IJBFC Chat - September 8, 2013
(Name of message originator in <> brackets at the beginning of each line)
<LauraLeff>:
Hi
folks!
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Oakwood,
just south of Gainesville, near Lake Lanier.
<Steve-shimp->:
Ah,
that's certainly a more worthy time spent than failed Jell-O flavors
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Hi,
Boss!
<Steve-shimp->:
Hiya
Laura!
<LauraLeff>:
Welcome
back, Brad!
<R_Hookie>:
Hi
Laura
<Steve-shimp->:
We're
test driving this new room
<Bonita>:
I'm
from snellville
<BradfromGeorgia>:
We're
looking for a new house--one's in or near Snellville.
<LauraLeff>:
Excellent
<Steve-shimp->:
We
know you guys are really just east of do-wah-ditty
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Laura,
are we limited to 140 characters now?
<LauraLeff>:
Don't
know...tried it?
<Steve-shimp->:
The
IJBFC has a lot more than that (rimshot)
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Yep.
Get to the end of the typing space and everything just stops, like thi
<LauraLeff>:
1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
<Bonita>:
I
used to live in n.o. Close to do way ditty
<R_Hookie>:
I
only know of 5 characters... and several guest stars....
<BradfromGeorgia>:
So
what's up with mine? Maybe my laptop.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Ah,
let me try to change something....
<diogenesNY>:
Something
I came across recently... a fun bit of commercial ephemora, Jack related, of
course:
<LauraLeff>:
Yeah...I
just did 160
<diogenesNY>:
http://library.duke.edu/digitalcollections/adaccess_R0136/
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Now
then, testing, testing, testing, trying to see if I can go more than the length
of the box, and yes! It works now. Wow, I figured something out.
<LauraLeff>:
Oh
yeah,
<LauraLeff>:
Not
a bad pic of Mary
<Steve-shimp->:
I
don't think I have thoughts longer than 140 characters
<LauraLeff>:
Hi
new folks!
<R_Hookie>:
Is
that Joannie in the pic too?
<LauraLeff>:
Yep
<Steve-shimp->:
This
is a real turnout of new folks!
<diogenesNY>:
i
think so
<LauraLeff>:
Who
is here for the first time?
<R_Hookie>:
We
all are
<Steve-shimp->:
Hi
Judy
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
do wish I could enlarge the type on this one. My little Netbook is small.
<MyHero>:
Howdy
back at ya!
<JudyR>:
hi
all! *hugs* Aroo is here with me. I'm using her LAPTOP
<R_Hookie>:
Mr
Kitzel!
<LauraLeff>:
So
I don't know what resolution people use...this window takes up only about half
of the frame on mine. Want me to widen it next time? I think I can.
<Steve-shimp->:
Yes,
that would be great
<LauraLeff>:
Not
going to try it on the fly though.
<JudyR>:
YEA
<R_Hookie>:
maybe
larger type
<LauraLeff>:
OK,
I'm learning this new system too. So let me see what I can do.
<JudyR>:
LARGER
FONT WOULD BE NICE
<JudyR>:
sorry,
not used to laptop lol
<LauraLeff>:
Anyone
having any troubles getting into the room, other than the font size?
<JudyR>:
nope
<Steve-shimp->:
No
it worked just fine without a million Java security warnings
<Bonita>:
Looks
good on my iPad
<MyHero>:
I
had to use the out house first!
<R_Hookie>:
a
lot of codes to enter, but it worked
<JudyR>:
laura,
I love the JB set! Aroo got it for my b-day last month
<LauraLeff>:
Yeah,
I had some unexpected free time (client go live went more smoothly than
expected) so I took it to fix some things.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Note
to self: don't try to do a zoom font. It boots me offline.
<LauraLeff>:
Judy
- Wonderful! So glad you're enjoying it!
<LauraLeff>:
<LauraLeff>:
Hm,
that is pretty small.
<LauraLeff>:
OK
<R_Hookie>:
I
nearly wore out the DVDs already
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
got it for Father's Day! First thing I watched was "Horn Blows."
<LauraLeff>:
What
did you think?
<Steve-shimp->:
Hey
all if you hit control-+ (at least on my browser) it makes the text bigger
<JudyR>:
anyone
see my post about "to be or not to be" being out on dvd?
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Good catch...same here
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Que
savez-vous? Ce programme, cela se traduit en français, aussi!
<JudyR>:
worked
here steve
<LauraLeff>:
Magnifique
<R_Hookie>:
oy
vey
<JudyR>:
lol
hookie
<LauraLeff>:
Needs
no translation
<Steve-shimp->:
Je
conduis un camion a ordure
<LauraLeff>:
LOL
<LauraLeff>:
<R_Hookie>:
igaye
atinlay
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Ich
frage mich, ob es tun Deutsch. Ach, ja!
<LauraLeff>:
That's
igpay!
<LauraLeff>:
Test
driving the room indeed
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Now
let me see if I can get back to something like English.
<R_Hookie>:
orrysay
<JudyR>:
lol
<LauraLeff>:
Looks
like we lost our little sounds, but oh well
<LauraLeff>:
Brad
- Yeah, try something new.
<Randy>:
Yes,
I remember Jack discussing his garbage truck in an elevator. So many languages
at work tonight!
<BradfromGeorgia>:
But
now we can translate "Le Miz" back into French.
<LauraLeff>:
Randy
- Yep, the Eiffel Tower elevator
<JudyR>:
Laura,
I did notice the picture of Jack in the booklet has his eyes as brown
<LauraLeff>:
So
what did everyone think of the show for discussion tonight?
<diogenesNY>:
awesome
show...
<JudyR>:
still
listening to it
<Steve-shimp->:
It's
a fun one, a classic
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
liked it. Good later "Sitcom" type show!
<Randy>:
The
Tower of London was funny, too. Jack kept going back to look at the jewels.
<LauraLeff>:
Judy
- Interesting...I didn't catch that.
<Steve-shimp->:
I
do have one contemporary reference that went way over or around my head though
<diogenesNY>:
'Maybe
its the quiver you like..."
<LauraLeff>:
It's
funny, I have some color photos of him where his eyes are brown for some unknown
reason.
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Which one?
<Steve-shimp->:
The
big laugh that Gertrude or Mabel got about the Ginsburg Rest ???
<LauraLeff>:
Eastern
Columbia Broadway at Ninth?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
"Don't
it make my brown eyes blue."
<JudyR>:
I
did notice it when I watch It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.
<diogenesNY>:
I
think that was just the joke..... Ginsburg rested
<Steve-shimp->:
Who
is Ginsburg?
<LauraLeff>:
Ginsburg
left me alone, so I rested
<LauraLeff>:
Ginsberg
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Laura--was
the Benny "flub" "Fifty--FIFTEEN years in radio" scripted?
