W.C. Fields

Hide the kids and hide the dogs -- the curmudgeon to end all curmudgeons is here. We're talking about William Claude Dukenfield -- better known to comedy fans as W.C. Fields. From his start as a juggler in vaudeville shows, Fields added comedy to his act. Over time, he developed the comedy persona of a con artist who had a particular aversion to kids and dogs. Fields would often recycle old vaudeville bits in his movies, and woe be unto anyone he caught "nibbling" at his routines. In the late 1930s and early 1940s he was at the top of his game but a real-life drinking problem made him unreliable and the film offers stopped arriving. Toward the end of his life he was persuaded to record a couple of monologues which turned out to be his only recordings. But W.C. still has a following today -- just visit his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and surely someone will be saying "go away kid. . . you're bothering me." As always find extra clips below, and thanks for sharing our shows!   Want more W.C. Fields?   This is short but sweet -- WC (with Shemp Howard) looking for a lost $20 bill. https://youtu.be/t9bFgMb48_w?si=HgueolSsZOKPrgvl   WC Fields and Mae West are linked in our comedy minds thought they only appeared together once due do disputes over top billing. Here's the trailer to My Little Chickadee. https://youtu.be/x_Vp23EpguY?si=RRNe0Rh5jEk1BK91   The Temperance Lecture is WC Fields' only comedy recording. Made at the end of his life it finds him in great voice on a topic he loves dearly. https://youtu.be/0YgZRtuMSdE?si=tDBMJqo94i7kit4G  

For a guy whose sitcom was called "Get a Life", we think that Chris Elliott has done pretty darn well. The son of legendary comedian Bob Elliott (of Bob and Ray fame), Chris has carved out his own niche playing slightly surreal and snarky characters. Beginning on Late Night with David Letterman, Chris was the focus of many recurring gags including him being a guy who lives under the theater seats. But he was above ground in the Fox sitcom Get A Life, playing an oblivious man-child who lives above his parents' garage. With movie roles including Cabin Boy and Groundhog Day plus recurring tv gigs including Everybody Loves Raymond and Schitt's Creek, Chris is staying plenty busy flying the Elliott comedy flag. And, oh yes, for those scoring at home Abby Elliott of the hit show The Bear is his daughter. Not bad for a guy who most of us first discovered living under David Letterman's seats. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Chris Elliott? Cabin Boy saw Chris make the leap to the big screen, though the movie didn't score with critics or mainstream moviegoers. It still retains a cult audience thanks to weird scenes like this. https://youtu.be/UFcc1rf4NiU?si=lnHjVvV6l-fpJpm7 Chris was a regular on Late Night with David Letterman playing many oddball roles. Here is where they introduce Dave to the "guy under the seats." https://youtu.be/VB7h8D8fZPc?si=rF-nMPFm5RbTCsQS Chris starred in Get A Life, an edgy comedy in which he played an oblivious man-child who lives about his parents' garage. And for bonus points, his TV dad is played by his real dad, comedy legend Bob Elliott. https://youtu.be/IQv_Ol5QxEg?si=bw6WjyxeYT15g1HK Chris Elliott's latest triumph is a spin as Roland Schitt, mayor of Schitt's Creek and foil to Eugene Levy's Johnny Rose. Here's a fun clip of Chris in "inaction". https://youtu.be/AWzRgDPDC6M?si=wCjf5jvdC9NW8Gq4  

