Rent The Golden Age of Comedy: Slowly I Turn (2005)

Synopsis:

Vol 3: Slowly I Turn
Fred Allen and Jack Benny bring their famous radio feud to TV as Fred tries to steal Jack's show. Eddie Cantor gets in on the fun too. Fred Allen was one of radio's biggest stars and one of the funniest men in show business. He once said, "Vaudeville is dead, and television is the box they buried it in". Ed Wynn is pestered by three network executives who bear a striking resemblance to The Three Stooges. Their movie contract prevented them from starring in their own TV series, but they were allowed to make guest appearances on other shows, this 1950 Camel Comedy Caravan show is the earliest surviving example of them on television. Abbott & Costello's movie contract had no restrictions with regard to television, and they used their numerous appearances on The Colgate Comedy Hour to promote their movies and personal appearances. Here they recreate their classic "Niagara Falls" routine with movie idol Errol Flynn.
The Shows
The Jack Benny Show featuring Fred Allen, 19th April 1952. The Camel Comedy Caravan with Ed Wynn feat. The Three Stooges, 11th Mar 1950. The Colgate Comedy Hour with Abbott and Costello feat. Errol Flynn, 13th Jan 1952. The Golden Age of Comedy chronicles the early days of live American television, a time when a wildly creative group of comedic talents resurrected a dying art form - vaudeville. In the late 1940's and throughout the 50's, the variety show format became a television fixture and the comedians who had honed their craft on the vaudeville stage became TV's first super-stars. But instead of a theatre with an audience of a thousand people, they now played to millions in living rooms across the country and later, internationally. And it was all done live! Time Life brings you classic original recordings of the very best and most memorable gags and routines from the greatest stars of the generation. The Golden Age of Comedy series features Bob Hope, Phil Silvers, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Buster Keaton, Groucho Marx, Abbott and Costello, Jack Benny, The Three Stooges and many more. Due to the age and nature of the film and video elements, you may notice occasional flaws in the image and sound quality. Whenever possible, we have sought out and restored the original materials to ensure the best possible quality.

Actors:

Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, Harpo Marx, Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, Bob Newhart, Jonathan Winters, Johnny Carson, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Buddy Hackett, Jerry Lewis, Danny Thomas, Jackie Gleason, Dean Martin, Jimmy Durante, Tony Curtis

Directors:

Various

Producers:

Various

Writers:

Various

Year:

2005

Studio:

Time Life Production

Genres:

Classic Comedies, Silent Films, TV Classics, Cult Comedies, TV Comedies

DVD details

BBFC:

Universal - suitable for all ages

Release Date:

17/10/2005

Run Time:

90 minutes

Aspect Ratio:

Full Screen 1.33:1 / 4:3

Format:

Pal

Colour:

B & W

Languages:

English, Silent

Subtitles:

None