Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy with Randy and Steve

Anna Russell 28.07.2026 3мин

Pull out your opera glasses because Anna Russell is here to poke some good natured fun at all things operatic. After realizing she didn't have the chops to be a true diva, Anna pivoted and merged her admirable singing voice with some sly and sharp parody of the art form. Through a series of albums and one-woman shows, Anna was a favorite of opera fans (at least ones with a sense of humor) from the 1940s through her retirement in the 1980s. Her major claim to fame was a very funny deconstruction of Wagner's the Ring. And what did Anna say to critics who said she had insulted a great piece of music. Just this: "I merely tell the story as accurately as possible and play the bits of music exactly as written. I can't help it if the story is absurd." As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Anna Russell? Anna's main claim to fame was her fabulous take down of Wagner's Ring. First released in 1953, the routine remained a mainstay of her act for the rest of her career. https://youtu.be/Us6CrJzJlIc?si=Ftv-OfPJv8lt0UuB Here Anna parodies folk tunes on the wonderful Alistair Cooke show Omnibus. Somehow TV was more adventurous in the 1950s! https://youtu.be/UQ4IdPB_aFE?si=nQ9DaGtjZkOOPu0y Like fellow musical parodist PDQ Bach, Anna had fun discussing the ins and outs of unusual musical instruments. Take the bagpipe. . . please. https://youtu.be/xKWZbFNzFhs?si=uXkXZ3sRg87plZph

John Byner 21.07.2026 3мин

So back in the day you could see vintage entertainers such as Dean Martin, Jackie Mason, Ed Sullivan, Glen Campbell, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Or you could just see John Byner and he would cover them all with spot-on impressions, combined with fine stand-up comedy. When young John offered up his version of Bing Crosby singing "Accentuate the Positive" at age 6 his path in life was clear. As an adult, his early gigs were supported by a day job at a swimming pool company but he soon found fans and became a regular opening act for jazz artists in NY and DC. Along with his nightclub work John was a sought after guest star on sitcom and talk/variety shows, landed a recurring role on Soap, and starred in a popular Canadian tv sketch show. Now 88, John maintains a fun website with highlights from his long career. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more John Byner? Here's a nice slice of John's stand-up from the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour back in 1970. https://youtu.be/Ej3pZWwxTfE?si=pPcGXGTkipGK8nJx Byner was a favorite of Ed Sullivan and the feeling was mutual -- watch John imitate the master himself. https://youtu.be/hzE97Bov1kk?si=_uD12rTtzqFhzEkP An unusual project, The Ant and the Aardvark had 17 theatrical short episodes, and featured Byner voicing both characters -- using Dean Martin for the Ant and Jackie Mason for the Aardvark.https://youtu.be/lVXoXlqqxuk?si=4gp349eO7Chck0uE In 2020 John published an autobiography ("Five Minutes Mr. Byner") that covers his career, his favorite impersonation subjects, and how he approaches his craft. https://youtu.be/6CwKq6I-oZI?si=U4n_nuUMF59dBb_I

Harry Shearer 14.07.2026 3мин

Today we meet one of the sharpest satirists of the last 40 years, Harry Shearer. We could also say Mr. Burns or Kent Brockman -- two of the Simpsons characters he voices. Or we could say the the long term host of a weekly comedy and music program called Le Show, as well as the creator of great comedy albums with The Credibility Gap as well as solo. And oh yeah, Harry was part of the crew that came in to rescue SNL as it floundered after the original cast departed. Or, perhaps he is Derek Smalls, bassist for the mockumentary rock kings Spinal Tap. Check it out to find out more -- as always there are extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Harry Shearer? Harry provides so many great voices for the Simpsons it's hard to keep track, but here is a fun sampling. https://youtu.be/3X2JLl9U4Rw?si=eEDJiukahjM56VEw Harry has two short runs on SNL in the 1980s and while he didn't stay long his bits remains classic. This one features Harry and Martin Short as the world's first male synchronized swimming team. https://www.reddit.com/r/LiveFromNewYork/s/eTMzv1qmyw The Credibility Gap isn't as well known as the Firesign Theater, but they should be. A creation born of the LA radio scene in the early 1970s, the Gap specialized in precise takedowns - including this homage to Abbott and Costello's classic Who's on First. https://youtu.be/YEvwW1yqIjA?si=yd-92mP5Km6YLqUV

