Shows
spookylorreGeorge Jessel is UN-PC with his Persian - Egyptian - Jew joke Times HAVE changed. Decades ago, "The Toastmaster General" used to tell this joke to audiences all over America. Now, it might be considered offensive to Iranians (Persians now), Egyptians and Jews! (This recording was intended to be used on a fund-raising album of comedians telling funny stories). Go ahead, Georgie....
2019-04-1801 min
spookylorreJack Benny offers his favorite phone story Is there a difference between irritation and aggravation? Here's an old classic told by JACK BENNY
2019-04-1802 min
spookylorre"THE" ERIC BUTTS "TOP TEN REACTION FACES" (an unauthorized selection) What a phenomenon: Youtube “REACTION” videos.
Yes, couch potatoes want to watch other couch potatoes REACT to a) movie trailers or b) packages they opened from Amazon so you can SEE what they BOUGHT.
You Tube has taken monetization AWAY from people who post historical clips, public domain pop culture, and anything that might possibly be of interest to intelligent people.
Trying to complete with Netflix, YOUTUBE seems to encourage amateurs to perform dangerous stunts that could get themselves killed. Wearisome off-key cover versions of hit songs are still plentiful. YOUTUBE will pay egomaniacs to rant about sports events or poli...
2019-04-1701 min
spookylorreHogan's Heroes Werner Klemperer & John Banner sing Silent Night Stille Nacht + Robert Clary LeBeau Here's an example of a "timing strip" well placed. It's so far in the corner it's not too distracting, even with the madly revolving count of each fraction of a second.
Christmas songs from...two and a half Jews! Yes, John Banner and Robert Clary were both Jewish. Warner Klemperer was half-Jewish. Clary was a concentration camp survivor. If they didn't think their sitcom was "offensive," or disrespectful, maybe it wasn't.
John Banner and Werner Klemperer step up to sing "Silent Night" in the original German ("Stille Nacht") and Robert Clary follows with a quickie in French.
2019-04-1202 min
spookylorreSONG OF THE NAIROBI TRIO ERNIE KOVACS aka Solfeggio - STEREO george cates Here's the stereo GEORGE CATES version of "Solfeggio," which Cates (and most) called "Song of the Nairobi Trio." The song was written by Robert Maxwell, and gained fame when used by Ernie Kovacs and his varying rubber-masked musicians.
2019-04-1002 min
spookylorrePAUL FREES sings LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH as Funny Face Drink Jolly Olly Orange Pillsbury was slightly un-PC when they made "Funny Face" drinks using ethnic caricatures, such as "Chinese Cherry" and "Injun Orange." Come to think of it, "Freckle-Face Strawberry" wasn't so funny either!
"Injun Orange" was switched to "Jolly Olly Orange," and voiced by Paul Frees. Pillsbury offered commercials, promo records, even novelty mugs, but their "Funny Face" line dried up.
Here's the immortal Mr. Frees doing a minute novelty called "LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH" as Jolly Olly Orange. This voice may remind Frees fans of his "Big Jim Buchanan" voice used years earlier (notably on a Stan Freberg cover of "Money Money...
2019-04-0900 min
spookylorrePeter Lorre does THE ZOMBIES - JUST OUT OF REACH "It's the year of the ZOMBIES." The Hall of Fame rock group gets a cover from the ghost of PETER LORRE, on the Colin Blunstone-penned "JUST OUT OF REACH."
2019-04-0702 min
spookylorreMichael Jackson & Prince Charles - Quotes "Filled In" by British Comedy Wiseguys ISIHAC The last lines from Michael Jackson and Prince Charles quotes .. are filled in by the panel of I'M SORRY I HAVEN'T A CLUE (the long-running British radio show). Some of their Jacko gags on this 2004 broadcast are more than timely in 2019.
2019-03-1405 min
spookylorreDON RICKLES REBUTTAL - finale to the 60's friars roast event (Rickles Part 3) After Flip Wilson, Jack E. Leonard, Johnny Carson and all the guests took their shots...here's DON RICKLES. (Also check Part 1 and Part 2)
2019-03-1410 min
spookylorreBURTON SISTERS Yiddish singing duo Rose and Lynn Goldman were born in Philadelphia, and entertained for the USO during World War 2. They became the Gordon Sisters, but a manager wasn't thrilled. Rose recalled: "When we were working the Borscht Belt — everyone did the Borscht Belt — the manager with one of the other acts came to us and said, “I’d like to manage you kids. Gordon Sisters isn’t a good name for you.” He had on his desk a bottle of Gallagher and Burton, the whiskey. And he said, “OK, you’re the Burton Sisters.” The rest is Borscht Belt history. The duo signed with RCA Victor in...
2019-02-1602 min
spookylorreMENASHE SKULNIK DOCTOR SONG Yiddish Vaudeville Star A rare chance to see one of the greats of Second Avenue Yiddish Theater.
2019-02-1603 min
spookylorreYiddish Comedy and Songs: Maxie MAX WILNER and Mary Forest MAX WILNER offers some Borscht Belt comedy from the early 50's, followed by music from Mary Forest.
2019-02-1608 min
spookylorreFYVUSH FINKEL comedy sketch - early Catskills comedy + bonus standup FYVUSH FINKEL in a very early comedy sketch. And...a bonus comedian turns up for some stand-up, too!