Sounded like it was.
<Steve-shimp->:
Allen?
<diogenesNY>:
Eastern
Columbia at the corner of 9th and Bradway in LA is a famour Art Deco building,
but I still didnt get the joke
<LauraLeff>:
Brad
- Hm...let me check
<R_Hookie>:
it
was a dept store I believe
<LauraLeff>:
Lotta
flubs in this one, even in the commercial!
<diogenesNY>:
yes,
dept store
<JudyR>:
yea,
jack seems to have a few
<BradfromGeorgia>:
The
pen that writes under water is a reference to the first US ballpoint, the
Reynolds Pen. They sold for ten bucks apiece, which was high even for someone
not Jack.
<LauraLeff>:
They
had a rather pervasive jingle at the time...Jack plays it on his violin at some
point.
<diogenesNY>:
maybe
that all of their complementary atributes were bought at a store...?
<diogenesNY>:
.What
happened at the end where things get cut off.... I assume he ran long...
<JudyR>:
probably
did
<Steve-shimp->:
It's
always surprising to me that there were a couple of Lucky Strike seasons without
the Sportsmen
<LauraLeff>:
Remind
me...where was that Jack flub?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Betcha
the threatened-murder opening wouldn't be acceptable just a few years later.
<diogenesNY>:
Jack
and Mary have a fairly sexy bit of banter at the begining....
<LauraLeff>:
Brad
- Not necessarily. I remember a television show where Jack is kidnapped, and
they do some similar banter.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Laura--Just
before Jack and Don discuss Don's thirteen years with Jack, after the delayed
"start" and Don's announcement.
<LauraLeff>:
Brad
- OK, that's what I thought.
<JudyR>:
gotta
go . work called and it's a nightmare
<R_Hookie>:
ok,
later Judy
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Don't
recall the exact line, something like "Well, to celebrate my fifty--FIFTEEN
years in radio..."
<Steve-shimp->:
eep,
good lucky Judy
<Steve-shimp->:
luck
<BradfromGeorgia>:
SL
Judy.
<Randy>:
I
thought the recommended show was quite original. The opening music was 15
minutes into the program! It was clever that they found a song ("South
America, Take It Away) which contained a needed AY YI YI!!!
<LauraLeff>:
Brad
- That line is typed in the "as broadcast" script I have...let me
check if Jack's ad lib to Dennis is typed there.
<LauraLeff>:
Hang
in there, Judy!
<diogenesNY_>:
ack...pfft...
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
sympathize with Judy. This is my last year before retiring, and work for me's a
nightmare this year, unfortunately.
<LauraLeff>:
Wait...Jack's
ad lib is typed too.
<LauraLeff>:
Can't
tell...I'd have to look at Jack's script.
<R_Hookie>:
hmmm
<LauraLeff>:
Someone
retranscribed the show for this "as broadcast" copy.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
thought it might be. Didn't quite sound like an actual flub to me.
<Steve-shimp->:
Typed
ad-libs are a rare species
<Randy>:
Amazing...would
never have guessed the "50" was scripted.
<diogenesNY_>:
maybe
someone can help me out with another muddled line then.....
<LauraLeff>:
Not
as rare in the Benny series, but I'm sure that line wouldn't have been scripted
because it wouldn't make sense.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Rochester
got a big hand. Wonder if the "Applause" sign lit up!
<LauraLeff>:
That
line = Jack's ad lib to Dennis
<LauraLeff>:
The
Benny cast was great at making scripted bloopers sound pretty real.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Yeah,
I meant the "fifty" line sounded prepared, not ad-lib.
<diogenesNY_>:
at
some time Jack tells Rochester to use the horn. The Bulb is Broken.... Just Blow
into it. Rochester: But __?__ wont let me" ,extended applause>
<LauraLeff>:
Petrillo!
<R_Hookie>:
an
intentional stumble
<LauraLeff>:
Who
wants to explain Petrillo?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Head
of the Musicians Union.
<LauraLeff>:
And
a real hard-nose
<Steve-shimp->:
Petrillo
was a notorious head of the musician's union
<diogenesNY_>:
aha...
<Steve-shimp->:
what
Brad said
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Called
a strike once--no radio shows could play recorded music.
<diogenesNY_>:
the
reaction makes sense now
<LauraLeff>:
Yeah,
seems like everyone knew who Petrillo was back then.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
There's
a bunch of Petrillo references in shows from this time period, and not just
Jack's.
<Randy>:
I
believe Rochester's "I don't have any headphones" refers to 1920's
crystal sets.
<Steve-shimp->:
A
couple of months ago I was at Wall Drug, the famous roadside attraction in South
Dakota
<diogenesNY_>:
randy,
correct, I think
<LauraLeff>:
Randy
- Agreed
<Steve-shimp->:
and
they had an animated display of a hillbilly band that wasn't working
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Up against the Wall, eh?
<Steve-shimp->:
and
they put a sign on it saying something like "on hiatus due to Petrillo"
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Yep,
Randy.
Another topical ref: "Martha Ivers," from a Barbara Stanwyck movie.
<diogenesNY_>:
the
display wasnt working or the hillbilly band?
<Steve-shimp->:
or
something similar - I wondered who would have gotten that gag in 2013!
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Wow. I'm impressed.
<R_Hookie>:
I'm
waayyyyyy East of Wall
<Steve-shimp->:
But
I got a laugh out of it.
<R_Hookie>:
in
Sioux Falls
<R_Hookie>:
I've
been there
<LauraLeff>:
What
were you doing in South Dakota?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
For
no reason I'm reminded of "Fargo North, Decoder.
<Steve-shimp->:
Vacation
<Steve-shimp->:
I
went to the Black Hills and Badlands back in May
<LauraLeff>:
Where
are you going on vacation? Wall Drug.
<LauraLeff>:
Ah,
that's right.
<Steve-shimp->:
Brad,
I watched Fargo North, Decoder on the Electric Company for years in my childhood
and only realized the pun like four years ago.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
did notice that the audience did seem infected by Don's laughter, though he was
putting it on.
<R_Hookie>:
Its
fun but a tourist trap
<LauraLeff>:
I
guess I didn't realize it until now, since I'd forgotten the character!
<BradfromGeorgia>:
What
do they use for bait?
<R_Hookie>:
free
ice water
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Oh,
they give you an onion....
<Aaroo>:
I
hope it wasn't steak
<Steve-shimp->:
I
think I took a picture of the Petrillo sign, I'll have to find it.
<LauraLeff>:
I'm
surprised no one's mentioned much about the Sportsmen introduction
<diogenesNY_>:
Don's
first LS/MFT seemed a bit flat, then he picked right up
<BradfromGeorgia>:
How
bout that Sportsmen introduction? I wanna tell ya...