Seth Rogen 07.07.2026 3мин

You might want to wait until 4:20 to fire up this episode. And why not -- this time we feature Seth Rogan, comedian, movie star, and enthusiastic cannabis consumer. Hailing from Vancouver, BC Seth managed to score a role in Freaks and Geeks at age 16, befriended the show's creator Judd Apatow who recognized his talent, then parlayed that beginning into a run of outrageously funny movies, award winning tv shows, and memorable voice roles. And Seth is Canadian to the core, turning down a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in favor of one on Canada's Walk of Fame. So next time you are in Toronto stop by and leave an herbal offering to this comedy master if you can -- you never know when Seth might be in the neighborhood. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Seth Rogen? Seth started young, performing standup in his teens. You could see already see a star in the making. https://youtu.be/IPnNntVI1DQ?si=Mkxx8qbsQOH_xMkp Seth has become known for cannabis friendly films -- and none more so than Pineapple Express. Here Seth and his dealer played by James Franco try to navigate a novel joint. https://youtu.be/0L0QQa_MvK0?si=hvcHNBBe6WOP40Op Seth's most recent hit is The Studio, an Apple TV show about a legacy movie studio trying to survive. https://youtu.be/EIQuE7JGXU8?si=_Okh9g8JRV5tfChN

Orson Bean 30.06.2026 3мин

People who are famous for just being famous have been around forever but this weeks Legend Orson Bean gladly took that role, calling himself a "Neo-celebrity." Orson is being far too modest about a career that started out with a magic act, evolved into stand up comedy, was featured on Broadway and in top NYC cabarets, logged many hours on game and talk shows, and worked steadily as a guest star on tv and in movies. Orson also helped found a Laurel and Hardy society and a (for the time) radical primary school. So while Orson called himself a "Neo-celebrity" we prefer to think of him as a "renaissance man". As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Orson Bean? From the days of black and white tv, here's a running gag between Orson and host Bud Collier on To Tell the Truth.https://youtu.be/qo8pM9LaojM?si=ueaOI_ZENiukCfzC Orson was such a game show stalwart that even a cameo -- here on The Match Game -- would bring the house down. https://youtu.be/YLDR8oc8k6Y?si=2eH1hOHp6yjh8iz6 Orson had a quick wit so he was a natural guest for talk shows including this appearance with Johnny Carson. https://youtu.be/LpFZOp9bdCY?si=K3-jA3nRYO0typ-A Orson found some prime roles in his career including the eccentric Dr. Lester in Being John Malkovich. https://youtu.be/DSGYElDi38s?si=j6AfFlMnG_XgVQUk

Kenan Thompson 23.06.2026 3мин

Here's a great career arc -- go from appearing in kid's movies and shows to starring in your own movie, then join Saturday Night Live and stay there for 23 years (and counting). Of course there is only one Kenan Thompson, but his career is so much more than his record setting SNL stint. What's the secret sauce? Being easy to work with helps, there is also Kenan's gift (in the words of an SNL head writer) for this ability to take "ordinary lines and make them funny and funny lines and make them special". Along the way Kenan also has set the record for most celebrity impressions by an SNL cast member. But what's next for Kenan -- more SNL for sure, but he is also busy with more movies, sitcoms, and award show hosting duties. He also has a show with pal Kevin Hart just riffing on sports -- it's good to be Kenan! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Kenan? Kenan first broke out as a child actor in D2 The Mighty Ducks, then as a cast member on Nickelodeon's hit show All That. https://youtu.be/3FtmsZ17FZE?si=CeP8gvfaMrWr7uXD Anyone who has watched SNL in recent years has surely seen Kenan absolutely nail an impression of Steve Harvey hosting Family Feud. https://youtu.be/AafBunu-k2U?si=t9SVaZRfUmoSTBTH On SNL Kenan is a master of characters and this take on an imaginary BET show with a very enthusiastic host is a fan favorite. https://youtu.be/3HAiKX97AZI?si=rBA2eoHkXavEzwv4 Kenan has a new sports show with Kevin Hart on Prime Video. It's just a couple of great comics riffing on sports -- so of course it's hilarious. https://youtu.be/uxgGjuAjEUA?si=9EVMpY38QNAI20NQ

