Guaranteed laughs
April 10, 2008 8:20 AM Subscribe
The fifty greatest comedy sketches of all time from Nerve and IFC. All with video. Some highlights: SNL's consumer probe & word association; Mr. Show's pretaped call-in show, Upright Citizens Brigade's ass pennies, The State's porcupine racetrack, lots of Monty Python, some classics, and the inevitable winning sketch.
Thank god. When I saw your link I thought the winning sketch was going to be “More Cowbell!”, a great sketch ruined by overexposure the ‘net. I think Boing Boing were even hawking t-shirts at one point. SNL even used it in their promos for last week’s return of Walken to SNL. And as large as my hetero man crush for Walken is, he was absolutely awful this time around. At least they didn’t try to do a sequel to cowbell.
I don’t have time to view these at work but I’m looking forward to watching them tonight. I’m also looking forward to all the posts linking to sketches that should have been on the list.
Thanks for the post! Mmmmm… ass pennies.
posted by bondcliff at 8:36 AM on April 10, 2008
I don’t have time to view these at work but I’m looking forward to watching them tonight. I’m also looking forward to all the posts linking to sketches that should have been on the list.
Thanks for the post! Mmmmm… ass pennies.
posted by bondcliff at 8:36 AM on April 10, 2008
Yes, some very good material -- and I was pleased to see the Nairobi Trio and Who's on First in there... but where's Lucy's "chocolate factory assembly line" sketch? Where's Red Skelton's "Guzzler's Gin" sketch? Where's Robin Williams's "history of golf" sketch?
Oh well -- pointless to quibble, this is great stuff. Thanks!
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 8:38 AM on April 10, 2008
Oh well -- pointless to quibble, this is great stuff. Thanks!
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 8:38 AM on April 10, 2008
Small quibble - the word association one won't play unless you're in the US.
posted by LN at 8:40 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by LN at 8:40 AM on April 10, 2008
Peter Cook and Dudley Moore's "The Frog and the Peach" deserves a list of its own.
Here it is.
posted by grounded at 8:41 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Here it is.
posted by grounded at 8:41 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
That pretaped call-n show is one of my favorite sketch comedy concepts ever. It owes quite a bit (intentional or not) to the Two Ronnies' "Mastermind" sketch.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 8:42 AM on April 10, 2008 [4 favorites]
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 8:42 AM on April 10, 2008 [4 favorites]
Another missing sketch: The State's Dinner with the Muppets has always stayed with me.
posted by blahblahblah at 8:44 AM on April 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
posted by blahblahblah at 8:44 AM on April 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
ass pennies = win
I couldn't help but think of this skit whenever the two businessmen where on screen in (the already hilariously rubbish) Hostel 2.
posted by slimepuppy at 8:45 AM on April 10, 2008
I couldn't help but think of this skit whenever the two businessmen where on screen in (the already hilariously rubbish) Hostel 2.
posted by slimepuppy at 8:45 AM on April 10, 2008
UCB's 'Ass Pennies' sketch was brilliant.
posted by NationalKato at 8:47 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by NationalKato at 8:47 AM on April 10, 2008
Every time I'm in the US, I think 'I've got to check out this Saturday Night Live we hear so much about.' And when I do, it's invariably shit.
That said, let me show my age. No Fast Show? No Big Train? No Brass Eye? (Less surprising there's no Jam.)
posted by Mocata at 8:50 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
That said, let me show my age. No Fast Show? No Big Train? No Brass Eye? (Less surprising there's no Jam.)
posted by Mocata at 8:50 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
The problem with many of the SNL sketches is that they are more funny in concept than in execution. "More cowbell" is funny, but doesn't really make me laugh out loud, and every single one of the SNL sketches is, like all sketches on that show, far too long. Brevity is the soul of wit. It's almost like they feel the need to maximise the use of the set.
And in my opinion, "Who's on First" is probably the best comedy routine ever, and certainly better than the Dead Parrot sketch, which isn't even Python's best. The timing and execution in "Who's on First" is flawless. I'm smiling just thinking of Costello's despondence, on the verge of tears, when Abbott won't understand what he's saying. Then one line later he menaces Abbott with the bat. Man is that funny.
More brilliant A & C.
posted by Pastabagel at 8:51 AM on April 10, 2008 [4 favorites]
And in my opinion, "Who's on First" is probably the best comedy routine ever, and certainly better than the Dead Parrot sketch, which isn't even Python's best. The timing and execution in "Who's on First" is flawless. I'm smiling just thinking of Costello's despondence, on the verge of tears, when Abbott won't understand what he's saying. Then one line later he menaces Abbott with the bat. Man is that funny.
More brilliant A & C.
posted by Pastabagel at 8:51 AM on April 10, 2008 [4 favorites]
I've always had a soft spot for this Kids in the Hall sketch.
posted by shakespeherian at 8:51 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by shakespeherian at 8:51 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
One detail I never noticed on Pre-taped Call-in, until it was pointed out to me, was the state of Cross's hair as the show moves into the past.
posted by Bookhouse at 8:52 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by Bookhouse at 8:52 AM on April 10, 2008
It's so strange seeing Dudley Moore in a humorous context. I'm used to him from Arthur. (XNAP!)
That Two Ronnie's sketch was pretty great but it suffers slightly from from a UI problem, in that the listener has to remember both the previous questions. Whereas pretaped is just...sublime perfection. This is largely to the credit of Cross's acting, which he totally nails.
posted by DU at 8:52 AM on April 10, 2008
That Two Ronnie's sketch was pretty great but it suffers slightly from from a UI problem, in that the listener has to remember both the previous questions. Whereas pretaped is just...sublime perfection. This is largely to the credit of Cross's acting, which he totally nails.
posted by DU at 8:52 AM on April 10, 2008
It's almost like they feel the need to maximise the use of the set.
No, they have to fill 90 minutes. If SNL was just 30 minutes long, it would be 10x funnier.
And I agree, Who's On First beats Dead Parrot hands down. I mean, Dead Parrot is funny, but it isn't simultaneously amazing.
posted by DU at 8:57 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
No, they have to fill 90 minutes. If SNL was just 30 minutes long, it would be 10x funnier.