(Some loss)
<Steve-shimp->:
I
think that was Phil diog
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- Sounded like Phil to me
<diogenesNY_>:
thx...
ya, wasnt sure on that one
<LauraLeff>:
You
could drop this whole exchange
<LauraLeff>:
But
they couldn't tell the commercial to stretch
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Who
was "Joe," the OTHER kidnapper? Mel I recognized.
<LauraLeff>:
(Imagine
trying to stretch one of those rapid-fire LSMFT commercials)
<Steve-shimp->:
your
money or your life
<Steve-shimp->:
Eddie
Marr?
<LauraLeff>:
Who's
got Volume 2 handy?
<R_Hookie>:
L.S.........M......
F....T
<LauraLeff>:
Guessing
Joe Kearns?
<LauraLeff>:
They
liked using real names
<diogenesNY_>:
I
bet Don had some back up Lucky jokes he could pad the time with in an emergency
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Didn't
sound like Joe to me, but might have been.
<LauraLeff>:
Brad
- I was thinking the same thing, but didn't look it up.
<Steve-shimp->:
Just
looked it up, and boy am I good
<Steve-shimp->:
Eddie
Marr
<LauraLeff>:
Go
Steve!
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Ah.
The versatile Eddie!
<LauraLeff>:
Marr
would be the "money or your life" man less than two years later
<LauraLeff>:
So
they liked him in the tough roles
<Steve-shimp->:
and
Herb Vigran was the autograph guy
<LauraLeff>:
Oh
yeah, Herb is unmistakable
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Then
he and I shared the role. I did it at a convention when Bob Asprin started with
the bit, and he and I performed the whole thing impromptu. Afterward he told me,
"I always wanted to do that!"
<Steve-shimp->:
I
recognize him more visually with his crazy eyebrows than auditorily, if that's a
word
<diogenesNY_>:
I
may have misheard the line....... but towards the end Jack bemoans (I think)
"..my writers are still on that gambling ship." Did I mishear that or
am I just missing the joke?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Random
thought: Is "Family Guy" under the guise of "hey, we're just
being hip" actually the most antisemitic show on TV?
<LauraLeff>:
Oh
man...I think there was a story...
<LauraLeff>:
Trying
to remember
<LauraLeff>:
It
was something like Jack's writers went on a gambling ship that had trouble, and
it got in the news
<diogenesNY_>:
ah...
<LauraLeff>:
Milt
may talk about it in his book, but I haven't reread it in so many years.
<diogenesNY_>:
will
have to scratch around for info on that one
<Steve-shimp->:
That's
about the extent of my memory too. But yeah, I think it's in the Milt book
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Some
years later there was a TV show, "Mr. Lucky," set on an offshore
gambling ship. It tanked. It ran against Jack Benny....
<LauraLeff>:
It's
the kind of thing he'd write about in there.
<LauraLeff>:
Not
very lucky
<R_Hookie>:
I
just heard the Martha Ivers joke again
<BradfromGeorgia>:
In
2004, TEADJones asked about this on the IJBFC bulletin board. No one knew the
answer.
<LauraLeff>:
What,
Martha Ivers?
<LauraLeff>:
Or
the gambling ship?
<R_Hookie>:
Mary
was paid to whisper
<Randy>:
Why
does the audience laugh when Mary says she "whispered" about Martha?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Yep,
from...um, "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers."
<R_Hookie>:
on
tonights show
<LauraLeff>:
Betcha
it was some kind of gimmicky promotion of the movie.
<Steve-shimp->:
That
was the tag line for the movie, something like "whisper her name"
<R_Hookie>:
it
was
<LauraLeff>:
Oh
right
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Because
the trailers were "Did you hear about (whisper) Martha Ivers?"
<R_Hookie>:
I
researched it
<LauraLeff>:
Good
job!
<R_Hookie>:
"Whisper
her name"
<LauraLeff>:
See,
I'm not lazy...I just like to share the fun of discovery.
<Randy>:
I
get it...like "you know how to blow?" in "To Have and Have
Not"
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Gee,
I saw the clean version..."You know how to whistle."
<Randy>:
LOL
<R_Hookie>:
I
was just listening to the show again to refresh my memory
<LauraLeff>:
Yeah,
I was thinking the same thing, and resisting commenting since now we've got a
transcript again.
<R_Hookie>:
oops
<BradfromGeorgia>:
True
story: one of my college classmates made it fairly big in the movies at one
time. I never saw one of her films...they were all X-rated....
<LauraLeff>:
I
find it interesting that the Sportsmen were on Jack's show as early as, I think,
1941 or at the very least 1942 because Mahlon Merrick liked them.
<R_Hookie>:
darn
it, you'll have to cut some stuff out now
<LauraLeff>:
But
it was not until this show that they became semi-regulars.
<Steve-shimp->:
One
of the best bad taglines for a movie is actually Jack's CHARLEY'S AUNT
<Steve-shimp->:
"He
was funny enough in pants, in skirts he's terrific!"
<Steve-shimp->:
Jack
Benny: funny enough in pants.
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- I know...back to "excise that from the transcript, please!"
<R_Hookie>:
well,
it keeps it clean
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Sounds like a bi comedy...
<BradfromGeorgia>:
And
today Billy West says of Maurice Lamarche, "He's the funniest thing in
pants."
<Steve-shimp->:
Jello:
If it was there, you'd eat it.
<R_Hookie>:
speaking
of the younger fans, where have they been?
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- LOL
<diogenesNY_>:
whats
younger?
<R_Hookie>:
under
18
<R_Hookie>:
under
21
<R_Hookie>:
under
30
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- Oh, you know those unreliable young-uns.
<MyHero>:
younger
than 39
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Anything
after the fall of the Berlin Wall to me.
<LauraLeff>:
One
of them is in Australia, so there's a time difference.
<LauraLeff>:
Don't
know about Boston.
<R_Hookie>:
yes
them
<LauraLeff>:
But
I think Judy and Aroo are younger, if I'm not mistaken
<LauraLeff>:
Hey
Yht!
<BradfromGeorgia>:
It's
not in Australia yet, Laura.
<Steve-shimp->:
hiya
yyht! You've grown an extra y
<yyhtapmys>:
Typo.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Tempo.
<R_Hookie>:
hii
yyht, hhow aare yyou?
<LauraLeff>:
Stuttering
<Steve-shimp->:
it
sounds Welsh
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Tempura.
<R_Hookie>:
sorry...
that was mean
<LauraLeff>:
Oh
now look what you've done.
<Steve-shimp->:
llhythapmys
<Steve-shimp->:
a
small, proud town home to werewolves.
<LauraLeff>:
Welcome
back Yht
<R_Hookie>:
are
we back to French translations?
