tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post5295604982734961334..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Comedy test: Part 2By Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-70352290985016941102020-05-17T03:16:13.288-07:002020-05-17T03:16:13.288-07:00So good to read David Lees comments on that scene....So good to read David Lees comments on that scene.<br />Happy 2020 - just watched this episode again on my COVID-19 lock-down box set binging - DHP executes it so well and the influence from the awkwardness of Mr Bean is evident.<br />Love Frasier - Narcissism delivered flawlessly from KG as always - but this scene deservedly stood out.PaulEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-57286296147646632042015-01-22T03:11:20.307-08:002015-01-22T03:11:20.307-08:00I watched Frasier because of DHP. I think he'...I watched Frasier because of DHP. I think he's one of the all-time comedy geniuses. Most Frasier episodes had me laughing out loud at least once but this episode is one of three that had me breathless and in tears from laughing. The other two are The Innkeepers ("big blue flash - cherries everywhere") and "Ham Radio" where I lost it when Niles killed off all the characters. I can't believe some of the comments about it being 'contrived' etc. You could go on for hours about how TV episodes aren't realistic - that's kind of the point. <br />I know I'm a few years late commenting but Frasier reruns are on and I've been hoping to see Three Valentines again soon. This time I'll PVR it and keep it forever.<br />I think Frasier is one of the best TV shows of all time. The Daphne-Niles arc had wonderful moments of poignancy and the whole body of work was amazing. So nice, too, to have intelligent dialogue in a TV show. IMHO, MASH, Northern Exposure, and Frasier are standout series that can be enjoyed over and over.Merrynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-70231967292587999222014-03-01T09:44:55.546-08:002014-03-01T09:44:55.546-08:00Sheer brilliance. I marveled at the quality and co...Sheer brilliance. I marveled at the quality and consistency of FRASIER, rendering it one of my Top Ten all-time favorite sitcoms. DHP was awesome in this episode. I also call to mind his Emmy-worthy episode with the sack of flour as training for caring for a newborn. I see no promise of such quality returning to prime time any time soon, unfortunately.BobbyLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06858352098383890610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-39333480444649170452012-07-05T07:30:05.879-07:002012-07-05T07:30:05.879-07:00I agree, this episode was one of the funniest to e...I agree, this episode was one of the funniest to ever appear on television.<br /><br />Another of my favorites is a M.A.S.H. episode where Hawkeye goes crazy from sleep deprivation and ends up towing a latrine to the North Koreans (with a General in it).<br /><br />MichaelMichaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11119377528370704362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10410638370435281202010-05-09T02:09:50.799-07:002010-05-09T02:09:50.799-07:00I'm 23 and have never seen a Frasier episode a...I'm 23 and have never seen a Frasier episode all the way through (I know, I've been living under a rock.). So, I don't know the characters at all. That said, I chuckled twice: when he stopped to walk with the scissors, and the look on his face after he threw the pants on the couch. I either like my comedy to be verbal or (fairly) realistic reactions of people stuck in weird circumstances. So, wackily careening around with a fire extinguisher? Who does that? But the look on someone's face that says "Oh, s***" after a goof? Very funny.PCnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-84415447248428961922010-03-27T01:57:12.266-07:002010-03-27T01:57:12.266-07:00Sure it'll still be funny. I didn't laugh...Sure it'll still be funny. I didn't laugh out loud that much but I did enjoy it. The dog was the straight man and gave an excuse for cuts, so I get it...a couple of the less important dog shots could have been cut though. <br /><br />I think part of what made the fire extinguisher scene so funny to me was its predictability, actually. I knew roughly what was coming, but was still surprised how ridiculously over the top DHP took it (which is the twist). Sure he's an effete man, but shooting up at the celing, nailing the dog (haha, yes!!)...and then it running out as he finally controls it. The finger gag was nice the first time, but I think by the last time he does it, I'm not buying that it takes only a millisecond glance.selection7noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-14909752485743528832010-02-19T22:38:11.415-08:002010-02-19T22:38:11.415-08:00This is one of my favorite Frasier scenes, one I&#...This is one of my favorite Frasier scenes, one I'll remember forever, and one I saved on videotape and transferred to a DVD. If I don't laugh several times while watching it, I must not be in a good mood. I showed it last year to a couple from Turkey (he's a Turk, she's Belgian) and they enjoyed it immensely, even without having ever seen the show before. (They said they want to see more the next time they visit.) When we first saw DHP's face when he's carrying those scissors, we knew we had already seen a great show - and the cleverness of the scene and art of his performance just kept moving from there. I agree, one of the best scenes ever on the show, one of my favorites of all time TV. (That entire episode was really well done, though the high point, with DHP, came first.)Johnny Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-2980021221814343842010-02-18T20:18:09.864-08:002010-02-18T20:18:09.864-08:00I suppose that being less a writer and more a cons...I suppose that being less a writer and more a consumer I do not feel any angst over the relative predictability of unfolding events, nor was it all telegraphed so openly asd some think. The iron burning the pants was a given, but kudos to letting it fester in the background long enough for some to forget about noticing him lay it down. <br />To say it wasn't Keaton is a bit silly to me, this was a technical exercise written for a purpose, and very well done by all concerned, the blocking alone would have been a team effort.