Showing posts with label Parody. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parody. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: Boy Scouts Help "Old Ladies" Cross the Street - A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was a popular and long-running American hidden camera reality television series. Versions of the show appeared on television from 1948 until 2014. Originally created and produced by Allen Funt, it often featured practical jokes, and initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

The show involved concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims were told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera." The catchphrase became a song with music and lyrics by Sid Ramin.

In this classic episode two young boy scouts told women crossing the street that their project for the month was to help "old ladies" cross the street. Watch what happens when the scouts ask how old their subjects are.

This Candid Camera episode took place 63 years ago in 1963.  

Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: "Car Speaks Japanese" - Candid Camera Gold

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. television

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes.

In this Candid Camera classic stunt set in a Toyota car dealership, Peter poses as a car salesman pitching a car that has state of the art alert messages and music. The only problem is that they are all in Japanese. Watch the customer reactions!

Enjoy!

 

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Special: "Snail Crossing" - A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes.

In this classic stunt set on a highway, Candid Camera staffer Dick was positioned with a sign saying "Snail Crossing".  As each car approached, he waved the sign and told drivers that they could not proceed and had to wait 15 minutes while the snail crossed the road on the way to the mating grounds across the highway. Watch their reactions.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: Dolly Parton Appears in Candid Camera Stunts in 1975

Candid Camera was a popular and long-running American hidden camera reality television series. Versions of the show appeared on television from 1948 until 2014. Originally created and produced by Allen Funt, it often featured practical jokes, and initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

The show involved concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims were told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera." The catchphrase became a song with music and lyrics by Sid Ramin.

Dolly Parton, the musician, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman who died yesterday in Nashville, was a special favorite among Allen's team when Candid Camera moved its production to Nashville in the 1970s. Dubbed the "Queen of Country," Dolly was fun, witty and enormously talented. 

Here are two of her Candid moments from 1975 when she took part in two elaborate Candid Camera Classics pranks. One involves faking an injury to get assistance in a parking lot, while the other features a disruptive musical performance in a grocery store designed to confuse and provoke reactions from unsuspecting shoppers.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: "Faucet Fiasco" - Candid Camera Gold

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes. 

In this classic episode, the Candid Camera crew rigged the sinks in a public restroom in Gulfport, Mississippi so that they could control the flow of water from the faucets. 

Enjoy!

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Sunday Standup Comedy Showcase: Andy Kaufman Sing-Along in 1976

Some of the best standup comedy was on TV shows and comedy specials in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Today we continue our Sunday Standup series, sharing some of the classic routines by iconic comedians on Sunday editions of Jewish Humor Central.  

Andy Kaufman's career was taking off in the 1970s, from the stage of the Improv comedy club in New York to Saturday Night Live and appearances on several variety and talk shows. He introduced his foreign man character and his lip sync to the Mighty Mouse theme. As he deconstructed the idea of the stand-up comedian, his only hope, in his words, was to entertain.

A favorite piece of an Andy Kaufman performance was audience participation, whether it was singing along or going out for milk and cookies after the show. In this bit from 50 years ago, he invites the audience to join him in a sing-along. 

Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Special: "Loose Door" - Candid Camera Gold From 1966

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes. 

Sixty years ago the Candid Camera producers set up an office situation with a door that people were supposed to knock on before entering. But none of the realized how strong they were.

Enjoy!

Thursday, August 6, 2026

J-Sketch Comedy: First Time at a Kosher Restaurant

Jewish sketch comedy has arrived, live in comedy clubs and in videos posted on You Tube................. A good example of this new comedy, focused mainly on the Modern Orthodox Jewish community, is the comedy trio of Eli Lebowicz, Ami Kozak, and Mikey Greenblatt, who created J-Sketch. 

In today's video, two consultants are hosted by a client who takes them to a kosher restaurant for the first time. Okay, it's a parody and an exaggeration, but last winter we encountered a restaurant in Florida that was very much like this one, including the mashgiach and the upcharge for water. No kidding.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Special: "Coffee Break with Vivian Vance" - A Candid Camera Classic from 1962

Candid Camera was a popular and long-running American hidden camera reality television series. Versions of the show appeared on television from 1948 until 2014. Originally created and produced by Allen Funt, it often featured practical jokes, and initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

The show involved concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims were told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera." The catchphrase became a song with music and lyrics by Sid Ramin.

In this classic episode, shoppers at department stores in New York City encounter a sales clerk who repeatedly abandons her duties to take an immediate coffee break. As unsuspecting customers interact with the employee, the situation escalates, testing the patience of those attempting to make a purchase. The role of the sales clerk is played by actress Vivian Vance, who was best known for playing landlady Ethel Mertz on the sitcom I Love Lucy.

This Candid Camera episode took place 64 years ago in 1962.  

Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: "Shuttle to Nowhere" - A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes.

