In the 1970s I worked in publicity at WABC-TV in New York. One of the men who worked on my floor was a comedy writer for Henny Youngman. Henny would come up after hours to buy jokes from this man but if I was working overtime Henny would wander into my office, plop down & as I looked up he said, "I have some new ones from your friend down the hall, if you don't laugh I won't buy them." Many times I wouldn't laugh but I tried hard not to. The way Henny would deliver the joke was often incredible. But I began to understand the vaudeville comedian genius he possessed in how he would rehearse the pacing of the words in the joke to make it more effective. Now, these weren't always one-liners, Henny had some stories that he told similar to Myron Cohen. When he relaxed he would talk to me about many of the old-timers, Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, how they worked routines out. I got little work done that night. It was fun in those days not knowing who would walk into your office on that floor. PR had many famous actors, politicians, comedians, sports figures, musicians, authors coming, and going. The sad thing is that I have stopped telling many of the stories because many don't believe me. So, I usually stop. Here, I'm anonymous. And it's just a Henny Youngman story. It wasn't a Bob Hope or Lenny Bruce. Most people would say that I must be telling the truth. Who would tell a story about letting Henny Youngman audition material with him late at night in an office? Me. Because it's true. Youngman was quite good. Last of a dying era.
They had a strong ear for one-liners, which is sorely missed from the popular comedy trends. Most of the major comedians are still terrific, but they could push their act even further by adding a few meticulously-designed one-liners in their bits.
I'd never seen this before, although I have seen Berle and Youngman, at different times, many times through the years. I'm a fan of dvd extras, producers, director, actors insight into films. You got my curiosity up to see if I could find more info on the Statler/Waldorf heckling origin story. I couldn't find anything, at the moment, but based on how there were licensing and legal issues regarding making puppets of celebrities, I'm hazarding a guess that the lack of info may be more to prevent any legal issues with the estates of Messrs. Berle and Youngman. I like your comment. If it is true, great and if it isn't, as far as I'm concerned, it's still great. Have a great day.
I think they would be safe from legal issues because it's not the characters that are being copied it's the situation. Two old men in a theater balcony heckling. It's really cool when you look at older movies you often see likey origins like this. When I was watching the Hammer Frankenstein movies I realized that Rocky Horror Picture show was influenced by those rather than the Universal Horror Frankenstein that I was familiar with. That explains why the monster was suspended in a large glass case resembling an aquarium.
I am such a cynic, when it comes to lawyers. I have faith that "they" would find way to make a buck off the situation. Thanks for the Frankenstein input. Something , that Mel Brookes, said in an[y.t.] interview I saw yesterday, came to mind. He was responding to how ideas and concepts came about. To paraphrase, "you find a way to steal [them] from others:)". So it just seems that everyone, at one time or another, is being influenced by someone else or someone else's ideas. It's good for us if we enjoy the result. Check this out. I came across this, totally by accident, while looking and laughing at old segments. I was looking at some avation vids, Ralphie May and John Pinette and came across this. I think you'll like it, if you haven't seen if before. Watch what happens after the sparring with Irving Benson. THE MILTON BERLE SHOW 1966 Irving Benson as Sidney Sphritzer sparring with Berle ruclips.net/video/Sl_nPoJY7Nw/видео.html . Have a great day.
i actually thought it would be a muppet show skit, that statler and waldorf would be sitting next to henny. and i'd guess this bit goes back even further.
These two were actually good friends. There was only two years difference in their ages (Henny was older). This act was probably the way they would perform -- one is the comedian and one is the heckler. I always loved how Milton handled Hecklers
Yet before Muppet show Berle often did routine with heckler planted in audience. When heckler did a good joke Berle said "Gee, I wish I'd said that!" Heckler replied "You will." ☺
Guy sitting next to Youngman is Benny Baker. Character actor in several B movies and later on, on the small screen. Showed up in Perry Mason, F Troop and Surfside 6 among others.
Best Henny Yougman one liner I ever heard, "A guy walks into a Psychiatrist's off and says 'I don't what's wrong with me, Doc, but I just can't seem to make any friends. You've gotta help me, you big fat slob!'"
there are many performers that would never share the spotlight or stage with another performer for fear of being upstaged....but see these guys share the stage with one another n have fun with it.....just wonderful to see...
Timing, pace and delivery. Timing, pace and delivery. Every great standup comedian has to have it, and the jokes have to fit. These stars gave us rapid-fire one liners often delivered in a matter-of-fact fashion, especially Youngman. He sounds like he's reading line from a luncheonette menu until to process what he said and then at precisely the right moment, the next zinger comes along. Fun,fun, fun. Thanks for the post.