<br />I did not laugh out loud more than once or twice because we have grown up on this humor for generations (and beyond) and it is foamiliar and comfortable and yes, funny (except for those who do not care for slapstick humor). But an actor's timing and artistry is everything, and I am sure Lloyd and Keaton and others would have found David's performance quite well done.<br />I liked it, amusing to watch unfold, I didn't need deep character integrity in an obviously silly situation setup, so sitting back and enjoying it was easy. 40 years? We're talking silent comic geniuses like Buster doube that after the fact. while pioneers there are still affecianados brilliant enough to replicate iot to this day, as DHP does.Mister Charliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02740971667961847200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-35874550833927470412010-02-17T14:24:04.834-08:002010-02-17T14:24:04.834-08:00For us, Niles second funniest moment after the par...For us, Niles second funniest moment after the parrot on the head, under the teacloth. For that, my wife actually had to run to the toilet, legs crossed.Brit Davenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-29315240441951405512010-02-16T18:14:32.869-08:002010-02-16T18:14:32.869-08:00Super funny. But then I am a fan of Mr Bean.Super funny. But then I am a fan of Mr Bean.The Wisperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18002563527986399730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-75258503355146615112010-02-16T08:54:37.664-08:002010-02-16T08:54:37.664-08:00Absolutely hilarious scene! Actually saw this in s...Absolutely hilarious scene! Actually saw this in syndication last night and howled!Bartnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36765394745463906392010-02-16T07:47:04.872-08:002010-02-16T07:47:04.872-08:00I watched "Frasier" only every and now t...I watched "Frasier" only every and now then. Enjoyable show, but it never "made the rotation."<br /><br />That said, I saw this show opening some years ago (maybe even when it first aired) and thought it was one of the funniest set pieces I'd ever seen. I've been telling friends about it for years now.<br /><br />I don't think it's necessary to be a fan of the show to enjoy it -- Niles character comes through clearly. He's prissy and fussy, obviously preparing for a romantic evening, and EVERYTHING goes wrong.<br /><br />I think it'll hold up 40 years from now.Kevin Broomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66418152007881009542010-02-15T16:42:17.983-08:002010-02-15T16:42:17.983-08:00not at all funny. (i smiled lightly a couple of ti...not at all funny. (i smiled lightly a couple of times w/ the other clip). on the other hand, i found the "i love lucy" clip posted by l.a.guy! my age: early 30s.sarahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-84783015368356466912010-02-15T16:11:30.150-08:002010-02-15T16:11:30.150-08:00Funniest scene of that type that I've seen is ...Funniest scene of that type that I've seen is the one in <i>Evening Shade</i> when they borrow an RV, and the dorky guy is in the back trying to make cereal for the baby.<br /><br />The rest of the episode is pretty funny. It's the only one I've seen, and I still get it.dicentra63https://www.blogger.com/profile/18265008441951516140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36473928691080347222010-02-15T14:59:03.128-08:002010-02-15T14:59:03.128-08:00I enjoyed both this and the Honeymooners scene. T...I enjoyed both this and the Honeymooners scene. The Honeymooners I watched at a time that vintage comedy was meted out and subject to the whims of the station and there was no media readily available to the general public to watch something in your home. It made me a bit like a "Book" in "Fahrenheit 451", remembering this or that classic bit, because WPIX may stop showing it. <br /><br />As for the comedy itself, I enjoy Gleason and Carney's physicality, even if the pots and pans were too high up to be hit logically.<br /><br />Regarding the "Frasier" scene, I liked the show for the same reasons that I like many Preston Sturges films; there is clever dialogue and good slapstick as well. No one throws a better righteous fit than Pierce, with the possible exception of Kelsey Grammer and BOTH are adept at physical comedy; I remember a running gag that Frasier had with a succession of cheap umbrellas, as well as an end sequence that showed the brothers playing "air violin".<br /><br />Having David Lee explain the cutaways to Eddie was helpful, but I didn't find them grating. "Valentine's Day", however, has a stereotypical, cutesy-poo dog take in it that I have seen since "Our Gang" shorts.<br /><br />I wrote an embarrassingly long post about my memories of "The Kids from C.A.P.E.R.", which was not the greatest of kid's shows, but it did start every episode with a succession of sight gags, something that very few shows do nowadays. It's not easy to do well; a good/poor example is "Superman III".<br /><br />In a DVD commentary, Dick Van Dyke said that Jerry Van Dyke's act, as physical as it was played well in Japan. They couldn't understand the words, but the sight gags worked. I think it can be argued, that not unlike Mr. Hulot or the Little Tramp, this is humor that transcends age and language barriers.<br /><br />For humor that ages REAL fast, watch the first season of "Murphy Brown". The show isn't bad, however, the topical references would probably need subtitles to those not of a certain age or cultural awareness.Brian Phillipshttp://www.rockinradio.com/now_playing.htmnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-71551155981398506172010-02-15T11:42:29.928-08:002010-02-15T11:42:29.928-08:00Loved it.