<LauraLeff>:
Quest-ce
que vous voulez dire?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
laughed out loud when I suddenly tumbled to the point that in Terry Pratchett's
"Soul Music" the character Imy y Celyn's name was Welsh for "Bud
of Holly."
<LauraLeff>:
I
didn't need a translator for that.
<Steve-shimp->:
Nice
one
<LauraLeff>:
Oh
that's so Pratchett.
<LauraLeff>:
You
know, I haven't heard from Neil Gaiman in a dog's age. But I think he's busy.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Oh,
yeah. He's going on a book tour soon.
<LauraLeff>:
Or
maybe he's thinking he hasn't heard from me.
<LauraLeff>:
For
those who don't know, Neil Gaiman is a huge Benny fan.
<LauraLeff>:
And
he's also a writer.
<LauraLeff>:
Like
that, Brad?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Didja
know I was a finalist in a contest to find readers for Neil's "American
Gods" audiobook?
<LauraLeff>:
WB,
Bonita
<LauraLeff>:
Congrats,
Brad!
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Made
the top ten. Of course Neil picked a cute girl instead of me....WELL!
<LauraLeff>:
So
what else Benny-wise is on everyone's mind tonight?
<R_Hookie>:
how
cute?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
She
was quite a looker and a third my age.
<Steve-shimp->:
Any
word on sales numbers from Shout Factory on the DVD set?
<R_Hookie>:
tough
break
<Steve-shimp->:
Hopefully
it's still exceeding expectations
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Not yet. I need to ping them.
<LauraLeff>:
Brad
- You should file for discrimination
<R_Hookie>:
ping?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
finally saw "Les Miz" the movie...so what roles go to whom in the
Benny cast?
<LauraLeff>:
Ping...send
them an E-mail and ask what's up
<R_Hookie>:
Oh,
I see
<Steve-shimp->:
Well,
they put out two volumes of Groucho and YBYL so hoping Jack gets a second round
too.
<LauraLeff>:
Haven't
seen the movie, but I assume Jean Val Jean is Jack
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Hear,
hear!
<diogenesNY>:
the
May Company (its "Garunteed')...
<R_Hookie>:
I'm
still new to computer jargon
<LauraLeff>:
Don't
know the policeman's name, but Fred Allen?
<BradfromGeorgia>:
And
Phil as Javert?'
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- I'll drink to that.
<diogenesNY>:
but
it has a bit with Rochester Singing with the Sportsman, and then dancing.....
just about blew my mind
<LauraLeff>:
Joan's
a little old now to play the girl
<diogenesNY>:
it
cut to comercial while Rochester was still dancing... dammit!
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- That's OK. I'm a nerd.
<diogenesNY>:
he
was doing amazing moves.... I'd swear he was moonwalking
<diogenesNY>:
as
well as dancing with a broom
<LauraLeff>:
Oh
moonwalking vastly predates Michael Jackson
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Hank
Azaria could be Gavroche....
<diogenesNY>:
so
I saw
<LauraLeff>:
You
should watch "Man About Town"...Roch has two GREAT numbers there.
<R_Hookie>:
I'm
getting into computer stuff and slowly learning, so far, 2 years later
<diogenesNY>:
was
going to be my next question, thx
<BradfromGeorgia>:
"Man
About Town" is a very entertaining flick.
<LauraLeff>:
I
love "Man About Town." It should get more exposure
<LauraLeff>:
But
then it would be R-rated...
<R_Hookie>:
waiting
for it to come on TCM
<LauraLeff>:
diogenes
- What are you watching?
<diogenesNY>:
was
amazed at his singing voice and his skill at close harmony
<LauraLeff>:
Remember,
Roch started in vaudeville with his family, not unlike Sammy Davis Jr.
<diogenesNY>:
this
was the episode (shown on antennaTV) that had Jack buying the shirt from Mary at
the May company (in flashback) he also wears the same strange looking shirt in
the main narrative body
<LauraLeff>:
Incidentally,
just before the chat I was coming back from grocery shopping and was only a few
blocks from the place where Roch supposedly grew up and sold papers.
<diogenesNY>:
antennaTV
seems to indulge in some _very strange_ cuts and edits
<R_Hookie>:
interesting
<LauraLeff>:
diogenes
- Ah, got it. Yep, I remember it well.
<LauraLeff>:
diogenes
- Well, that one is because it goes into the commercial that they can't show.
<LauraLeff>:
Blame
it on NBC. I think they did the edits.
<R_Hookie>:
I
may have an uncut episode of that on DVD
<diogenesNY>:
ah....
<R_Hookie>:
transfer
from kinescope
<LauraLeff>:
When
I saw the show with the Mills Brothers and Jack in Las Vegas in the network
print, suddenly things made sense that never had. And it's one of my favorite
episodes.
<diogenesNY>:
I
was really getting into it, and it cuts out.....
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
remember rebroadcasts of "You Bet Your Life" where the sponsor's
emblem was annoyingly and distractingly blacked out.
<LauraLeff>:
DON'T
go to your DeSoto dealer
<LauraLeff>:
DON'T
tell em Groucho sent you
<diogenesNY>:
I
gather a lot of those cuts are sponsor related..... some just seem to be in the
wrong place thio....... even after splicing together a clear comercial break
edit
<R_Hookie>:
DeSoto
Plymouth
<Steve-shimp->:
Or
"Desotoplimmadealer" as Groucho said it
<R_Hookie>:
Laura
types faster than me
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- That's why Marty didn't have a hard time convincing me that I needed to review
all the shows for Volume 3 from the network prints. He was right.
<Randy>:
Some
Benny TV shows have a small tube of toothpaste or box of Jell-O at the bottom
left of closing credits.
<LauraLeff>:
Yep
<LauraLeff>:
Or
a carton of Luckies
<diogenesNY>:
a
lot of tv shows did that......
<R_Hookie>:
or
State Farm Ins
<LauraLeff>:
Beep
beep ba bee-beep
<LauraLeff>:
You
all can fill in the melody
<diogenesNY>:
nowadays
some of those original credit sequences are included or restored.... I think
syndicated reruns in may cases had new genericish credit sequences made
<diogenesNY>:
maybe
they were made in the shows run with a mind towards syndication
<LauraLeff>:
This
is why the "faces" opening (as I call it) ended up on various episodes
that well predate 1962
<yhtapmys>:
I
thought you were doing a DeSoto honking, Laura.
<LauraLeff>:
Well,
it was a DeSoto honking the State Farm jingle
<LauraLeff>:
Just
saw "American in Paris
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I
feel old dept: I'm showing my film class the 1946 film "Ernest Hemingway's
The Killers" and nobody in class is remotely aware that the music includes
what became the Dragnet march theme.