Berle repeats that heckling skit on other shows, often with the same jokes, but this one with Youngman is the best. I love the way even the unsmiling plant cracks up when Berle jokes about Youngman's stammered reply. You can see the plant laughing in long shot but he composes himself again.
Milton Berle wrote a book with a lot of his jokes and secrets. He wrote that the “man in the box” skit was a classic vaudeville routine. Too bad today’s comedian’s egos are too big and fragile to pull this off.
@@rand_-mk5lb The man sitting next to Youngman is not part of the audience. He is part of the routine. He has been "plant"ed there for a purpose (to not react to Berle's jokes).
I was the MC at my nephew's wedding. In writing my speech for that , I looked to old time comedy routines, such as in this video, to find material and to find my timing. My speech killed. I just didn't want old tired wedding speech routines that aren't very funny anymore.
Damn, this is hilarious! This is funnier than some of these comedians today. It's clean and just pure I'm entertainment and their deliveries are amazing!
Adam B. Smith in my country Denmark 🇩🇰 we have a beloved comedian and actor called Dirch Passer who in time said “the easy is the hardest.. “ in that making something without cursing, pop culture reference or just keeping it clean is some of the most difficult things to do.. that’s why I actually like cartoons for kids and young people.. you can’t cheat if you making a good show like Gravity Falls is a great cartoon show because they good at the humor and timing..
This is really funny! Great lines and great comedy timing. They were hilarious on Dean Martin Roasts as well. I wonder why there are no comedy teams anymore. I haven't seen one in years. We need another Martin & Lewis team.
this is so funny. scripted, but they were both on the money. I loved when henny slipped at 1:40. milton gave him grief. haha. I am 34 years old. this is my comedy.
Milton Berle also did this bit on the Muppet Show with Statler & Waldorf (the two old cranks in the balcony). It's hilarious. If you enjoyed this video, you'd love that one.
Berle: I'll have tou know I've been a comedian for half my life Woldorf: How come we got this half? Woldorf: Hey Berle, I think I know what your problem is Berle: Yeah, What? Woldorf: You're too close to the audience Berle (steps back): How's this? Woldorf: Farther Berle((steps back again): What about this? Woldorf: A little farther Berle: How far do you want me to go? Woldorf: You gotta car?
Wardlorf: Man I tell ya Statler I feel like it was only yesterday we heckled Milton Berle Statler: Surprisingly enough it was yesterday Wardlorf and Statler: DOHOHOHOHOHOHO
"this was skit I believe and the man to the left of Youngman was a comedian I cant recall his name but he had a novelty song that was a hit that's all I remember."-😆☕🇺🇲..
1:32 Great stuff, Henny fluffs the line a little bit and repeats it, then Milton instantly adlibs about a record being put on to recover. Henny's reaction breaks character a little due to it being unexpected and funny.
![Henny Youngman • One liners/“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” • 1965 [Reelin' In The Years Archive]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yUuRbO870nM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Henny Youngman • One liners/“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” • 1965 [Reelin' In The Years Archive]](/img/tr.png)
In the 1970s I worked in publicity at WABC-TV in New York. One of the men who worked on my floor was a comedy writer for Henny Youngman. Henny would come up after hours to buy jokes from this man but if I was working overtime Henny would wander into my office, plop down & as I looked up he said, "I have some new ones from your friend down the hall, if you don't laugh I won't buy them."
Many times I wouldn't laugh but I tried hard not to. The way Henny would deliver the joke was often incredible. But I began to understand the vaudeville comedian genius he possessed in how he would rehearse the pacing of the words in the joke to make it more effective. Now, these weren't always one-liners, Henny had some stories that he told similar to Myron Cohen. When he relaxed he would talk to me about many of the old-timers, Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, how they worked routines out. I got little work done that night.
It was fun in those days not knowing who would walk into your office on that floor. PR had many famous actors, politicians, comedians, sports figures, musicians, authors coming, and going. The sad thing is that I have stopped telling many of the stories because many don't believe me.
So, I usually stop. Here, I'm anonymous. And it's just a Henny Youngman story. It wasn't a Bob Hope or Lenny Bruce. Most people would say that I must be telling the truth. Who would tell a story about letting Henny Youngman audition material with him late at night in an office? Me. Because it's true. Youngman was quite good. Last of a dying era.
He was great and your post was great, made my day!
Thanks
@@dmanwainright2132 - Henny was quite a personality to talk with.
"I got away with the joke." "You got away with a lot of jokes." "Shut up!!!" 😂😂😂😂 The best comedy's are the oldies.😉
They had a strong ear for one-liners, which is sorely missed from the popular comedy trends.