And I agree, Who's On First beats Dead Parrot hands down. I mean, Dead Parrot is funny, but it isn't simultaneously amazing.
posted by DU at 8:57 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
I've never seen the Four Yorkshiremen sketch at number 32 -- good stuff. I'm going slow because I'm watching the stuff I haven't seen, but this is a much better list than I was expecting. Jim Carrey really sells the hell out of his Vanilla Ice impression, as well.
posted by Bookhouse at 9:02 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by Bookhouse at 9:02 AM on April 10, 2008
The inevitable winning sketch link is to an incomplete clip. Here is a better link.
posted by Daddy-O at 9:05 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by Daddy-O at 9:05 AM on April 10, 2008
Some underappreciated Monty Python sketches:
The documentary on mollusks
The visitors
Flying lessons
posted by martinrebas at 9:05 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
The documentary on mollusks
The visitors
Flying lessons
posted by martinrebas at 9:05 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
As a pretty big Python fan, I can honestly say Who's On First should have been #1. DU has it right. it truly is-- dare I type it-- a comedic tour de force.
posted by Dr-Baa at 9:06 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by Dr-Baa at 9:06 AM on April 10, 2008
Too much SNL. Too much Chappelle. And no Little Britain? No Mitchell and Webb?
posted by mortimer at 9:06 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by mortimer at 9:06 AM on April 10, 2008
And ass pennies is stupid, juvenile, and disgusting. No thanks.
posted by Daddy-O at 9:09 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Daddy-O at 9:09 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
And ass pennies is stupid, juvenile, and disgusting. No thanks.
Sounds like somebody needs a chocolate covered pretzel.
posted by bondcliff at 9:12 AM on April 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
Sounds like somebody needs a chocolate covered pretzel.
posted by bondcliff at 9:12 AM on April 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
Missing: the SNL sketch in which Eddie Murphy goes undercover as a white man
No kidding. 99% of Chapelle's Show rips off White Like Me.
Small quibble - the word association one won't play unless you're in the US.
Here's a transcript. Though you miss Richard Pryor's angry black man delivery and Chevy Chase channeling John Cleese.
Every time I'm in the US, I think 'I've got to check out this Saturday Night Live we hear so much about.' And when I do, it's invariably shit.
It's very hit-or-miss. They go through phases where they have good writing (Tina Fey) and a really tight ensemble (the original cast, the Carvey-Hartman-Myers era), but it's balanced by really shaky years with poor ensembles (mid-80s) and poor writing (mid-80s, right now).
I don't think 30 minutes would be long enough, but cutting it to 60 would really tighten things up.
posted by dw at 9:19 AM on April 10, 2008
No kidding. 99% of Chapelle's Show rips off White Like Me.
Small quibble - the word association one won't play unless you're in the US.
Here's a transcript. Though you miss Richard Pryor's angry black man delivery and Chevy Chase channeling John Cleese.
Every time I'm in the US, I think 'I've got to check out this Saturday Night Live we hear so much about.' And when I do, it's invariably shit.
It's very hit-or-miss. They go through phases where they have good writing (Tina Fey) and a really tight ensemble (the original cast, the Carvey-Hartman-Myers era), but it's balanced by really shaky years with poor ensembles (mid-80s) and poor writing (mid-80s, right now).
I don't think 30 minutes would be long enough, but cutting it to 60 would really tighten things up.
posted by dw at 9:19 AM on April 10, 2008
The funny thing about the SNL "Consumer Probe" one is that the toys she shows at the end, as examples of "safe" toys, would be banned today for exactly the reasons he demonstrates.
posted by chococat at 9:20 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by chococat at 9:20 AM on April 10, 2008
The Upright Citizen's Brigade is like decaffeinated humor. All of the setup and structure is there, it looks and smells like a comedy sketch, but there's never a drop of funny.
posted by Armitage Shanks at 9:21 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by Armitage Shanks at 9:21 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
"More cowbell" is funny, but doesn't really make me laugh out loud
I think it's hilarious, for two reasons:
1. Will Ferrell sells the hell out of it; he's a brilliant physical comedian
2. The rest of the cast trying desperately to keep it together as Ferrell's brilliance comes through
posted by dw at 9:27 AM on April 10, 2008
I think it's hilarious, for two reasons:
1. Will Ferrell sells the hell out of it; he's a brilliant physical comedian
2. The rest of the cast trying desperately to keep it together as Ferrell's brilliance comes through
posted by dw at 9:27 AM on April 10, 2008
With regards to the parrot sketch. My sister in law used to be the vet for John Cleeses
parrot in real life. You will all like to know he takes quite good care of it.
posted by MikeHoegeman at 9:28 AM on April 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
parrot in real life. You will all like to know he takes quite good care of it.
posted by MikeHoegeman at 9:28 AM on April 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
And ass pennies is stupid, juvenile, and disgusting. No thanks.
And here I am, stuck in work, unable to watch it.
posted by Elmore at 9:32 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
And here I am, stuck in work, unable to watch it.
posted by Elmore at 9:32 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
I was so happy to see Ernie Kovacs make the list (and pretty high, too at 7). He was insanely funny, and it's a stone cold shame that so much of his work was lost or destroyed. My dad was a huge fan of his as a kid, crediting him with his love of classical music to this day, and absolutely loves telling me about his one encounter with the comedian. He was passing outside Kovacs' studio in New York, when he saw Ernie leaving the building. Completely star struck, my dad ran up to him, and begged, "Mr. Kovacs! Could you wait here while I run to a store and buy a pad of paper so I can get your autograph?" Ernie just laughed, reached into his briefcase and pulled out a sheet of paper (which turned out to be a page from a script draft) and signed it for him. My father was devastated when his mother threw away the autograph later on.
posted by piratebowling at 9:34 AM on April 10, 2008 [5 favorites]
posted by piratebowling at 9:34 AM on April 10, 2008 [5 favorites]
And ass pennies is stupid, juvenile, and disgusting. No thanks.
posted by Daddy-O
Sounds like someone's got a pocket full of ass pennies.
posted by NationalKato at 9:34 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by Daddy-O
Sounds like someone's got a pocket full of ass pennies.
posted by NationalKato at 9:34 AM on April 10, 2008
Missing from the list: [insert your favorite sketch, which by the way sucks]
Thank you for this post: I'm sure I'll be laughing at some/all of it later today.
