Laugh

Those of you who have read past blogs of mine are aware I'm quite the fan of things sci-fi and spooky.  But sometimes we all need a laugh - as they say laughter is the best medicine.  So as a devoted tv viewer and coach potato, here are my favorite funny bone ticklers.

Vicious - The only new program to truly tickle my funny bone.  Sir Ian McKellan and Sir Derek Jacobi are fabulous as a long time couple who trade barbs with abandon.  Everyone in their circle of friends are splendid eccentrics, such as their young friend Ash whose family seems to have an extraordinarily high conviction rate.  I find the episodes a marvelous mix of sharp writing and fun physical comedy.  A wonderful Britcom airing new episodes in the states via PBS.


Myself & William Sanderson

Newhart - Much like the legendary Jack Benny, Bob Newhart is a master of reacting to comedic situations.  Therefore his sitcoms generally placed his sane central character amid a cornucopia of zany misfits.  The setting of Newhart was a historic inn located amongst the beautifully tranquil countryside of New England.  But things were never very peaceful for innkeeper Dick Loudon (Newhart) who dealt throughout the long running CBS series with a millionaire heiress as maid (Julia Duffy) as well as three bizarre backwoodsmen brothers.  Of the brothers two were named Daryl and the only one of them who ever spoke was Larry (William Sanderson).

 

The Honeymooners - Jackie Gleason portrayed Brooklyn bus driver Ralph Kramden.  His next door neighbor was sewer 'technician' Ed Norton (Art Carney) who often aided in Kramden's numerous mad money making schemes.  Comical highlights included Ralph and Ed appearing on TV to promote the kitchen tool of the future and leaving the set in ruins after Ralph botched his lines.  The action of The Honeymooners generally transpired in the modest lodgings of Ralph and his wife Alice.  Alice Kramden and Trixie Norton rounded out the show's regulars and were played by various actresses throughout the evolution of The Honeymooners from a series of sketches on Jackie Gleason's Cavalcade of Stars variety show to 39 classic self-titled sitcom episodes to Jackie Gleason's Variety Show on CBS.

 

Car 54 Where Are You?  The officers of police car 54 in the Bronx kept citizens safe and in good humor.  Misunderstanding was a mainstay at the 53rd precinct, such as the time a rumor took root that a temporary captain had previously served as a Nazi general.  The series boasts clever writing.

The Monkees - In the 60's, a group of charmingly zany young musician/actors were assembled in aspirations of bringing a type of Hard Day's Night allure to the small screen.  The Monkees were Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones.  In an era when many musicians were protesting political decisions the network mandated that the show remain largely family friendly as the adventures of The Monkess spoofed almost every genre or thing you could think of - from spies to fairy tales.  The enthusiasm and fun of the production still remains in each episode as well as great tunes from such prestigious pens as Neil Diamond and Carol King.  One of The Monkees songs was called Laugh.  How appropriate, and just the note to end on.

Peter Tork of The Monkees and I - October 2015.