Most of the major comedians are still terrific, but they could push their act even further by adding a few meticulously-designed one-liners in their bits.
Waldorf and starter joined the chat
Tasha, it is actually "I got a way with the joke." "You got away with...."
😂😂🤣🤣
"Did you see my last show?"
"I hope so."
whose the guy next to youngman is he a normal person sitting next to him or ?
So this is where The Muppet Show got Statler and Waldorf!
I'd never seen this before, although I have seen Berle and Youngman, at different times, many times through the years. I'm a fan of dvd extras, producers, director, actors insight into films. You got my curiosity up to see if I could find more info on the Statler/Waldorf heckling origin story. I couldn't find anything, at the moment, but based on how there were licensing and legal issues regarding making puppets of celebrities, I'm hazarding a guess that the lack of info may be more to prevent any legal issues with the estates of Messrs. Berle and Youngman. I like your comment. If it is true, great and if it isn't, as far as I'm concerned, it's still great. Have a great day.
I think they would be safe from legal issues because it's not the characters that are being copied it's the situation. Two old men in a theater balcony heckling. It's really cool when you look at older movies you often see likey origins like this. When I was watching the Hammer Frankenstein movies I realized that Rocky Horror Picture show was influenced by those rather than the Universal Horror Frankenstein that I was familiar with. That explains why the monster was suspended in a large glass case resembling an aquarium.
I am such a cynic, when it comes to lawyers. I have faith that "they" would find way to make a buck off the situation. Thanks for the Frankenstein input. Something , that Mel Brookes, said in an[y.t.] interview I saw yesterday, came to mind. He was responding to how ideas and concepts came about. To paraphrase, "you find a way to steal [them] from others:)". So it just seems that everyone, at one time or another, is being influenced by someone else or someone else's ideas. It's good for us if we enjoy the result. Check this out. I came across this, totally by accident, while looking and laughing at old segments. I was looking at some avation vids, Ralphie May and John Pinette and came across this. I think you'll like it, if you haven't seen if before. Watch what happens after the sparring with Irving Benson. THE MILTON BERLE SHOW 1966 Irving Benson as Sidney Sphritzer sparring with Berle ruclips.net/video/Sl_nPoJY7Nw/видео.html . Have a great day.
i actually thought it would be a muppet show skit, that statler and waldorf would be sitting next to henny. and i'd guess this bit goes back even further.
This and Sidney Shpritzer.
These two were actually good friends. There was only two years difference in their ages (Henny was older). This act was probably the way they would perform -- one is the comedian and one is the heckler. I always loved how Milton handled Hecklers
Henny Youngman turned 60 the year this was taped. Uncle Miltie was 58.
Yes, was a common routine with Berle. It was all part of the act.
They're brothers-in-law.
Do you think we're idiots?
He was destroyed by Statlar and Waldorf.
Everyone bringing up Statler and Waldorf- Berle actually did this routine with them on the Muppet Show.
Yet before Muppet show Berle often did routine with heckler planted in audience. When heckler did a good joke Berle said "Gee, I wish I'd said that!" Heckler replied "You will." ☺
I can see the inspiration to his muppet show appearance.
And yet this one is so much more vicious. It's like a heckler bit written for comedians instead of for a general audience.
"You see, now that's a funny line."
"Yeah, it always was!"
So simple, so hilarious.
BRILLIANT comic repartee between two masters of humor.
I always bring my clarinet to any show just in case of an emergency.
Milton and Henny would have made a great comedy team. But a very unusual one. Two straight men.
This kind of comedic talent doesn't exist anymore that I know of.
jimmy carr
Berle started out in comedy doing a heckler act like this with his mother who was a well known vaudeville entertainer.
Berle: I know the secret of comedy!Youngmen: you sure know how to keep it a secret.
"I got a million funny jokes in the back of my head."
"How come they never reach your mouth?"
"If you're a fiddler, go up on the roof!"
Didn't anyone but me remember that when this show was airing that Fiddler on the Roof was a recent box office hit? That's what made it so funny.😂
Guy sitting next to Youngman is Benny Baker. Character actor in several B movies and later on, on the small screen. Showed up in Perry Mason, F Troop and Surfside 6 among others.
Best Henny Yougman one liner I ever heard, "A guy walks into a Psychiatrist's off and says 'I don't what's wrong with me, Doc, but I just can't seem to make any friends. You've gotta help me, you big fat slob!'"
there are many performers that would never share the spotlight or stage with another performer for fear of being upstaged....but see these guys share the stage with one another n have fun with it.....just wonderful to see...
Indeed ✨
Berle ALWAYS had to be the center of attention, even if it means being upstaged.