And: In Soviet Russia, my pennies have been in your ass.
posted by not_on_display at 9:35 AM on April 10, 2008
Thank you for this post: I'm sure I'll be laughing at some/all of it later today.
And: In Soviet Russia, my pennies have been in your ass.
posted by not_on_display at 9:35 AM on April 10, 2008
Ass Pennies is such a wonderful example of the UCB taking a sketch, holding fast to it's reality, and just cranking up the stakes. That sketch is soooo intense.
This is a very good list, by the way, despite snarky quibbles. I too miss Eddie Murphy's "White Like Me," which was written by Andy Breckman. The only better SNL sketch I can think of is the Chase/Pryor racial epithet sketch.
That's minor quibbling, though, because this is a lot of fun in one place.
posted by YoungAmerican at 9:45 AM on April 10, 2008
This is a very good list, by the way, despite snarky quibbles. I too miss Eddie Murphy's "White Like Me," which was written by Andy Breckman. The only better SNL sketch I can think of is the Chase/Pryor racial epithet sketch.
That's minor quibbling, though, because this is a lot of fun in one place.
posted by YoungAmerican at 9:45 AM on April 10, 2008
During the 80s when I was a student there was the first Comic Releife night... as part of it people voted on the favorite sketch of all time to form a top ten. So there ended up a gang of us in the television room of my hall of residence when the 'inevitable' number one sketch started... now some of us were fairly drunk at the time so we started joining in. However we were shouted down... and everyone watched on in stony silence. Not one laugh. Not one giggle.
That's when I realized the Parrot Sketch is a dead sketch. It is no more. It has ceased to be! It has expired and gone to meet its maker. It is a a stiff! Bereft of life, it rests in peace! If it wasn't being shown endlessly on compilation shows it would be pushing up the daises. Its metabolic processes are now history. It's off the twig. It has kicked the bucket. It has shuffled off its mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleeding choir invisible! THIS IS AN EX-SKETCH!
(Who's On First is shit too..)
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 9:47 AM on April 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
That's when I realized the Parrot Sketch is a dead sketch. It is no more. It has ceased to be! It has expired and gone to meet its maker. It is a a stiff! Bereft of life, it rests in peace! If it wasn't being shown endlessly on compilation shows it would be pushing up the daises. Its metabolic processes are now history. It's off the twig. It has kicked the bucket. It has shuffled off its mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleeding choir invisible! THIS IS AN EX-SKETCH!
(Who's On First is shit too..)
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 9:47 AM on April 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
Is there a better link for the SNL Chase/Pryor Word Association sketch (#15)? That's lovely, but hard to see the amazing facial expressions postage stamp sized.
posted by dawson at 9:54 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by dawson at 9:54 AM on April 10, 2008
Any way to fake NBC's hulu into thinking I'm in the US?
posted by jeffmik at 9:55 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by jeffmik at 9:55 AM on April 10, 2008
^fearfulsymmetry: (Who's On First is shit too..)
No, Shit's the umpire. Who's the only guy on first.
Who?
That's right.
posted by not_on_display at 9:58 AM on April 10, 2008 [6 favorites]
No, Shit's the umpire. Who's the only guy on first.
Who?
That's right.
posted by not_on_display at 9:58 AM on April 10, 2008 [6 favorites]
I thought this was a pretty good list, but I was hoping to see Robert Benchley's "Treasurer's Report," which kills me every time I read it. I guess they couldn't find any clips from Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle.
posted by steef at 10:03 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by steef at 10:03 AM on April 10, 2008
Who's on First (as an example) has the advantage on anything SNL because of its gestation period. Imagine how long A&C had to tinker, perfect, perform, try out on an audience, redo, revise, update, and improve it. Vaudeville bits were developed over months, if not years, and still only seen by a handful of people each time. The SNL folks have a week, get one shot at it, and never get a do-over.
This is to take nothing from the comedic genius of A&C, as they were brilliant. But SNL can also be amazing, when you consider their limitations.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 10:10 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
This is to take nothing from the comedic genius of A&C, as they were brilliant. But SNL can also be amazing, when you consider their limitations.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 10:10 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
FearfulSymmetry: "Who's On First is shit too.."
I've been a student of comedy all my life. Anyone who calls 'Who's On First' shit proves by that statement they are uneducated in the history and practical application of humor. It's like claiming the original King Kong is shit, because the special effects don't live up to today's standards. What utter lunacy. Every other skit on that list owes a debt to Abbott and Costello, bar none. Of course, Abbott and Costello owed a debt to the burlesque comedians they tutored under, whose names have been mostly lost to obscurity.
You have a right to your opinion, FearfulSymmetry. You also have the right to be wrong.
posted by ZachsMind at 10:13 AM on April 10, 2008 [8 favorites]
I've been a student of comedy all my life. Anyone who calls 'Who's On First' shit proves by that statement they are uneducated in the history and practical application of humor. It's like claiming the original King Kong is shit, because the special effects don't live up to today's standards. What utter lunacy. Every other skit on that list owes a debt to Abbott and Costello, bar none. Of course, Abbott and Costello owed a debt to the burlesque comedians they tutored under, whose names have been mostly lost to obscurity.
You have a right to your opinion, FearfulSymmetry. You also have the right to be wrong.
posted by ZachsMind at 10:13 AM on April 10, 2008 [8 favorites]
I am a collector of the short written works of Robert Benchley but I've never found Treasurer's Report to be that funny. "Trout Pelts," however, slays both me and my wife every time. As well as "pretty big...and pretty disagreeable." Oh and pretending to be a "nymph" to fool fishes and also the history of bricks. And many others. Perhaps the trouble is that I generally read them aloud for both of us and columns of numbers don't work too well that way.
