Saturday, November 24, 2007

The Ed Sullivan Show with guest Totie Fields (1967)

Ed Sullivan was a great supporter of comedians and a big comedy fan even if he was himself, awkward, obstuse and unfunny. Notice a few things about this footage. First, it's awesome. Second, the laughter seems to be slightly off during certain points - almost doesn't always fit - as if it was altered prior to airing. The end of her act also seems abrupt, so I'm assuming it has been edited. Lastly, notice the orchestra playing lightly underneath the last half of her act. If a stand-up comic did that today, they'd be quickly dubbed an "alternative comedian."

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