Sunday, June 17, 2007

The Martin & Lewis Out takes

If you're a fan of old showbiz, old comedy or "celebrities at their worst" style out takes then you might very well be familiar with this session of profane bliss. But regardless, if you've heard it before or not, it really never gets old. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were in the recording studio taping radio spots to advertise their latest Martin & Lewis picture for Paramount, The Caddy (1953), when they let their true feelings show.

As far as the film is concerned it is a weaker-than-usual vehicle for the comedy duo. One of the film's great problems is its length. At ninety-five minutes the picture is a good twenty minutes longer than most Martin & Lewis films. Even the greatest fan of Jerry's mugging does not have that kind of stamina. However, the film debuted the song "That's Amore" for Dino and won an Oscar for Best Original Song. We also see Martin & Lewis recreate their nightclub act for the film, but under the name of their fictional film characters.


The Caddy is best viewed as a showcase for annonymous character actors - almost as a game for the viewer to determine where they have seen each familiar face before. The hilarious Nancy Kulp who would find fame as the deadpan secretary with the hots for Jethro on The Beverly Hillbillies, has a very early role in the film. Today the movie is best known as the film promoted in this classic out take reel.

The opening scene from the film:

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

CPO Sharkey starring Don Rickles with guests The Dickies

I'm on a real Don Rickles kick right now, so let's watch a bit of his late seventies sitcom, CPO Sharkey (1976-78). He isn't really in the second clip at all, but its footage from the obligatory punk rock episode!

This is Tom Jones Commericial

This footage was originally posted on the amazing Bedazzled TV site that showcases a plethora of rare footage for both online viewing and ordering. Strange commercials, forgotten television shows, oddball celebrity endorsements, and plenty of hard to find garage rock footage abounds over there. Make sure to check it out.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson with guest Jim Henson (1974)

I believe Johnny introduces him as Jim Jenson in this clip. It originally aired in January of 1974, but this performance originated about a decade earlier. The creepy electronic music was composed by Raymond "Powerhouse" Scott.