Robin Duke 16.06.2026 3мин

This time out we meet the only woman to be a cast member of both SCTV and SNL -- and no, it's not Catherine O'Hara. Say hello to Robin Duke, another product of the stellar Canadian comedy scene. A veteran of Second City Toronto, Robin was there when SCTV was launched in the mid-1970s as a recurring cast member, moving up to the full cast in season three. Lorne Michaels had convinced Catherine O'Hara to join SNL, but a week iwas enough for Catherine to decide that SCTV was more her style. Enter Robin, who stayed with the cast until a major shakeup in 1984. At SNL Robin created a number of standout characters (Wendy Whiner anyone?) and after the show she took her talents into film and television, as well as an all-female, all-Canadian comedy troupe. With trademark Canadian modesty the group was named "Women Fully Clothed" and they have toured all over the world. And in a nice full circle moment, in 2016 Robin joined fellow SCTV cast members Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara in the hit CBC show Schitt's Creek. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Robin Duke? While at SNL, Robin played many characters -- none more memorable (at least in the nails on chalkboard sense) was long-suffering and long-complaining Wendy Whiner. https://www.reddit.com/r/LiveFromNewYork/s/BWOXoPIwT6 Robin's time at SCTV was before the show began airing in a 90 minute format on SCTV, but her clips are worth searching out online -- including this bit in which Robin plays Mollie Earl, the host of Crazy Crafts. https://youtu.be/yQA0n2xTeUs? In 2003 Robin started one of Canada's funniest exports -- the all-female, all-Canadian comedy troupe "Women Fully Clothed". https://youtu.be/yQA0n2xTeUs?si=_YcXcSPF574nKFn2 Robin scored a juicy recurring role on the CBC sitcom Schitt's Creek -- and it was a fine reunion with her SCTV pals Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara.https://youtu.be/qTZUGFYCzYU?si=OClFL_L1AXhPhHhF

Damon Fayans 09.06.2026 3мин

One of the funniest -- and edgiest -- sketch shows of the 1990s was In Living Color which introduced many of us to the Wayans family (and Jim Carrey to boot). And one of the edgiest parts of that edgiest sketch show was Damon Wayans, brother of show creator Keenan Ivory Wayans and a fearless satirist. Whether it was a homeboy with great money making ideas, a supremely flamboyant gay film reviewer, or a misanthropic clown Damon's characters always left you with a "can they say that" moment. A fine standup comic, as well as an actor and writer, Damon also racked up numerous movie credits, an armful of awards, and a best selling book along the way. He's still active so there is no doubt more to come, but we suspect one of his proudest achievements was in true Wayans' fashion making it a family affair when he starred with his son Damon Jr in the sitcom Poppa's house. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Damon? In Living Color reveled in blasting apart stereotypes -- or reinforcing them -- your pick. Either way, the Homeboys (Damon and brother Keenan) were huge hits. https://youtu.be/FSRQKSqvmvk?si=JPyk2SkwLnlats8W One of Damon's classic characters was Homey D. Clown, a misanthropic kids entertainer who reminds us that "Homey don't play that". https://youtu.be/_QhuBIkPXn0?si=eUqZNbPKbzpmF3z8 Damon has retired from standup but his old sets are worth a listen -- like this one about encountering a miffed Mike Tyson. https://youtu.be/YyQSYZwLFmo?si=j_fqmME-M_w-n-9B