As you ask in the Sitcom Room, "D...Loved it. <br /><br />As you ask in the Sitcom Room, "Does it track? Does it make sense?"<br /><br />Absolutely. The fact that he passes out from the site of blood gives the character a validation of how he could forget about what happened previously.<br /><br />Very funny. I'm 39.Alanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04271891196037241961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-6862487708732099512010-02-15T11:05:41.912-08:002010-02-15T11:05:41.912-08:00Okay, that's a great bit. David Hyde Pierce...Okay, that's a great bit. David Hyde Pierce's reaction to his cut finger really sells it. He's got a great knack for the reaction shots.Tim Susmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02354987680992285327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-26945902156574245772010-02-15T09:03:13.738-08:002010-02-15T09:03:13.738-08:00I remember this well from when it originally aired...I remember this well from when it originally aired, and my reaction now is the same. I only really laughed when he does the bit with the scissors. The rest of it was too contrived for me, like they were trying a bit too hard. I think DHP had much better scenes on Frasier. <br /><br />Also, I'm a bit like Niles. I just get get uncomfortable when a mess is made. Can't relax and laugh at it.Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-83564842719576362912010-02-15T07:59:32.371-08:002010-02-15T07:59:32.371-08:00pure gold!pure gold!ritanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-47505789693265572882010-02-15T06:19:55.657-08:002010-02-15T06:19:55.657-08:00I loved it. I did not watch FRASIER much when it w...I loved it. I did not watch FRASIER much when it was on, so I don't know the characters well. It doesn't matter. You can tell from David Hyde Pierce's first moments that he's a fussy character, and the scene is set well from the beginning. The physical humor is spot-on, and the comic timing is deft and wonderful. I thought the shots of the dog were complimentary to the action and weren't just cheap tries at laughs. A very, very funny 5 minutes of TV that I think will stand up years from now.Rose Vanden Eyndenhttp://www.vandeneynden.biz/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-25953197331038412552010-02-15T03:06:07.277-08:002010-02-15T03:06:07.277-08:00The fire extinguisher really sets off the belly la...The fire extinguisher really sets off the belly laughs..as was said by plaenty other people it's the ability of DHP that pulls it off without resorting to a parody of Mr Bean he made this his own... Frasier rawks ;-)Lennington Steelehttp://lennyslogbook.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-75717213036854242572010-02-14T17:13:33.050-08:002010-02-14T17:13:33.050-08:00Still 56.
I watched Frasier through its good time...Still 56.<br /><br />I watched Frasier through its good times and bad (when Frasier was unemployed - generally a terrible season.)<br /><br />When I saw this on the show, my wife and I laughed hysterically. It was funny in part because it felt so very unFrasier - much more Lucy - and because of DHP's comedic skills.<br /><br />Seeing it again, it's clear that without knowing a little about Niles, this probably isn't as funny as it might be. I still laughed. as to the commenter who complained about the camera pans to Eddie, it was Eddie who 1) looks away when Niles takes off his pants and 2) brings Niles back to consciousness; he's not just a cute observer.Roger Owen Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298172138307632062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-29718006469375544952010-02-14T14:03:01.066-08:002010-02-14T14:03:01.066-08:00This is one of my favorite scenes ever from any TV...This is one of my favorite scenes ever from any TV show. When it originally aired I was laughing so hard that I was crying. David Hyde Pierce was brilliant in it, and I think dialogue would have detracted from what was taking place.<br /><br />I am a 53 year old female.melodynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-78902457914397497402010-02-14T10:48:36.821-08:002010-02-14T10:48:36.821-08:0053, female, huge fan of Frasier. You know what? I ...53, female, huge fan of Frasier. You know what? I honestly didn't find this as funny as I know I was supposed to as a viewer and fan. LOVE the show, Frasier is one of my favorites ever, if not THE favorite, Pierce is so damn good, the scene was well written, etc., blah blah.<br /><br />But I didn't find it funny. You know, like laughing so hard I can't breathe. It was trying too hard to be funny, maybe; I felt like I was expected to be blown away and that pulls me too much out of the experience. I'm watching and observing instead of feeling I'm right there with them. Does that make sense? It's funniest when I forget I'm watching a show at all.Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11372504263596883327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-87216794372422954322010-02-14T05:51:47.896-08:002010-02-14T05:51:47.896-08:00Loved it, even if it was a bit predictable. The b...Loved it, even if it was a bit predictable. The biggest problem with it being funny 40 years from now: my 6 year old has no idea of what an iron is. We have one but never need to use it any more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com