<R_Hookie>:
it
sure wasn't the Maxwell
<LauraLeff>:
performed
by the SF Symphony live on Friday
<LauraLeff>:
So
I enjoyed watching one of the percussion guys do the horns
<diogenesNY>:
ya
know.... what is the idea (if there is one) behind the 'faces' opening? am I
missing something obvious or is it just kindof a random visual...?
<R_Hookie>:
Dragnet,
Jack Webb
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- I always took it to mean that everyone loves Jack
<LauraLeff>:
Jack
makes everyone smile
<diogenesNY>:
okay
<Steve-shimp->:
I
always took it as the faces were the audience as well
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Jack
Benny made more cartoons laugh than any other comedian.
<LauraLeff>:
I
was listening to the classical station a while back, and a piece came on (can't
remember the proper name now)
<LauraLeff>:
And
I immediately started laughing and said "Alfred Hitchcock!"
<LauraLeff>:
Brad
- I guess it's not just Don
<Steve-shimp->:
Funeral
March of a Marionette?
<diogenesNY>:
i
always did have some idea that it reflected the breadth of his appeal (as it was
obvious that they werent all his characters)
<BradfromGeorgia>:
"Funeral
March of a Marionette"
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Yep, that's the one. Thank you!
<LauraLeff>:
I
also can't hear "Dance of the Hours" without thinking of Allan Sherman
and wanting to sing along.
<Steve-shimp->:
Boy,
how the Warner Bros cartoons screwed up going to Barber of Seville for me
<LauraLeff>:
I'm
guessing that red on a name at right means they're typing
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Oh,
yeah? Well, "Funeral March" was written by Charles Gounod and
premiered in 1872 after the unexpected death of a puppet. So there.
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Not to mention "Ride of the Valkyries"
<Randy>:
Cartoons
are quite educational. Bugs jumps out of his rabbit hole to Mendelsonn"s
Spring Song
<Steve-shimp->:
Yeah,
I never saw that one performed live and desperately trying to stifle giggles
though!
<R_Hookie>:
1812
Overture
<BradfromGeorgia>:
"Kill
the wabbit, kill the wabbit...."
<LauraLeff>:
Did
WB do...oh right, I do remember them with 1812 Overture.
<R_Hookie>:
I
just wanted in on the topic
<LauraLeff>:
I
heard that enough as a standalone piece of music that it didn't get tainted
<BradfromGeorgia>:
They
also did "The William Tell Overture" in "Red Hot Rider."
<LauraLeff>:
But
I'm happy to say that I can hear the William Tell Overture and not think of the
Lone Ranger.
<R_Hookie>:
I
always do think Lone Ranger
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Well,
the "gallop" is just a small bit of the overture.
<LauraLeff>:
I
think the last two times I've heard "Dance of the Hours," I was alone
at home so I sang along.
<diogenesNY>:
ya
know, the Love Duet in What's Opera Doc is actually an original composition and
is credited in the opening credit slide
<BradfromGeorgia>:
You
often hear the "storm breaks" section of the WT Overture in cartoons.
<R_Hookie>:
I
don't think I've heard the entire piece
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- Which one?
<LauraLeff>:
Brad
- True...it's the shipwreck/drama kind of music
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Yep.
<R_Hookie>:
William
Tell or Dance
<diogenesNY->:
Bwahhh!.....
what the hell was that
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- You should, just for education. Both were broken down into components and used
by various things
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Bwahhh?
An oboe?
<LauraLeff>:
Like
Dance is the hippos and alligators in Fantasia
<LauraLeff>:
But
it's also "Hello Muddah Hello Fadduh" for Allan Sherman
<R_Hookie>:
I
know, but where to find them..... Time Life Music?
<diogenesNY->:
heh....
think i was just pulled through the eye of the needle :0
<LauraLeff>:
Bwahhh...sounds
more like a trombone to me.
<Steve-shimp->:
There's
also that Sousa march that is the Monty Python theme that also always kills me
when I heard it played without irony
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- YouTube
<diogenesNY->:
heh...
ya, liberty bell march I think
<R_Hookie>:
I'll
try that
<BradfromGeorgia>:
Yep,
"Liberty Bell" march.
<Steve-shimp->:
yes,
liberty bell march. I always expect to hear Terry Jones doing a haggy falsetto
voice somewhere in there
<diogenesNY->:
I
know they plyed it for Al Gore once when he approched the dias at one of the Dem
National Conventions.....
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- You'll be floored at how much music is on YouTube. I go to it all the time
when I want to hear something and don't have a recording.
<diogenesNY->:
I
was really holding it in
<R_Hookie>:
This
will be on transcripts so I don't have to write these down, right?
<LauraLeff>:
Yep
<R_Hookie>:
WHEW!!!!!!
<LauraLeff>:
Welcome
back, transcript.
<LauraLeff>:
Got
to keep it clean(er), but nice to have the record.
<BradfromGeorgia>:
I'm
half asleep at the keyboard (didn't get much sleep last night), so I think I'll
run along before my laptop falls off my lap.....G'night everyone.
<LauraLeff>:
Of
course, there's stuff I shared without the transcript that I won't now. So
THERE.
<LauraLeff>:
Night
Brad! Glad to have you back!
<diogenesNY->:
nites
brad
<Steve-shimp->:
OK
Brad, good to see you back again!
<Randy>:
Jack
(as a rabbit) hosts a talent show in a 1936 WB cartoon ("I Love to
Sing-a"?). In the "30s he's always portrayed with a cigar.
<R_Hookie>:
ok,
bye Brad
<LauraLeff>:
Jack
Bunny
<LauraLeff>:
I
*love* that cartoon.
<LauraLeff>:
Not
just because of Jack Bunny
<R_Hookie>:
Jack
Bunny, I need to see that
<LauraLeff>:
I
was at an Al Jolson convention, and everyone could sing it to everyone else
<Randy>:
The
little owl looks so cute in his little sweater.
<LauraLeff>:
I
love to sing-a, about the moon-a and the June-a and the spring-a...
<diogenesNY->:
anyone
have any idea how tightly directed Jack's TV show was...... it alwas seemed to
me that certain people had verious degrees of freedom to improvise or adlib in
an otherwise fairly tightly directed show
<LauraLeff>:
Just
thinking about that cartoon makes me smile.
<Randy>:
A
Jolson impersonator named Clive Baldwin loves to do that song.
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- Say more about what you're seeing that makes you think that.
<diogenesNY->:
well....
<LauraLeff>:
Randy
- Remind me...is Clive the one who sounds EXACTLY like Jolson?
<LauraLeff>:
There
are at least a couple...can't remember who's who.
<diogenesNY->:
most
of the ordinary guest stars seem pretty much on script.... and the show does
tend to include a LOT of material, requiring a strong directorial hand....