2019-02-1610 min
spookylorreBill Maher Jan 25 2019 - STAN LEE EDITORIAL - taking on Comic Book and Cosplay clowns Bill Maher probably didn't have the "timing" right. The death of Stan Lee might not have been the best time to scold people for dressing up in Marvel hero outfits and obsessing over comic books and "action" figures. A few months later...and here's Bill's rebuttal, and it's a sharp one. No, he wasn't snarking about Stan Lee the person, but the comic book world in general. (The Ann Coulter joke...Coulter was the lead guest on this episode of "Real Time," so any Marvel fan who is also a Coulter hater had to be doubly annoyed). As Shatner once...
2019-01-2906 min
spookylorretragic KENT ROGERS - Warner Bros. mimic (doing Gary Cooper, Bergen & Charlie McCarthy) Here’s a rare glimpse of KENT ROGERS (1923-1944).
The young man had a brilliant future in celebrity impressions and voice-overs. One of his best surviving achievements is voicing almost all the male stars in “Hollywood Steps Out,” a 1941 Tex Avery Warner Bros. cartoon. (It's been posted on YouTube by another uploader). He was a perfect Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Peter Lorre, Kay Kyser, Ned Sparks and Groucho Marx.
He gave the bird to Warner Bros as “Beaky Buzzard” and “Henery Hawk” and also voiced Woody Woodpecker for some Walter Lantz cartoons.
You’re watching Kent’s scene from “All American...
2019-01-1803 min
spookylorreNYC MARATHON - New York City Marathon Highlights (?) Goofy Moments... Here's a video souvenir of the NEW YORK CITY MARATHON, November 4, 2018. Congratulations to the runners, and the crowds on the sidelines who drank beer, shouted "WOO" and became part of the show. PS, YouTube DEMONETIZED thousands and thousands of uploaders. Nobody knows why. YouTube is owned by Google and they refuse to have a working phone number, answer e-mails, or even have someone moderate the YouTube forum. YouTube is rich enough and nasty enough to suddenly "fire" people who have built up 5,000, 15,000 even 50,000 subscribers, and gotten MILLIONS of hits. It's not exactly the nicest way to treat employees who are...
2018-11-0906 min
spookylorrePat Buttram roasts ZSA ZSA GABOR comedy roast fun The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Ronald L. Smith's Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE.
You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Zsa Zsa is being roasted by Pat Buttram, who once played "Mr. Haney" opposite Eva Gabor's "Mrs. Douglas" on "GREEN ACRES."
2018-10-3009 min
spookylorreHenny Youngman roasts ZSA ZSA GABOR -comedy roast fun The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Ronald L. Smith's Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE.
You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Zsa Zsa Gabor is being roasted by the king of the one-liners, Henny Youngman
2018-10-3003 min
spookylorreRICH LITTLE ROASTS DILLER wild comedy roast fun The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Ronald L. Smith's Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE.
You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Phyllis Diller is being roasted by Rich Little
2018-10-3013 min
spookylorreALAN KING goes after BILLY CRYSTAL comedy roast The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Who's Who in Comedy by Ronald L. Smith) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE.
You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where ALAN KING is roasting his pal Billy Crystal
2018-10-3007 min
spookylorreGARRY SHANDLING goes after BILLY CRYSTAL COMEDY ROAST The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications, Facts on File, and Ronald L. Smith (author of Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE.
You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Billy Crystal is being roasted by his pal Garry Shandling
2018-10-3007 min
spookylorreROB REINER roasts BILLY CRYSTAL - rare comedy roast fun! The SPOOKYLORRE channel, in association with Rave Communications and Facts on File (publishers of Ronald L. Smith's Who's Who in Comedy) is proud to present rare and educational comedy material NEW to YOUTUBE.
You're the INSIDER here...invited to the banquet where Billy Crystal is being roasted by his pal Rob Reiner.
2018-10-3007 min
spookylorreRobin Williams & David Letterman jab BILLY CRYSTAL! Comedy Roast It's all in good fun -- some wild moments from the Billy Crystal roast, which was hosted by Rob Reiner
2018-10-2406 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan #18 Dateline (to DIE!) J. Carroll Naish An innocent man will be executed unless Charlie Chan can help! This episode directed by Leslie Arliss, produced by Leon Fromkess, Written by Richard Grey, with: Robert Raglan, Richard Caldicot, John Stratton, Mary Laura Wood, Oliver Burt, Arthur Howard and Hugh Williams.
2018-09-2424 min
spookylorreCITY BOY 5705 Performed LIVE in Boston Sep 18, 1978 AUDIO-to-VIDEO Yes, a strange hybrid here.
The video of 5705 is fine, but since they did a lip sync to the original music, the soundtrack can't be posted (it's available for sale on iTunes etc.) SO....
Subbing for the original music, and much rarer of course, is CITY BOY's live performance in Boston, September 18, 1978. It's been matched up fairly well to the visuals.
These guys were powerful performers on stage, and you can hear the extra energy here, as opposed to the studio version. Lol Mason's often darkly humorous intros also made seeing them live very special, and "Dinner at the Ritz"...
2018-09-2403 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan #15 Backfire - a MUMMY, too J. Carroll Naish A mummy and a lot of mysterious secrets keep Charlie and #1 son busy in this one. Co-stars are James Hong, Bruce Seton, William Franklyn, Virginia Keiley, Harold Scott, Amy Dalby and Rupert Davies. Script by Richard Grey. Directed by Don Chaffey.
2018-09-2425 min
2018-09-2425 min
spookylorreMeet McGraw with FRANK LOVEJOY : "The Fighter" boxing "fix" drama What's eating the boxer before the big fight? Dames? Gangsters? Fear? It's up to McGraw to investigate.
