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 From the AtticRandom Ramblings by T. Owen Stark
I also loved the works of The Marx Brothers, WC Fields, Buster Keaton, The Keystone Cops and all the other great slaptick artists of the first half of the 20th Century. It is an art that has all but disappeared. I think the early days of film, the simpler forms of entertainment and the clumsy, almost comedic look of early film, not to mention Vaudeville lent itself to the success of Slapstick. It is hard to imagine the likes of the Stooges being successful today. There are a few physical comedians out there who are fun to watch. However, the physical aspect is secondary to the written word where true slaptick is physical first. There is a scene in a movie with WC Fields (you can probably find it on Youtube if you type; WC Fields Golf or Golfing). It is one of the funniest bits in film history and it is purely physical. In the 70's, there were midnight showings of the 3 Stooges in movie theatres. They would put together 6 episodes and the theatres always seemed to be pretty full. I would talk my Buddies into coming along and though they never seemed eager to go, they always ended up enjoyong themselves. I believe there are millions of 3 Stooges addicts just dying to see a rebirth of these guys. This brings me to the great news that there is a 3 Stooges film in the works. Never have I wished so hard for a film to be successful. Should it be a hit, is it possible that a whole new era of slapstick might be born? I hate to sound like an old geeze, but there are so many things that todays generation missed. However, I like to use the music industry as an example of how a rebirth can take place if enough exposure is given. Once the older bands became easily accessible through Youtube, Itunes, etc., these bands experienced new life. This is why you have Aerosmith, The Stones, The Who, Rush (although they never stopped) experiencing success into their late 50's and 60's. It is because todays music does not compare, plain and simple. Perhaps comedy will experience this renaissance as well. Let's hope so!!
Tom Owens was born in Washington DC. After living in Maryland for many years, he became a single parent and now resides in Virginia with his children who are the first 3 loves of his life. The other three are music, movies and The Washington Redskins. Tom also dabbles in poetry. You can read more of his poetry at http://starkimages.blogspot.com/ Send Tom a message either directly or using the Word Catalyst feedback form. For more from Tom visit the Word Catalyst archives or his online home. |
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I still remember coming home from grade school
just in time to plop myself down in front of the TV, ask my mom
to make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and chocolate milk
and watch the 3 Stooges. My dad was usually doing the crossword
from The Washington Post and having his coffee and cigarette.
It wouldn't take long for me to start laughing uncontrollably.
Dad would walk over and ask what in the world did I find funny
about the 3 Stooges, routinely insisting that they did nothing
but slap each other the whole show. Then I'd point out how the
art is in the slap, the set up. Dad would then shake his head
and return to his crossword, again unconvinced. The 3 Stooges
literally made me laugh until I hurt. I would, on occasion be
forced to turn off the TV until I could catch my breath and allow
my side to stop hurting. The saying; 'laugh until your side hurts'
has merit.
Cheshire Cat
Songs of