<Randy>:
Jack's
directors were legends--Ralph Levy, de Cordova
<diogenesNY->:
however
certain people seem to have some degrees of freedom
<LauraLeff>:
Norman
Abbott
<Randy>:
yes
<diogenesNY->:
maudie
Pricket seems to revel in improvising her blocking and invading Jacks personal
space.... like he does everyone else
<diogenesNY->:
George
burns and bob hope can obviously do whatever they like
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- Yeah, Burns and Hope get special passes.
<diogenesNY->:
seems
like a show that would likely devolve into chaos of not tightly corralled
<Steve-shimp->:
which
they knew and surely delighted in tormenting jack by going off script
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- Intersting comment about Prickett...are you sure that she's improvising and
not just trying to be the "hard of hearing little old lady" who talks
right in your face?
<diogenesNY->:
Raymond
Burr seems very tightly keeping to the basic script but in his appearances, he
seems to have a very relaxed, jokey relationship with Jack
<Randy>:
Laura,
Clive has Jolson's energy, but the sound is not as authentic as Norman Brooks or
Bobby Ermani (all dead, sorry).
<LauraLeff>:
Randy
- OK, there's another guy (as far as I know) still performing who's easily as
good as Brooks.
<diogenesNY->:
Watch
maudie's body language, and she just about flies around the rest of the
room.......
<R_Hookie>:
sorry...
I'm back now, Penny wanted a Beggin Strip
<LauraLeff>:
I
think I remember Clive performed on the same bill with the guy whose name I
can't remember.
<diogenesNY->:
messing
with any conventional blocking standards
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- I'll have to watch for that.
<LauraLeff>:
But
you're right, it had to be a pretty tightly directed show.
<diogenesNY->:
she
seems to be having fun doing what Jack tries to do with getting in close, and
they both seem to be having fun with it
<LauraLeff>:
And
of course, the live shows have a different feel than the prerecorded ones.
<diogenesNY->:
in
any case, I have always considered he an amazingly tallented individual who can
act in a lot of dimentions
<R_Hookie>:
was
Maudie playing Jack's secretary in some episodes?
<Randy>:
I'm
jumping from subject to subject...must learn to type faster. I love it when Jack
puts Julie London's hand in his mouth. I'm not sure how much direction was
needed.
<diogenesNY->:
Maudie
was Mrs/Miss Gordon in ~9 eps
<R_Hookie>:
I
thought so, thanks
<LauraLeff>:
Randy
- I think that's a bit that Jack was doing on stage as well
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- You know, I'm a fool. I'm confusing her with Madge Blake.
<diogenesNY->:
He
was certainly one of the most generous talents in terms of casting...... all of
his supporting characters tend to be all but exploding with tallent
<diogenesNY->:
oh...
heh
<LauraLeff>:
Randy
- Sometimes Jack would take a woman's hand and then take out a jeweler's loop to
examine her ring.
<Randy>:
I'm
not as fast as you stenographers, but I'm certainly enjoying this. Time for
Lucky Strike break.
<LauraLeff>:
I'll
have to watch one of the Miss Gordon episodes as well and think about it. Thanks
for giving me something new to watch for!
<R_Hookie>:
I'm
just pecking at the keys and I'm no speed typer
<diogenesNY->:
sure
thing.....
<LauraLeff>:
My
mother started teaching me typing when I was about five and insisted on me
always being in typing classes through school through 8th grade. So I got pretty
good at it.
<Steve-shimp->:
I
get Maudie Prickett sometimes confused with Mary Wickes
<Steve-shimp->:
I
love that whole stable of character actors though from that time period
<Steve-shimp->:
We
don't really have that today.
<R_Hookie>:
folks
at work think I'm old because in HS typing we had typewritters
<diogenesNY->:
typing
was possibly the most if not only worthwhile class i took in high school
<LauraLeff>:
But
to your original point, I think if Jack had a good association with his
supporting cast and was confident in their decisions, it might be a little more
relaxed. And more so in prerecorded shows, where if something doesn't work, you
just do another take.
<diogenesNY->:
I
learned on a manual underwood, and absolutely pounded computer keyboards....
frightening many of my friends
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- Well, then I'm old too. Even MANUAL typewriters to strengthen the fingers!
<R_Hookie>:
well
I
<diogenesNY->:
Jack
seemed to follow the methods of a live show..... even when there was a big mess
up, the tendency seemed to be go with it and work around it......
<R_Hookie>:
m
not alone
<R_Hookie>:
combine
that
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- Well, if it ends up being something good and you can save the take, so much
the better.
<diogenesNY->:
Remember
when Giselle MacKenzie not only laughs but basicly spews in his face, and they
both break up
<LauraLeff>:
Yep,
exactly.
<diogenesNY->:
and
cant compose themselves for about 15 seconds, thaen they just continue as before
<diogenesNY->:
one
of the funniest moments on TV IMHO
<LauraLeff>:
I
don't know how involved Jack got with the editing of the show, but I know that
he saw at least some of the finished products before they aired.
<LauraLeff>:
That's
why the Truman episode almost didn't air. Jack was so irate about the technical
issues, he almost demanded they pull it.
<LauraLeff>:
Staff
assured him they'd "clean it up," but then couldn't do much more with
it.
<Steve-shimp->:
That's
an interesting question, I can see him being very particular about the cutting
<Steve-shimp->:
since
it is so key to protecting his timing
<LauraLeff>:
Right
<diogenesNY->:
hmmm...
ya
<LauraLeff>:
Good
discussion...liking this...what else?
<Steve-shimp->:
But
it's also a very technical skill, the kind of thing Jack never seemed very
engaged with
<LauraLeff>:
Yes,
but...think about him editing the actual scripts with the writers.
<LauraLeff>:
Jack
would know what he wanted, how he wanted a script and timing to come across
<Steve-shimp->:
True,
but hard for me to imagine Jack "three frames here", "four from
there" "cut to the reaction"
<LauraLeff>:
There's
a story in Milt's book about Jack complaining about the canned laughter
<diogenesNY->:
i
get the feeling that editing could only really mess with his timing.... once he
was performing, he and the writers had it pretty much the way they wanted it....
<Steve-shimp->:
in
the same way that you can tinker with a script
<Steve-shimp->:
Ah,
true
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Very much agreed. But if Jack's watching film clips, I bet he'd be able to
say, "OK, cut it there" to show how long they should stay on a
reaction or something before moving to the next joke.
<diogenesNY->:
one
thing of note.... the shows always seemed to have a lot going on.... lots of
lines, things happening, a lot of content
<diogenesNY->:
a
lot to pack in
<Steve-shimp->:
Yeah,
I'd imagine it would be on a more distant level than being there at the moviola
with the editor.
<LauraLeff>:
Agreed,
I don't know how much patience Jack would have for that level of detail (or
time).