This episode has some classic character actors, including oily, thin-mustache'd Lou Krugman as "WAYGO," and comic weasel Sid Tomack as Pete the newsstand guy. Plus Perry Lopez, Joe De Santis, Sue England, Jan Harrison and Michael Fox. Script by Seeleg Lester, who would go on to supervise the Perry Mason scripts.
2018-09-2425 min
spookylorreABBOTT AND COSTELLO Classic BITS (2 10's for a 5) + Lizabeth Scott Bud and Lou are taking a train to New York to do a sketch with Lizabeth Scott. On the way, Bud does the "pick a number" bit, and "two tens for a five."
Amid the tried-and-true routines, here's Lizabeth Scott (constantly called "ELIZABETH" by Lou). Maybe THAT is why she plants a kiss on Bud instead. WOW. Wordplay? Yes, you get that, too, as Lizabeth (catchier first name than her real one, Emma) confuses Lou with her "mules."
No songs or filler, just pure "lay it in their laps" (as Bud used to say) comedy gold!
Script by veteran A...
2018-09-2322 min
spookylorreBonanza DAN BLOCKER & Cara Williams All American couple sketch comedy Dan Blocker gets a chance to leave the Ponderosa and show his talents in sketch comedy. Probably the most beautiful sitcom star of the Golden TV era was Cara Williams, who had a hit with "Pete and Gladys" opposite Harry Morgan. Several others were like Cara, and tried to get laughs without losing their dignity. These include Ann Sothern, Donna Reed and Betty White. The straight man here is Henry Fonda!
2018-09-2308 min
spookylorrePAUL LYNDE the CAMERA BUG - the neurotic family man Paul, now famous for "Bye Bye Birdie" as well as his "sick comedy" album "Recently Released," plays a tense family man who is also a compulsive shutterbug. Paul's vinyl is reviewed and anntated in "The Goldmine Comedy Record Price Guide," and his story in "Who's Who in Comedy" and "Stars of Stand-Up" all by comedy authority Ronald L. Smith
2018-09-2304 min
spookylorreDICK VAN DYKE as a TV SET comedy monologue 1962 When television first appeared, some were worried that "they can see us." No, no, that's your computer, which can turn on its video camera and spy on you! In these more innocent days, DICK VAN DYKE plays it for laughs, as the all-seeing TV. Why, he was at the zenith of his comedy powers.
2018-09-2303 min
spookylorreJoey Heatherton vs Vivica Lindfors "Night Shift" stunning "The Nurses" drama Zina Bethune Broadcast September 27, 1962. It's a difficult night for the student nurses, as Mrs. Yanopoulos (Viveca Lindfors, in a powerful performance) faces possible death due to a difficult pregnancy. Meanwhile, her pregnant roomie, venomously sulky Joey Heatherton, is making matters worse.
Zina Bethune stars as student nurse Gail Lucas, and Spookylorre dedicates this episode to her. After "The Nurses," Zina became involved in teaching dance, founding Bethune Theatredanse and then Dance Outreach, which gave disabled kids a chance to express themselves. Her untimely death at age 66 came when she saw a wounded animal on Forest Lawn Drive near Griffith Park. She stopped...
2018-09-2250 min
spookylorrePhil Ochs Phun Satire Songs Pete Seeger Oscar Brand Fred Hellerman Weavers The genius Phil Ochs wrote all kinds of songs, including satirical ones. Here are two that lightened up the 1976 Felt Forum Tribute Show, which featured brilliant, serious performances by Tim Hardin, Dave Van Ronk, Jim Glover, Melanie and many others.
Oscar Brand, who died at age 96 in 2016, was a legend. He re-discovered and adapted folk songs (including his series of “Bawdy” ones) and made dozens of albums. He also had an incredibly long-running radio show that gave exposure to both the traditional folkies, and the new wave that included Phil Ochs and Judy Henske. As many have done, Oscar chooses to u...
2018-09-2006 min
spookylorreLife With Elizabeth BETTY WHITE - Incidents! Antiques, Going Out,, and Mr Fuddy The old 50's sitcoms were formulated: an entire episode to one situation. "Life with Elizabeth" often tried to be different. Here, several different situations make up the show: a problem with buying weird antiques, the joys of going out, and lastly, wackiness with Mr. Fuddy (played by Ray Erlenborn). "Life with Elizabeth" should've lasted longer than it did (1953-55).
2018-09-2025 min
spookylorreLIFE WITH ELIZABETH Save The Lobster & Take a Vacation Betty White, known for her love of animals, shows her PETA-leanings early in her career! On this sitcom (1953-55) she demonstrates the warmth and caring that endeared her to so many fans. She feels sorry for the lobster that she's supposed to cook for dinner, and even gives him a name....
2018-09-2025 min
spookylorreLIFE WITH ELIZABETH Newlyweds Wacky Biscuits BETTY WHITE Betty's first sitcom (1953-55) shows she already had the charm and beauty of a star. The bits of "mime" go back to the silent day (announcer Jack Narz talking directly to Elizabeth) but the comedy is in the new mode of "TV sitcom." And what situations she gets into....
2018-09-2025 min
spookylorreMeet McGraw - Frank Lovejoy - The Ballerina - crime noir with guest Hans Conried To the old bar tune "One for my Baby (One More For The Road)" we "Meet McGraw." He's a crime fighter played by Frank Lovejoy (1912-1962). Frank's best known for noir movies ("In a Lonely Place," "The Hitch Hiker") and radio fans might remember "Night Beat." The Bronx born tough guy lasted battled "Broken Arrow" and "To Tell The Truth" for viewers, and a hard boiled detective show seemed like a good alternative. After 42 episodes (1958-59) the show ended, and oddly, few of them have survived in good condition.
