. Smith (author of Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE. You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Billy Crystal is being roasted by his pal Garry Shandling

The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Ronald L. Smith's Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE. You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Billy Crystal is being roasted by his pal Rob Reiner.

It's all in good fun -- some wild moments from the Billy Crystal roast, which was hosted by Rob Reiner

An innocent man will be executed unless Charlie Chan can help! This episode directed by Leslie Arliss, produced by Leon Fromkess, Written by Richard Grey, with: Robert Raglan, Richard Caldicot, John Stratton, Mary Laura Wood, Oliver Burt, Arthur Howard and Hugh Williams.

Yes, a strange hybrid here. The video of 5705 is fine, but since they did a lip sync to the original music, the soundtrack can't be posted (it's available for sale on iTunes etc.) SO.... Subbing for the original music, and much rarer of course, is CITY BOY's live performance in Boston, September 18, 1978. It's been matched up fairly well to the visuals. These guys were powerful performers on stage, and you can hear the extra energy here, as opposed to the studio version. Lol Mason's often darkly humorous intros also made seeing them live very special, and "Dinner at the Ritz" always brought down the house with Lol and Steve Broughton's choreography. A great, underrated band! The first big write-up they got in America was via ROCKET MAGAZINE, edited by Ronald L. Smith. Thanks, ROCKET. CITY BOY, fronted by Lol and Steve, featured Mike Slamer on lead guitar, Max Thomas on keyboards, Chris Dunn on bass, and on drums (and lead vocal once in a while) Roy Ward

A mummy and a lot of mysterious secrets keep Charlie and #1 son busy in this one. Co-stars are James Hong, Bruce Seton, William Franklyn, Virginia Keiley, Harold Scott, Amy Dalby and Rupert Davies. Script by Richard Grey. Directed by Don Chaffey.

What's eating the boxer before the big fight? Dames? Gangsters? Fear? It's up to McGraw to investigate. This episode has some classic character actors, including oily, thin-mustache'd Lou Krugman as "WAYGO," and comic weasel Sid Tomack as Pete the newsstand guy. Plus Perry Lopez, Joe De Santis, Sue England, Jan Harrison and Michael Fox. Script by Seeleg Lester, who would go on to supervise the Perry Mason scripts.

Bud and Lou are taking a train to New York to do a sketch with Lizabeth Scott. On the way, Bud does the "pick a number" bit, and "two tens for a five." Amid the tried-and-true routines, here's Lizabeth Scott (constantly called "ELIZABETH" by Lou). Maybe THAT is why she plants a kiss on Bud instead. WOW. Wordplay? Yes, you get that, too, as Lizabeth (catchier first name than her real one, Emma) confuses Lou with her "mules." No songs or filler, just pure "lay it in their laps" (as Bud used to say) comedy gold! Script by veteran A&C writer John Grant, with some help from the 3 Stooges scripter Elwood Ullman!

Dan Blocker gets a chance to leave the Ponderosa and show his talents in sketch comedy. Probably the most beautiful sitcom star of the Golden TV era was Cara Williams, who had a hit with "Pete and Gladys" opposite Harry Morgan. Several others were like Cara, and tried to get laughs without losing their dignity. These include Ann Sothern, Donna Reed and Betty White. The straight man here is Henry Fonda!

Paul, now famous for "Bye Bye Birdie" as well as his "sick comedy" album "Recently Released," plays a tense family man who is also a compulsive shutterbug. Paul's vinyl is reviewed and anntated in "The Goldmine Comedy Record Price Guide," and his story in "Who's Who in Comedy" and "Stars of Stand-Up" all by comedy authority Ronald L. Smith

When television first appeared, some were worried that "they can see us." No, no, that's your computer, which can turn on its video camera and spy on you! In these more innocent days, DICK VAN DYKE plays it for laughs, as the all-seeing TV. Why, he was at the zenith of his comedy powers.

