Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tragedy Plus Time Equals Comedy?

Today is the 69th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. And it is still a very serious and sober subject. One which I would not dare to make light of. Having said that... two days after the actual event, The Fibber McGee and Molly Show, on Tuesday night, December 9th, 1941, lightened America's spirits -- as they did for many Tuesday nights before and after Pearl Harbor -- when Fibber, (Jim Jordan), Molly (Marian Jordan) and Mayor LaTrivia (Gale Gordon, of Lucy Show fame) exchanged this outstanding dialogue. Remember, this is two days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor:


MAYOR LaTRIVIA: 
By the way, McGee.... do you know where I can buy
 a large globe of the world for my office?

FIBBER McGEE: 
Why sure, LaTrivia! I can get you one wholesale!
How much would you pay for a good globe?

MAYOR LaTRIVIA: 
Oh, money's no object, McGee. As long as it's a good one.


MOLLY McGEE:
You want a globe with Japan on it, Mister Mayor?


MAYOR LaTRIVIA:
Well, certainly.


MOLLY McGEE:
Well then you better get one quick!


(Huge laugh and applause from patriotic 1941 audience.)


Fibber McGee and Molly (Mayor LaTrivia, inset)
Tragedy plus time equals comedy indeed.