@@stormbringercoming8105 i get your point, and actually agree.
This must be how Jim Henson got the idea for those two old guys
“We’ll be right back with Martha Raye and Batman,” is something I need to hear a couple of times a week.
Man I miss as a kid these shows back in the 60's.Family television which don't exist today.
The Prez And no cuss words
My stomach hurts from laughing so much. This is gold.
Timing, pace and delivery. Timing, pace and delivery. Every great standup comedian has to have it, and the jokes have to fit. These stars gave us rapid-fire one liners often delivered in a matter-of-fact fashion, especially Youngman. He sounds like he's reading line from a luncheonette menu until to process what he said and then at precisely the right moment, the next zinger comes along. Fun,fun, fun. Thanks for the post.
OK, let me type that correctly:
He sounds like he's reading lines from a luncheonette menu until you process what he said...
Sorry 'bout that.
Is that your brother? No, my brother's living.
This was hilarious! Milton Berle and Henny Youngman were at each other's throats! This was too good, and too funny!
back when comedy was funny
God the one liners! And Youngman was a master of it. So hilarious! Pure brilliance.
Berle repeats that heckling skit on other shows, often with the same jokes, but this one with Youngman is the best. I love the way even the unsmiling plant cracks up when Berle jokes about Youngman's stammered reply. You can see the plant laughing in long shot but he composes himself again.
I liked that Milton was on the Muppet show and Statler and Waldorf were heckling him.
Milton Berle wrote a book with a lot of his jokes and secrets. He wrote that the “man in the box” skit was a classic vaudeville routine.
Too bad today’s comedian’s egos are too big and fragile to pull this off.
What do you mean unsmiling plant?
@@rand_-mk5lb The man sitting next to Youngman is not part of the audience. He is part of the routine. He has been "plant"ed there for a purpose (to not react to Berle's jokes).
@@jedgar63 Ok thanks. So what did he mean by the "My brother's living joke?"
I was the MC at my nephew's wedding. In writing my speech for that , I looked to old time comedy routines, such as in this video, to find material and to find my timing. My speech killed. I just didn't want old tired wedding speech routines that aren't very funny anymore.
Take my wife. Please, take my wife
"Ive been a comedian half my life" "So why'd we get this half!"
Damn, this is hilarious! This is funnier than some of these comedians today. It's clean and just pure I'm entertainment and their deliveries are amazing!
Adam B. Smith in my country Denmark 🇩🇰 we have a beloved comedian and actor called Dirch Passer who in time said “the easy is the hardest.. “ in that making something without cursing, pop culture reference or just keeping it clean is some of the most difficult things to do.. that’s why I actually like cartoons for kids and young people.. you can’t cheat if you making a good show like Gravity Falls is a great cartoon show because they good at the humor and timing..
This is really funny! Great lines and great comedy timing. They were hilarious on Dean Martin Roasts as well. I wonder why there are no comedy teams anymore. I haven't seen one in years. We need another Martin & Lewis team.
Key and Peele would kind of count there.
There's no comedy duos because there's no comedy singles
Missed opportunity after he said "I don't smell - and shut up!"
Henny could have added "Well, ya act sure stinks."
He didn't need to say it. When Berle said shut up it was implied.
Waldorf and statler are proud
Not one bad word and ten times funnier
Classic banter from two masters of the craft.
No swearing...no racial jokes...no t shirts...no jeans...no tattoos...just brilliant 2 funny people
Henny Young Youngman, king of the one liners. Also violinist extrordinare, second only to Jack Benny.
"Quiet!"
"Yes, isn't it?"
jesus xD
Henry Youngman ===thats because i got a great delivery....Milton Berle === ye it belongs in a truck 😀😀😀
This was really well done.
...and some people are funny without having to use foul-mouth humor and 4-letter words!
Henny Youngman is an absolute legend in comedy. Great clip.
I love the old comedians. Back when you didnt need to be foul mouthed and vulgar.
this is so funny. scripted, but they were both on the money. I loved when henny slipped at 1:40. milton gave him grief. haha. I am 34 years old. this is my comedy.
Milton Berle also did this bit on the Muppet Show with Statler & Waldorf (the two old cranks in the balcony). It's hilarious. If you enjoyed this video, you'd love that one.
+KevCo174 Look up Sidney Shpritzer heckling Berle. Most of the jokes from the Statler & Waldorf routine came from those bits.
See: THE MILTON BERLE SHOW 1966 Irving Benson as Sidney Sphritzer sparring with Berle ruclips.net/video/Sl_nPoJY7Nw/видео.html .
Berle: I'll have tou know I've been a comedian for half my life
Woldorf: How come we got this half?