Back in the mid-1960s American television networks were trying to get with the youth scene, and a big part of that scene was the British Invasion. So NBC said "we'll call your Beatles, Animals, Stones, and Kinks -- and raise you some Monkees. Recruited as actors more than musicians, at the time, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork were put down as the "prefab four" -- a wholly made for television creation. But they were a smash and over the years have gained respect as prime purveyors of power pop. The Monkees TV show lasted just a couple of years -- and some of the efforts that followed didn't connect with an audience (the movie Head for specifics). The Monkees were largely forgotten until MTV came around in the mid-1980s and decided that the original Monkees TV show was just the thing to put on the new music network. Comeback tours and albums followed as a new generation discovered the Monkees. Micky Dolenz is now the last Monkee standing, but he carries the flag proudly performing around the country in his Monkees Celebration shows. Happy sellout crowds are the result -- now just who were they calling "Pre-Fab" way back when? As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Monkees? OK, if you are over the age of 50 this song should be burned into your brain.https://youtu.be/ujzyXArvM_g?si=BiyFLD_194lyPOtB Here's a complete episode from The Monkees show -- each episode contained an early form of music video, no doubt part of what made MTV take interest. https://dai.ly/xskyj5 Head stands a a curious piece of late 1960's surrealistic comedy. The audience scratched its head as the Monkees seemed to revel in tearing down their safe image. A few fine cameos helped the process along. https://youtu.be/ZPQpsipHKU8?si=3moATd9Mg9TYNFCi The Monkees have been likened to a rock and roll Marx Brothers with zany comedy taking center stage. And even after their show was cancelled, the Monkees still found places to shine -- including Rowan and Martin's Laugh In.https://youtu.be/TuAD5RU55eQ?si=ErCNEOSDMtoHWxTt

This week we sample the comedy of Phil Proctor and Peter Bergman -- half of the legendary Firesign Theatre and a superb comedy duo in their own right. First appearing during a Firesign hiatus, Proctor and Bergman offered sketches that were shorter and tighter, though often connected over the course of an album. The boys also became a touring unit and were favorites on the college comedy scene during the 1970s. In 1977 Proctor and Bergman were in the Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco while a gang-related mass shooting unfolded. Phil and Pete were unhurt, but their touring days were over. Fortunately for comedy fans there were more albums and videos still to come including a somewhat surreal turn as part of the cast of the Starland Vocal Band's summer replacement show. Yes, that's the "Aftenoon Delight" Starland Vocal Band. P&B continued with occasional projects, often during Firesign lulls, until Peter Bergman's death in 2012. Phil Proctor continues as a fine voice actor and writer. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Proctor and Bergman? Proctor and Bergman were big enough to earn their own PBS Soundstage special. The opening is classic, first for the detailed instructions on how to hear the show in stereo, then in their sharp take on ubiquitous PBS pledge drives. https://youtu.be/z2sLQOjFpNw?si=yoFMlWR9DBaRrn7i Proctor and Bergman's first album was TV or not TV, a fun parody of "Channel 85" as it winds through its broadcast day. https://youtu.be/xXwXFm8MEYo?si=f7Xe1jXikG_5XtOc When P&B were announced as part of the cast for the Starland Vocal Band's summer replacement show Firesign fans wondered how they could fit in. Very well it turned out! https://youtu.be/JvxGFlZIa0A?si=WGoC1avGjx8tsEAi Proctor and Bergman occasionally popped up on tv for promotional appearances such as as this fun bit from Chicago's Svengoolie tv horror movie show. https://youtu.be/GESCjcj8IrI?si=8k1NynqaXnOAQgX-

Get your cigar, your cowboy hat, and your copy of the First Amendment ready -- this week we salute musical satirist Richard "Kinky" Friedman who blended sarcastic and often offensive lyrics with Texas twang to create a singular comic persona. Way back in the early 1970s after a stint in the Peace Corps, Kinky returned to his home in Texas and set about forming his most famous -- and most outrageously named -- band -- Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. Country rock was becoming popular so in spite of (or maybe because of) the name, Kinky scored a recording contract. Did he dial it back a little? Of course, the answer is a resounding NOOOO! In fact his appearance on Austin City Limits was taped, then shelved, because of Kinky's "take no prisoners" approach. After a stint with Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue, Kinky's musical career stalled leading him to a second round of fame as a mystery novelist with 20-some titles to his credit. Add to that a surprisingly robust run for Governor of Texas in 2006 and we'd say Kinky's "Legend" resume is complete. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Kinky? Back in 2005 CBS Sunday Morning profiled Kinky and it has some nice examples of his plain spoken style. https://youtu.be/KOOiCxbL9-g?si=4mqGoBlMphFFLLIt Kinky's lyrics were decidedly radio-unfriendly, but his albums were passed around by fans who liked their lyrics unfiltered. Thanks to Austin City Limits for capturing Kinky back in the day -- even if they put it straight into the vault. https://youtu.be/5FSWm67IhDU?si=L06HLwGX6OntonzO When Kinky ran for Governor of Texas he managed to lure his old pal Mojo Nixon out of retirement to pen a campaign song. He didn't win, but the song is a gem. https://youtu.be/wtOXb2wAlOQ?si=KhHId5bHL3Frf-KQ