However, I'd really love to see some of his video stuff. I've only seen one and it was good. The stills in the books look hilarious.
posted by DU at 10:14 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
However, I'd really love to see some of his video stuff. I've only seen one and it was good. The stills in the books look hilarious.
posted by DU at 10:14 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
I was surprised at how many of these I agree with being on the list. With that said, I'm sure I could come up thirty sketches to replace what's on here. And a month later, I'm sure THAT list would get a total overhaul. I love any of these kinds of top 100s/50s just because it gets me thinking of everything else in the topic I love so much. Plus it's fun to bitch about what ranked higher than your personal faves.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 10:15 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 10:15 AM on April 10, 2008
Aye? Aye? Are you kidding me?
(those of you who know, you'll understand)
posted by GhostintheMachine at 10:18 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
(those of you who know, you'll understand)
posted by GhostintheMachine at 10:18 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Mega-double Nthing all those who note the lack of "White Like Me." If anyone could point to a clip, I'd be sooo psyched!! I've been looking for that for years!!
The best i can offer is the transcript.
posted by deejay jaydee at 10:19 AM on April 10, 2008
The best i can offer is the transcript.
posted by deejay jaydee at 10:19 AM on April 10, 2008
ignore my previous request, that or fave it and mock me mercilessly for years to come
posted by dawson at 10:21 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by dawson at 10:21 AM on April 10, 2008
Don't have the time to check it out right now, but is the "tilted room" sketch in there? ("Have you been drinking?")
Also, I will argue that UCB had several sketches superior to "Ass Pennies." Part of the problem, though, is that each episode was structured with a sort of overarching comedy sketch, with sly references throughout. I'm still a huge fan, though -- I think about the best way to describe their humor is that they take some notion from the dark back corners of the American psyche, crank it up to eleven, and toss it in a room to interact with reality, and see what happens.
posted by DoctorFedora at 10:21 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Also, I will argue that UCB had several sketches superior to "Ass Pennies." Part of the problem, though, is that each episode was structured with a sort of overarching comedy sketch, with sly references throughout. I'm still a huge fan, though -- I think about the best way to describe their humor is that they take some notion from the dark back corners of the American psyche, crank it up to eleven, and toss it in a room to interact with reality, and see what happens.
posted by DoctorFedora at 10:21 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Goddamn, I love the "Pretaped Call in Show" from Mr. Show. It's brilliant on so many levels. Brain meltingly funny. The perfect timing of the "big reveal" at the end floors me every time.
My favourite, by far, on that list.
posted by C.Batt at 10:25 AM on April 10, 2008
My favourite, by far, on that list.
posted by C.Batt at 10:25 AM on April 10, 2008
"...the inevitable winning sketch."
"Dead Parrot", funnier than "Cheese Shop"? I think not.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 10:35 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
"Dead Parrot", funnier than "Cheese Shop"? I think not.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 10:35 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
You have a right to your opinion, FearfulSymmetry. You also have the right to be wrong.
Errr, that was supposed to be a joke...
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 10:38 AM on April 10, 2008
Errr, that was supposed to be a joke...
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 10:38 AM on April 10, 2008
If you liked "Who's on First"...
And if anyone knows a link to "Achy Breaky Head" (Jim Carrey on 'In Living Color'), would you be so kind as to post it, please.
posted by dragonsi55 at 10:38 AM on April 10, 2008
And if anyone knows a link to "Achy Breaky Head" (Jim Carrey on 'In Living Color'), would you be so kind as to post it, please.
posted by dragonsi55 at 10:38 AM on April 10, 2008
"Errr, that was supposed to be a joke..."
Jokes are supposed to be funny, kind sir. ...or madam.
posted by ZachsMind at 10:41 AM on April 10, 2008
Jokes are supposed to be funny, kind sir. ...or madam.
posted by ZachsMind at 10:41 AM on April 10, 2008
The work filters won't let me look at any of the links. What a bummer. I willl look at them at home.
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 10:46 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 10:46 AM on April 10, 2008
Vitameatavegamin.
There is a moment, 3:59 to 4:05, where Lucy is drunkenly looking at the audio guy look at her, that is sublimely, wordlessly funny, and makes me laugh every time I watch it. Genius.
I'd also nominate Chris Walken in the role of Colonel Angus.
Best musical comedy sketch containing mostly nonsense words.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 10:49 AM on April 10, 2008
There is a moment, 3:59 to 4:05, where Lucy is drunkenly looking at the audio guy look at her, that is sublimely, wordlessly funny, and makes me laugh every time I watch it. Genius.
I'd also nominate Chris Walken in the role of Colonel Angus.
Best musical comedy sketch containing mostly nonsense words.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 10:49 AM on April 10, 2008
For some reason, I have always *hated* SNL's word association sketch. I can't even watch it. Nothing beats "Head Crusher vs. Face Pincher" for me.
posted by autodidact at 10:49 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by autodidact at 10:49 AM on April 10, 2008
The SNL word association sketch with Richard Pryor is here. Works in Canada, at least.
posted by maudlin at 10:54 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by maudlin at 10:54 AM on April 10, 2008
I wish that some of the Smothers Brothers sketches made it on, and I'm disappointed that the blurb for the Buckwheat Sings didn't mention that the original Buckwheat wasn't the one with the speech impediment—that was Spanky's little brother.
posted by klangklangston at 10:59 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by klangklangston at 10:59 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
The problem with many of the SNL sketches is that they are more funny in concept than in execution.
I'd have said material of variable quality, stretched out way too long.
posted by Artw at 11:00 AM on April 10, 2008
I'd have said material of variable quality, stretched out way too long.
posted by Artw at 11:00 AM on April 10, 2008
People forget that the reason Who's on First is so f'n brilliant is that Abbott and Costello performed the bit hundreds, if not thousands, of times live on stage and live on radio. The classic clip we've all seen is a finely, finely tuned performance coming only after those hundreds of performances. That's why it's so, so good. It's been honed.