Colin Jost 02.06.2026 3мин

Over its 50+ years Saturday Night Live has had many star making (and breaking) moments, including the coveted role of anchor on the show's Weekend Update news report. But when Seth Meyers departed that role for his own late night gig, who could have guessed that his successor would become the longest running anchor in show history. Colin Jost was born for the role, editing his high school newspaper, then becoming a cub reporter, then sending in a writing packet to SNL and getting hired in 2005. From there he became head writer, then he stepped into the Weekend Update slot which he (and long-time co-anchor Michael Che) have made must watch material. What will he do for an encore -- marry Scarlett Johansen? As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Colin Jost? The twice-yearly SNL joke swap has become a fun fixture of the show. In it, Jost and co-anchor Michael Che write jokes for each other that they must read live on air for the first time. Needless to say the results are gleefully inappropriate. https://youtu.be/-1uC5tBGlNg?si=rUKdClWZPf8JnQyy Colin's standup covers a broader range than Weekend Update, as in this bit from the Just for Laughs Festival. https://youtu.be/yPSFJwORLH0?si=8XsmAPKM7qdvATsn Most recently Colin has scored a major sketch role with his amped up portrayal of War Secretary Pete Hegseth. https://youtu.be/vZb1WO1_lGI?si=t0gKHXoxaP88w32b

Michael Palin 26.05.2026 3мин

Whether you want to sell a dead parrot to an unsuspecting customer, travel around the world with a wry view of life, or simply figure out why a fish is called Wanda -- Michael Palin is your man. The creator of many of Monty Python's most beloved sketches, Palin carved out a fine post-Python career as the host of numerous BBC travel shows, as well as a full resume of character roles such as that of Ken Pile, a stuttering gangster, in A Fish Called Wanda. What did the public think of Michael? How about four Bafta awards and an appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Just don't ask too many questions -- you don't want him to think it's some sort of Spanish Inquisition! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Michael Palin? Another Palin classic was this long running gag about some people you would never expect. https://youtu.be/psMMKgvpGfg?si=mkTPwDC9wMC5hUpu Michael was at the center of many classic Python bits, including this musical tribute to the men of the woods! https://youtu.be/B6mzobwTYyo?si=Riix_96cfDIrNZmS Michael had a huge post-Python career hosting a series of witty travel programs for the BBC. Not bad work if you can get it! https://youtu.be/jXddPTxv8DM?si=fgUNl6S6BStyeqFR Michael is a fine character actor and his role as stuttering gangster Ken Pile in A Fish Called Wanda is one of his best. https://youtu.be/4vsFC6Gt2EE?si=1ATBkJEGlBBIVa7R

Jack E. Leonard 12.05.2026 3мин

Grab a hi-ball and cue the rimshot, Jack E. Leonard is in the house. From Friars' Club roasts to tv variety shows to nightclub appearances Jack's routine never varied. He offered up a stream of comedy insults no doubt inspiring a young Don Rickles. Jack's insults were equal opportunity -- and he included himself in the mix frequently poking fun as his weight (who else makes a movie called "The Fat Spy"). One liners abounded in Jack's comedy storehouse but it was hard to convince younger audiences to give him a chance. Maybe that's why in 1968 he went on the Smothers Brothers comedy hour and guess what, he unloaded both barrels on Tom and Dick (who were pretty good a slinging barb as well). It didn't lead to a new and younger audience, but no matter, Jack remained an honored member of the Hollywood comedy scene where they knew his gibes were never meant to hurt. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Jack E. Leonard? The Friars Club is known for their roasts, especially those in the 1950s and 60s that were uncensored. Here Jack lays waste to Ed Sullivan. https://youtu.be/rxjP6evUJp4?si=p-jUm79ATyfBO8v5 In 1968 in search of a younger audience Jack went on the Smothers Brothers Comedy and had a little old school fun with Tom and Dick. https://youtu.be/nZT356f84HU?si=e_6bDlT_ETTWX2u3 Jack's quick wit and sharp style made him a natural for the talk show circuit. Here he is on Merv Griffin in 1966.https://youtu.be/xrK1nWwOIjg?si=QPO5JlNsrvxdsDD7