Lovejoy said at the time, "I kind of like this guy...
2018-09-2025 min
spookylorreOwen Marshall Counselor at Law - Shadow of a Name Farrah Fawcett Arthur Hill is back in the courtroom as Owen Marshall. Lee Majors is his right hand man. Guest stars Barry Sullivan, John Larch and Tim Matheson. Directed by Harry Falk. It's death at the frat house -- and you'll recognize Ed Begley Jr. at the opening scene's frat party. Farrah makes a brief appearance at the beginning, too
2018-09-1943 min
spookylorreEddie Fisher and Louis Armstrong "Birth of the Blues" They slap each other five. They're having a good time, this Jewish nightclub singer and this Black trumpet player and vocalist. Sounds like harmony. They're singing about New Orleans and The Birth of the Blues
2018-09-1802 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan #13 Circle Of Fear J. Carroll Naish Written by Tony Barrett, and featuring #1 son James Hong, plus Patricia Burke, Leonard Sachs, Tom Macaulay, Arnold Marle, Keith Pyott and Rupert Davies
2018-09-1825 min
spookylorreThe Betty White Show 1958 Jimmy Boyd Sings + Gloria Talbot Frank Nelson Betty White's genius begins 60 years ago, when she breaks the mold of sitcoms (her previous "Life with Elizabeth") and comes up with a sitcom-variety show that's part sketches and part songs. Her cast includes formidable foil Reta Shaw, Jack Benny's loopy pal Frank Nelson, and novelty singer Jimmy Boyd. Also here, spooky beauty Gloria Talbot and Sheila James (later of "Dobie Gillis" and "Broadside") and one of the first "out" politicians, still with us at 77 and known as Sheila Kuehl
2018-09-1823 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan #17 A Hamlet In Flames - J. Carroll Naish The co-stars in this episode are Raymond Huntley, Walter Gotell, Carl Jaffe, Dervis Ward and Tony Thawnton.
2018-09-1825 min
spookylorreThe Betty White Show 1958 sitcom-variety w/ Reta Shaw, Hanley Stafford 60 Years ago, and several years after her first sitcom "Time for Elizabeth," the legendary Betty White had her name in the title of a new show. "The Betty White Show" was an interesting hybrid of sitcom sketches and sometimes songs.
2018-09-1817 min
spookylorrePeggy Lee 1954 You Didn't Do Right By Me & From This Moment On The great Peggy Lee, performing live at the Hollywood Bowl
2018-09-1805 min
spookylorreLarry Storch's brother Jay Lawrence Stand Up 1954 Jay Lawrence (born Jay Storch, April 24, 1924 – June 18, 1987) gained some fame, as his brother Larry did, via mimcry. Larry invented the "Judy Judy Judy" trademark for imitating Cary Grant. Jay got a few minutes in "Stalag 17" to do some mimicry to amuse the prisoners of war. The following year, he made this appearance on the Colgate Comedy Hour. "Jay Bird" was also a disc jockey at KYW-AM in Cleveland, and had guest spots in sitcoms including "Get Smart" and "Mayberry R.F.D."
2018-09-1807 min
spookylorreRodney Dangerfield George Takei Tony Randall Bob Barker for CHRISTMAS SEALS Vintage PSA's from No Respect Rodney Dangerfield, Half of the Odd Couple Tony Randall, The Price is Right's Bob Barker, and Star Trek's George Takei
2018-09-1702 min
spookylorreJackie Mason - sample some CHICKEN SOUP with Lynn Redgrave When Jackie was hot...somehow his attempt at a sitcom was not. Was it really given a fair chance? NO. It was considered as quirky as Dr. Brown's Celery Tonic. Jackie was used to this. His amusing Broadway sitcom "A Teaspoon Every 4 Hours" only had one performance (a crime, considering he was funny and Lee Meredith was gorgeous) and his movie "The Stoolie" was underappreciated at the time. Jackie Mason: a unique, original comic personality.
2018-09-1523 min
spookylorreBetty White - the first sitcom - LIFE WITH ELIZABETH The Golden Girl, Betty White has had a variety of sitcoms, playing it mean ("Mary Tyler Moore Show") or lovably bewildered. In between she's done hilarious commercials, taught dance via record albums, starred in dramas, and of course, was the Queen of Password. Here's her first sitcom, to the right of manic Lucille Ball, and gently askew from Cara Williams and Donna Reed and other housewives
2018-09-1525 min
spookylorreWEIRD AL YANKOVIC meets Grim Shatner for Dramatic Interview The serious side of Weird Al is explored by the man who also sought out new civilizations! An interesting therapy session here.
2018-09-1521 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan #12 Death At High Tide #12 in the series, teleplay by Lee Erwin, original story by Kenneth Enochs, featuring James Hong, Ivan Craig, Victor Beaumont, Peter Dyneley, Lisa Daniely, Thomas Gallagher and Henry Vidon
2018-09-1525 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan #11 The Final Curtain #11 in the series, written by Gene Wang, and featuring James Hong, Patricia Marmont, Mary Steele, Rupert Davies, David Oxley and John Longden.