Dead Parrot, on the other hand, doesn't have that luxury. Sure, Cleese and Palin rehearsed the hell out of it, and did it on TV, where they could do retakes, but they don't have the same kind of relentless repetition as A&C. Which, in a way, makes Dead Parrot equally remarkable -- like the difference between a symphony orchestra and an improv jazz ensemble.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:04 AM on April 10, 2008
Dead Parrot, on the other hand, doesn't have that luxury. Sure, Cleese and Palin rehearsed the hell out of it, and did it on TV, where they could do retakes, but they don't have the same kind of relentless repetition as A&C. Which, in a way, makes Dead Parrot equally remarkable -- like the difference between a symphony orchestra and an improv jazz ensemble.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:04 AM on April 10, 2008
Another Kids In The Hall vote: Cyril St. John
brilliantly produced.
posted by 3rdparty at 11:04 AM on April 10, 2008
brilliantly produced.
posted by 3rdparty at 11:04 AM on April 10, 2008
The fifty greatest
Who's on First
That's Numberwang!
posted by Artw at 11:05 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
Who's on First
That's Numberwang!
posted by Artw at 11:05 AM on April 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
I wish that some of the Smothers Brothers sketches made it on...
Indeed. For all their down-home charm, they could be remarkably subversive. The interracial wedding sketch was a classic, ("The rope, please..."). IIRC, they were canceled by CBS for refusing to allow the network to approve of the show's content prior to broadcast.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:10 AM on April 10, 2008
Indeed. For all their down-home charm, they could be remarkably subversive. The interracial wedding sketch was a classic, ("The rope, please..."). IIRC, they were canceled by CBS for refusing to allow the network to approve of the show's content prior to broadcast.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:10 AM on April 10, 2008
The aristocrats is shit as well.
I think Eddie Izzard kind of nails in the doc when he says it's a cutural thing and us Brits jsut don't get it (that said it is shit)
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 11:14 AM on April 10, 2008
I think Eddie Izzard kind of nails in the doc when he says it's a cutural thing and us Brits jsut don't get it (that said it is shit)
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 11:14 AM on April 10, 2008
Yeah, I thought the Bucket Of Truth was way funnier than Ass Pennies, but it takes the full half-hour episode to properly set up the payoff of Captain Lunatic's response after he stares into the bucket.
Yeah, Bucket of Truth is great. I was a pretty big fan of Little Donny back when it aired, too. And the hornless unicorn.
posted by ludwig_van at 11:17 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Yeah, Bucket of Truth is great. I was a pretty big fan of Little Donny back when it aired, too. And the hornless unicorn.
posted by ludwig_van at 11:17 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Went With The Wind never fails to make me laugh. It's all in the delivery. Carol stepped onto the stage wearing that dress, and the audience just lost it.
The Elephant Story is still the best thing to ever be broadcast on television, however.
posted by thanotopsis at 11:18 AM on April 10, 2008 [4 favorites]
The Elephant Story is still the best thing to ever be broadcast on television, however.
posted by thanotopsis at 11:18 AM on April 10, 2008 [4 favorites]
but where's Lucy's "chocolate factory assembly line" sketch?
It ain't a sketch, is all. It's a segment from a sitcom. Not the same thing. Not to study. Not to bring back.
My they-missed-it -- "Slept On His Arms Last Night" from Vacant Lot.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 11:20 AM on April 10, 2008
It ain't a sketch, is all. It's a segment from a sitcom. Not the same thing. Not to study. Not to bring back.
My they-missed-it -- "Slept On His Arms Last Night" from Vacant Lot.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 11:20 AM on April 10, 2008
$240 worth of pudding! Oh, man I loved that sketch. If I remember correctly, that was the first bit of video I saved onto my computer (with a 250MB HD, you had to be selective).
posted by Rock Steady at 11:20 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by Rock Steady at 11:20 AM on April 10, 2008
Pastabagel pointed to Abbott and Costello's brilliant math sketch. Not sure who kiped from who, but I like the nearly-identical-with-different-numbers version from Ma and Pa Kettle.
posted by mrettig at 11:26 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by mrettig at 11:26 AM on April 10, 2008
I find the inclusion of a chicken lady sketch over all the great Kids in the Hall sketches to be odd. It always struck me as aggressively weird without being funny (worse were the two maniacs in bathrobes sketches).
Daddy drank
Another great Kids in the Hall Sketch: Dr. Seuss Bible
posted by Bookhouse at 11:26 AM on April 10, 2008
Daddy drank
Another great Kids in the Hall Sketch: Dr. Seuss Bible
posted by Bookhouse at 11:26 AM on April 10, 2008
I think that Flying Circus and Mr. Show are numbers 1A and 1B of sketch comedy. And a huge part of it was that the shows were designed so that the sketches didn't need to have an ending-- they just sort flowed into each other. Mr. Show was the best at that-- by the end of the episode you couldn't remember how you got there but it was linear. The animations and segues for Flying Circus didn't have quite the same effect, but the absurdist quality of it makes it maybe just better than Mr. Show.
But I think Kids in the Hall is the strong third followed by Day Today/Brasseye. The Chris Morris shows are WAY more consistently funny than KITH, but KITH took a lot of risks with their premises. Often it didn't work and the sketches are flat, and they got too caught up in recurring characters after the first two seasons-- the Headcrusher's really only funny the first time you see him, the Chicken Lady gets old, Buddy Cole turns into anti-humor because the individual pieces go on way too long, (but I never get tired of Gavin). But the original sketches that hit the mark are among the best pieces in all of sketch comedy.
I think the less said about SNL, the better. It's had its moments, but the crap-to-decent ratio is terrible.
posted by Mayor Curley at 11:32 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
But I think Kids in the Hall is the strong third followed by Day Today/Brasseye. The Chris Morris shows are WAY more consistently funny than KITH, but KITH took a lot of risks with their premises. Often it didn't work and the sketches are flat, and they got too caught up in recurring characters after the first two seasons-- the Headcrusher's really only funny the first time you see him, the Chicken Lady gets old, Buddy Cole turns into anti-humor because the individual pieces go on way too long, (but I never get tired of Gavin). But the original sketches that hit the mark are among the best pieces in all of sketch comedy.