From the hallowed halls of the University of Iowa back in 1975 came the Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre, a five man comedy troupe who found fame through great character and ensemble work -- plus some choice exposure on NPR and MTV. Bill Allard, Dan Coffey, Merle Kessler, Leon Martell, and Jim Turner comprised the Ducks -- though they may be more familiar under the names Dr.Science, Ian Shoales, Randee of the Redwoods (and others). The Ducks were a popular touring act, but in their adopted hometown of San Francisco they ruled comedy with appearances at top nightclubs throughout the 1980s. The Ducks put the troupe on hiatus as the 1990s arrived but they did reunite on occasion and mounted a celebratory 40th Anniversary farewell show and documentary. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Ducks? One of the Duck's breakout stars was Merle Kessler's Ian Shoales, a mile a minute talker who could throw down the snarky truth about anything. Here Ian's take on the history of popular music. https://youtu.be/_ZjYndaMGW8?si=VvMG7GoSevmCC6kE The Duck's had major exposure on MTV, partly through the musings of Jim Turner's Randee of the Redwoods -- we're pretty sure we saw him in the crowd at Autzen for the Dead back in 93. We're pretty sure he won't remember! https://youtu.be/NXFTIlhvUdY?si=rcgCO7cwhx1wuAmR Because the Ducks had such strong characters it's easy to overlook their fine ensemble work -- this fun bit comes from a show at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.https://youtu.be/IuRCdfRkgtI?si=ktiaZ5sP6U33u5TL

Can you tell a good joke? Sure! How about can you make a puppet tell a good joke? Yes, indeed. OK, so can you tell a good joke and make the puppet banter with you -- all without moving your lips? And that's what separates Willie Tyler (and his dummy Lester) from the rest of us! A ventriloquist since his school days, Willie Tyler brings top notch skills to his act which he has been performing since the 1960s. From early work in Detroit clubs, to recurring spots on Motown tours in the 1960s, to joining the cast of Laugh-In, Willie worked his way to becoming the most successful African-American ventriloquist act in history. A frequent opener for top Vegas headliners, as well as a reliable guest on tv variety and game shows, Willie also managed to branch out into guest roles on tv and he was the first act to take the stage when David Letterman held his Late Night "Ventriloquist Week" in the early 2000's. Now in his mid-80s Willie and Lester keep trucking along, recently appearing in Adam Sandler's 2024 Netflix special. Not too bad for a dummy from Detroit! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Willie Tyler and Lester? Willie Tyler and Lester weren't a musical act, but that didn't stop them from appearing on Dick Clark's American Bandstand back in 1976. https://youtu.be/L0rnH99cNVA?si=Cfo_lVgZ-f3E4_Px When Willie and Lester were added to the Laugh-In cast in 1972 it introduced the duo to a whole new audience. https://fb.watch/Fb6NonKmKn/ When David Letterman held a "Ventriloquist Week" on his late night show back in 2006 the first act to appear was Willie and Lester -- and, as usual, they killed. https://youtu.be/6Q1JkAa5ksc?si=KeyaLwQxzJ4MhoHi