2018-09-1525 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan The Secret Of The Sea J. Carroll Naish Co-stars in this Charlie Chan episode are Philip Ahn, John Beradino, Jean Willes and Harry Shannon
2018-09-1326 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan - The Great Salvos Hans Conried J. Carroll Naish HANS CONRIED is "The Great Salvos" the amazing nightclub entertainer - before he hosted "Fractured Flickers" or played "Snidely Whiplash" or "Uncle Tonoose." Also in the cast: Maria Palmer, James Hong, Ralph Moody, Damian O'Flynn and Pat Colby.
2018-09-1326 min
spookylorreJERRY LEWIS helps polio victim RONNIE DEAUVILLE "KING OF FOOLS" Heres's the special promotional announcement Jerry Lewis sent to radio stations, promoting Ronnie Deauville. The handsome, talented singer's career seemed doomed when he was struck down by polio. His return to singing was a miracle. Signed to Era Records, he offered up a new single which Jerry promoted on radio and TV. Jerry sent radio stations a single: his message on one side, and Ronnie's new song on the other. Due to clearance issues, that song isn't available for YouTube use, so another great one, "King of Fools" is substituted. Ronnie made several TV appearances, mostly with the camera focused...
2018-09-1303 min
spookylorreGROUCHO MARX helps you survive an ATOM BOMB ATTACK "Ayyy, boss. What happens if there's an A-Bomb attack?" "Revelli, all you need to know is in this 60 second bit of advice from Groucho!"
2018-09-1301 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan - The Patient in Room 21 - Honor Blackman J. Carroll Naish Another vintage episode, this one directed by Don Chaffey and produced by Rudolph Flothow. Featuring James Hong and Peter Dyneley. And yes, James Bond and vintage Avengers fans, here’s an early (1957) appearance for Honor Blackman
2018-09-0926 min
spookylorreMarilyn Michaels as Barbra Streisand & Connie Francis John Byner & Rich Little do Dean Martin Comedy and song: Sheila MacRae opens with her Dinah Shore. John Byner and Rich Little double down with their Dean Martin mimicry. Marilyn Michaels trumps them with 3 Queens: Eartha Kitt, Connie Francis and Barbra Streisand
2018-09-0807 min
spookylorrePLAYTEX BRA AND GIRDLE ADS - Vintage Spots incl Jane Russell & Bernadette Peters A worried Bernadette Peters learns about "slightly padded" bras, while confident Jane Russell extols the benefits of a bra for the "full figured" woman. Playtex also made what comedian Davey Bold called "hinder binders," and you see a few choice items guaranteed to make it look like at least five pounds have been magically removed from milady's torso. Yes, the Playtex "LIVING" Bra is on display, too.
2018-09-0803 min
spookylorreJack Burns and Schreiber the PANHANDLER + Playtex Bra and Girdle ad The comedy team of Jack Burns and Avery Schreiber -- this time, it's their "PANHANDLER" bit. They would soon become political and record a Watergate comedy album. For more on Burns & Schreiber vinyl, check out the annotated Goldmine Comedy Record Price by comedy expert Ronald L. Smith. After the routine, a vintage Playtex ad followed. What nostalgia.
2018-09-0806 min
spookylorreNew Adventures of Charlie Chan - Your Money or Your Wife Virginia Gregg J. Carroll Naish Virginia Gregg, Liam Sullivan, Lowell Gilmore and Dayton Lummis are in the supporting cast for this Charlie Chan adventure. J. Carroll Naish stars. Teleplay by Richard Grey.
2018-09-0826 min
spookylorreThe NEW Adventures of Charlie Chan - The Lost Face with Dabbs Greer J. Carroll Naish took over from the film versions Warner Oland, Sidney Toler and Roland Winters. Like TV's first series Sherlock Holmes (Ronald Howard), Naish's Chan mysteriously vanished when it could have settled in for a few years of fun. Character actor Dabbs Greer is the major guest star in this episode.
2018-09-0826 min
spookylorreBURT REYNOLDS played Hawk "Game with a Dead End" Kidnap Case Burt Reynolds' first starring TV role was as John Hawk, a Native American working the night shift as a NYC detective.
Gritty drama was not going to rival Ed Sullivan and Red Skelton, but ABC was developing some tough shows (NYPD, Felony Squad) and critics had liked "Naked City" and "Johnny Staccato" among others.
ABC took a chance, but not much. HAWK ran from September to December in 1966, and was shut down. There weren't enough episodes for syndication. It got one brief re-run as a "summer" series, then went back into the vaults.
It remains, from Kenyon Hopkins' eerie vocalise...
2018-09-0845 min
spookylorreDavid Frye is Howard Cosell & Truman Capote + Frank Gorshin as Cagney Edie Adams as Everyone It's Kopykats time -- intense David Frost is Howard Cosell interviewing Truman Capote. Next up, Frank Gorshin does his Yankee Doodle Dandy imitation of James Cagney, introducing a fleet of ladies...Carol Channing, Marlene Dietrich, Phyllis Diller, Mae West and others...all played by Edie Adams. Edie appeared in only one episode of the show, with the female impersonations usually going to Marilyn Michaels, and sometimes Sheila MacRae and Debbie Reynolds
2018-09-0608 min
spookylorreTom Poston, elevator operator Tallulah Bankhead the prima donna Gentleman Steverino lets guest star Tallulah Bankhead and top banana Tom Poston get the main laughs in this bit of comic claustrophobia.
2018-09-0605 min
spookylorreFrank Gorshin Cable Interview for Batman's Riddler The good thing about low-budget cable shows, is that the guests CHOOSE to be on, and don't have the pressure to perform. They can be themselves. This is pretty much how Frank Gorshin was, if you had a chance to spend time with him; polite, easy-going, not "on," or hiding behind impressions. He did have his own personality, which doesn't fit the stereotype of the desperate mimic or vent.