I think the less said about SNL, the better. It's had its moments, but the crap-to-decent ratio is terrible.
posted by Mayor Curley at 11:32 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
The best comedy sketches recorded on television or film, perhaps.
However, I've seen enough on stage that was far funnier than most of these (a standout was a live performance of a briefly-reunited Kids In The Hall cast in Los Angeles several years ago) that this mostly reminds me I need to get out to live shows more.
posted by davejay at 11:37 AM on April 10, 2008
However, I've seen enough on stage that was far funnier than most of these (a standout was a live performance of a briefly-reunited Kids In The Hall cast in Los Angeles several years ago) that this mostly reminds me I need to get out to live shows more.
posted by davejay at 11:37 AM on April 10, 2008
oh, and as someone who used to watch Matt Besser, Amy Poehler et al do UCB stuff in Chicago back in the day, I'm glad to see they made the list.
posted by davejay at 11:38 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by davejay at 11:38 AM on April 10, 2008
Is Nerve no longer a sex magazine? I don't know what IFC is like in the States, but here in Canada it's premiering Election this month. A couple months ago Being John Malkovich was receiving their special network premiere. If our downloading makes most of us petty thieves, is it okay for a couple commercial entities to join hands to repackage the uncompensated work of others as link bait?
posted by TimTypeZed at 11:48 AM on April 10, 2008
posted by TimTypeZed at 11:48 AM on April 10, 2008
KITH's "Buddy Holly" should get more respect.
Does anyone remember or have a link to a circa-1985 SNL sketch where Sinatra(Joe Piscipo) is trying to bang Sammy Davis Jr.(Martin Short) in a sauna? I only caught the last couple minutes of it years ago but it still makes me laugh.
posted by bunnytricks at 11:52 AM on April 10, 2008
Does anyone remember or have a link to a circa-1985 SNL sketch where Sinatra(Joe Piscipo) is trying to bang Sammy Davis Jr.(Martin Short) in a sauna? I only caught the last couple minutes of it years ago but it still makes me laugh.
posted by bunnytricks at 11:52 AM on April 10, 2008
SNL is already a 60 minute show. At around the 60 minute mark there's another musical performance and the rest of the time is filled with the worst two or three sketches.
Some episodes are good and some arent. I dont see how its different than most TV, but if they stuck to a 60 minute format then the writers would have more time to churn out a better 60 minutes than a mediocre 90 mins.
posted by damn dirty ape at 11:58 AM on April 10, 2008
Some episodes are good and some arent. I dont see how its different than most TV, but if they stuck to a 60 minute format then the writers would have more time to churn out a better 60 minutes than a mediocre 90 mins.
posted by damn dirty ape at 11:58 AM on April 10, 2008
What about "God Is Dead" by the Kids?
"He had such small hands."
posted by grubi at 11:58 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
"He had such small hands."
posted by grubi at 11:58 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
I didn't list any of the Kids in the Hall sketches in the FPP, because I didn't like their picks very much - Chicken Lady and I'm Crushing Your Head? Okay, I guess. How about Girly Drink Drunk?
posted by blahblahblah at 12:00 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by blahblahblah at 12:00 PM on April 10, 2008
SNL is already a 60 minute show. At around the 60 minute mark there's another musical performance and the rest of the time is filled with the worst two or three sketches.
Of course, that's the time that they occasionaly take a risk on something and accidentaly do something funny.
posted by Artw at 12:01 PM on April 10, 2008
Of course, that's the time that they occasionaly take a risk on something and accidentaly do something funny.
posted by Artw at 12:01 PM on April 10, 2008
Nice. This will take awhile to watch all of these.
I agree with Mortimer that a mention of Little Britain would have been good. Not really representative of their usual schtick, but I think that pirate memory games is a classic in a way in which most modern comedy sketches aren't.
posted by roll truck roll at 12:11 PM on April 10, 2008
I agree with Mortimer that a mention of Little Britain would have been good. Not really representative of their usual schtick, but I think that pirate memory games is a classic in a way in which most modern comedy sketches aren't.
posted by roll truck roll at 12:11 PM on April 10, 2008
Joey Bagels, you RAWK! That was exactly what I've been looking for!
posted by deejay jaydee at 12:12 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by deejay jaydee at 12:12 PM on April 10, 2008
Of course, that's the time that they occasionaly take a risk on something and accidentaly do something funny.
Its interesting you mention that. While I was thinking about tail-end sketches I remember "Debby Downer" was the last sketch on the last episode of the season. Granted, its not top 100 comedic gold, but it was pretty funny. I was a little surprised to see more Debby Downer sketches the next season.
posted by damn dirty ape at 12:13 PM on April 10, 2008
Its interesting you mention that. While I was thinking about tail-end sketches I remember "Debby Downer" was the last sketch on the last episode of the season. Granted, its not top 100 comedic gold, but it was pretty funny. I was a little surprised to see more Debby Downer sketches the next season.
posted by damn dirty ape at 12:13 PM on April 10, 2008
This is all blocked from work for me, but I hope that "Vag Badger" by the Hollow Men, as well as the live version of their mime version of Natalie Imbrulgia's "Torn" made the list.
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:22 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:22 PM on April 10, 2008
Eddie Murphy - White Like Me - Saturday Night Live
You'll need to use hotspot shield if you are trying to view this video from outside of the US
posted by 3rdparty at 12:30 PM on April 10, 2008
You'll need to use hotspot shield if you are trying to view this video from outside of the US
posted by 3rdparty at 12:30 PM on April 10, 2008
Yeah, as good as the "Dead Parrot" is, "Who's On First?" definitely deserved the top spot.
I also would have liked to have seen "Happy Fun Ball" in the list.
posted by quin at 1:11 PM on April 10, 2008
I also would have liked to have seen "Happy Fun Ball" in the list.
posted by quin at 1:11 PM on April 10, 2008
So much I want to add! Such a horribly slow internet connection! So much guilt for being here while I should be working!