This episode we meet Kevin James, a practitioner of "blue collar" comedy, mining everyday life for laugh on television, in movies, and on the standup stage. Originally Kevin was on track to be an athlete (he was a high school wrestling buddy of WWE superstar Mick Foley), but injuries made him shift gears into standup comedy. Moving to Los Angeles to enhance his career opportunities, Kevin became friends with fellow legend Ray Romano, guesting several times on his Everybody Loves Raymond sitcom. Eventually Kevin scored his own sitcom -- The King of Queens -- with was a stalwart of the CBS prime time lineup from 1998-2007. Kevin also has carved out a fine movie career with roles ranging from Paul Blart: Mall Cop to Zookeeper to the Grown Ups films with his pal Adam Sandler. And Kevin's recent standup specials on Netflix and Prime Video show he has lost none of his timing and wit. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Kevin James?  Kevin first climbed the comedy career ladder as a standup comic. Here's a longer look at some of his early routines. https://youtu.be/9nYRIFt1EGE?si=s_35ii6-ACh4Y9e9 Kevin's most famous role is as Doug Heffernan, a blue collar delivery driver in The King of Queens. https://youtu.be/bL09Jri9bzw?si=K3deIb2z0_bUjGtJ

Great interviews? Check! Superb musical guest? Check! How about Stupid Pet Tricks, Top Ten Lists, and stunts such as having the host work a McDonald's Drive Thru? If the Legend is David Letterman, check all those boxes. For decades we have welcomed David Letterman and his singular brand of comedy into our homes. And it's really no wonder, because Dave ruled a late night empire that was an authentic representation of its host -- a bit of midwestern "aw shucks" blended with a blinding quick wit and a taste for goofball stunts. Starting as a tv weatherman in his home state of Indiana, Dave caught fire after moving to Los Angeles in the late 1970s. In LA Dave became a popular standup and a favorite of Johnny Carson (who really wanted Dave to succeed him on the Tonight Show). When NBC tapped Jay Leno to succeed Johnny, Dave made the leap to CBS where he remained until 2015. But Dave would gather no moss after retiring his late night show (other than an impressive "retirement beard"), starting a Netflix interview show, popping up at awards shows, and inducting his longtime pal Warren Zevon into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As always find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Dave? If you haven't seen a clip of Dave as a tv weatherman way back when, enjoy this little bit of late night host history.https://youtu.be/k66ek3AYz30?si=hs1n9b7JW8EyVQq5 It pays to have friends. In Dave's case the friend was Johnny Carson and boy did that pay off big time! Here's Dave's first appearance on The Tonight Show. https://youtu.be/TbSaBzO3tXA?si=w82sUqH5eihfo_QM Dave's late night shows spawned many great bits, none better than the Top Ten List. Here is one delivered by Don Rickles (another Legend), though Dave gets a few good shots in! https://youtu.be/jsSP0hScELo?si=WLjFnaX6yAoxbbDA Dave had a long time friend in Warren Zevon, featuring him frequently as a guest and also an occasional standing for bandleader Paul Shaffer. So when Warren was (FINALLY!) inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame it was Dave who did the honors. https://youtu.be/CYYzqt68dnE?si=MVoumj7iMUS4kzEl

One of the best things about British comedy is Dawn French, half of the legendary duo French and Saunders and a comedy titan in her own right. Since the 1980s, Dawn has maintained a solo career among with her duo work and the results are stellar. Beginning with small roles In cult classics such as The Young Ones, Dawn eventually became the star of shows including The Vicar of Dibley, Ted and Alice, and The Trouble with Maggie Cole. Dawn's brand of humor can be sweet or very bawdy -- but always very funny. In recent years, Dawn has continued with standup tours and she is an accomplished author with her most recent book -- The Twat Files -- providing the theme for her most recent standup tour. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Dawn French? Dawn is a long-time participant in the British Comic Relief benefit shows and this sketch featuring her as a shock talk show host is one of her best. https://youtu.be/HuHKpX72248?si=Pns95fTFth0mPUae Here's a fun clip package of some of Dawn's best work courtesy of BritBox. https://youtu.be/8-StYkm5CXk?si=S9rM5J3UBNG4cURg Dawn's 2020 series "The Trouble with Maggie Cole" is a gem with Dawn devouring the role of a local busybody who spills a bit too much tea about her friends and neighbors on the town radio station. https://fb.watch/ELpYG_q48h/