2018-09-0527 min
spookylorreShecky Greene does JAMES CAGNEY, WALLACE BEERY, more Shecky (Sheldon) Greene may be one of the greatest Vegas comedians of all time. With a late night audience he could build momentum, ad-lib and really kill 'em. Variety TV posed constricting problems, but he still had sure-fire bits he could use. Just why some comics assumed a hand-on-stomach posture...who knows. Encourage belly laughs?
2018-09-0506 min
spookylorreEdward G Robinson AARON COPLAND A LINCOLN PORTRAIT Abraham Lincoln After years of living down his early gangster movies, Edward G. Robinson was ultimately respected as one of the great actors of his time. Unusual for any variety show, here's a chance for some cultural recitation: "A Lincoln Portrait," abridged a bit for the constraints of Prime Time. As usual, the annoying timing strip has been muted, as the flashing numbers can be distracting.
2018-09-0507 min
spookylorreThe Comedy Stylings of .... Jackie Gayle Jackie Gayle was almost a cliche of the 50's-60's stand-up, but he got the job done. He got the laughs. Along with Jack Carter and other Jackies, Jackie Gayle was reliable on tightly-timed variety shows. Considering that these shows often gave a comic only FIVE minutes to introduce, ingratiate and build jokes, what Jackie did was a unique art form. As always, the annoying revolving timing-strip is muted
2018-09-0504 min
spookylorreLouis Nye OH MY - Japanese Girl and the Samurai Outrageous Stand Up Some will cringe at the ethnic comedy here, but what saved Louis Nye, Bill Dana, and others in the 60's was that good nature and not malice was behind the laughs. Broad ethnic comedy is still with us, but apparently ok if somebody ethnic makes fun of their own. Nye was known for his "Gordon Hathaway" fey character on Steve Allen's show, and often performed stand-up satirizing a variety of the button-down Madison Avenue ad-men types. He even made some record albums. (For more on that aspect, check "The Goldmine Comedy Record Price Guide," well annotated, by Ronald L. Smith...
2018-09-0507 min
spookylorreLou Costello daughter Chris Costello on "Lou's on First" book about Abbott & Costello Lou Costello's daughter promotes her wonderful memoir. Also on the show: Robert Walker Jr. (son of Robert Walker and Jennifer Jones) and Michelle Walker, who offers a song between interview segments.
And yes, interviewer Skip E. Lowe was immortalized via Martin Short's parody "Jiminy Glick."
2018-09-0515 min
spookylorreFred Astaire introduces "BIP" Marcel Marceau Marcel Marceau, the Chaplin on stage pantomime, transcended his art form. Even those not too amused by mimes recognized his genius. He was a favorite of Red Skelton, and could charm audiences of all types and nationalities. A war hero, a kind gentleman, an inventive comedian and a perfectionist who rehearsed constantly and also taught others how to perform, Marceau was a truly admirable man.
NOTE: about 4 minutes in, for about 90 seconds, you're hearing "Karl Scheit-Johann Sebastian Bach: Prelude for Lute." If you would like to hear the whole thing, check the CD "Masterpieces Of The Classical Guitar" and other...
2018-09-0508 min
spookylorreThe comedy team of Steve Lawrence and Tim Conway the straw-hat hippie Tim Conway always worked well with others, and in ensemble casts. He recorded two early comedy albums with radio's Ernie Anderson. He was of course part of "McHale's Navy" and "The Carol Burnett Show." Here's Tim as a pretty button-downed hippie! "Do you smoke bananas???"
2018-09-0506 min
spookylorreCorbett Monica a nice guy doing Stand Up Comedy A lot of great stars knew that if Corbett Monica was their opening act, the crowd would be warmed up and smiling. The guy was such a pleasant, inoffensive performer! Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin both used him to open shows, as well as Liza Minnelli, Sandler & Young and the team of Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé. Naturally Steve and Eydie brought him a long when they hosted variety shows. Most also remember him for playing Joey Bishop's manager on Joey's sitcom.
2018-09-0409 min
spookylorreFrank Gorshin as Frankenstein Tony Curtis as Dracula Rich Little as Wolfman Jack Benny Oh, the Halloween Horrors! Creepy comedy!
Let's not spoil the surprises...as some of our "monsters" turn out to have the voices of some well known singers (British and Broadway) and comedians!
For the record, Tony Curtis stars as Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and Frank Gorshin emerges as Frankenstein's monster (Boris Karloff). Somehow Jack Benny and Rochester (George Kirby) get into the dungeon lab, along with Marilyn Michaels. Mad, mad monsters!
And it all begins with Rich Little as a rather fey Vincent Price.
2018-09-0307 min
spookylorreGaslight Parody - Marilyn Michaels as Bette Davis, Tony Curtis as Cary Grant + GERALDINE! In a variation on GASLIGHT, it's the woman trying to drive her husband nuts!
Marilyn Michaels, in full "Peter Peter" mode, plays Bette Davis. Tony Curtis does his favorite (and possibly only) impression: Tony Curtis.
Is Bette trying to drive the man to a breakdown? It doesn't help when her twin is...Flip Wilson's Geraldine (George Kirby) and out of of the blue is somebody singing Frankie Laine's "Mule Train."
It's all introduced by Frank Gorshin as Alfred Hitchcock! Very wacky stuff.