I haven't seen King of Empty Promises posted yet. That and (I'm guessing, because I can't load the entire page to check) not enough Exit 57.
posted by six-or-six-thirty at 1:16 PM on April 10, 2008
I haven't seen King of Empty Promises posted yet. That and (I'm guessing, because I can't load the entire page to check) not enough Exit 57.
posted by six-or-six-thirty at 1:16 PM on April 10, 2008
Not a sketch per se, but since we're sharing good stuff this is an amazing scene from Ricky Gervais' Extras.
posted by Flashman at 1:55 PM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Flashman at 1:55 PM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Not sketch comedy, I guess, but still one of my favorites: Fawlty Towers - Germans
posted by sequential at 2:10 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by sequential at 2:10 PM on April 10, 2008
Of course, that's the time that they occasionaly take a risk on something and accidentaly do something funny.
Since the 80s, the last SNL sketch of the night is traditionally the "writers' sketch," a slot they de-facto leave aside for the bits they think are risky or writer-y. There are occasional gems to be had here -- the original Wayne's World sketch made its debut in this slot.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:12 PM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Since the 80s, the last SNL sketch of the night is traditionally the "writers' sketch," a slot they de-facto leave aside for the bits they think are risky or writer-y. There are occasional gems to be had here -- the original Wayne's World sketch made its debut in this slot.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:12 PM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Oh, another thing to be gleaned from the Live From New York book about SNL, is that the lineup is juggled after the dress rehearsal that immediately precedes the live broadcast. If something goes well at dress, it's moved up in the schedule to play earlier in the night.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:13 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:13 PM on April 10, 2008
The best sketch I ever saw on KITH was where the guy keeps getting ham (or some other meat) in the buffet line, and has to go to the hospital for it.
posted by LionIndex at 2:19 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by LionIndex at 2:19 PM on April 10, 2008
I liked Jeopardy, but think Jackie Rogers Jr.'s $100,000 Jackpot Wad is much better.
posted by MtDewd at 4:08 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by MtDewd at 4:08 PM on April 10, 2008
I have to step in here and say that Pirate Memory Games doesn't hold a candle to Disappointed Horse.
posted by darksasami at 4:10 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by darksasami at 4:10 PM on April 10, 2008
No Exit 57, which makes me sad. Surely this sketch deserved some recognition.
And if Hulu and AOL are giving anyone fits (as they are me) here's another White Like Me link.
posted by dgbellak at 5:02 PM on April 10, 2008
And if Hulu and AOL are giving anyone fits (as they are me) here's another White Like Me link.
posted by dgbellak at 5:02 PM on April 10, 2008
Ben Stiller Show:
Yakov Smirnoff's Last Stand
Manson - Lassie Parody
posted by bunnytricks at 5:49 PM on April 10, 2008
Yakov Smirnoff's Last Stand
Manson - Lassie Parody
posted by bunnytricks at 5:49 PM on April 10, 2008
It's not conventionally funny, but the Kids in the Hall sausages sketch is one of the more memorable.
posted by painquale at 5:55 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by painquale at 5:55 PM on April 10, 2008
One of my favorite underappreciated Monty Python sketches: the dirty Hungarian phrase book. Watching it again, I wonder if it was an influence on Borat.
As someone who grew up just south of the Canadian border, and hence could watch the CBC on television, I appreciate all the KITH love. I wish I could find a clip of the Buddy sketch when he manages a lesbian softball team called Sappho's Sluggers. It's in my top 50.
I also liked French Trappers, which starts about 1:30 in. "Nutty Bunnies" is a perfect example of one of their sketches that falls flat, unfortunately.
Honorable mention: skirling, Simon and Hecubus.
posted by A dead Quaker at 8:46 PM on April 10, 2008
As someone who grew up just south of the Canadian border, and hence could watch the CBC on television, I appreciate all the KITH love. I wish I could find a clip of the Buddy sketch when he manages a lesbian softball team called Sappho's Sluggers. It's in my top 50.
I also liked French Trappers, which starts about 1:30 in. "Nutty Bunnies" is a perfect example of one of their sketches that falls flat, unfortunately.
Honorable mention: skirling, Simon and Hecubus.
posted by A dead Quaker at 8:46 PM on April 10, 2008
A note on that Python clip - it's edited. By the BBC, if I recall. The scene where Cleese is in bed with the girls, he claps his hands and says, "Right!", and they do an abrupt cut into the next scene and Idle's voiceover. Cleese originally said, "Right! Now how about a sandwich?" (referring to the sexual position). ...in case you were wondering...
Also, even though it's not the funniest thing ever, here's a clip of Cleese giving the eulogy at Graham Chapman's wake/funeral/thing.
posted by Zack_Replica at 9:15 PM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
Also, even though it's not the funniest thing ever, here's a clip of Cleese giving the eulogy at Graham Chapman's wake/funeral/thing.
posted by Zack_Replica at 9:15 PM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
A few (more than a few?) years back, Cleese and Palin were on SNL and did the "Parrot" sketch, and performed it in such a flat, unenthusiastic manner that I could only surmise that they were being forced to do it at gunpoint. I can't find it online, though...anyone else remember this and how bad it was?
posted by The Card Cheat at 9:23 PM on April 10, 2008
posted by The Card Cheat at 9:23 PM on April 10, 2008
Come on, no Mike Nichols and Elaine May?!
They (and the rest of the founders of Second City) set the standard for much of the stuff on this list. Great writing, great characters and gut-bustingly funny.
I couldn't find any decent audio or video, but In Retrospect, their "best-of" album, is a great place to start.
Check out "Mother and Son," "Adultery," "A Little More Gauze," and...well everything on the album.
posted by PlusDistance at 9:46 PM on April 10, 2008
They (and the rest of the founders of Second City) set the standard for much of the stuff on this list. Great writing, great characters and gut-bustingly funny.
I couldn't find any decent audio or video, but In Retrospect, their "best-of" album, is a great place to start.
