Here's A Vaudeville Routine I Didn't Know
Tom Howard is a janitor deputed by a tenant to wrap and ship a valuable vase. After a few uncomprehending wisecracks, there's a cut, and we see him outside the shipping office -- called, in those days, express -- where various people do things to the box containing the precious gift.
If you've ever seen Abbot & Costello do their "Niagara Falls" routine, you'll instantly recognize this one's kinship. The people who come along to wittingly and unwittingly destroy this valuable vase, which we are assured is a family heirloom of the woman who gives it to Howard, perform their vandalism in a perfectly timed ballet of indifference.
Of course, having grown up with A&C, their swift, sharp tempo is my gold standard. But Howard's is pretty good too.
If you've ever seen Abbot & Costello do their "Niagara Falls" routine, you'll instantly recognize this one's kinship. The people who come along to wittingly and unwittingly destroy this valuable vase, which we are assured is a family heirloom of the woman who gives it to Howard, perform their vandalism in a perfectly timed ballet of indifference.
Of course, having grown up with A&C, their swift, sharp tempo is my gold standard. But Howard's is pretty good too.
- boblipton
- Mar 11, 2023