2018-09-0304 min
spookylorreSOME LIKE IT HOT Tony Curtis and Rich Little in Drag Parody Here's some bizarre fun: Rich Little and Tony Curtis "double-date" in drag, playing Daphne and Josephine from "Some Like it Hot."
2018-09-0303 min
spookylorreGeorge Carlin "Hair Despair" poem and Linda Ronstadt Outdoor Show 1971 George Carlin opens with his "Hair" poem -- as he tried to explain his shift from clean-cut comic to a "hippie dippie" favorite on college campuses. He's interviewed, as is Linda Ronstadt, who also performs a song. This is "nostalgia" now, but it sure beats a lot of what's "entertainment" today!
2018-09-0320 min
spookylorreOwen Marshall Counselor at Law - Pat Boone vs the Wife from Hell in "Child of Wednesday" Is Wednesday's child full of woe? Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law was an interesting legal drama. Rather than murders or flashy cases of social issues (Perry Mason, The Defenders, Sam Benedict) the focus was on family drama, people in conflict, and how a caring lawyer can help solve the problems. Pat Boone gives a sympathetic performance as the man fighting against charges that could end his career and separate him from his son. Episode first broadcast November 1973. Nancy Malone co-stars. Lee Majors appears briefly.
2018-09-0343 min
spookylorreGroucho Marx "Hooray for Captain Spaulding" - the last of Margaret Dumont and Melinda Marx What Groucho remembered most about his March 3rd, 1965 appearance on "Hollywood Palace," was that his longtime co-star Margaret Dumont died three days later.
At 82, she looks fine as she once again confronts her nemesis.
Aside from this TV appearance, Groucho recorded “Hooray for Captain Spaulding” on a 10" ep for Decca, which also included, among others, “I’m Dr. Hackenbush” and “Go West,” two novelty songs cut from “A Day at the Races” and “Go West.”
Also recording, for Vee-Jay (aka VJ) was Groucho's daughter Melinda Marx, now 72 (she had a birthday in August of 2018). Her singles were actually pretty nice, but she wasn't that in...
2018-09-0314 min
spookylorreRay Charles and Lena Horne duet via George Kirby and Marilyn Michaels A tribute to Ray Charles and Lena Horne, both very much alive at the time, from those Kopykats GEORGE KIRBY and MARILYN MICHAELS. A bit o' Lena, then a bit o' solo Ray, and then together. (And please, let's not call the PC police on Marilyn. Back then, actresses were allowed to play any type of part, because they were actresses. It's what they did. Billy Crystal used to do a great Sammy Davis Jr.!)
2018-09-0305 min
spookylorreYOU act opposite Steve Martin & Pam Dawber Carl Reiner directs YOU You always wanted to be a star, right? Carl Reiner gives you your BIG CHANCE. His stage directions flash at the bottom of the screen. Your dialogue's there, too.
YOU star in "Johnny Came Marching Home" opposite STEVE MARTIN, PAM DAWBER and MICHAEL YORK.
It's 'Playhouse Minus One," a variation on the old "Music Minus One" record albums, where an orchestra backed YOU playing piano. Or whatever.
Any of you remember the CO-STAR record series? Similar idea. Each record contained a script for you to follow. Vincent Price, Basil Rathbone, Tallulah Bankhead, Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom, Fernando Lamas and others read...
2018-09-0310 min
spookylorreJonathan Winters wigs out on The DINO VINO disc jockey show + Eddie Albert The DINO VINO show has some wacky oldies for you, from "Can't Take My Eyes off Of You" (with Jonny and Eddie Albert in wigs) to an appearance by Kathryn Grayson (Jonny again), Eddie Albert in a Danny Kaye red rug, and a lot more weirdness.
2018-09-0305 min
spookylorre2 ROWLF moments The Muppet Dog Put a Dog in your Life Back to Back segments with ROWLF the comic Muppet dog. Not an insult comic dog, just a pure fun dog. And songs, too. Includes "The Best Things In Life are Free." And, sometimes, free on YouTube.
2018-09-0213 min
spookylorre"insult comic" William Demarest cranky "pull our pants down" humor and a Golf Joke William Demerest was a vaudevillian, an actor in many classic movies (including "The Jolson Story") and replaced William Frawley on "My Three Sons." His surprisingly feisty humor livened up some talk shows. At 87, he's Groucho-honest about the "joys" of old age. He's not too big on nostalgia either. He'd be miserable except he's having a great time getting laughs! That's Estelle Winwood on the left (95 years old, and memorable as the flatulent assistant to Miss Marbles in the late Neil Simon's "Murder by Death"). On the right, Pat O'Brien. No nonsense? Plenty of it, and he leaves everyone doubled over...
2018-09-0208 min
spookylorrePeter Lorre sitcom fun with Gertrude Berg The little spook drops in on Gertrude Berg's chemistry class. No, this isn't "The Goldbergs." Molly Goldberg has left Mrs. Bloom and her neighbors to go to college. This, Berg's second sitcom wasn't a hit, despite the occasional guest star. Peter was born Laszlo Lowenstein, and Gertrude was originally Tillie Edelstein. Lift a stein and salute these two great talents!
2018-09-0224 min
spookylorreThe Rogge Sisters Dance on their Huge Balls - Circus Vaudeville Fun February 1966: one of the rare TV appearances of the legendary Rogge Sisters. Dora, Vera and Gerda appeared in circus shows around the world: Circus Krone in Germany, Circus Knie in Switzerland, Kelvin Hall in Scotland, and Tower Circus in Blackpool, England. When Dora dropped out, Juliette Foster joined up, and they appeared with Ringling Bros/Barnum & Bailey. The act looked easy, but was dangerous. In September of 1963, at a Barnum circus performance, one of the sisters fell off her ball, and needed medical attention. But, worse problems happen off-stage. The act apparently came to an end after a trailer fire...