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- What would be an example of a show that was not like that?
<diogenesNY->:
not
like what.... ? you mean not tightly directed?
<LauraLeff>:
No...something
that didn't have a lot of content and a lot going on.
<LauraLeff>:
If
you think of Lucy or Dick Van Dyke, I think they were the same.
<diogenesNY->:
well,
there are sketch based shows that allow for a good deal of ongoing improvosation
by the performers...... early saturday light live was a bit like that
<Steve-shimp->:
I
think I see what you mean, like Milton Berle or Jackie Gleason, the camera
basically follows Milton or Jackie around
<Steve-shimp->:
running
around the other actors
<diogenesNY->:
well....
many I love lucy eps were bretty lightly scrippted
<Steve-shimp->:
Jack's
show is more about reaction so all the other Frank Nelson, Mel bits, etc all
have to be choreographed more to make it work.
<diogenesNY->:
damn....
my typing is going to hell
<LauraLeff>:
True,
and Lucy was a much more physical comedienee
<diogenesNY->:
the
typical Lucy wants to get into ricky's show at the tropicana
<LauraLeff>:
That's
OK...I meant comedienne
<LauraLeff>:
Well,
let's take the 4AM disc jockey show
<diogenesNY->:
her
best shows feature her physicality.... but there are the lazy shows too (most of
them imho)
<LauraLeff>:
Jack
is awakened at 4AM by Hank the All-Night Disk Jockey
<diogenesNY->:
therea
re a few stand outs, but a lot of bland filler
<LauraLeff>:
Then
he goes for a walk
<LauraLeff>:
And
then Mary takes him clothes shopping and he keeps falling asleep
<R_Hookie>:
Mary
takes Jack suit shopping and Frank's the clerk
<LauraLeff>:
I'm
not saying you're wrong, just batting the concept around.
<Randy>:
He
sees the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower through the fog before his
walk--great use of stock footage.
<diogenesNY->:
that
was one of the more narratively convential shows, although it took a somewhat
unconventional timeline for a TV show
<LauraLeff>:
That's
a fairly light script to me.
<diogenesNY->:
innovative
in a totally different direction
<Randy>:
It
moves slower--Jack is sleepy.
<LauraLeff>:
Let's
see...
<R_Hookie>:
hahaha
<diogenesNY->:
the
show had a lot of different stykes
<diogenesNY->:
that
is a more linear episode
<diogenesNY->:
*Styles
<diogenesNY->:
that
is over many episodes
<LauraLeff>:
Bing
Crosby and George Burns come over to Jack's house, and they reminisce about
being in vaudeville (Goldie Fields and Glide)
<diogenesNY->:
it
also experimented on the fly with its basic formatting......
<LauraLeff>:
They
were doing that in radio too...between what I call "studio" shows and
"sitcom" shows.
<diogenesNY->:
well,
perhaps I should qualify my statements.... some, perhaps a good number, of the
shows have a lot of content and a lot od scripted lines
<R_Hookie>:
you
mean "at the mic" vs "at the house"?
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- Pretty much. The show for tonight was a combo of the two
<LauraLeff>:
So
let's take the Gary Cooper/Clint Walker episode...
<R_Hookie>:
I
like those combo shows
<LauraLeff>:
I
do too
<R_Hookie>:
like
the opening at the curtain, then later at his house with Rochester
<LauraLeff>:
Jack
monologue, guest comes out with banter, sings a song (or reverse the last two),
then a skit...in this case, Jack walking in really high platform boots.
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- First one that jumps to mind is "Jack gets followed home"
<R_Hookie>:
yep
<R_Hookie>:
and
it's Dennis
<LauraLeff>:
Yep
<R_Hookie>:
and
he gets a spankin'
<LauraLeff>:
So
does that script for Gary Cooper/Clint Walker have a lot going on?
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- I don't want you to feel like I'm trying to tear down your argument...just
exploring it!
<diogenesNY->:
that
IF i recall correctly is one of the more lightly written, more linear scripts...
<diogenesNY->:
formatting,
he is all over the yard....
<LauraLeff>:
Very
true.
<diogenesNY->:
but
overall..... at least on a bunch of the shows, there certainly seemed a
relatively large number of characters with a large number of scripted lines.....
<LauraLeff>:
In
defense of your argument, I think the shows in Europe have tons going on in
them.
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- Especially the Christmas shopping shows.
<LauraLeff>:
OK,
I was thinking more plot-wise.
<diogenesNY->:
the
last season was fairly variety-showish
<Randy>:
I
read that even if the body of the episode was a piece of film shot "in
Jack's house" or a dept. store, he always insisted his opening monologue be
filmed in front of a live audience.
<LauraLeff>:
Randy
- Where did you read that?
<Steve-shimp->:
I
was just thinking of the Christmas shows, which are like 20 little bits each
with a separate setup that all need to flow into each other and build as an
overall show.
<LauraLeff>:
And
I suppose the definition of "live audience" could be a bit loose...
<Randy>:
Give
me a moment...
<LauraLeff>:
That
audience could be family/cast/crew/guests over at Revue
<R_Hookie>:
the
"non-audience" shows to me you can tell there's no audience there
<LauraLeff>:
By
the way, I've got to repeat that I'm really enjoying this thoughtful discussion
about the show. Good work, folks!
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie
- Oh amen to that...
<diogenesNY->:
a
lot of the show-within-a-show stuff...... including backstage goings ons, and
Dennis performance as a 'rehersal'
<Randy>:
Oh,
well... I have so many books I forgot. I see your point--maybe a small invited
audience like certain Dean Martin variety shows.
<R_Hookie>:
they
"play" more to a live audience
<R_Hookie>:
like
even today on TV
<diogenesNY->:
in
particular.... I am trying to recall the episode, when dennis tries to kidnap
the guests to get back into the show to sing his somg
<LauraLeff>:
Yeah,
watch a show like 12/25/64 on the lost episodes set, and you can feel the
distinct difference of Jack playing to a truly live audience although
prerecorded.
<diogenesNY->:
Kingston
trio maybe?
<diogenesNY->:
that
was in the last season tho, not my best example
<LauraLeff>:
Diogenes
- The Lettermen
<diogenesNY->:
ah...
<LauraLeff>:
I
don't think that was last season...60s definitely. Would have to look it up.
<LauraLeff>:
One
of these days I want to get one of the Mikado episodes out. It's one of the eps
that got cut from this set.
<R_Hookie>:
with
live audience shows, Jack doesn't project his voice and is more quiet in the
monologues
<LauraLeff>:
That's
a lot going on.
<diogenesNY->:
I
recall the sketch had him as a college student with a bunch of money making
rackets
<LauraLeff>:
Yep,
that's the Lettermen.