Arte Johnson 05.05.2026 3мин

Anyone who came of age in the late 1960s is bound to have a soft spot in their comedy heart for Arte Johnson, a versatile comic and master of dialects who boarded the fame express when he joined the cast of Rowan and Martin's Laugh In. Originally pursuing Broadway roles, Arte saw the future in the television industry and decamped for Los Angeles in the mid 1950s. He build a resume of guest spots before landing his Laugh In role in 1968. He played over 60 characters on Laugh In, including some (such as an observant German soldier, a doddering dirty old man, and a Russian named Rosmenko who could sing, dance, or joke about America. After Laugh In, Arte settled into a fine career of sitcoms, variety shows, game shows and audiobook readings. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Arte? Here's an assignment most would shrink from -- teach Jack Benny how to tell a joke. But for Arte, it was just another day working the boom microphone. https://youtu.be/HROeLKVAQIQ?si=QyKiplnRAd58TREV A master of dialects, Arte created a Russian character named Rosmenko -- not sure a word of actual Russian was spoken, but this version of Mack the Knife (also featuring Bobby Darin) is a gem. https://youtu.be/43I1zrL3FgE?si=YzikSt_QFTR6sf2v Arte had many standout characters on Laugh In and one of the best was Tyrone Horneigh who would attempt to seduce women (principally Ruth Buzzi's Gladys Ormphby) with typically bad (for Tyrone at least) results. https://youtu.be/E2IF8HejE1w?si=31DeDx2zZAuupL8w

Cloris Leachman 28.04.2026 3мин

In the 1970s and 80s you couldn't go to the movies without running into this week's legend Cloris Leachman. While the Oscar that catapulted her to stardom was for a drama (The Last Picture Show), here we remember her for bushels of laughs, expertly delivered on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Phyllis spinoff, and in some of Mel Brooks' classic films (notably Young Frankenstein). After that burst of activity, Cloris continued on with movie and television guest roles, picking up more Emmy awards along the way. A member of the Television Hall of Fame, Cloris also has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Stop by sometime and say "Blucher" - you just might hear a horse off in the distance. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Cloris? When Cloris joined the cast of the Mary Tyler Moore Show she brought just the right mix of snark, snobbery, and sweet to the role of Phyllis Lindstrom. https://youtu.be/Gw2GOvsd3Sg?si=l-WJcrCe2MvSeMB6 We mentioned the great bit about Frau Blucher that ran throughout Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. And here it is! https://youtu.be/nx8LjVmoSZk?si=DrlyiU_5_ZGuFvaA Later in her career Cloris had a recurring role on Malcolm in the Middle, picking up two Emmy's along the way. https://www.reddit.com/.../one_of_the_great_scenes.../...

Stephen Colbert 21.04.2026 3мин

This time out we honor Stephen Colbert whose amazing career has seen him conquer the worlds of improv comedy, avant-garde sitcoms, avant garde sketch comedy (including one of tv's greatest comedy bombs), The Daily Show (and his own spinoff), and a late night talk show. Not bad for a kid from South Carolina who says he was an indifferent student -- we disagree, at least when it comes to comedy. And, if you want to see Stephen in talk show mode, act fast -- CBS is ending its longtime late night show May 21. But with 11 Emmys, 2 Grammys, and a Peabody Award under his belt, we suspect that Stephen won't stay idle for long. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Colbert? Stephen had a key role in creating the cult fave sitcom Strangers with Candy, also playing a science teacher who has strayed from the path. https://youtu.be/6uPEeV5Ep2U?si=oQfffmM0_PoqHwUG After several years on the Daily Show adopting the persona of a conservative talk show host, Stephen scored a spinoff -- The Colbert Report -- that ran for almost a decade. https://youtu.be/MBPgXjkfBXM?si=6Xrip-JJY89c50KO Given his many comedy personas over the years no one quite knew when to expect when Stephen took the helm of the Late Show from David Letterman. We need not have worried -- he was made for the gig. https://youtu.be/_642piuR-Pw?si=j-prXZYTPS8M-yZ6