2018-09-0102 min
spookylorreCatwoman -- incredible Liliane Montevecchi (1932-2018) Cross the Broadway show CATS with, oh, the dancer-legend Catwoman Julie Newmar, and you still don't get Liliane. She was unique. She died June 29th in NYC, at 85. After beginning her career as a ballerina, and getting bit parts in movie musicals, she found fame at the Folies Bergere, and as a Vegas headliner. She won a Tony award on Broadway for "Nine," (1982) and another nomination for "Grand Hotel," (1990) and delighted audiences around the world with her own one-woman show.
2018-09-0104 min
spookylorreBette Davis does Dorothy Parker reading, and does Vince Edwards Bette Davis adds some feminist culture and class to 60's TV via this appearance, and ends up trading some banter with Vince Edwards, aka Ben Casey. But no, she can't get him to say "Dr. Kildare" or "Richard Chamberlain!"
2018-09-0107 min
spookylorreLiza Minnelli dances, whips off her dress and vamps with Vince Edwards Some fun moments here. A typical variety show song and dance takes an amusing turn. And once Liza's turned heads, she does a Rodgers and Hart novelty tune with Vince Edwards
2018-09-0107 min
spookylorreJoan Rivers early comedy and meets Vince Edwards Ben Casey Joan had probably just released her first album, "Mr. Phyllis" (the title bit was about her hairdresser) when she offered this stand-up routine. Toward the end, host Vince Edwards shares some gags.
2018-09-0106 min
spookylorreJack E Leonard Ink Blots and Bolshoi Ballet + Pat McCormick Fat Jack goes country, turning up with Jimmy Dean, and then sketching with Pat McCormick about ink blots. Fast on his feet for a big man, Jack E. Leonard could've been signed by the Bolshoi Ballet. Well...he has some moves
2018-08-2812 min
spookylorreGeorge Carlin chats and does Indian Sergeant 8 months before putting it on (RCA) vinyl George Carlin's first solo album (a previous one featured the comedy team of Carlin and Burns) was recorded November, 1966 in Detroit. It was called Take-Offs and Put-Ons and featured dozens of subway-photo-booth-sized pix of George making faces. George's contract came after his early TV exposure, including this one with his "Indian Sergeant" bit (also on the album) from March of 1966.
2018-08-2806 min
spookylorreKarate Kid star PAT MORITA the self billed "hip Nip" of stand up comedy 50 years ago, Pat Morita billed himself as "The Hip Nip," and his act was all about the novelty of being an Asian comedian.
Tony Randall's awkward introduction shows just how much of a novelty it was. Morita's act was as strongly ethnic as his contemporary Godfrey Cambridge.
His career remained mostly involved in ethnic roles, from "The Karate Kid" to a recurring character on "MASH" who could speak Yiddish and joke about his relative "Pish Posh" and, playing a Korean, not being involved in hari kari ("That's Japanese. We don't do that schtick!")
Great talent, great personality in everything he...
2018-08-2805 min
spookylorreFroggy the Gremlin and the SINGING INSTRUCTOR Vito Scotti ANDY'S GANG Hiya Kids, Hiya Hiya. Here's a classic: FROGGY THE GREMLIN vs VITO SCOTTI as a voice instructor. Froggy's demonic mind control and subliminal suggestions drive Vito nuts! FROGGY may have been the most memorable character in all of 50's television.
I get the idea that loud open-mouthed squeak when he first appeared, was a "'plug" for the 9 inch rubber squeeze toy the Rempel company was selling in toy stores. You could get your very own Froggy, fairly close in size to the one on the show, and if you squeezed it, it would make a loud sound. (So would you...
2018-08-2105 min
spookylorreHumphrey Bogart Sydney Greenstreet : Asian Vaginal Slang C-WORD Well, it sure SOUNDS like Sydney's dropped the C-Word. Might be WW II code....(Bob Dylan says the only ones who'd complain about this Spookylorre YouTube are pussies and wussies...)
2013-03-2300 min
spookylorreLevon Helm - RAMBLE IN THE PALE MOONLIGHT - Charles Lyonhart song Charles Lyonhart's tribute, when Levon was in remission and returned to performing at the Ramble. From the 2011 Charles Lyonhart CD "Outside Looking In." Visit LevonHelm.com and CharlesLyonhart.com. A SPOOKYLORRE VIDEO
2012-09-1303 min
spookylorreTHE CRAZIEST HALLOWEEN children's witch tale read by HEINE SMECK THE CRAZIEST HALLOWEEN children's witch tale written and illustrated by Ursula Von Hippel, and published in 1957. It is read by HEINE SMECK. Produced and directed by Spookylorre. Posted October 25, 2011 for HALLOWEEN.
2011-10-2507 min
spookylorreMARTIN BRILEY She's So Flexible girls fail gymnastics - hot panties Martin Briley made 3 rock videos. This isn't one of them. The Spookylorre tribute to "She's So Flexible" is hopefully in the Briley spirit of irony, humor, wit and vivid rocking. Gymnasts, panty poses and flexible girls in synchronicity with the zeitgeist!
2010-09-0404 min
spookylorreROBERT STERLING in TOPPER That most Sporty of Spirits...a clearer version of the Spookylorre tribute clip to the charming Mr. Robert Sterling.
2009-07-0201 min