  Comedy
This week: British Humour Edited by: Robert Waltz  
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"I had thought - I had been told - that a 'funny' thing is a thing of a goodness. It isn't. Not ever is it funny to the person it happens to. Like that sheriff without his pants. The goodness is in the laughing itself. I grok it is a bravery... and a sharing... against pain and sorrow and defeat."
- Valentine Michael Smith
(Robert Heinlein,
Stranger in a Strange Land) |
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British Humour
Over the past few days, on Waltz World Tour 2010-2011, whilst visiting MaryLou  and her family in the great state of Texas, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Acme , one of our resident Brits here at Writing.com.
So, naturally, the first thing I thought of when I saw her was Monty Python. Well, no, actually, the first thing I thought of had nothing to do with comedy, but after that the first thing I thought of was Monty Python.
Now, I realize that British comedy in general, and Monty Python in particular, is an acquired taste for many Americans... and some Brits. But in the spaces I inhabit, a basic understanding of the more popular British comedy acts is essential, so, for example, when someone says "I didn't expect that," we can go, "NO ONE expects the Spanish Inquisition" and laugh about it.
Or, for another example, when I stopped to visit my good friend mindfulmoon in Louisiana on the way, I noticed that she still had a pumpkin on her front stoop. The pumpkin, as you might expect, was droopy, caved-in, and forsaken. "Your pumpkin's dead," I helpfully informed her. "It's just resting," she retorted. "Oh, is it pining for the fjords, then?" I replied in a bad British accent.
It's not, of course, just the comedy, which tends toward the wry, irreverent, silly, and punny. No, it's also important to render British comedy in a British accent - preferably a bad British accent, so we know you're being silly. Plus, some of their insults are just inherently funnier than those we use in the States... "You utter prat," for example, is much more hilarious than "You bastard."
So here, I'll list some of the most important British comedy. And I know if you're already a fan, I'll miss your favourite, but remember, this is a starter kit for those poor, benighted souls who have not been exposed to the genre.
First and foremost, of course, is Monty Python. All of it. But my personal favourites are Life of Brian and Holy Grail. But really, all of it. However, one word of caution: Don't watch The Meaning of Life with a religious person that you care about.
Second, I can't go without mentioning the late, great Douglas Adams, creator of the universe. The universe of The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, that is. It's had many incarnations: radio show, five-book trilogy, BBC series, and theatrical release movie. If you haven't seen it, when you do, many things your geeky friends say to each other will suddenly make sense. I have a t-shirt which makes no sense whatsoever if you're not familiar with Hitchhiker's, so go expose yourself to it. The story, that is, not my shirt.
Third would be the Black Adder series, a TV show which is available on DVD or, for all I know, somewhere streaming online. The title character is played by the invincible Rowan Atkinson, also known for Mr. Bean. Some episodes are better than others, but the best arc is Black Adder the Third, when Blackadder is a butler to King George - who is played by a very British Hugh Laurie. Once you've seen that season, you'll never see House the same way again.
Fourth, no mention of British comedy would be complete without mentioning The Princess Bride. Just see it.
And I'll complete this primer by recommending This is Spinal Tap. This mockumentary, like Princess Bride, was directed by Rob Reiner, and neither of them may truly qualify as British for that reason (though the accents are there). The important thing is that there's a famous scene Spinal Tap, produced back in 1984, where the guitarist is showing the documentarist all his guitars and amps (be sure to read this to yourself in a bad British accent):
Nigel Tufnel: The numbers all go to eleven. Look, right across the board, eleven, eleven, eleven and...
Marty DiBergi: Oh, I see. And most amps go up to ten?
Nigel Tufnel: Exactly.
Marty DiBergi: Does that mean it's louder? Is it any louder?
Nigel Tufnel: Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not ten. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at ten. You're on ten here, all the way up, all the way up, all the way up, you're on ten on your guitar. Where can you go from there? Where?
Marty DiBergi: I don't know.
Nigel Tufnel: Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?
Marty DiBergi: Put it up to eleven.
Nigel Tufnel: Eleven. Exactly. One louder.
Marty DiBergi: Why don't you just make ten louder and make ten be the top number and make that a little louder?
Nigel Tufnel: [pause] These go to eleven.
And then, years later, I was watching something produced by the BBC online. The BBC has its own web player, similar to the familiar YouTube player. Only it wasn't loud enough, so I went to turn up the volume...
...and it went to eleven. |
Some of these are British and some are not, but hopefully you'll find them all amusing:
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Last time, in "Comedy Newsletter (February 9, 2011)" , I provided what I thought was a perfectly reasonable solution for Valentine's Day: Don't have it. Here's what you thought of that:
Mummsy  :
Silly Waltz . . . if you do it right, you might just find that they give something after all. Assuming you get the brand of chocolates/color of roses/restaurant right. 
Your husband is a lucky man... and a mind-reader.
Ẃeβ࿚ẂỉԎḈĥ  :
Oh, Waltz, V-Day is not so one sided, at least not as far as I'm concerned. A happy Web~Witch always makes sure there is a happy Web-Lock! I don't ask for anything, enjoy what's given and so does he- and it's always deserved. Besides, you guys have that annual event in March. Hmm? don't know? email me.  WW
I know what you're talking about, but I'm afraid now anyone who doesn't is going to have to email you. (Men, I strongly suggest you do so before March 14!)
BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful  :
The hardest part about love would be staying faithful all the time.
Of course, there are people to help out. 
[Submitted item: "Triple Danger" [18+]]
I always thought the hardest part was the bit with the porcupines.
writetight:
Regarding your Valentine Day newsletter I'd like to add a warning: If you date a stripper, they think every day is Valentine's Day. Been there, done that, can no longer afford candy, flowers or a hot meal.
Really. I never knew those who prepare furniture for refinishing would be so... high-maintenance.
LeBuert :
It really doesn't matter that you're single. I don't think Valentine's day is very worthwhile, but I've probably received more gifts than I've given on that day - so I don't think it's so one'sided? You do seem a mite chauvinistic in your attitude though? This could be construed as offensive and not funny by some.
[Submitted Item:"Folder of Death" [13+]]
Long ago, I came to terms with the sad fact that not everyone will be able to grok the subtlety of my awesome sense of humor. I've learned to live with that.
E.J. Apostrophe :
Hi Robert,
I wholeheartedly agree with Boycott of Valentine's Day. Nothing has been so guilt laden and syrupy like the 14th. Love is not built on one day happenings...love is built slowly with creating romantic moments day by day from phone calls to tell her you love her to (gasp!) washing the dishes. Bravo for your "nomance" and much success on Single Awareness Day!
Washing the dishes? Dang. I knew I was doing something wrong.
And that's it for me for March. Tune in next time for... oh, I'll figure something out. Until then...
LAUGH ON!!! |
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Comedy: March 09, 2011 Issue [#4279]
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