Tank McNamara by Bill Hinds for May 03, 2014

George and Gracie – virtually unknown these days. Their screwball humour required the audience to think.

Had to add her last name. If he had just said “Say goodnight, Gracie” only old professors and retired dudes would get it.

Other than Groucho and maybe Mel Brooks, I think all of the pre-1970 humorists are unknown to the millennials.

@jbmlaw, Let’s not leave Sid Caesar out of the conversation. Carl Reiner either.

How about Jack Benny and Fred Allen? Or am I showing my age? ;)

Abbot and Costello.

Don’t forget Chico and Harpo, Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges (like the Spanish Inquisition, nobody ever expects the Three Stooges……..)

I find teens who don’t even know George Carlin – and it wasn’t that long ago. Of course, I remember Bob Hope’s comment that “If vaudeville is dead, then television is the box they put it in.” Now no one is doing variety on TV – I think my twin, Carol Burnett, was the last. We were both born April 26, 1933, one degree longitude and three of latitude (Dallas and San Antonio) – a potent argument against astrology.

I remember watching George and Gracie way back in the 50s Interesting how the vast majority of comedians today(excepting a very few) can’t do a set without a lot of cursing. I always watch those comedians who can-like fluffy. No new George Carlin’s around that I have seen(excepting Bill Maher)

I am surprised that no one has mentioned “Mr. Television” Uncle Milty Berle

what about Martin and Lewis?!!!!!..they were funny though Jerry was a jerk sometimes

“Say Good Night Gracie.” – Not retired. Saw some of Burns & Allan stuff via reruns/retrospectives. Though PBS did run a fair number of shows on a regular basis. Jack Benny Show for one.. I understand if you pay for that $1,000 Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby – you get to keep the container. … So?….. anyone want to spot me a bit of coin so I can try a mint julep? .. ;)