Broadcast September 27, 1962. It's a difficult night for the student nurses, as Mrs. Yanopoulos (Viveca Lindfors, in a powerful performance) faces possible death due to a difficult pregnancy. Meanwhile, her pregnant roomie, venomously sulky Joey Heatherton, is making matters worse. Zina Bethune stars as student nurse Gail Lucas, and Spookylorre dedicates this episode to her. After "The Nurses," Zina became involved in teaching dance, founding Bethune Theatredanse and then Dance Outreach, which gave disabled kids a chance to express themselves. Her untimely death at age 66 came when she saw a wounded animal on Forest Lawn Drive near Griffith Park. She stopped the car to try and help, got out, and was the victim of a hit and run that knocked her into the path of a second car coming in the opposite direction. Also appearing in this episode: Shirl Coway, Ruth McDevitt, Arthur Hill, Hilda Simms, Elisabeth Fraser, Diana Sands and Morgan Sterne. Stark, intelligently written, well-acted drama, from the same company that gave us "The Defenders."

The genius Phil Ochs wrote all kinds of songs, including satirical ones. Here are two that lightened up the 1976 Felt Forum Tribute Show, which featured brilliant, serious performances by Tim Hardin, Dave Van Ronk, Jim Glover, Melanie and many others. Oscar Brand, who died at age 96 in 2016, was a legend. He re-discovered and adapted folk songs (including his series of “Bawdy” ones) and made dozens of albums. He also had an incredibly long-running radio show that gave exposure to both the traditional folkies, and the new wave that included Phil Ochs and Judy Henske. As many have done, Oscar chooses to update Phil’s original lyrics a bit. Half of the Weavers showed up: Pete Seeger and Fred Hellerman. Both of these guys had a great sense of humor. On the “On Tour” album, the Weavers offered up some tunes that are still very funny, from Pete’s “Talking Blues” to Fred’s take on “The Frozen Logger.” In the TelePromptr age, it's easy to just go up there and sing, but in 1976, you had to memorize those songs. On a "one-off" evening, you also had to be aware of where the microphone is when you swing your guitar. This makes for some added hilarity during Pete and Fred's true ragtime (banjo!) take on "Draft Dodger Rag." Pete Seeger died at 94 in 2014, leaving behind an immense legacy that included totally re-working obscure folk songs (“Wimoweh”) and creating an enduring classic melding music to The Bible (“Turn Turn Turn”). He was a tireless performer for worthy causes, and a challenging, controversial figure. This included performing his Vietnam protest song “Waste Deep in the Big Muddy” when TV networks were intent on banning him. He was no stranger to blacklists. His pal Fred Hellerman, who died at 89 in 2016, was the last survivor of the legendary Weavers group, which included Lee Hays and Ronnie Gilbert. Ronnie covered two of Phil Ochs’ songs (“What’s That I Hear” and “Power and the Glory”) and you can find those on this YouTube channel.

The old 50's sitcoms were formulated: an entire episode to one situation. "Life with Elizabeth" often tried to be different. Here, several different situations make up the show: a problem with buying weird antiques, the joys of going out, and lastly, wackiness with Mr. Fuddy (played by Ray Erlenborn). "Life with Elizabeth" should've lasted longer than it did (1953-55).

Betty White, known for her love of animals, shows her PETA-leanings early in her career! On this sitcom (1953-55) she demonstrates the warmth and caring that endeared her to so many fans. She feels sorry for the lobster that she's supposed to cook for dinner, and even gives him a name....

Betty's first sitcom (1953-55) shows she already had the charm and beauty of a star. The bits of "mime" go back to the silent day (announcer Jack Narz talking directly to Elizabeth) but the comedy is in the new mode of "TV sitcom." And what situations she gets into....