Woldorf: Hey Berle, I think I know what your problem is
Berle: Yeah, What?
Woldorf: You're too close to the audience
Berle (steps back): How's this?
Woldorf: Farther
Berle((steps back again): What about this?
Woldorf: A little farther
Berle: How far do you want me to go?
Woldorf: You gotta car?
The Hollywood palace... on Vine Street.
In the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles California.
This one just came to my head: What does Jack Benny and Henny Youngman playing a duet from the boxes sound like?
A broken stereo!
This is one of my all-time favorite videos! Thanks for re-posting this!
This must have been the inspiration for Milton Berle being heckled on the Muppet Show.
Berle: I KNOW COMEDY!!! I HAVE A FUNNY BONE!!!
Youngman: Then wear a hat.
🤣🤣🤣
No my brother’s living😂
This is vaudeville!
Oh yeh baby!!!
Wardlorf: Man I tell ya Statler I feel like it was only yesterday we heckled Milton Berle
Statler: Surprisingly enough it was yesterday
Wardlorf and Statler: DOHOHOHOHOHOHO
That was actually funny. It stood the test of time!
Did you ever notice, Henny Youngman is an old man, but Gary Oldman is a young man? Hah
Or so the Germans would have us believe!
Let me ask you something, do you own a doghouse?
Henny Youngman, in his later years, was interviewed at his home. His wife came out from the kitchen. She said, "Take my husband ... Please! "
The curtain joke was in the 1939 film "Rose of Washington Square" with Al Jolson the performer being heckled.
always have and always will love Henny Youngman.
This Is such a special post. These guys are true (Catskill) mountain comics. This is an exhibition of articulate professionalism.
Hal Roach supporting player Benny Baker sits silently next to Youngman.. Baker died in 1994 at 87,
There's a lot of sick burns in this!
A friend: "How's your wife?" Youngman: "Compared to what?"
Best gag I have ever seen in my life. These two are the greatest that ever lived period.
This is all you need to show of Henny Youngman for people who do not know. Two class acts.
Was this the inspiration behind the Muppets' "Statler and Waldorf" shtick? OMG.
Outstanding! Now THAT'S entertainment!
Couple of old pros doing a classic bit 😊
Having a blast doing it.
Do you suppose this was the inspiration for the Muppets' Statler and Waldorf?
Still funny after all these years....
Comedy gold from two comedy legends.
who was the straight man in the box with Henny??
Had to be a pro to keep such a straight face.....
Brilliant!
This is when America was truly great!!!!
Take my wife, please.
cards1985 I take my wife everywhere she finds her way home
When comedians were actually funny!
And clean
42 people have no sense of humor, this is classic, clean comedy Jim Henson got the idea for the guys.
Good clean comedy
Oh, that Henny Youngman, (Thanks to Laugh-In)
How did Henny Youngman get a hold of a microphone that is connected to the PA system?
Thats pretty incredible the timing and the one liners...not easy to do!
Every single one a gem LOL
2 master comedians having fun.
Strong Statler and Waldorf vibes
Great clean comedy and the other people wouldn't know it if it kicked them.
Funniest thing I've seen today. 😂
Milton was always being heckled by someone. If it's not this guy, it's Statler and Waldorf.
Irving Benson also heckled him to grave in same skit with slightly different lines, but same concept.
The year I was born! Wow!
Who though of this? This was brilliant!! The best that ever was.
That is some choice heckling.
Henny and Miltie were best friends.
"this was skit I believe and the man
to the left of Youngman was a comedian
I cant recall his name but he had a novelty
song that was a hit that's all I remember."-😆☕🇺🇲..
"Take my wife!"
I wonder if this is the inspiration behind Waldorf and Statler.
3:34 Me favorite part.
1:32 Great stuff, Henny fluffs the line a little bit and repeats it, then Milton instantly adlibs about a record being put on to recover. Henny's reaction breaks character a little due to it being unexpected and funny.
Comedy gold! I had forgotten all about the Hollywood Palace TV show.
Youngman was in the zone, and Berle gave it right 🤣😂back.
Milton - "I don't have to steal jokes. I happen to have a funny bone". Henny - "Well, wear a hat. Nobody will notice it". LOL!!!
That one I don't get.
Better to deal with Henny Youngman than Sidney Shpritzer.
@@Dragblacker he's calling his head a funny bone and to cover it up hahahah...gotta love Henny
@@sriharsha5036 berle had a bone if you know what I mean
zing
Haaaaa, classic. They don't make them like that anymore. America's better days in many ways.
Hereafter do some better jokes.
I love this sense of humor ✨