Check out "Mother and Son," "Adultery," "A Little More Gauze," and...well everything on the album.
posted by PlusDistance at 9:46 PM on April 10, 2008
Goddamn, I love the "Pretaped Call in Show" from Mr. Show. It's brilliant on so many levels. Brain meltingly funny. The perfect timing of the "big reveal" at the end floors me every time.
OMG. I've never seen that before, and I got so sucked into the sketch I forgot about any "reveal". And you know, it wouldn't have mattered had I remembered, because that was so mind-numbingly awesome.
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 10:18 PM on April 10, 2008
OMG. I've never seen that before, and I got so sucked into the sketch I forgot about any "reveal". And you know, it wouldn't have mattered had I remembered, because that was so mind-numbingly awesome.
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 10:18 PM on April 10, 2008
For UCB, I think Ass Pennies is the best sketch that can be pulled out on its own, although there will always be a special place in my heart for the Unabomber (you silly billy!).
For SNL, I wish they had managed to put in one of Tina Fey's fake ads, either Kotex Classic or Mom Jeans.
posted by SassHat at 10:28 PM on April 10, 2008
For SNL, I wish they had managed to put in one of Tina Fey's fake ads, either Kotex Classic or Mom Jeans.
posted by SassHat at 10:28 PM on April 10, 2008
I like this sketch from the two Ronnies a lot.
And everything from Monty Python.
posted by Pendragon at 1:26 AM on April 11, 2008
And everything from Monty Python.
posted by Pendragon at 1:26 AM on April 11, 2008
I'm surprised that Mr. Spiggott has not been by to note the absence of Pete and Dud's One Leg Too Few.
Channel 4 in th UK ran a UK-centric 50 best comedy sketches show a couple of years ago. A couple of highlights besides Pete and Dud: Gerald the talking gorilla, going out for an English, Good AIDs vs. bad AIDS
posted by Jakey at 2:43 AM on April 11, 2008
Channel 4 in th UK ran a UK-centric 50 best comedy sketches show a couple of years ago. A couple of highlights besides Pete and Dud: Gerald the talking gorilla, going out for an English, Good AIDs vs. bad AIDS
posted by Jakey at 2:43 AM on April 11, 2008
Ah! Here we go! Hollow Men sketches:
Vag Badger
<>Johann Lippowitz interprets "Torn
And for radio by the Vestibules:
Bulbous Bouffant
posted by Joey Michaels at 4:18 AM on April 11, 2008 [1 favorite]
Vag Badger
<>Johann Lippowitz interprets "Torn
And for radio by the Vestibules:
Bulbous Bouffant
posted by Joey Michaels at 4:18 AM on April 11, 2008 [1 favorite]
Argh - ganked the torn link.
This is the right link to Torn
posted by Joey Michaels at 4:19 AM on April 11, 2008
This is the right link to Torn
posted by Joey Michaels at 4:19 AM on April 11, 2008
I'm surprised that Mr. Spiggott has not been by to note the absence of Pete and Dud's One Leg Too Few.
I thought about jumping in with a few "how could they have missed this" comments, but really, it's so U.S.-centric that's fish in a barrel. It's salted with a perhaps one or two things most Americans wouldn't have seen but it's mostly things that have been carried, if not made, in the U.S. And as others have said, SNL is way overrepresented.
If you were going to do a list that fairly represents British sketch comedy irrespective of whether it ever aired prominently in the U.S., you certainly couldn't leave off "Class", with Cleese, Barker and Corbett...
Otherwise, they do get a lot of points with me for remembering Ernie Kovacs.
posted by George_Spiggott at 8:53 AM on April 11, 2008
I thought about jumping in with a few "how could they have missed this" comments, but really, it's so U.S.-centric that's fish in a barrel. It's salted with a perhaps one or two things most Americans wouldn't have seen but it's mostly things that have been carried, if not made, in the U.S. And as others have said, SNL is way overrepresented.
If you were going to do a list that fairly represents British sketch comedy irrespective of whether it ever aired prominently in the U.S., you certainly couldn't leave off "Class", with Cleese, Barker and Corbett...
Otherwise, they do get a lot of points with me for remembering Ernie Kovacs.
posted by George_Spiggott at 8:53 AM on April 11, 2008
Nichols and May, of course, is an oversight, but not including any Beyond the Fringe is just displaying their ignorance of sketch comedy history. Sad.
posted by haricotvert at 10:13 AM on April 11, 2008
posted by haricotvert at 10:13 AM on April 11, 2008
This is one of the finest MeFi posts ever, by the way. Certainly my favorite YouTube related post ever. I wish I could favorite it more than once.
posted by Joey Michaels at 11:15 AM on April 11, 2008
posted by Joey Michaels at 11:15 AM on April 11, 2008
Needs more Harry Enfield.
Women, know your limits
Son's Boyfriend
Jurgen the German
Merchant Ivory Terminator 3
(Smashie and Nicey was in IMHO his finest hour, but I'm not sure how well it would travel being as it's based an pretty specific bit of British 'culture')
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 3:58 PM on April 11, 2008
Women, know your limits
Son's Boyfriend
Jurgen the German
Merchant Ivory Terminator 3
(Smashie and Nicey was in IMHO his finest hour, but I'm not sure how well it would travel being as it's based an pretty specific bit of British 'culture')
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 3:58 PM on April 11, 2008
It's missing the UCB sketch where a group of friends take turns telling one another the truth. Oh me oh my.
posted by Sticherbeast at 4:42 PM on April 11, 2008
posted by Sticherbeast at 4:42 PM on April 11, 2008
I was thinking of commenting with One Leg Too Few as well - glad to see someone beat me to it. So much better than a lot of what made the list. That said, I forgot how funny the word association sketch is. The tense kind of humor, but so good.
posted by marginaliana at 9:37 PM on April 11, 2008
posted by marginaliana at 9:37 PM on April 11, 2008
I'll show you a thing or two ... or three.
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 10:47 PM on April 11, 2008
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 10:47 PM on April 11, 2008
« Older Asparamancy | Jules Verne Illustrations Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by googly at 8:33 AM on April 10, 2008 [3 favorites]