To the old bar tune "One for my Baby (One More For The Road)" we "Meet McGraw." He's a crime fighter played by Frank Lovejoy (1912-1962). Frank's best known for noir movies ("In a Lonely Place," "The Hitch Hiker") and radio fans might remember "Night Beat." The Bronx born tough guy lasted battled "Broken Arrow" and "To Tell The Truth" for viewers, and a hard boiled detective show seemed like a good alternative. After 42 episodes (1958-59) the show ended, and oddly, few of them have survived in good condition. Lovejoy said at the time, "I kind of like this guy McGraw. He's not a superman. He's just a guy who tries to do the best he can, and is interested in saving his own neck quite frequently....I don't win all the fights I get into....I don't always knock out the villain. Sometimes he knocks me out." To the interviewer, Dorothy Roe, he offered a gallant remark about ladies: "I don't treat all women as if they were just bodies. I prefer to view them as people. Some of them can even be good companions, with a sense of humor, and an understanding of fair play. Lots of women are regular guys." At the time, he was married to "regular guy" actress Joan Banks. Our McGraw sample is "The Ballerina," about a dancer and the shady guy she loves. It features Hans Conried, Ainslie Pryor, Joyce Vanderveen, Ron Hargrave, Darlene Fields and Glen Vernon.

Arthur Hill is back in the courtroom as Owen Marshall. Lee Majors is his right hand man. Guest stars Barry Sullivan, John Larch and Tim Matheson. Directed by Harry Falk. It's death at the frat house -- and you'll recognize Ed Begley Jr. at the opening scene's frat party. Farrah makes a brief appearance at the beginning, too

They slap each other five. They're having a good time, this Jewish nightclub singer and this Black trumpet player and vocalist. Sounds like harmony. They're singing about New Orleans and The Birth of the Blues

Written by Tony Barrett, and featuring #1 son James Hong, plus Patricia Burke, Leonard Sachs, Tom Macaulay, Arnold Marle, Keith Pyott and Rupert Davies

Betty White's genius begins 60 years ago, when she breaks the mold of sitcoms (her previous "Life with Elizabeth") and comes up with a sitcom-variety show that's part sketches and part songs. Her cast includes formidable foil Reta Shaw, Jack Benny's loopy pal Frank Nelson, and novelty singer Jimmy Boyd. Also here, spooky beauty Gloria Talbot and Sheila James (later of "Dobie Gillis" and "Broadside") and one of the first "out" politicians, still with us at 77 and known as Sheila Kuehl

The co-stars in this episode are Raymond Huntley, Walter Gotell, Carl Jaffe, Dervis Ward and Tony Thawnton.

60 Years ago, and several years after her first sitcom "Time for Elizabeth," the legendary Betty White had her name in the title of a new show. "The Betty White Show" was an interesting hybrid of sitcom sketches and sometimes songs.

The great Peggy Lee, performing live at the Hollywood Bowl

Jay Lawrence (born Jay Storch, April 24, 1924 – June 18, 1987) gained some fame, as his brother Larry did, via mimcry. Larry invented the "Judy Judy Judy" trademark for imitating Cary Grant. Jay got a few minutes in "Stalag 17" to do some mimicry to amuse the prisoners of war. The following year, he made this appearance on the Colgate Comedy Hour. "Jay Bird" was also a disc jockey at KYW-AM in Cleveland, and had guest spots in sitcoms including "Get Smart" and "Mayberry R.F.D."

Vintage PSA's from No Respect Rodney Dangerfield, Half of the Odd Couple Tony Randall, The Price is Right's Bob Barker, and Star Trek's George Takei

When Jackie was hot...somehow his attempt at a sitcom was not. Was it really given a fair chance? NO. It was considered as quirky as Dr. Brown's Celery Tonic. Jackie was used to this. His amusing Broadway sitcom "A Teaspoon Every 4 Hours" only had one performance (a crime, considering he was funny and Lee Meredith was gorgeous) and his movie "The Stoolie" was underappreciated at the time. Jackie Mason: a unique, original comic personality.

The Golden Girl, Betty White has had a variety of sitcoms, playing it mean ("Mary Tyler Moore Show") or lovably bewildered. In between she's done hilarious commercials, taught dance via record albums, starred in dramas, and of course, was the Queen of Password. Here's her first sitcom, to the right of manic Lucille Ball, and gently askew from Cara Williams and Donna Reed and other housewives

The serious side of Weird Al is explored by the man who also sought out new civilizations! An interesting therapy session here.