Marty Feldman 14.04.2026 3мин

The eyes have it -- at least they do if you are Marty Feldman who came of comedy age along with the Pythons and other masters of British absurdity. Starting off as a comedy writer, Marty soon found roles in front of the camera as well with turns in "At Last the 1948 Show" and his own shows "Marty" and "The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine". And if you don't know him from those, how about his delightful turn as Igor in Mel Brooks' masterpiece "Young Frankenstein". A chain smoker for most of his life, Marty passed on far too soon, but he leaves a most impressive body of work -- and one more time -- those eyes! As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Marty? Marty's eyes were the subject of a novelty hit by comedian Bruce "Baby-man" Baum. Here's Marty Feldman Eyes. https://youtu.be/k-Wb80MW6c4?si=Rr30BrFVUTLu3r-T As head writer for the Frost Report Marty was at the forefront of British satire in the 1960s. Here's a very pointed sketch he penned about the British class system. https://fb.watch/Gu53QDMWUo/ At Last the 1948 Show teamed up Marty with other future legends Graham Chapman and John Cleese -- along with other British comedy luminaries. Here's Marty in a role often played later by Michael Palin and John Cleese slow burning as only he can. https://fb.watch/Gu50pQvIX6/ Marty had a huge breakout moment as Igor in Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein. Just make sure you pronounce it correctly! https://youtu.be/F8BvfHSjwqw?si=JhCk41xm8iKR_Ani

Roy Wood Jr 07.04.2026 3мин

One of the delights of Trevor Noah's stint as Daily Show host was the prominent work of correspondent Roy Wood Jr., a comic who started his career making prank phone calls and who has risen to host his own CNN news quiz, as well as becoming a top standup draw and award show host. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Roy's dad was a black radio pioneer and broadcasting entrepreneur. So it was no surprise that Roy would take up the family trade starting out as part of a Morning Zoo show in Birmingham. Over time Roy gained visibility, especially after a 2010 stint on Last Comic Standing. In 2015 Roy was tapped as a Daily Show correspondent and his chemistry with Trevor Noah was a highlight of the show, which was a perfect showcase for Roy's comedy style which Entertainment Weekly called "charismatic crankiness." When Trevor Noah departed the Daily Show it looked for a time that Roy might get the nod but when that didn't happen Roy pivoted and became host of Have I Got News for You -- a CNN adaptation of a British news quiz with comedians making up the panel. That show, award show hosting gigs, and sold out comedy tours keep Roy busy these days. And if you ever need help getting more sauce for your chicken nuggets Roy is your man -- it's all explained in this week's show. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Roy Wood Jr? Roy was one of the highlights of Trevor Noah's stint as Daily Show host. This bit on world history shows why. https://youtu.be/EWX0bbGAd0k?si=c8LlAI6bJJLzWPeu Roy's current gig is hosting CNN's news quiz Have I Got News for You, a fun stroll through the headlines. https://youtu.be/2xdgL5_xj-I?si=XTcELti6IHKeVkUw Roy is a superb satirist, but he also takes on the frustration of every day life -- like getting enough chicken nugget sauce. https://youtu.be/8qj0BcuRPoc?si=yTxYPsAALpwNRZTZ

W.C. Fields 24.03.2026 3мин

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

Chris Elliott 17.03.2026 3мин

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

The Monkees 10.03.2026 3мин

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

Proctor and Bergman 03.03.2026 3мин

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-