In this Candid Camera classic stunt set in a shopping mall, staffer Jose posed as a driver of a parking lot shuttle. Customers thought that the shuttle would take them to the mall entrance, but the sign on the shuttle said "Park and Ride" and that's exactly what it did -- after they parked they were taken on a ride around the parking lot.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: "Bound and Gagged" - A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was a popular and long-running American hidden camera reality television series. Versions of the show appeared on television from 1948 until 2014. Originally created and produced by Allen Funt, it often featured practical jokes, and initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

The show involved concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims were told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera." The catchphrase became a song with music and lyrics by Sid Ramin.

In this classic episode the Candid Camera team rigged an office to look like a robbery had just taken place. Allen Funt played the role of the victim who was bound and gagged. This prank was designed to explore social behavior, examining whether individuals choose to intervene or ignore someone seemingly in distress. What would you do if you walked into the office and witnessed the scene? Unbind him? Call the police? Or just walk away? 

Enjoy!

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Throwback Thursday Comedy Showcase: Allan Sherman Sings "Taking Lessons" - A Parody of "Making Whoopee"

Allan Sherman dominated the world of song parody during the 1960s and recorded eight albums, starting with My Son the Folksinger.  

Listening to or reading his lyrics is a crash course in pop culture of the 1960s, with Sherman taking satiric swipes at summer camp, psychiatry, fad diets, Hadassah ladies, school dropouts, and upward mobility.


The popularity of his parodies got him many guest appearances on TV variety shows.
 

"Makin' Whoopee" is a song first popularized by Eddie Cantor in the 1928 musical Whoopee!. Gus Kahn wrote the lyrics and Walter Donaldson composed the music for the song as well as for the entire musical.

We just came across a rare video of Sherman singing "Taking Lessons," a parody of "Makin' Whoopee" on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1967. Here is the video of him singing the song, followed by a video clip of Eddie Cantor singing  "Makin' Whoopee", the basis for Sherman's takeoff.

Enjoy!

 
 
     
#Throwback Thursday      #TBT 

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Special - "Recycled Underwear" - A Candid Camera Classic from 2002

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes.

In this Candid Camera classic stunt set in a Fashion Bug store in California in 2002, Linda, a Candid Camera staffer, posed as a clerk trying to sell reduced price underwear. Watch their reactions when they find out that the items were previously worn, washed, and returned.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: Cop in Your Driveway - A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes.

In this classic stunt Candid Camera co-host Dina Eastwood poses as a traffic enforcement officer visiting suburban homes to issue fake citations for minor parking infractions. Residents react with confusion and frustration while attempting to defend their parking habits on private property. 

Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Wishing a Happy 100th Birthday to Mel Brooks - the King of Comedy

"It's Good to be the King," as Mel Brooks said in one of his roles in History of the World, Part I. And on June 28 Brooks, the king of comedy, celebrated his 100th birthday.

Following the celebration, the comedy legend received massive tributes and honors for his unparalleled contributions to entertainment. A highly acclaimed two-part documentary, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!—directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio—is currently available to stream on HBO Max

One of the tributes to Brooks is a short 2 minute commentary on his life so far on ABC News. We're showing the video below. 

Over the years, we have posted 38 posts about Brooks and his many films. If you're a real Brooks fan, these are posts that you'll want to watch again and again. Here's a link to all of them. Enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEL ! 

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase - "Just Duck" - A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes.

In this Candid Camera classic stunt set in a restaurant, patrons were given menus in which every item -- soup, salad, entrees, all contained duck as the main ingredient. Watch their reactions when they find out that it's impossible to order anything but duck!

Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Special: "Tips for the Doctors" - A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes.

In this Candid Camera classic stunt set in a doctor's office, a Candid Camera staffer posed as a receptionist at a desk that had a tip jar on the counter. She asked patients if they wanted to leave a tip for the doctors. Watch their reactions!

Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: "My Donut, Your Coffee" - A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was a popular and long-running American hidden camera reality television series. Versions of the show appeared on television from 1948 until 2014. Originally created and produced by Allen Funt, it often featured practical jokes, and initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

The show involved concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims were told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera." The catchphrase became a song with music and lyrics by Sid Ramin.

In this classic episode two members of the Candid Camera team sat next to a man having a cup of coffee in a diner. When they dunk their donut in his coffee, watch his reaction.

This Candid Camera episode took place 64 years ago in 1962.  

Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: Tea Sandwiches - Candid Camera Gold from 1963

Candid Camera was a popular and long-running American hidden camera reality television series. Versions of the show appeared on television from 1948 until 2014. Originally created and produced by Allen Funt, it often featured practical jokes, and initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

The show involved concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims were told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera." The catchphrase became a song with music and lyrics by Sid Ramin.

In this classic episode from 63 years ago, patrons at a diner are surprised when faced with dainty, miniature tea sandwiches instead of the substantial meals expected. The segment tests reactions as service staff playfully persists in offering these tiny portions to customers looking for a standard lunch.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: Electric Car Runs on Flashlight Batteries - A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes.

In this classic Candid Camera stunt, Peter plays the role of a car rental agent at Los Angeles International Airport and tries to convince customers to rent a car that runs on flashlight batteries.

Enjoy!