<R_Hookie>:
I
may have that episode
<LauraLeff>:
Because
they tell him that they all got their letters in college, and Jack contemplates
what it would have been like to go to college
<LauraLeff>:
You
know, I'm thinking more about the concept of "a lot going on" and I'm
starting to agree with it more. Especially if you're able to see a full middle
commercial with Don that's not linked with something else.
<Randy>:
"I
COULD have gone--I OWNED the building!"
<LauraLeff>:
You
have Jack's monologue, maybe something with Dennis, a guest star, Don comes out
with some sort of scheme, there's some sort of setup to the second half
<LauraLeff>:
Then
a skit or a home sequence
<R_Hookie>:
I
think the biggest set up was the Hong Kong suit
<LauraLeff>:
Or
thinking of the Rod Serling episode
<diogenesNY->:
This
is one of the _supposed_ reasons that The Phil Silvers show never went
past four seasons. The cost of so many paid saleried characters with so many
written lines was (supposedly) prohibitive
<LauraLeff>:
Jack
and the trouble with his writers, Serling coming over, Dennis singing opera,
Jack arguing with Serling about the Twilight Zone, then Jack ending up there in
one of the best second half sequences in the whole series...
<Steve-shimp->:
How
much of that episode where Jack hunts uranium was done on location?
<R_Hookie>:
I'll
need to watch that one again
<LauraLeff>:
And
Jack paid well.
<diogenesNY->:
a
lot of writing and a lot of shifts of focus maybe..... getting it all to
cohere...... sometimes I would imagine was a challenge
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Oo...good question.
<Steve-shimp->:
It's
a little fuzzy in my memory now but I recall that one having a lot going on in
it too.
<Steve-shimp->:
Mel
on the billboard, etc.
<Steve-shimp->:
Other
than the Truman episode and the Europe ones I don't recall a lot of other
outdoors/location work.
<diogenesNY->:
ya.....
several sequences with an uncharacteristicaly soft spoken Frank Nelson
<LauraLeff>:
Or
it was "simulated outdoors" like the Easter Parade ep in the lost
episodes sest
<LauraLeff>:
set
<diogenesNY->:
some
driving sequences with the maxwell in the ep where warner is going to make a
movie of jack's life
<Steve-shimp->:
right.
But they were really out digging holes somewhere, it could have been a studio
backlot corner of course.
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- I'd have to look at it scene by scene. Clearly Mel on the billboard has to be
on location. But I think Jack and Mary having coffee in camp could be done
studio.
<Steve-shimp->:
hard
to imagine Mary putting up with a hot uncomfortable location shoot
<diogenesNY->:
heh
<LauraLeff>:
Even
some of the Maxwell sequences were done in studio. I have a shot of Jack with
the little girl looking at him, and you can see the cyclorama hanging in the
background.
<LauraLeff>:
Steve
- Agreed, but it was also pre-recorded, so at least she got that.
<diogenesNY->:
considering
how those shots in that ep were angled, It could easily be a cyclorama now that
I think about it
<diogenesNY->:
the
biopic ep that is
<LauraLeff>:
Actually,
the one where Jack is driving up to the Television City gate was truly done in
the parking lot of Television City
<LauraLeff>:
So
that I know was outside
<LauraLeff>:
Thinking
about the golfing ones...the 1951 Ben Hogan ep was live, so that was studio
(duh). But I think there were at least some shots in the...ah...
<diogenesNY->:
aha....
I am perhaps thinking of the closing shot with Security Guard/Director Mel
riding on the back of the Maxwell
<LauraLeff>:
Nuts
<LauraLeff>:
When
they redid that script, what was the name of the golfer...
<LauraLeff>:
But
I think there were some outside shots in there, at least as bridges for them
walking down the fairway. But I'd have to look at it again.
<Steve-shimp->:
I
don't remember
<LauraLeff>:
Ah,
I feel a little better...
<LauraLeff>:
All
I can think of is Dan Duryea, and that's wrong.
<Steve-shimp->:
Well,
then again I didn't write Volume 3
<LauraLeff>:
SHOOT.
<LauraLeff>:
Well,
and I have sometimes said that I write books so I don't have to carry all this
around in my head.
<LauraLeff>:
All
right, this is going to drive me nuts (golf pun intended).
<LauraLeff>:
BRB
<LauraLeff>:
Keep
talking...I'll be back
<yhtapmys>:
It's
not the Eric Monti show is it?
<R_Hookie>:
oooo
<R_Hookie>:
good
one
<LauraLeff>:
Yht
- You got it...just found it.
<LauraLeff>:
Eric
Monti.
<LauraLeff>:
That
legend of legends...
<LauraLeff>:
High
five, Yht!
<Steve-shimp->:
nice
yht. I was thinking Arnold Palmer but then got distracted by a thought of
lemonade and iced tea
<Steve-shimp->:
Lipton
of course.
<LauraLeff>:
LOL
<yhtapmys>:
Steve,
after drinking it, you want to fire someone.
<LauraLeff>:
So
what else?
<R_Hookie>:
I
have some stuff to do, so I think I'll be taking off
<Steve-shimp->:
I
got nothin'. But it's been a great chat
<LauraLeff>:
Any
requests for a show next month?
<R_Hookie>:
Good
night folks
<diogenesNY->:
enjoyed
<LauraLeff>:
Thanks
Hookie!
<Steve-shimp->:
Halloween
with Basil Rathbone?
<R_Hookie>:
How
about a Halloween one?
<diogenesNY->:
maybe
something with the vault?
<LauraLeff>:
Didn't
we do that a couple years ago?
<R_Hookie>:
...
or a vault one
<Randy>:
one
with Jolson as guest star
<LauraLeff>:
Rathbone
<Steve-shimp->:
Ah,
maybe. I'm easy, throw a dart.
<LauraLeff>:
Ooo!
I like the Jolson one...everyone OK with that?
<yhtapmys>:
Nyaaaww.
<Steve-shimp->:
sure
<R_Hookie>:
sure
<LauraLeff>:
If
not, I'll look for Halloween or vault
<R_Hookie>:
anything
works
<yhtapmys>:
Mel
as Jolson.
<LauraLeff>:
I'll
be singing Kol Nidre on Friday based on his rendition.
<diogenesNY->:
your
judgement is good.....
<LauraLeff>:
Great.
Jolie.
<Steve-shimp->:
Night
all!
<R_Hookie>:
Thanks
for the memories
<LauraLeff>:
Hey,
thanks again for a great discussion. Hope to see you here next month!
<Randy>:
It's
been delightful. See you on FB.
<LauraLeff>:
Oh,
you're THAT Randy!
<LauraLeff>:
Yep,
I'll see you there. Just processing new members.
<LauraLeff>: Night folks, have a great September!