Topical Guide 196
Mark Dorset
Box: Unusual Uses for
Seduction: Ludicrous Attempts at
“Lucy,” whispered Larry. “I’ve found the box! Hurry! Climb in here. If they find us, there’s no telling what they’ll do to us!”
The urgency in her brother’s voice was clear. Lucy moved quickly and soundlessly to the box and climbed inside while he held the lid open. The box was narrow and shallow, just about the right size, Lucy reflected as she climbed in, for a coffin. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. She stretched out in the box and Larry climbed in and lowered the lid.
“There’s not much room in here,” said Larry. “I don’t think I can squeeze beside you. I’m going to have to lie on top of you.”
“That’s okay,” whispered Lucinda. “It’s pretty comfortable. Somebody has put a blanket and pillow in here.”
“That’s a stroke of good luck,” said Larry.
“Hey, what are you doing?” asked Lucinda.
“I’m just trying to find a comfortable position,” said Larry.
“If you make yourself any more comfortable, we’re going to have to get engaged,” said Lucinda.
Larry stifled a laugh. He and Lucinda loved trading wisecracks like this.
“It’s pretty hot in here, isn’t it?” said Larry.
“It sure is,” said Lucinda. “What are you doing now?”
“I’m just trying to get these hot clothes off.”
“Larry, let me out of here!”
“It’s not safe out there, Sis.”
“It’s not safe in here either, Brother.”Roger Drake, No Laughing Matter: A Larry Peters Adventure
The evening’s short subject is “This Is Your Story.” This sketch from “Caesar’s Hour” satirizes “This Is Your Life,” a tremendously popular program in the 1950s.
[“This Is Your Life”] was originally hosted by its creator and producer Ralph Edwards. In the program, the host surprised guests and then took them through a retrospective of their lives in front of an audience, including appearances by colleagues, friends, and family.
Wikipedia
In “This Is Your Story” Carl Reiner plays the host; Sid Caesar plays the reluctant victim of the this-is-your-life treatment; and Howard Morris plays “Uncle Goopy.” The sketch was written by Carl Reiner, Howard Morris, Mel Brooks, and Mel Tolkin. (I think I’m right about that. I hope I haven’t left anyone out. Neil Simon was also one of Caesar’s writers, but I think he joined the team later than this sketch.)
[more to come on Wednesday, February 16, 2022]
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